Quick blade

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Name	Quick blade
Skill	Short Blades
Damage	5
Accuracy	+6
Base delay (%)	70%
Min delay	?
Hands	1H
Size	One-handed
Ranged?	No

This carefully wrought short sword is preternaturally well-balanced, making it much easier for even inexperienced handlers to attack with it quickly. Not many swordsmiths have the requisite skills to make one, so they are only produced in small numbers, and are difficult to find. "He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword... -Julia Ward Howe, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". 1861

The quick blade is the fastest weapon in the game, and the only weapon which can reach an unhasted attack delay of 3 without a speed brand. As such, a quick blade with a pain, electrocution, or (if you're feeling bold) distortion brand is a very effective vehicle for damage, especially when coupled with high slaying bonuses. However, in the absence of stabbing opportunities or slaying bonuses, quickblade damage against high-AC late game opponents is underwhelming. While the quick blade deals less damage than a sabre, its combination of average damage, high speed and high accuracy make it the deadliest short blade.

Quick blades are rare, and are most commonly obtained by way of Trog and Okawaru's weapon acquirements. Failing this, deep elf blademasters have a 1/26 chance of receiving twin elven quick blades; since there are two blademasters guaranteed in the Elf:3 treasure vault, an Elf run has a chance slightly under 1/13 of producing quick blades. Some of the more powerful spriggans also carry them on occasion. They can be found on the ground at deeper dungeon levels, often with good enchantments, but rarely branded.

	Quick blades
Mundane
Magical
Artifact