I would wish that attack rate talents also affect fists
EDIT: Or a talent to let me start with a sword
Yes, this is my main problem with the game so far, makes rebirth a bit tedious
Yes the plan is to start the game with the sword already equipped with the Spark-Touched talent, and also to add more talents to keep features on rebirth (as well as balancing the feather cost and gain to encourage players to do longer runs!)
