QUOTE(Trips @ Dec 10 2012, 23:43)

Well I was gone for 1,5y. I took my eq because it had attack dmg stat and I thought its not all that common so I imagine how bad/random their base stats might be.
Well I know shortswords aren't that good but its my first weapon with void dmg and it is way better than everything I have ever got in this game so... (IMG:[
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style_emoticons/default/sad.gif). I used different Rapiers of Slaughter with a shield for almost 85 lvls.
So basically I have to switch whole set. That's kinda sad.
IW&Forge are obligatory or just an extra and you can do fine without those?
IW and Forge will make your life easier, but you can live without it, just like me.
Just treat it as a new game if you're away for 1.5 years; you're missing updates on the following things:
-custom monster, made by players (starting from 0.5.0, 0.6.8)
-stamina and restorative (0.5.2/0.5.3)
-bonus for wearing same type of armor (0.5.3)
-enormous change in arena composition (0.6.0)
-most stats now add up multiplicatively (except accuracy) (0.6.0,0.70)
-cryfest (0.6.1)
-rewrite on base stat (there's no rating now) (0.6.1)
-ex+ equips drops more often (0.6.1,0.6.5)
-forge (0.6.3)
-SP attack replaced by SP stance (0.6.3, 0.6.4)
-addition of combat skills (0.6.3,0.6.4,
-burden/interference is now calculated differently (0.6.4)
-additional type of riddlemaster (0.6.6)
-enhancements (0.6.6)
-curse weaving (so debuffs can stack now with some limits) (0.6.7)
-number of PAB is now a variable (0.6.8)
-forging (0.6.9)
-item shop bot (0.6.9)
-item potential (replacing IW)(0.70)
-salvaging equips (gives you materials)(0.70)