Tinker
In SLASH'EM, Tinker is a technique given to gnomes at level 7. This will take 150-TECHLEVEL turns.
It allows objects to be upgraded into other objects. To use the technique, the object must first be wielded. See upgrading objects. Note that it only has a luck-based chance of working: at 0 Luck an object will very rarely be upgraded on the first try. If you have maxed out your luck by offering corpses on a coaligned altar or throwing gems to a unicorn of your color, the chance of success will be much higher.
Strategy
This technique virtually guarantees that SLASH'EM gnomes will be able to obtain several common ascension kit items, without violating any conducts:
- a cloak of magic resistance, from a dwarvish or elven cloak
- an oilskin cloak, also from a dwarvish or elven cloak.
- gauntlets of dexterity, from leather gloves
- a bag of holding, from a sack or oilskin sack
- a helm of brilliance, from an orcish helm or dwarven iron helm
- a helm of telepathy, also from an orcish or dwarvish iron helm.
- a robe of power, from an ordinary robe
Note that even with high Luck, getting these items may still require a considerable amount of food, especially since several of these upgrades require multiple steps. A ring of slow digestion can be useful here. Characters may also wish to lock themselves in a room, since monsters wandering into view will interrupt the technique.
Gnomes who obtain an early wish should take this technique into consideration when choosing what to wish for. In particular, the guaranteed cloak of magic resistance makes silver dragon scale mail a much better first wish for SLASH'EM gnomes.
