Rings and Amulets

Rings and amulets found in Angband may be more than mere jewellery: many are magical devices that confer powers on the wearer.

Two rings can be worn at any one time - one on each hand - and one amulet, worn around the neck.

When unidentified, rings and amulets will be described by reference to the material of which they are made; in many cases this will be metal, or a precious or semi-precious stone, but there are a variety of other materials used. These descriptions are consistent (within one game; they are randomly assigned for each new game), so, for example, if you find a Diamond Ring, it will be the same as any other Diamond Ring. There may be variations, however, in that some Diamond Rings may be cursed while others are beneficial, and if the ring or amulet gives a bonus to a particular attribute, this may vary from ring to ring.

Rings and amulets fulfill a similar range of functions: sustaining and enhancing characteristics; enhancing abilities; protecting the wearer; providing elemental powers.

All harmful rings and amulets are cursed, and once put on cannot be removed without the aid of magic - so it can be advisable to identify such items before trying them on.

Using a Ring or Amulet

To use a ring or amulet, it only needs to be worn - use the 'w' command (for 'wear'). If you have more than one appropriate item available to choose from, you will need to select the correct one. The effects of unknown rings or scrolls will not normally be immediately apparent - you will need to identify them - but cursed items will bring an immediate feeling of deathly cold.

Noteworthy rings

There are two rings that are of particular note: Free Action and Speed

Ring of Free Action

This ring protects the wearer from attacks that slow them, and most importantly, from paralysing attacks. Once down below the first levels of Angband, there are many monsters with attacks that can paralyse a victim, and as nothing can be done when paralysed, it can be agonising to watch your character take blow after blow on the way to an inevitable death, while completely powerless to defend themselves or escape from combat.

Ring of Speed

This ring provides a (variable) bonus to the wearer's speed; in the early stages this can be a useful bonus, while deeper in the dungeons it can be vital for survival, as some many of the more powerful monsters are themselves fast moving. Rings of Speed are very rare and valuable.