Difference between revisions of "Dagger"

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(daggers are effective in melee)
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{{weapon|name=dagger|tile=[[image:dagger.png]]|smalldmg=1d4|largedmg=1d3|tohit=<nowiki>+2</nowiki>|cost=4|weight=10|material=iron}}
+
{{languages}}
−
'''Daggers''' are one of the most popular range [[weapon]]s, being cheap, plentiful, and more durable than [[arrow]]s, [[crossbow bolt]]s, and [[dart|darts]].  Unlike the aforementioned [[projectile]]s, daggers may be used in melee effectively. 
+
{{weapon
 +
|name=dagger
 +
|tile=[[image:dagger.png]]
 +
|smalldmg=1d4
 +
|largedmg=1d3
 +
|tohit=<nowiki>+2</nowiki>
 +
|cost=4
 +
|weight=10
 +
|material=iron
 +
}}
  
−
Daggers comprise 3.0% of randomly-generated weapons in the dungeon.
+
A '''dagger''' is a type of [[weapon]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is a [[stackable]] weapon that can both be used in [[melee]] and [[thrown]] as a [[projectile]], and is made of [[iron]].
−
__TOC__
 
−
{{clear}}
 
  
−
==Types of dagger==
+
==Generation==
 +
Various [[role]]s start the game with one or more daggers:
  
−
The ordinary dagger (appearance: "dagger") is the most common type, but there are others.
+
* [[Human (starting race)|Human]] and [[Gnome (starting race)|gnomish]] [[Ranger]]s start each game with a +1 dagger as their secondary weapon.{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|114|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
 +
* Human [[Rogue]]s start each game with a stack of +0 daggers as their secondary weapon.{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|125|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
 +
* [[Valkyrie]]s start each game with a +0 dagger as their secondary weapon.{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|154|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
  
−
===Orcish dagger===
+
The dagger makes up about 3.0% of randomly generated weapons. In addition to random generation, weapon [[shop]]s and general stores can stock daggers.
  
−
{{weapon|name=orcish dagger|tile=[[image:orcish dagger.png]]|appearance=crude dagger|smalldmg=1d3|largedmg=1d3|tohit=<nowiki>+2</nowiki>|cost=4|weight=10|material=iron|color=black|skill=dagger}}
+
Various monsters [[Monster starting inventory|are also generated with]] daggers:
−
This dagger can be found on [[orc]]s (and in your starting inventory, if you're an orc). Its appearance as "crude dagger" is accurate (only d3 damage against small monsters instead of d4).
 
  
−
Being made of iron, it's susceptible to corrosion and rusting from acidic/rust monsters and water, like an ordinary dagger.
+
* [[Hobbit]]s have a {{frac|3}} chance of generating with a dagger.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|354|nethack=3.6.7}}
 +
* Live [[Dwarf (monster attribute)|dwarves]] have an effective {{frac|2}} chance of generating with a dagger.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|385|nethack=3.6.7}}
 +
* [[Watchmen]] and [[soldier]]s may generate with daggers.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|195|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|211|nethack=3.6.7}}
 +
* Monsters with weapon attacks that are not [[strong]] and do not have a default initial weapon may generate with a stack of daggers.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|542|nethack=3.6.7}}
 +
* [[Student]]s, [[attendant]]s, [[abbot]]s, [[acolyte]]s, [[guide]]s, and [[apprentice]]s have an effective {{frac|3}} chance of generating with a dagger.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|279|nethack=3.6.7}}
 +
* [[Hunter]]s also have a {{frac|3}} chance of generating with a dagger.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|304|nethack=3.6.7}}
 +
* [[Thug]]s have a {{frac|2|3}} chance of generating with a dagger.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|313|nethack=3.6.7}}
 +
* [[Player monster]]s, including those on the [[Astral Plane]], have a ~2.6% chance of generating with a dagger as their initial weapon before role-based replacements.{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|155|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment={{frac|2}} to get a random weapon - the designated range of objects covers weapons from the spear to the bullwhip inclusively in objects.c, and uses normal generation odds}}
  
−
Orcish daggers comprise 1.2% of random weapon generation in the dungeon.
+
{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|As part of {{commit|20cbadcf85544cf9d0c3f4e4200b2800bab49c8e|commit 20cbadc}} - which strengthens quest leaders and makes it so that killing them no longer makes the game [[unwinnable]] - [[The Master of Thieves]] generates with 2d4 non-cursed +2 daggers when serving as the Rogue [[quest leader]].}}
−
{{clear}}
 
  
−
===Elven dagger===
+
==Dagger skill==
 +
{{dagger skill table}}
  
−
{{weapon|name=elven dagger|tile=[[image:elven dagger.png]]|appearance=runed dagger|smalldmg=1d5|largedmg=1d3|tohit=<nowiki>+2</nowiki>|cost=4|weight=10|material=wood|color=brown|skill=dagger}}
+
The following weapons use the dagger skill:
−
This dagger can be found on [[elves]] (and in your starting inventory, if you're an elf). It is superior to an ordinary dagger (d5 damage vs d4 against Small). It is also made of wood, and therefore immune to corrosion and rusting. It can, however, become burnt or rotted, but this rarely happens in practice, since most sources of fire or rot damage don't affect weapons.
 
  
−
Naming an elven dagger "Sting" turns it into the artifact, [[Sting]].
+
* dagger
 +
* [[elven dagger]]
 +
* [[orcish dagger]]
 +
* [[silver dagger]]
 +
* [[athame]]
  
−
Elven daggers comprise 1.0% of randomly-generated weapons in the dungeon.
+
The following [[artifact weapon]]s use the dagger skill:
−
{{clear}}
 
  
−
===Silver dagger===
+
* [[Grimtooth]] (orcish dagger)
 +
* [[Magicbane]] (athame)
 +
* [[Sting]] (elven dagger)
 +
 
 +
Rogues throwing dagger-type weapons gain a +1 [[multishot]] bonus, while Rangers throwing any projectile ''except'' for dagger-type weapons gain a +1 multishot bonus. Wielding a dagger-type weapon while eating a non-[[blessed]] [[tin]] will open the tin in 3 turns.
  
−
{{weapon|name=silver dagger|tile=[[image:silver dagger.png]]|smalldmg=1d4+(1d20)|largedmg=1d3+(1d20)|tohit=<nowiki>+2</nowiki>|cost=40|weight=12|material=silver|color=gray|skill=dagger}}
+
==Strategy==
−
The silver dagger is a very rare item. It is normally equivalent to an ordinary dagger, but does an extra d20 damage against [[silver-hating]] creatures (e.g. [[werewolves]] and [[demons]]). This makes a stack of highly enchanted silver daggers amongst the deadliest weapons in [[Gehennom]]. Another benefit of the silver dagger compared to other daggers is that it is immune to all forms of [[erosion]].  
+
Despite their weight and low base damage, daggers can be very useful in the early game: a ranged volley at sufficient skill can kill monsters before they even breach melee range, and can at least soften them up before they can engage you. They are typically cheap, plentiful, and more durable than [[arrow]]s, [[crossbow bolt]]s and [[dart]]s, but cannot be poisoned by [[dipping]] into a [[potion of sickness]]. A spare, non-cursed dagger can also serve as a makeshift "pick" for [[forcing]] open [[box]]es.
  
−
Silver daggers comprise 0.3% of randomly-generated weapons in the dungeon.
+
All roles except [[Monk]]s and [[Priest]]s can attain proficiency in dagger [[skill]], and may wish to do so early on if the circumstances warrant it. [[Rogue]]s and [[Wizard]]s in particular can reach Expert and gain multishot bonuses, which gives them high damage potential from a "[[storm]]" of daggers. If using daggers as a primary choice of projectile, be sure to [[erodeproof]] them when possible, and avoid leaving any near [[metallivore]]s such as rock moles and rust monsters - additionally, avoid throwing any enchanted daggers at [[disenchanter]]s.
  
−
====Average damage calculation of thrown silver daggers====
+
==History==
−
The following average damage calculation shows the average amount of damage dealt ''per turn'' by throwing as many silver daggers as possible. We assume the player has [[expert skill]] in dagger, which gives a +2 damage bonus, and a [[multishot]] rate of 1d3 daggers. A blessed weapon deals 1d4 extra damage against [[demon]]s and [[undead]]. The worst case scenario is against a non-silver-hating, non-undead, non-demon large monster. The best case scenario is against a silver-hating undead/demon small monster.
+
The dagger first appears in Hack 1.21 and Hack for PDP-11, variants of [[Jay Fenlason's Hack]]. It is included in the initial item list for [[Hack 1.0]].
  
−
{|class="wikitable"
+
==Variants==
−
!rowspan="2"|
+
===SLASH'EM===
−
!colspan="2"|Weapon
+
[[SLASH'EM]] features three new weapons that use the dagger skill: the [[dark elven dagger]], the [[great dagger]] and the [[wooden stake]]. There are also new artifact weapons that use the dagger skill:
−
|-
 
−
!Uncursed silver dagger + 0
 
−
!Blessed silver dagger +7
 
−
|-
 
−
!Against regular small monsters
 
−
|<math>\left(\frac{1+4}{2}+2\right)\times{\frac{1+3}{2}}=\bold{9}</math>
 
−
|<math>\left(\frac{1+4}{2}+7+2\right)\times{\frac{1+3}{2}}=\bold{23}</math>
 
−
|-
 
−
!Against regular large monsters
 
−
|<math>\left(\frac{1+3}{2}+2\right)\times{\frac{1+3}{2}}=\bold{8}</math>
 
−
|<math>\left(\frac{1+3}{2}+7+2\right)\times{\frac{1+3}{2}}=\bold{22}</math>
 
−
|-
 
−
!Worst case scenario
 
−
|<math>\left(\frac{1+3}{2}+2\right)\times{\frac{1+3}{2}}=\bold{8}</math>
 
−
|<math>\left(\frac{1+3}{2}+7+2\right)\times{\frac{1+3}{2}}=\bold{22}</math>
 
−
|-
 
−
!Best case scenario
 
−
|<math>\left(\frac{1+4}{2}+\frac{1+20}{2}+2\right)\times{\frac{1+3}{2}}=\bold{30}</math>
 
−
|<math>\left(\frac{1+4}{2}+\frac{1+20}{2}+7+2+\frac{1+4}{2}\right)\times{\frac{1+3}{2}}=\bold{49}</math>
 
−
|}
 
  
−
==New types of dagger in [[SLASH'EM]]==
+
* [[The Great Dagger of Glaurgnaa]] is an artifact great dagger that acts as the [[Necromancer]] [[quest artifact]].
 +
* [[Serpent's Tongue]] is a chaotic artifact dagger that is the guaranteed first [[sacrifice gift]] for Necromancers.
 +
* [[Deep Freeze]] is an artifact athame that is the guaranteed first sacrifice gift for [[Ice Mage]]s.
 +
* [[Firewall]] is an artifact athame that is the guaranteed first sacrifice gift for [[Flame Mage]]s.
 +
* [[The Stake of Van Helsing]] is an artifact wooden stake that acts as the [[Undead Slayer]] quest artifact.
  
−
===Dark elven dagger===
+
The dagger skill has also been adjusted:
  
−
{{weapon|name=dark elven dagger|tile=[[image:dark elven dagger.png]]|appearance=black runed dagger|smalldmg=1d5|largedmg=1d3|tohit=<nowiki>+2</nowiki>|cost=4|weight=10|material=wood|color=brown|skill=dagger}}
+
{{Dagger skill table (SLASH'EM)}}
−
This dagger is identical to an elven dagger, except in appearance.
 
−
It may be generated in the inventory of [[drow]].
 
−
{{clear}}
 
  
−
===Great dagger===
+
All new roles can reach expert in dagger except the [[Yeoman]], who can reach Skilled.
  
−
{{weapon|name=great dagger|tile=[[image:great dagger.png]]|appearance=great dagger|smalldmg=1d6|largedmg=1d7|tohit=<nowiki>+2</nowiki>|cost=500|weight=10|material=iron|color=black|skill=dagger}}
+
===dNetHack===
−
This is the best non-artifact dagger in SLASH'EM. It deals 1d6 damage versus small enemies, and 1d7 versus large.
+
[[dNetHack]] adds several weapons that use the dagger skill:
−
It is never randomly generated.
 
−
The only ways to obtain one are:
 
−
* [[upgrading|upgrade]] a dark or normal elven dagger,
 
−
* acquire the Necromancer quest artifact, [[The Great Dagger of Glaurgnaa]],
 
−
* wish for one (although this is probably not worth it).
 
−
WARNING: Great Daggers DO NOT STACK. '''This is by design.''' If you upgrade to a stack of Great Daggers, it will be stacked ONLY until they are thrown or dropped individually. After that, they will never stack again.
 
−
{{clear}}
 
  
−
==Dagger skill==
+
* [[droven dagger]]
 +
* [[set of crow talons]]
 +
* [[tecpatl]]
 +
* [[rakuyo-dagger]]
 +
 
 +
Any weapon that uses the dagger skill can be used to carve [[staves]] into [[wood]]en weapons.
 +
 
 +
[[Vampire (starting race in dNetHack)|Vampire]] characters in roles that would start with athames will instead start with daggers replacing each of them - currently, this only applies to the Wizard.
 +
 
 +
Carrying [[Crystals (dNetHack)|The Air Crystal]] grants a boost to the dagger skill. [[Andromalius]] is a [[Spirits (dNetHack)|spirit]] that grants skill in daggers when bound - his seal must contain two items from a set of several eligible objects, including a standard dagger; successfully binding him will exchange the two items for a thing, which also has a chance of being a dagger.
 +
 
 +
===SpliceHack===
 +
[[SpliceHack]] adds the [[parazonium]] as a weapon that uses the dagger skill, and imports the dark elven dagger from SLASH'EM.
 +
 
 +
A dagger can be combined with an [[iron chain]] at a [[furnace]] to create a [[spiked chain]].
  
−
{{dagger skill table}}
+
===notdNetHack===
 +
In [[notdNetHack]], in addition to dNetHack details, two spirits generate with daggers when summoned by an [[Illithanachronounbinder]]:
  
−
The following weapons use the dagger skill:
+
* [[Andromalius]] generates with a stack of 5-15 daggers.
 +
* [[Balam]] generates with two separate sets of large daggers.
  
−
* dagger
+
===EvilHack===
−
* elven dagger
+
[[EvilHack]] adds the [[dark elven dagger]] as a weapon that uses the dagger skill. EvilHack also adds [[Shadowblade]], an artifact athame.
−
* orcish dagger
 
−
* silver dagger
 
−
* [[athame]]
 
  
−
The following [[artifact weapon]]s use the dagger skill:
+
A dagger can be created at a [[Forge (dungeon feature)|forge]] by combining two [[arrow]]s and a [[knife]]. Daggers can be used to create many other items:
  
−
* [[Grimtooth]] (orcish dagger)
+
* A dagger can be combined with two [[dart]]s to create 3-4 [[shuriken]].
−
* [[Magicbane]] (athame)
+
* A dagger can be combined with two arrows to create a [[spear]].
−
* [[Sting]] (elven dagger)
+
* A dagger can be combined with a [[stiletto]] to create an athame.
 +
* A dagger can be combined with a spear to create an [[axe]].
 +
* A dagger can be combined with two [[crossbow bolt]]s to create a [[short sword]].
 +
* A dagger can be combined with a [[broadsword]] to create a [[runesword]].
 +
* A dagger can be combined with a [[club]] to create a [[mace]].
 +
* A dagger can be combined with a mace to create a [[morning star]].
 +
* A dagger can be combined with a [[dented pot]] to create a [[helmet]].
 +
* A dagger can be combined with a helmet to create a [[small shield]].
  
−
==Strategy==
+
===SlashTHEM===
 +
In addition to SLASH'EM details, [[SlashTHEM]] adds the [[sharpened pencil]] as a weapon that uses the dagger skill.
  
−
Daggers can be very useful in the early game, despite their weight and low base damage. A ranged volley denies monsters even the chance to hit you, or at least softens them up. All classes except [[Monk]]s and [[Priest]]s can attain proficiency in dagger [[skill]] and may wish to do so, under the right circumstances.
+
Player [[Vampire (starting race in SLASH'EM)|vampires]], [[Kobold (starting race)|kobolds]] and [[Doppelganger (starting race)|doppelgangers]] can always reach a minimum of Basic skill in daggers.
  
 
==Encyclopedia entry==
 
==Encyclopedia entry==
−
 
 
{{encyclopedia|
 
{{encyclopedia|
 
Is this a dagger which I see before me,
 
Is this a dagger which I see before me,
Line 122: Line 138:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==See also==
+
==References==
−
 
+
<references/>
−
* [[Athame]], a non-dagger which uses the dagger skill.
+
{{nethack-367}}
−
* [[Grimtooth]], an artifact orcish dagger.
 
−
* [[Sting]], an artifact elven dagger.
 
−
* In SLASH'EM the [[Wooden stake]] uses the dagger skill and does 1d6 damage to both small and large targets.
 
 
[[Category:Weapons]]
 
[[Category:Weapons]]
−
[[Category:Elven items|Dagger]]
 
−
[[Category:Orcish items|Dagger]]
 

Revision as of 09:06, 15 April 2024

English

 • 中文（中国大陆）‎
) Dagger.png
Name dagger
Appearance dagger
Damage vs. small 1d4
Damage vs. large 1d3
To-hit bonus +2
Weapon skill dagger
Size one-handed
Base price 4 zm
(+10/positive
enchant)
Weight 10
Material iron

A dagger is a type of weapon that appears in NetHack. It is a stackable weapon that can both be used in melee and thrown as a projectile, and is made of iron.

Generation

Various roles start the game with one or more daggers:

  • Human and gnomish Rangers start each game with a +1 dagger as their secondary weapon.[1]
  • Human Rogues start each game with a stack of +0 daggers as their secondary weapon.[2]
  • Valkyries start each game with a +0 dagger as their secondary weapon.[3]

The dagger makes up about 3.0% of randomly generated weapons. In addition to random generation, weapon shops and general stores can stock daggers.

Various monsters are also generated with daggers:

The following information pertains to an upcoming version (NetHack 3.7.0). If this version is now released, please verify that it is still accurate, then update the page to incorporate this information.

As part of commit 20cbadc - which strengthens quest leaders and makes it so that killing them no longer makes the game unwinnable - The Master of Thieves generates with 2d4 non-cursed +2 daggers when serving as the Rogue quest leader.

Dagger skill

Dagger
Max Role
Basic
Skilled
Expert

The following weapons use the dagger skill:

The following artifact weapons use the dagger skill:

Rogues throwing dagger-type weapons gain a +1 multishot bonus, while Rangers throwing any projectile except for dagger-type weapons gain a +1 multishot bonus. Wielding a dagger-type weapon while eating a non-blessed tin will open the tin in 3 turns.

Strategy

Despite their weight and low base damage, daggers can be very useful in the early game: a ranged volley at sufficient skill can kill monsters before they even breach melee range, and can at least soften them up before they can engage you. They are typically cheap, plentiful, and more durable than arrows, crossbow bolts and darts, but cannot be poisoned by dipping into a potion of sickness. A spare, non-cursed dagger can also serve as a makeshift "pick" for forcing open boxes.

All roles except Monks and Priests can attain proficiency in dagger skill, and may wish to do so early on if the circumstances warrant it. Rogues and Wizards in particular can reach Expert and gain multishot bonuses, which gives them high damage potential from a "storm" of daggers. If using daggers as a primary choice of projectile, be sure to erodeproof them when possible, and avoid leaving any near metallivores such as rock moles and rust monsters - additionally, avoid throwing any enchanted daggers at disenchanters.

History

The dagger first appears in Hack 1.21 and Hack for PDP-11, variants of Jay Fenlason's Hack. It is included in the initial item list for Hack 1.0.

Variants

SLASH'EM

SLASH'EM features three new weapons that use the dagger skill: the dark elven dagger, the great dagger and the wooden stake. There are also new artifact weapons that use the dagger skill:

The dagger skill has also been adjusted:

Dagger
Max Role
Basic
Skilled
Expert

All new roles can reach expert in dagger except the Yeoman, who can reach Skilled.

dNetHack

dNetHack adds several weapons that use the dagger skill:

Any weapon that uses the dagger skill can be used to carve staves into wooden weapons.

Vampire characters in roles that would start with athames will instead start with daggers replacing each of them - currently, this only applies to the Wizard.

Carrying The Air Crystal grants a boost to the dagger skill. Andromalius is a spirit that grants skill in daggers when bound - his seal must contain two items from a set of several eligible objects, including a standard dagger; successfully binding him will exchange the two items for a thing, which also has a chance of being a dagger.

SpliceHack

SpliceHack adds the parazonium as a weapon that uses the dagger skill, and imports the dark elven dagger from SLASH'EM.

A dagger can be combined with an iron chain at a furnace to create a spiked chain.

notdNetHack

In notdNetHack, in addition to dNetHack details, two spirits generate with daggers when summoned by an Illithanachronounbinder:

  • Andromalius generates with a stack of 5-15 daggers.
  • Balam generates with two separate sets of large daggers.

EvilHack

EvilHack adds the dark elven dagger as a weapon that uses the dagger skill. EvilHack also adds Shadowblade, an artifact athame.

A dagger can be created at a forge by combining two arrows and a knife. Daggers can be used to create many other items:

  • A dagger can be combined with two darts to create 3-4 shuriken.
  • A dagger can be combined with two arrows to create a spear.
  • A dagger can be combined with a stiletto to create an athame.
  • A dagger can be combined with a spear to create an axe.
  • A dagger can be combined with two crossbow bolts to create a short sword.
  • A dagger can be combined with a broadsword to create a runesword.
  • A dagger can be combined with a club to create a mace.
  • A dagger can be combined with a mace to create a morning star.
  • A dagger can be combined with a dented pot to create a helmet.
  • A dagger can be combined with a helmet to create a small shield.

SlashTHEM

In addition to SLASH'EM details, SlashTHEM adds the sharpened pencil as a weapon that uses the dagger skill.

Player vampires, kobolds and doppelgangers can always reach a minimum of Basic skill in daggers.

Encyclopedia entry

Is this a dagger which I see before me,
The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee.
I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.
Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible
To feeling as to sight? or art thou but
A dagger of the mind, a false creation,
Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?
I see thee yet, in form as palpable
As this which now I draw.

[ Macbeth, by William Shakespeare ]

References

  1. ↑ src/u_init.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 114
  2. ↑ src/u_init.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 125
  3. ↑ src/u_init.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 154
  4. ↑ src/makemon.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 354
  5. ↑ src/makemon.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 385
  6. ↑ src/makemon.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 195
  7. ↑ src/makemon.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 211
  8. ↑ src/makemon.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 542
  9. ↑ src/makemon.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 279
  10. ↑ src/makemon.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 304
  11. ↑ src/makemon.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 313
  12. ↑ src/mplayer.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 155: 1⁄2 to get a random weapon - the designated range of objects covers weapons from the spear to the bullwhip inclusively in objects.c, and uses normal generation odds
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