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Thunderbolt
From Quake Wiki
Description
The thunderbolt is really only hindered by the fact that it doesn't work at long range (and the little issue involving H2O). Other than this, it is one heck of a powerful weapon. When Quaded, it will gib a player with a red armor and 250 health in no time at all. On top of all this, it doesn't even cause damage to its user. The only problem is that it uses cells at a very fast rate, so ammo conservation is critical.
Stay closer to the player so you have a better chance of hitting him. Turn from side to side if he's moving a lot. If he's staying still, you won't have much to worry about. He'll be dead in a couple seconds once you get a steady lock on him. Try jumping and aiming at the player's head - this works pretty well for avoiding his attacks and confusing him. It actually impairs your opponents vision if you aim the bolt at their eyes, as the model gets in the way. Obviously, it would be best to avoid water. Unless, of course, there happens to be more than one player going for a swim. In fact - if you become good enough at calculating damage - it's possible for you to discharge without dying as long as you have enough health and armor, and a small enough number of cells. The half-damage rule applies to cells as well as rockets, so you can kill someone else and still survive. Just make sure you don't have too much juice...
To defend yourself, you need to run, jump, and strafe. That's your only chance. Even then, you may be killed. If your weapon is weak, try your hardest to avoid the shaft long enough for the other player to run out of ammo, and then let him have it. If you have a powerful weapon, try avoiding the shaft but also be a little careless and try to hit him. Unless you have a powerful weapon, you'll probably die, so make your peace while you still can.
Effectiveness: Excellent
Avoidability: Good