Cleaver - Revision history

Danpritts: /* UnNetHack */ unless cursed blah blah - changed description to match evilhack below

2026-07-17T20:27:36Z

‎UnNetHack: unless cursed blah blah - changed description to match evilhack below

Danpritts: /* UnNetHack */ cleaver doesn't hit peacefuls....unless cursed

2026-07-17T20:26:36Z

‎UnNetHack: cleaver doesn't hit peacefuls....unless cursed

Danpritts: /* UnNetHack */ cleaver doesn't hit peacefuls

2026-07-17T20:23:22Z

‎UnNetHack: cleaver doesn't hit peacefuls

Umbire the Phantom: /* Generation */ word choice

2026-06-28T03:59:00Z

‎Generation: word choice

Umbire the Phantom: /* Generation */ arti gen

2026-06-28T03:58:36Z

‎Generation: arti gen

Umbire the Phantom: /* References */ tick up version

2026-06-02T12:00:42Z

‎References: tick up version

Umbire the Phantom: and that should do it

2026-06-02T12:00:30Z

and that should do it

Umbire the Phantom: start nh5 updates

2026-06-02T11:51:22Z

start nh5 updates

Umbire the Phantom: Undo revision 196603 by MrSurvivor1997 (talk) groups are for monsters that generate in bunches, one v. many combat covers more than just that

2025-12-25T22:43:26Z

Undo revision 196603 by MrSurvivor1997 (talk) groups are for monsters that *generate* in bunches, one v. many combat covers more than just that

MrSurvivor1997: /* Strategy */ That obviously refers to groups of monsters.

2025-12-25T17:29:32Z

‎Strategy: That obviously refers to groups of monsters.

@@ Line 66: / Line 66: @@
 ===UnNetHack===
-In [[UnNetHack]], Cleaver will not automatically hit peaceful monsters unless cursed.
+In [[UnNetHack]], Cleaver will not hit peaceful monsters in its arc unless it is cursed.
 The [[Executioner]] is [[Monster starting inventory|always generated with]] Cleaver if it has not yet been generated in that game.

@@ Line 66: / Line 66: @@
 ===UnNetHack===
-In [[UnNetHack]], Cleaver will not automatically hit peaceful monsters.
+In [[UnNetHack]], Cleaver will not automatically hit peaceful monsters unless cursed.
 The [[Executioner]] is [[Monster starting inventory|always generated with]] Cleaver if it has not yet been generated in that game.

@@ Line 66: / Line 66: @@
 ===UnNetHack===
-In [[UnNetHack]], Cleaver behaves as it does in ''NetHack''.
+In [[UnNetHack]], Cleaver will not automatically hit peaceful monsters.
 The [[Executioner]] is [[Monster starting inventory|always generated with]] Cleaver if it has not yet been generated in that game.

@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 ==Generation==
-A battle-axe randomly generated on the ground or as a [[death drop]] has a base {{frac|20}} chance of being made into an artifact, which will always be Cleaver if it has not yet been generated.{{refsrc|src/mkobj.c|889-L893|nethack=5.0.0|comment=artifact generation}} Cleaver is the first guaranteed [[sacrifice gift]] for [[Barbarian]]s, and neutral [[hero]]es may receive it as a sacrifice gift for a sacrifice of at least 8 value.
+A battle-axe randomly generated on the ground or as a [[death drop]] has a base {{frac|20}} chance of being made into Cleaver if it has not yet been generated.{{refsrc|src/mkobj.c|889-L893|nethack=5.0.0|comment=artifact generation}} Cleaver is the first guaranteed [[sacrifice gift]] for [[Barbarian]]s, and neutral [[hero]]es may receive it as a sacrifice gift for a sacrifice of at least 8 value.
 [[Player monster]]s on the [[Astral Plane]] that generate with a battle-axe have a {{frac|2}} chance of that battle-axe being turned into a compatible artifact, which will always be Cleaver if it has not yet been generated.{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|165-L167|nethack=5.0.0|comment=Barbarian replacements for player monster melee weapons}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|264-L266|nethack=5.0.0|comment=Artifact generation for Astral Plane player monsters}}

@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 ==Generation==
-A battle-axe randomly generated on the ground or as a [[death drop]] has a base {{frac|20}} chance of being made into an artifact, which will always be Cleaver if it has not yet been generated. Cleaver is the first guaranteed [[sacrifice gift]] for [[Barbarian]]s, and neutral [[hero]]es may receive it as a sacrifice gift for a sacrifice of at least 8 value.
+A battle-axe randomly generated on the ground or as a [[death drop]] has a base {{frac|20}} chance of being made into an artifact, which will always be Cleaver if it has not yet been generated.{{refsrc|src/mkobj.c|889-L893|nethack=5.0.0|comment=artifact generation}} Cleaver is the first guaranteed [[sacrifice gift]] for [[Barbarian]]s, and neutral [[hero]]es may receive it as a sacrifice gift for a sacrifice of at least 8 value.
 [[Player monster]]s on the [[Astral Plane]] that generate with a battle-axe have a {{frac|2}} chance of that battle-axe being turned into a compatible artifact, which will always be Cleaver if it has not yet been generated.{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|165-L167|nethack=5.0.0|comment=Barbarian replacements for player monster melee weapons}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|264-L266|nethack=5.0.0|comment=Artifact generation for Astral Plane player monsters}}

@@ Line 95: / Line 95: @@
 ==References==
 <references/>
-{{nethack-367}}
+{{nethack-500}}
 [[Category:Artifact weapons]]

@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 ==Description==
-Cleaver has [[D notation|+1d3]] [[to-hit]] and +d6 damage bonuses against all monsters, and can hit multiple monsters in an arc with one swing while wielded: each attack will first strike the monster 45 degrees to one side of the target, then the targeted monster, and then the monster 45 degrees to the other side, and the direction of attack alternates with each swing.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|522|nethack=3.6.7|comment=<tt>hitum_cleave</tt>}}{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|591|nethack=3.6.7|comment=set direction between swings}} The arc only occurs if the attack directly hits a monster (e.g. it will not occur when using the [[fight]] command at empty air), and '''does not''' discriminate between hostile monsters and [[pet]]s or [[peaceful]] monsters.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|567|nethack=3.6.7|comment=target's location for cleave}} If the hero attacks with Cleaver while [[held]] or [[engulfed]], they can only hit the monster that is holding or engulfing them.
+Cleaver has [[D notation|+1d3]] [[to-hit]] and +d6 damage bonuses against all monsters, and can hit multiple monsters in an arc with one swing while wielded:{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|648-L731|nethack=5.0.0|comment=<tt>hitum_cleave()</tt> function}} each attack will first strike the monster 45 degrees to one side of the target, then the targeted monster, and then the monster 45 degrees to the other side, and the direction of attack alternates with each swing.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|660|nethack=5.0.0|comment=initial boolean for direction between swings}}{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|673-L679|nethack=5.0.0|comment="adjust direction by two so that loop's increment (for clockwise) or decrement (for counter-clockwise) will point at the spot next to primary target}}{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|722-L726|nethack=5.0.0|comment=set up for next time}} The arc only occurs if the attack directly hits a monster (e.g. it will not occur when using the [[force-fight]] [[command]] at empty air), and '''does not''' discriminate between hostile monsters and [[pet]]s or [[peaceful]] monsters{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|696|nethack=5.0.0|comment=target's location for cleave}}&mdash;the arc will be interrupted if the strike triggers a [[passive attack]] that either [[paralyze]]s the hero or kills them and causes [[life saving]] to occur.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|717-L720|nethack=5.0.0}} If the hero attacks with Cleaver while [[held]] or [[engulfed]], they can only hit the monster that is holding or engulfing them.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|766-L771|nethack=5.0.0}}
-Like other [[axe]]s, [[applying]] Cleaver in a given direction can chop down [[trees]] and destroy [[door]]s, and applying it at a monster will attack with the same conditions above. Cleaver's arc prevents it from being used to perform [[shattering blow]]s or [[sneak attack]]s.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|771|nethack=3.6.7}}
+Like other [[axe]]s, [[applying]] Cleaver in a given direction can chop down [[trees]] and destroy [[door]]s, and applying it at a monster will attack with the same conditions above. Cleaver's arcing swing prevents it from being used to perform [[shattering blow]]s or [[sneak attack]]s.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|955-L959|nethack=5.0.0}}
 ==Strategy==
@@ Line 33: / Line 33: @@
 ===Average damage calculation===
-The average damage calculations in the following table do not include bonuses from [[Skill|weapon skills]], [[strength]], or from using a [[blessed]] weapon against [[undead]] or [[M2_DEMON|demons]].
+The average damage calculations in the following table do not include bonuses from [[Skill|weapon skills]], [[strength]], or from using a [[blessed]] weapon against [[undead]] or [[major demon]]s.
 {|class="wikitable"
 !Weapon

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
    |material=iron
 }}
+'''Cleaver''' is an [[artifact]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. Its default alignment is [[neutral]], and its [[base item]] type is a [[battle-axe]].
 ==Generation==
-A battle-axe randomly generated on the ground or as a [[death drop]] has a base {{frac|20}} chance of being made into an artifact, which will always be Cleaver if it has not yet been generated. Cleaver is the first guaranteed [[sacrifice gift]] for [[Barbarian]]s, and neutral [[hero]]es may receive it as a sacrifice gift.
+A battle-axe randomly generated on the ground or as a [[death drop]] has a base {{frac|20}} chance of being made into an artifact, which will always be Cleaver if it has not yet been generated. Cleaver is the first guaranteed [[sacrifice gift]] for [[Barbarian]]s, and neutral [[hero]]es may receive it as a sacrifice gift for a sacrifice of at least 8 value.
-Cleaver requires a sacrifice of at least 8 value, and will not have anything added to its enchantment when randomly generated or given as a sacrifice gift. Barbarians will always be given Cleaver as their first gift regardless of sacrifice value.}}
+[[Player monster]]s on the [[Astral Plane]] that generate with a battle-axe have a {{frac|2}} chance of that battle-axe being turned into a compatible artifact, which will always be Cleaver if it has not yet been generated.{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|165-L167|nethack=5.0.0|comment=Barbarian replacements for player monster melee weapons}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|264-L266|nethack=5.0.0|comment=Artifact generation for Astral Plane player monsters}}
 ==Description==
-Cleaver has [[D notation|+1d3]] [[to-hit]] and +d6 damage bonuses against all monsters, and can hit multiple monsters in an arc with one swing while wielded: each attack will first strike the monster 45 degrees to one side of the target, then the targeted monster, and then the monster 45 degrees to the other side, and the direction of attack alternates with each swing.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|522|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=<tt>hitum_cleave</tt>}}{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|591|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=set direction between swings}} The arc only occurs if the attack directly hits a monster (e.g. it will not occur when using the [[fight]] command at empty air), and '''does not''' discriminate between hostile monsters and [[pet]]s or [[peaceful]] monsters.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|567|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=target's location for cleave}} If the hero attacks with Cleaver while [[held]] or [[engulfed]], they can only hit the monster that is holding or engulfing them.
+Cleaver has [[D notation|+1d3]] [[to-hit]] and +d6 damage bonuses against all monsters, and can hit multiple monsters in an arc with one swing while wielded: each attack will first strike the monster 45 degrees to one side of the target, then the targeted monster, and then the monster 45 degrees to the other side, and the direction of attack alternates with each swing.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|522|nethack=3.6.7|comment=<tt>hitum_cleave</tt>}}{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|591|nethack=3.6.7|comment=set direction between swings}} The arc only occurs if the attack directly hits a monster (e.g. it will not occur when using the [[fight]] command at empty air), and '''does not''' discriminate between hostile monsters and [[pet]]s or [[peaceful]] monsters.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|567|nethack=3.6.7|comment=target's location for cleave}} If the hero attacks with Cleaver while [[held]] or [[engulfed]], they can only hit the monster that is holding or engulfing them.
-Like other [[axe]]s, [[applying]] Cleaver in a given direction can chop down [[trees]] and destroy [[door]]s, and applying it at a monster will attack with the same conditions above. Cleaver's arc prevents it from being used to perform [[shattering blow]]s or [[sneak attack]]s.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|771|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+Like other [[axe]]s, [[applying]] Cleaver in a given direction can chop down [[trees]] and destroy [[door]]s, and applying it at a monster will attack with the same conditions above. Cleaver's arc prevents it from being used to perform [[shattering blow]]s or [[sneak attack]]s.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|771|nethack=3.6.7}}
 ==Strategy==
@@ Line 57: / Line 52: @@
 Cleaver's striking arc is introduced in [[NetHack 3.6.1]], and is partially adapted from [[FIQHack]].
 ==Variants==
@@ Line 89: / Line 86: @@
 ==Encyclopedia entry==
 {{encyclopedia|
-	Hither came Conan, the Cimmerian, black-haired, sullen-eyed,
+Hither came Conan, the Cimmerian, black-haired, sullen-eyed,
-	sword in hand, a thief, a reaver, a slayer, with gigantic
+sword in hand, a thief, a reaver, a slayer, with gigantic
-	melancholies and gigantic mirth, to tread the jeweled
+melancholies and gigantic mirth, to tread the jeweled
-	thrones of the Earth under his sandalled feet.
+thrones of the Earth under his sandalled feet.
 |[ The Phoenix on the Sword, by Robert E. Howard ]
 }}

@@ Line 31: / Line 31: @@
 ==Strategy==
-Cleaver's arc attack potentially makes it one of the most damaging weapons in the game by pure damage-per-turn calculation, and it is most effective in [[Group|"one vs. many"]] scenarios, which are also the most dangerous situations for a hero to find themselves in: the arced strikes can open gaps to flee through or reposition yourself in. For the same reason, this weapon is also extremely dangerous to wield in peaceful-populated areas such as the [[Quest]], [[Minetown]], [[shop]]s, and [[temple]]s&mdash;it is particularly advisable to use a different weapon while [[altar farming]] in a [[temple]] with an [[aligned priest]] of your alignment present. In general, combat with Cleaver proves far easier if you can lure your foes away from peaceful targets.
+Cleaver's arc attack potentially makes it one of the most damaging weapons in the game by pure damage-per-turn calculation, and it is most effective in "one vs. many" scenarios, which are also the most dangerous situations for a hero to find themselves in: the arced strikes can open gaps to flee through or reposition yourself in. For the same reason, this weapon is also extremely dangerous to wield in peaceful-populated areas such as the [[Quest]], [[Minetown]], [[shop]]s, and [[temple]]s&mdash;it is particularly advisable to use a different weapon while [[altar farming]] in a [[temple]] with an [[aligned priest]] of your alignment present. In general, combat with Cleaver proves far easier if you can lure your foes away from peaceful targets.
 Because your pets are just as much endangered by Cleaver's attack as hostile monsters, it may be prohibitively difficult to keep them around if you plan to use it as you main weapon. A [[magic whistle]] can help orient them "properly" before you attack (though it may take several attempts), and blocking them off using doors or cursed items can work if you are aware of the potential for combat beforehand. Slower pets such as [[dragon]]s and [[balrog]]s are easier to work with, as you can move a few steps away before attacking.