BN Uncertainties

[LemmingofGlory]

I've scoured (well, repeatedly skimmed) Woody's Realms and ICEs Cavern, but a few questions remain: can a BN character remove cursed items to read books? Must one wait until one restarts in town to do this?

You can remove cursed items to read books. The requirement to wear the "most restrictive" cursed items really applies only to combat situations. There's no difference between taking off a -10 Ring of the Fool to read a book if you're in town or the dungeon.

Can a BN character equip extra gear (white, unided blue, etc.) to tap a Hidden Shrine?

Certainly.

I've no doubt that these are addressed...somehwere...but I've not seen anything that helps. Links would be great, though answers would be prefered.

When not explicitly stated, interpret rules according to the "spirit" -- what the author probably intended. The BNM's use of cursed items is, for the most part, a matter of masochistic pride. So, will he take an opportunity to ruin some mundane gear at a Hidden Shrine to benefit his precious, termite-ridden Bow of the Pit? Of course!

Will he remove cursed items to read books? Mmm, sure. He likes the items for what they do to him in battle. But if he needs fireball and he's smart enough to understand it, he's not letting some Ring of the Fool hold him back. You don't have to read books with your natural magic level if you'd rather use your cursed magic level, though. There's never any loss in being even worse off; it's when the player starts taking massive shortcuts (like BARs using magical items) that the character reeeally stops looking like the idea the author intended.

Will he wear beneficial items to read books? Heavens no! He'll use his own mental acumen, but he won't benefit from filthy artificial boons. Again, it's a matter of pride: if he's willing to benefit from rings temporarily, he may as well use them all the time. (With plain Naked Mages, though, reading glasses are deemed optional. I tend to prefer (and follow) BNM's reasoning, though.)

[o: *LEMMING* :o]