Blackjack

The "blackjack" is a blunt melee weapon, specialised for stealthy disposal of armed guards and civilian characters, in order to minimise the threat posed by these non-player characters to the player character. The blackjack functions as a simple club for knocking these NPCs unconscious.

For example, if the player feels there are too many guards patrolling in the vicinity, making it harder to sneak through without getting caught, the player can opt to knock out one or two guards (or theoretically, all of them) to make things easier.

The only characters that are sure to be knocked out by a blackjack are ordinary humans, without shielded heads. This means that certain guards wearing thicker steel helmets can withstand attempts at knock outs with the blackjack. The player needs to pay attention to the presence of guards equipped with such helmets, in order to avoid a possible costly mistake.

As for non-human creatures or supernatural monsters, the likelihood of knocking them out with a blackjack is far lower, or is outright impossible depending on the particular being, making them immune to knock outs.

Depending on the design by their author, some missions might have an objective to avoid blackjacking non-player characters more than a set number of times (e.g. no more than 3 knock outs).

Blackjacking can be practiced in the Training Mission, in the section dedicated to gradually teaching the player various stealth-related skills and concepts.

For melee self-defence in the game, please see the shortsword article.

In-game description

Blackjack: A small leather sack filled with lead shot. A blow to the head will quietly dispatch an opponent.

See also

• The Dark Mod Gameplay Guide: Blackjacking - A tutorial/advice video by TDM developer Springheel. Well worth the watch.
• The Dark Mod 2.0 - How to BlackJack and deal with AI - A tutorial/advice video by AluminumHaste. Well worth the watch.
• Sound Alert & Blackjack Trainer - A special fan mission focused on practicing blackjacking of non-player characters.
• Gas arrows - For long-distance, ranged, area-effect knock outs of non-player characters.