Draft:Scroll of displacement
| ? | |
| Type | Scroll |
|---|---|
| Base value (Au) | 50 |
| Item level | 2 |
| Weight | 5 |
| Unidentified appearance | Random inscription |
| Cursed name | Scroll of vulnerability |
A scroll of displacement gives the reader a chance to avoid damage from attacks that use the ordinary monster-hit routine. It is a temporary defense, not a guarantee against every kind of attack.
Generation
It belongs to the item-level-2 random scroll pool, with the pawn shop and acquirement as other sources. An astral fuzzy's corpse invokes displacement when eaten, rather than becoming this scroll.
Description
A noncursed reading sets displacement to B plus a random integer from 0 through 5, where B is blessing strength. An uncursed scroll can therefore give zero duration. A +1-blessed scroll guarantees at least one unit. Units normally expire at ten-minute status updates.
This assignment replaces existing displacement instead of extending it. Reading another scroll can shorten a longer effect, including displacement supplied by equipment. While displacement is positive, each call to the ordinary monster-hit routine has a one-in-two chance of avoiding its damage. Special effects applied elsewhere are not automatically cancelled.
A cursed scroll adds vulnerability lasting a random 0–5 units minus its negative blessing strength. It does not simply subtract from displacement. Noncursed use identifies the scroll type; cursed use does not. The cursed name is shared with deflection, so that name alone cannot distinguish the two types.
Strategy
Bless an ordinary copy when you need a guaranteed duration before fighting. Avoid refreshing blindly: check whether you already have a longer displacement effect, especially from a cloak. A scroll is useful as a temporary alternative when you cannot obtain or wear the corresponding equipment.
Use deflection for the distinct protection against magical bolts. Neither effect replaces elemental resistance, escape preparation or protection against status attacks. Vulnerability has concrete consequences, such as making certain theft attempts more reliable for the attacker, so a cursed copy is not a safe substitute.