Just a bit of feedback on the current state of combat: The starting weapon, while I will concede is meant to be the worst weapon, is not fun to use at all. I think its main downfall is the fact it has a much shorter range than is visually indicated, which not only feels unsatisfying when your stick swipes right through an enemy, it also means you are outranged by slimes.
To a lesser extent, it also deals 9 damage when your stats are split by default, which is 1 damage off killing a slime in one hit. This essentially doubles the time you spend kiting trains of slimes around a room once all the real threats have been dealt with.
On to a more personal gripe, and may just be bad RNG, but I have made it through to the great halls in my last three runs without finding a single alternative weapon in shops or chests, which serves to further highlight just how anti-fun the starting cudgel is.
Thank you for reading and I hope you consider this feedback from someone who otherwise enjoys your game.
The Cudgel is indeed the second worst weapon in the game (if you include the Drow's unarmed state as weapon) but check your stats. With a 0 strength mod the Cudgel will deal 10 damage, and is actually designed to one shot those mobs. If your strength is lower than 10, you will start suffering melee damage penalties, as per classic dnd rules.
Slimes and other mobs will outrange you with any weapon (other than throwing knives or magic, obviously), and that is by design. If you let them come to you, they will have an extra moment to charge their attacks, if you run to meet them, you will mitigate this chance. (But to be fair, this should be made more obvious with clearer attacking sprites.)
The RNG can definitely be a little rough, and I'm still experimenting with it. Chests should fairly evenly distribute drops between Weapons, Armor, and Accessories, but I will definitely look into the math again to make sure Weapons aren't too scarce.
Another option I may consider is making Weapons more likely to find when they player is unarmed, or only wielding the Cudgel.
Thank you for your feedback. I really appreciate your support, and taking the time to play my games. And I will definitely take your suggestions into consideration moving forward.