Andor's Trail

Does anyone else use the Quarterstaff available from Audir in Crossglen? I think it's a hidden gem. It costs 5AP to use, adds 6AC, does 2-3 damage, and lowers your BC by 1. Essentially you trade 4AC and for a straight two damage increase over your starter club. It costs 11 gold, while your club sells for 47, meaning you actually make money by trading it.

The disadvantage is that it is two-handed, meaning you cannot dual wield or use a shield. However dual wielding is not terribly effective until you can put skills into it, and early bucklers are fairly cost-inefficient.

While this may not seem like a huge deal, this extra 2 damage means you can occasionally one-shot early monsters, saving you time and/or money healing. The 4AC you lost can be recovered in one level, whereas two levels are required to up your damage two points.

That was pretty long but I like to explain myself thoroughly to help answer any questions!

I think that is a great starter weapon for the exact points you make. No early shields help you early on any way. And you can use your money to get some decent rings.

No... I discover this AFTER creating my last ever character? Snakes, Ants, Dogs, and Rats will eternally hate you for sharing this tidbit.

I just went to the smith and checked - there is nothing remotely like this deal for grinding at level 1. Those that do more damage are 6+ AP, nothing I see at 5 AP is better.

Of course *I* never spent the time to grind for the Hardened Iron Longsword (while using Club/fists), I mean really, who would do something that foolish?