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IDProjectCategoryView StatusLast Update
0003513Dwarf FortressDwarf Mode -- Combatpublic2010-11-15 13:43
ReporterOgg the Blinky Sock Assigned Touser6 
PrioritynormalSeverityminorReproducibilityhave not tried
Status resolvedResolutionno change required 
PlatformiMac IntelOSOS X w/WineOS Version10.7
Product Version0.31.16 
Summary0003513: Helmets may not properly protect Axedwarves from Hammers.
DescriptionIn the same ambush, within moments of each other, two Axedwarves were killed by blows to the head by Goblin Hammermen, one wielding a silver hammer, and the other a copper hammer.

In both cases, it appears to have been the first blow struck between the two.

In both cases, the report was that Goblin Hammerman "bash[ed] The Axedwarf in the head with his ({[metal] war hammer}), bruising the muscle, jamming the skull through the brain and tearing the brain!"

Needless to say, in both cases, the Axedwarf died instantly.

In neither case was mention made of the steel helmet that the Axedwarf was equipped with. Amongst the possessions of the first, Tun Dîbeshdegël, a finely-crafted steel helmet was found. Amongst the possessions of the second there was an exceptional steel helmet. It is supposed, but not known for certain, that these helmets were firmly strapped to dwarven heads; however, they were experienced Axedwarves, mailed and bound for combat, and such a helmet was part of their uniform. Both helms were of local manufacture. (We also make nice shields.)

It seems possible that some error is occurring with helmets, perhaps specifically involving Axedwarves.
Steps To ReproduceMelee in DF mode with hammer-weilding goblins versus Axedwarves.
Additional InformationThe third axedwarf, who found himself suddenly alone against a group of three blood-spattered and grinning goblins, was none other than Litast Uvarlòr, one of the founders of Ostathkel. He cooly sliced his axe in a upwards slanting backhand, sending the head of a startled goblin soaring in a arc towards the dwarves hauling the goods of the murdered Elves into the safety of the fortress. His calm in the face of such mayhem and calamity was the talk of the barrels for the next several days.

However, the truth was that he'd already spotted the approach of Vabôk Kåtâkadil, Mafol Mörulmeng's pet grizzly bear, who was hurtling up the slope to play with the goblins like a happy, furry bin of stone blocks.
TagsRESOLVED

Activities

Agak Roder

2010-11-12 01:13

reporter   ~0013707

This isn't a bug; at worst it's an oversight in the battle reporting system. The armour is never mentioned when a critical hammer blow is landed, as far as I know.

Ogg the Blinky Sock

2010-11-12 16:27

reporter   ~0013723

I'm not reporting the failure to mention the steel helmets; I am reporting the probability of a bug in the combat mechanics. Given the efficacy of steel armour against other weapons, it seems rather striking to me that two dwarves of a specific class should die so quickly in such a fashion, killed by a single blow, especially given the relative weakness of the weapons involved.

Agak Roder

2010-11-14 07:55

reporter   ~0013822

All armour is vulnerable to hammers. Silver and copper are actually the best and second best materials for hammers, respectively, owing to their high densities. The humble copper hammer can often defeat adamantine plate within a couple of pages of combat. I don't have the links to hand, but this has been tested extensively on the forums.

Orkel2

2010-11-14 10:13

reporter   ~0013827

Last edited: 2010-11-14 10:15

Agreed. The best protection against hammers and maces (and other blunt weapons) is purely soldier's skill. Armor has little if any effect when it comes to the dreaded silver blunt weapons. It's realistic and good.

There's a video on youtube regarding blunt strikes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omJSE9VLv60

Just look at that shockwave. Certainly enough to screw up any dwarf when hit in the head no matter what kind of plate is between them.

Ogg the Blinky Sock

2010-11-14 16:59

reporter   ~0013840

Okay, if the old version's bias against silver weapons is no longer in effect, then it makes more sense.

Issue History

Date Modified Username Field Change
2010-11-05 06:25 Ogg the Blinky Sock New Issue
2010-11-12 01:13 Agak Roder Note Added: 0013707
2010-11-12 16:27 Ogg the Blinky Sock Note Added: 0013723
2010-11-14 07:55 Agak Roder Note Added: 0013822
2010-11-14 10:13 Orkel2 Note Added: 0013827
2010-11-14 10:15 Orkel2 Note Edited: 0013827
2010-11-14 16:59 Ogg the Blinky Sock Note Added: 0013840
2010-11-14 17:00 Ogg the Blinky Sock Tag Attached: RESOLVED
2010-11-15 13:43 user6 Status new => resolved
2010-11-15 13:43 user6 Resolution open => no change required
2010-11-15 13:43 user6 Assigned To => user6