Modest Mallet

Modest Mallet is a relic that interacts with discard mechanics by temporarily upgrading orbs at a cost. It was introduced in Update 0.9.44 and received a balance change in V0.9.58 that removed self-damage when upgrading orbs via other upgrade methods (the relic itself still inflicts its specified damage when its effect triggers).

When an upgradeable orb is discarded, Modest Mallet temporarily increases that orb's level by 1 for the remainder of the combat and immediately deals damage to the player equal to the relic's damage value ({[DISC_UPG_DMG]}). The upgrade granted is not permanent and only lasts until the end of the current fight; subsequent runs or returns to the town do not retain the increased level.

Practical notes and interactions:

• The relic only triggers on orbs that are upgradeable. Non-upgradeable orbs do not cause the damage or receive the temporary level increase.
• The effect applies each time an eligible orb is discarded, so repeated discards can stack temporary upgrades on multiple orbs or on multiple separate discards throughout a fight.
• Because the upgrade is temporary, synergy is strongest in combats where you can discard an orb and immediately take advantage of its boosted behavior (higher damage, better effects, etc.) within that fight.
• The damage value is a fixed parameter of the relic ({[DISC_UPG_DMG]}). Plan health management accordingly, particularly in long fights or runs with constrained healing.
• Modest Mallet pairs well with decks or builds that frequently discard orbs as part of their core loop, turning discard costs into immediate power at the expense of HP. Avoid using it recklessly when low on life or against enemies that punish repeated self-damage.