Archived from groups: rec.games.roguelike.angband (
More info?)
Pseudo-ID works differently in S: you get two chances to pseudo-ID an
item, but that's it. First, when you walk on it (and/or pick it up -
whichever is your first contact with it), pseudo-ID is checked then.
The second check is made if you wear/wield it. Carrying it in your inv
does NOT yield any further attempts. Both checks are boosted by the
Perception skill. Low perception will yield only {good} or {cursed}.
Finer distinctions like {excellent} and {worthless} will come with
higher perception.
Taking the Oath of Iron will enhance pseudo-ID of weapons and armour.
(Sensing of charges on wands and staves is actually based on Magic
Device skill, not Perception.) Priests get a spell called Sense Object
quite early on, which is essentially a guaranteed pseudo-ID (it says
{blessed} or {cursed}). Necros get Break Curse very early and get ID in
the fourth book. Druids get ID in their third book. Wizards I don't
play much so I don't know, but I tried one once and was surprised to
see that they don't get ID any earlier than Druids.
With backstabbing, you need a light weapon to do maximum damage, but
any weapon (or none) will still get enhanced damage from a sneak
attack. If you see the message "you ruthlessly sneak attack the
{monster}" then that was a backstab. The multiplier is simply greater
for light weapons.
HTH,
CC
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