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Given a chance, almost all Monsters in the Mazes of Menace will gratuitously kill you. You need Weapons for self-defense (killing them first). Without a Weapon, fighting with your bare fists (or, if you are a Samurai, you may prefer to imagine open-hand martial arts techniques), you do only 1-2 Hit points of Damage, plus bonuses, if any. A Weapon increases your ability to cause Damage. The commands to use weapons are w (wield) and t (throw). |
There are two basic types of Weapons: wielded weapons, like Maces and Swords, and thrown or projectile weapons, like Arrows. Wielded weapons can hit only those opponents in the squares immediately surrounding you. Thrown and projectile weapons can hit enemies up to several squares away from you (the exact range depends on the type of Weapon, and perhaps on your Strength as well).
To hit monsters with a wielded Weapon, you must wield it and attack them, or throw it at them. To hit monsters with a Thrown weapon, throw the weapon. To hit monsters with a Missile weapon, you must first wield the weapon itself (such as Bow, Crossbow, or Sling), then 'throw' the appropriate Missile (Arrow, Bolt, or Rock, respectively).
You can wield only one weapon at a time, but you can change weapons unless you're wielding a cursed one. Enchanted Weapons have a "plus" (or, in the case of Cursed Weapons, a "minus") that adds to your chance to hit and the damage you do to a monster. The only way to find out if a weapon is enchanted is to have it magically identified somehow.
Those of you in the audience who are AD&D players, be aware that each weapon which exists in AD&D does the same damage to monsters in NetHack. Some of the more obscure weapons (such as the Aklys, Lucern Hammer, and Bec-de-Corbin) are defined in an appendix to Unearthed Arcana, an AD&D supplement.
Swords
Wakizashi (Short Samurai Knife)
A Dagger is a long, wicked Knife used for
infighting. Some fighters can wield (
)
a Dagger in one hand and a Sword or other Weapon in
the other hand; you can also wield several Daggers at once and strike with
all of them for extra damage. The Dagger can also be thrown using the
command.
Elven (Runed) daggers are simply very high-quality Daggers (made by Elves — but NOT in a hollow tree!), and are used as such. The runes indicate its Elven origin.
The Athame is an obscure Weapon, about which the author has been able to ascertain only that beginning Wizards get one; it seems to be some kind of dagger. It also seems to be useful for Inscribing things on the floor of the Dungeon. In lieu of any useful information on the weapon, you may be interested to know that Athamas was king of Thessaly (in Greek legend), and husband of Nephele. He killed his own son in a fit of madness. Really.
The Scalpel is a small, extremely sharp Knife used by Healers (they come equipped with one at the beginning of the game). In the right hands, the Scalpel is capable of dissecting an enemy…
A Knife is exactly that — a Knife. It
wielded () or thrown ().
Being fairly sturdy (not to mention cheap and easily replaced if broken),
it is also good for forcing Locks (
-
).
Stilettoes are extra-pointed, narrow
Daggers, intended to slip easily between the ribs
for an easy kill. A favorite of assassins, the Stiletto can be wielded ()
or thrown ().
A Worm tooth may be left behind when you kill a Long worm. It can be used as a Weapon as is, or if you have the proper Magic spells handy, you can convert it into a deadly Crysknife.
The Crysknife is a Magical weapon made from a Worm tooth. It comes in an unfixed and a fixed version; the unfixed Crysknife must be kept in close proximity to a human body (in your inventory, not in a Sack or other container), or it loses its enchantment and becomes an ordinary Worm tooth again.
…and related Weapons can be good compromises if your character lacks the Dexterity to make best use of a Sword, but you want to deal out more Damage than a blunt weapon can do. They come in many varieties.
The Dwarvish mattock (Heavy pick) is a combination Weapon and (the author thinks) digging Tool. It is, obviously, used mainly by Dwarves (or those who have killed them).
The Axe is an ancient Weapon used both in warfare and as a tool. It is made in many forms, but this refers to the small Hand-axe.
Axes may be wielded (w) and used in hand-to-hand Combat, or they may be thrown (t) at an enemy.
A Battle-Axe is a large, long-hafted Axe.
The Double-Headed Axe is a gigantic, two-handed long-hafted Axe.
…are among the most popular Weapons, and with good reason. They do a good deal of Damage, are easy to wield even in close quarters, and many varieties can be used both for cutting and thrusting.
For more information about the several varieties of Swords, see the Weapons Table.
The Short sword is a standard adventuring Sword, small enough to be easily wielded yet large enough to do significant Damage.
Elven (Runed) Short swords are similar to other Short swords, but are of very high quality and bear Elven runic lettering on their blades.
The Orcish (Crude) Short sword is, as you might expect, about like any other Short sword but rather shoddily manufactured.
The Broad Short sword appears to be simply a heavier sort of Short sword, doing correspondingly more damage.
The Scimitar (Curved Sword) is a heavy, short-bladed Sword; its blade sweeps back in a long curve, and is broader near the tip than at the hilt. It is the kind the Moslems wielded against the Crusaders.
Silver Sabers are wielded by Captains of the Guard. They are high-quality non-magical Swords, and appear to do extra Damage against Undead.
The Broadsword is a standard heavy Weapon. It does a great deal of Damage, but takes some Strength to wield.
Elven (Runed) Broadswords are much like the ordinary sort, but as in all things, craftsmanship shows. Owning one of these is simply more classy than hauling around a crusty old Orcish item!
Long Swords are the longest, heaviest Swords that can be wielded single-handed. They do a great deal of Damage.
The Two-Handed Swordis a truly enormous Sword, often as long as the wielder is tall. What it is doing in a Dungeon is anyone's guess; the author supposes there are really high ceilings! The hilt alone can be two feet long, and the blade several times as long. It will be obvious from this that it cannot be wielded at the same time as a Shield, or anything else for that matter; two hands are fully occupied wielding this Weapon!
Katana (Samurai Sword)
Tsurugi (Long Samurai Sword)
Wakizashi (Short Samurai Knife)
Runesword (Runed Broadsword)
| Aklys | ||||
| Bullwhip | ||||
| Club | ||||
| Flail | ||||
| Mace | ||||
| Morning star | ||||
| Nunchaku | ||||
| Quarterstaff | ||||
| Rubber hose | ||||
| Staff | ||||
| War hammer |
The Aklys (Thonged club) would seem to be self-explanatory, except that the author is unsure whether the thong is (1) a wrapping to keep the wooden part of the Club from splitting or (2) a strap so the wielder can swing the Club at the opponent like half a pair of Nunchaku.
The Bullwhip is the Weapon of choice for Archeologists.
The Club is a real back-to-basics weapon, just a stout stick. For impoverished characters this could be just the thing, but it doesn't do much Damage.
The Flailis much like a long Club attached by a couple of links of stout chain to the end of a pole; the military version is derived from an agricultural implement. It can whip about with crushing force.
Rubber hoses have traditionally been the Weapon of choice for police interrogations, due to their ability to strike a nasty blow while leaving no obvious mark on the victim.
The Mace is your standard big hunk of metal on the end of a hefty haft, essentially a weighted Club. Studs, spikes, ridges, and other ornaments may add to its ability to crush by brute force. Not a weapon for those who favor finesse, but it does the job.
The Morning star is a Weapon for the strong sadistic kind of character. This variation on the Flail consists of a heavy iron ball, usually spiked or otherwise ornamented for more horrific smashing potential, on the end of a few links of strong chain; this is attached to a stout, metal-reinforced pole.
Nunchaku are Japanese Weapons much like miniature Flails. They are made of two stout Clubs attached at one end by a short length of cord, thong, or chain.
The Quarterstaff is a fairly long, straight staff of wood. The user typically holds one end and bludgeons the enemy with the other.
The Staffis like the Quarterstaff, only longer and wielded with both hands. Both ends are used to strike the opponent or to parry, and the middle can be used to block or to shove.
The War hammer is like a large version of the carpenter's tool; it is used to pummel opponents. Some varieties also have spikes and other additions for supplemental cruelty.
…are a diverse group of weapons, but all have in common a sharp point, edge, or both, mounted on the end of a typically wooden haft long enough to keep attackers at bay. The wielder can engage many enemies at a safe distance. Though they are really a bit large for dungeon adventuring, they are included in the game.
Bill-Guisarme (Hooked Polearm)
Lucern Hammer (Pronged Polearm)
Bec de Corbin (Beaked Polearm)
The Partisan (Vulgar Polearm) is a long-headed Spear-like Pole Weapon. Its narrow head is up to 30 inches long, double-edged, and usually equipped with some sort of protruding lugs at the bottom.
Ranseur (Hilted Polearm)
Spetum (Forked Polearm)
A Glaive is usually a simple sharpened blade on a pole, usually with the cutting edge on the outside of the curve like a large carving knife. Some have additional spikes , hooks, and so on protruding in various directions.
A Halberd (Angled Poleaxe)is a heavy Pole Weapon, an Axe-like blade (the shape of which was highly variable) with a spike and sometimes a hook as well. Though extremely long-handled ones were used for parades, the ordinary war-Halbred would be about as long as its wielder was tall.
The Bardiche (Long Poleaxe) is another in the long parade of nearly indistinguishable Pole Weapons.
Volgue (Pole Cleaver)
Fauchard (Pole Sickle)
The Guisarme (Pruning Hook) is a fancy Polearm, a combination Spear and Pike or Scythe. It is similar to the Glaive and the Partisan, the many variations of which overlap considerably.
The Bill-Guisarme (Hooked Polearm) is similar to the Guisarme, but with a prominent long Spear-like head.
Lucern Hammer (Pronged Polearm)
Bec de Corbin (Beaked Polearm)
…are hurled by hand at enemies. They range from the simplest possible Weapons to some fairly nasty items… not to mention a few oddballs! Some of the Thrown Weapons available in NetHack include Rocks, Gems, Darts, Shuriken, and various Missiles; the more innovative and non-traditional player may wish to try hurling Cream Pies or possibly Eggs! Some Monsters can spit Venom.
Some weapons can be wielded in hand, or thrown at an enemy as a hurled Missile.
Thrown Weapons:
Thrown / wielded weapons:
Rocks are hunks of ordinary stone, just as you would expect; all of them seem to be gray. You can throw them at enemies using the t command, or use them as Sling ammunition. They do but little damage unless you are very strong.
Be careful — occasionaly you may find a Luckstone or Loadstone, and Gems (not to mention look-alike pieces of colored glass) are not uncommon.
Many Rocks are rubble, left by Dwarves and others mining the Dungeon Walls. You too can use a Pick-axe or other digging device to reduce a section of Wall to Rocks; it will take a few turns. A Boulder can also be removed by turning it to Rocks in this way, allowing you to pass.
Darts are small arrow-like Thrown Weapons (use the t command). Some are Poisoned. They may be fired at you from Dart Traps. One or more Darts may also be wielded (w) and used as a hand-to-hand Weapon, though this is unusual.
Shuriken (Throwing Star) are Ninja weapons from feudal Japan. Razor-edged and many-pointed, these vicious little Weapons are thrown by hand using the t command. They are part of the Samurai character's equipment. At least, in this game they are! A real Samurai would have been very unlikely to use so dishonorable a Weapon.
The Boomerang is a curved, carefully shaped piece of wood that can be thrown (t command) at enemies; it will return to the thrower's hand, ready to be hurled again.
Venom is a special Thrown Weapon. It is a form of Poison that some Monsters can spit at you.
…include various Spears and similar weapons which may be used for hand-to-hand melee, or hurled at opponents.
Spears are ancient weapons suitable for throwing (t) or wielding (w) for hand-to-hand combat. A Spear consists of a stiff pole tipped with a pointed spearhead, usually of iron, steel, or bronze.
The Elven (Runed) Spear is much like an ordinary Spear, but its Elven craftsmanship makes it a superior weapon.
Orcish (Crude) Spears are much like ordinary Spears, but having been made by Orcs, it is rather shoddy and inferior.
A Dwarvish (Stout) Spear is similar to other Spears, but it is extra heavy-duty. Always superb engineers, Dwarves are not fond of equipment that breaks.
The Javelin (Throwing Spear) is a slim, flexible, lightweight Spear, pointed at both ends, intended primarily to be thrown (t command).
Tridentsare similar to Spears, but instead of one spearhead, they have three. The end of the pole is fitted with a forked metal head having triple barbed points. Traditionally, the Trident was used in Roman gladiatorial combat along with the Net. A gladiator would seek to entangle his opponent in the Net, then skewer him with the Trident.
The Lance is a large, heavy Spear-like Weapon, usually used by Knights on horseback. It is a bit out of place in the Dungeons. Well, make that very out of place. Normally wielded (w command) for hand-to-hand combat (at least in NetHack), it can also be hurled (t command)
…include the Sling, Bow, and Crossbow. To use a Missile Weapon, you must wield the Weapon itself using the w command, then "throw" (t) the appropriate Missiles in the direction of your intended target.
Note that you may only fire Missile Weapons along exact horizontal, vertical, or 45° diagonal lines, the same directions in which you can move. Thus if an enemy is 3 squares up from you and two squares to the left, neither of you could fire a Missile Weapon at the other.
The Bow is the most typical Missile Weapon, composed of a stave with is bent and strung with a tough cord. It is used to shoot Arrows.
To use a Bow, you must first wield it (w), then throw (t) Arrows in the direction of your target.
The Elven (Runed) Bowis no ordinary Bow, it is a thing of fine craftsmanship, engraved with mystical runes that may make it more effective in the hands of an Elf. There are special Elven Arrows to go with it; it will shoot any Arrow, though.
Orcish (Crude) Bows are just a simple stave of wood strung with badly cured sinew. They will. however, propel an Arrow right through you if you are not lucky!
The Yumi (Bamboo Bow) is the Samurai character's favored Missile Weapon (though a real, historical Samurai would not have fought from afar with a Missile Weapon — not honorable). It shoots any sort of Arrow, but is meant to be used with Ya.
The Long Bow is the Weapon that tipped the balance of military power from the French to the English at the Battle of Agincourt. Longer than the normal Bow and with a much stronger pull and longer range, it could propel its yard-long Arrows right through the French Plate Armor. It is really far too big to be used in the Dungeon but there it is…
The Sling is the simplest, smallest of Missile Weapons. It consists of a small pocket or pouch, usually leather, to which two cords are attached at opposite edges. The user holds the ends of both cords, places a Rock or other small item in it, and whirls it about rapidly. When it is going fast enough, the user releases one cord at just the right moment to hurl the Rock much harder than would be possible just by hand.
To use a Sling in the game, wield it (w), then throw (t) Rocks (or whatever) toward your target.
Crossbows are the most powerful non-magical Missile Weapons in NetHack. They are like short, very stiff bows mounted on gunstocks, and shoot Bolts (also known as Quarrels).
To use a Crossbow, first wield it (w), then throw (t) Bolts in the direction of your target.
…are the projectiles fired by Missile weapons. Here are the correct Missiles to use for each type of Missile Weapon:
Sling Rock (or Gem, etc.)
Bow Arrow
Crossbow Bolt
In a pinch, you can throw Missiles even if you don't have the proper Missile Weapon; they will not have much effect, but it could be enough! You can also wield one or more Missiles and use them in hand-to-hand Combat, a weird technique but whatever keeps you alive is OK!
Arrows are thin, straight sticks, usually of wood, tipped with points and feathered ("fletched") at the back for straight flight. They are normally shot from a Bow, though they can be thrown by themselves for a little bit of Damage, or even wielded and used somewhat like a Dagger.
Ya are special bamboo Japanese Arrows.
To use an Arrow, first wield the Bow using the w command, then 'throw' the Arrow using the t command.
Elven (Runed) Arrowsare similar to normal Arrows, and are used in the same way, but are of extremely fine craftsmanship. The runes serve to identify them as being of Elven manufacture.
Orcish (Crude) Arrows are similar to ordinary Arrows, but are of wretched, slapped-together construction. The crudity of manufacture marks them as Orcs' work.
A Silver Arrow is similar to normal Arrows, but having a silver arrowhead (rather than steel, bronze, stone, or whatever) it does extra damage to Undead, Lycanthropes… any creature that is harmed by silver.
Ya (Bamboo Arrows) are the Samurai's preferred missiles. They are thin and light, and in the hands of a properly trained character, deadly. The 'correct' Bow to use is the Yumi, though any Bow ought to work with them.
Crossbow Bolts (also known as Quarrels) are short, stout iron arrows. They are shot from a Crossbow. To use a Bolt, first wield (w) the Crossbow, then 'throw' (t) the Bolt.
…are natural offensive faculties certain species of Monsters can use. They are very similar to the effects of Wands in their effects, and in that they emanate from the creature's mouth and shoot out in a line or a cone.
Dragons, of course, are famous for their Breath weapons. In NetHack there are Dragons that breathe not just the traditional Fire but also Sleep gas, blasts of shrapnel, lightning bolts, and more.
Hell hounds breath Fire; even the cute little Hell puppies can do this.
Winter wolves can blow a blast of Cold straight from the frozen north of Teutonic mythology.
There may well be other Monsters with Breath weapons that the author has not yet encountered (or he killed them before they had a chance to take a breath?).
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