Difference between revisions of "Aklys"
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| − | An '''aklys''' | + | An '''aklys''' is a type of [[weapon]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It uses the [[club]] skill, and is made of [[iron]]. When [[identification|unidentified]], it appears as a '''thonged club'''. |
| − | + | An aklys has the same hit dice versus small and large [[monster]]s as a club, but is much lighter. Unlike a club, it can also be used as a [[projectile]] weapon, and gains a +2 [[to-hit]] bonus when [[throw]]n.{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1485|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|955|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} While wielded in the primary hand, the aklys is tethered to your hand - when thrown, it has a max range of 4 [[square]]s and behaves slightly like [[Mjollnir]], returning 99% of the time when thrown; [[you]] will catch it 99% of the time if you are not [[impaired]] (i.e. [[blind]], [[stunned]], [[confused]], etc.) in some manner. | |
==Generation== | ==Generation== | ||
The aklys makes up about 0.8% of randomly generated weapons. | The aklys makes up about 0.8% of randomly generated weapons. | ||
| − | An aklys can be generated on any monster that does not have the [[strong]] [[monster attribute]] and can use a weapon, but has not received one.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|548|version=NetHack 3.6.6}} As such, the weapon is associated with [[gnomes]], who fall into that subgroup and are spawned in large numbers in the [[early game]], specifically in the [[Gnomish Mines]] | + | An aklys can be generated on any monster that does not have the [[strong]] [[monster attribute]] and can use a weapon, but has not received one.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|548|version=NetHack 3.6.6}} As such, the weapon is associated with [[gnomes]], who fall into that subgroup and are spawned in large numbers in the [[early game]], specifically in the [[Gnomish Mines]]. |
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==Strategy== | ==Strategy== | ||
Compared to a stack of dozen daggers, one aklys is far lighter and can be reused indefinitely, at least until it fails to return—and even then, it can simply be retrieved and re-tethered. The aklys also has higher base damage than a dagger, although daggers can be multishot to do more damage; however, it is usually easier to find a blessed or enchanted aklys in the Mines, compared to a stack of above-average daggers. | Compared to a stack of dozen daggers, one aklys is far lighter and can be reused indefinitely, at least until it fails to return—and even then, it can simply be retrieved and re-tethered. The aklys also has higher base damage than a dagger, although daggers can be multishot to do more damage; however, it is usually easier to find a blessed or enchanted aklys in the Mines, compared to a stack of above-average daggers. | ||
| − | On the other hand, the aklys | + | On the other hand, the aklys must be wielded before throwing if you expect it to return: this means one action will be used switching to it before firing, and another switching back if the target gets close and you have a more powerful weapon for melee. There is also the small chance of it backfiring and striking you upon return, though this does not deal much damage - a more pressing concern is having your aklys cursed, which prevents throwing ''and'' switching to a different weapon. |
| − | For [[ | + | For [[Cavemen]] and [[Priest]]s, who cannot multishot daggers but can achieve Expert in club, an aklys is a definitely worthwhile primary weapon for melee and ranged attacks alike. Other roles can do so, but may benefit more from using the aklys as a backup when their primary projectile runs out. This lets them get away with carrying fewer projectiles than they would otherwise, leaving more room for them to carry other things. |
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| + | For those attempting a gnomish [[unofficial conduct|racial ascension]], this is often considered the only acceptable weapon, as it is so heavily associated with gnomes—in practice, one is more likely to remember seeing a gnome using this weapon than any other monster. | ||
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| + | ==History== | ||
| + | The aklys first appears in [[NetHack 1.3d]], where it had a relative probability of 1 in 99 and weighed three units; for comparison, the [[two handed sword]] was the heaviest at four.<ref>http://groups.google.com/group/comp.sources.games/browse_thread/thread/ffca0cd03579c2d5/e566257de569b92b?lnk=st&q=aklys&rnum=1#e566257de569b92b</ref> This "rarity" was shared with many objects, including even the [[katana]]; this remained unchanged until [[Nethack 3.4.3]]. | ||
| − | + | The ability to tether a wielded aklys, throw it and have it return to the player's hand was added in [[NetHack 3.6.1]]. | |
==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
| − | The word "aklys" comes from the Latin '' | + | {{wikipedia|Aklys}} |
| + | The word "aklys" comes from the Latin ''aclys'' and Greek ''agkulis'', and refers to a Roman missile weapon. A real-life aklys resembled a [[javelin]] and measured approximately 2 m (79 in) in length, and was thrown using leather strap (or ''amentum''). The term also applies to a small mace or club equipped with spikes, which was attached to the wielder's arm by a strap of adjustable length to ensure the weapon could be retrieved after it was thrown. The former definition results in the word being translated as "javelin" in English translations of Roman works such as the ''Aeneid''. | ||
It is uncertain whether the "proper" plural would be "aklyses" (going by general English rules) or "aclydes" (by Latin rules)—in any case, the aklys [[Stackable|does not stack]], so it is unclear what ''NetHack'' would use. | It is uncertain whether the "proper" plural would be "aklyses" (going by general English rules) or "aclydes" (by Latin rules)—in any case, the aklys [[Stackable|does not stack]], so it is unclear what ''NetHack'' would use. | ||
| − | + | The aklys also appears in various fantasy games such as ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', where it is found in ''[[wikipedia:Dragon (magazine)|Dragon Magazine]]'' Vol. 7, No. 2, as well as the 1985 ''Unearthed Arcana'' supplement by co-creator Gary Gygax. It is described similarly to the latter definition used above, and serves as the basis for the weapon and its hit dice in ''NetHack''. | |
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==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
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{{nethack-366}} | {{nethack-366}} | ||
[[Category:Weapons]] | [[Category:Weapons]] | ||
Revision as of 09:55, 20 July 2022
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|---|---|
| Name | aklys |
| Appearance | thonged club |
| Damage vs. small | 1d6 |
| Damage vs. large | 1d3 |
| To-hit bonus | +0 |
| Weapon skill | club |
| Size | one-handed |
| Base price | 4 zm (+10/positive enchant) |
| Weight | 15 |
| Material | iron |
An aklys is a type of weapon that appears in NetHack. It uses the club skill, and is made of iron. When unidentified, it appears as a thonged club.
An aklys has the same hit dice versus small and large monsters as a club, but is much lighter. Unlike a club, it can also be used as a projectile weapon, and gains a +2 to-hit bonus when thrown.[1][2] While wielded in the primary hand, the aklys is tethered to your hand - when thrown, it has a max range of 4 squares and behaves slightly like Mjollnir, returning 99% of the time when thrown; you will catch it 99% of the time if you are not impaired (i.e. blind, stunned, confused, etc.) in some manner.
Generation
The aklys makes up about 0.8% of randomly generated weapons.
An aklys can be generated on any monster that does not have the strong monster attribute and can use a weapon, but has not received one.[3] As such, the weapon is associated with gnomes, who fall into that subgroup and are spawned in large numbers in the early game, specifically in the Gnomish Mines.
Strategy
Compared to a stack of dozen daggers, one aklys is far lighter and can be reused indefinitely, at least until it fails to return—and even then, it can simply be retrieved and re-tethered. The aklys also has higher base damage than a dagger, although daggers can be multishot to do more damage; however, it is usually easier to find a blessed or enchanted aklys in the Mines, compared to a stack of above-average daggers.
On the other hand, the aklys must be wielded before throwing if you expect it to return: this means one action will be used switching to it before firing, and another switching back if the target gets close and you have a more powerful weapon for melee. There is also the small chance of it backfiring and striking you upon return, though this does not deal much damage - a more pressing concern is having your aklys cursed, which prevents throwing and switching to a different weapon.
For Cavemen and Priests, who cannot multishot daggers but can achieve Expert in club, an aklys is a definitely worthwhile primary weapon for melee and ranged attacks alike. Other roles can do so, but may benefit more from using the aklys as a backup when their primary projectile runs out. This lets them get away with carrying fewer projectiles than they would otherwise, leaving more room for them to carry other things.
For those attempting a gnomish racial ascension, this is often considered the only acceptable weapon, as it is so heavily associated with gnomes—in practice, one is more likely to remember seeing a gnome using this weapon than any other monster.
History
The aklys first appears in NetHack 1.3d, where it had a relative probability of 1 in 99 and weighed three units; for comparison, the two handed sword was the heaviest at four.[4] This "rarity" was shared with many objects, including even the katana; this remained unchanged until Nethack 3.4.3.
The ability to tether a wielded aklys, throw it and have it return to the player's hand was added in NetHack 3.6.1.
Origin
The word "aklys" comes from the Latin aclys and Greek agkulis, and refers to a Roman missile weapon. A real-life aklys resembled a javelin and measured approximately 2 m (79 in) in length, and was thrown using leather strap (or amentum). The term also applies to a small mace or club equipped with spikes, which was attached to the wielder's arm by a strap of adjustable length to ensure the weapon could be retrieved after it was thrown. The former definition results in the word being translated as "javelin" in English translations of Roman works such as the Aeneid.
It is uncertain whether the "proper" plural would be "aklyses" (going by general English rules) or "aclydes" (by Latin rules)—in any case, the aklys does not stack, so it is unclear what NetHack would use.
The aklys also appears in various fantasy games such as Dungeons & Dragons, where it is found in Dragon Magazine Vol. 7, No. 2, as well as the 1985 Unearthed Arcana supplement by co-creator Gary Gygax. It is described similarly to the latter definition used above, and serves as the basis for the weapon and its hit dice in NetHack.
Variants
In dNetHack, an aklys can be (a)pplied to pound targets, like a polearm.
Encyclopedia entry
A short studded or spiked club attached to a cord allowing
it to be drawn back to the wielder after having been thrown.
It should not be confused with the atlatl, which is a device
used to throw spears for longer distances.
