Dagger - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: more citations and details, variant pass

2026-06-02T15:01:08Z

more citations and details, variant pass

Umbire the Phantom: start up on nh5 updates

2026-06-02T14:17:51Z

start up on nh5 updates

Umbire the Phantom: /* Generation */ formatting

2026-05-14T20:40:38Z

‎Generation: formatting

Umbire the Phantom: pothole

2026-05-05T04:45:10Z

pothole

Umbire the Phantom: pothole, etc.

2026-04-06T09:42:50Z

pothole, etc.

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ mention blade of pity

2026-03-29T00:53:00Z

‎dNetHack: mention blade of pity

Umbire the Phantom: potholes

2025-05-22T11:36:51Z

potholes

Umbire the Phantom: /* notdNetHack */ nndnh, pothole

2025-04-19T22:32:28Z

‎notdNetHack: nndnh, pothole

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ spacing, etc.

2025-04-19T22:31:24Z

‎dNetHack: spacing, etc.

Umbire the Phantom: /* Generation */ copyedit

2025-04-19T22:24:42Z

‎Generation: copyedit

@@ Line 10: / Line 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]].
+A '''dagger''' is a type of [[weapon]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is a [[one-handed]] [[stackable]] weapon that can both be used in [[melee]] and [[thrown]] as a [[projectile]], and is made of [[iron]].{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1433-L1435|nethack=5.0.0}}
 ==Generation==
@@ Line 50: / Line 50: @@
 * [[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.
+Dagger-type weapons may be automatically [[quivered]] if the [[hero]] uses the [[firing]] [[command]] without any projectiles or ammo quivered.{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|420-L423|nethack=5.0.0}}
 ==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 [[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 [[large box]]es.
+Despite their [[weight]] and low base damage, daggers can be very useful in the early game: a ranged volley at sufficient skill levels 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 and plentiful, and are 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 locked [[chest]]s and [[large box]]es.
-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 you are using daggers as a primary choice of projectile, be sure to [[erodeproof]] them when possible, and avoid leaving any of them near [[metallivore]]s such as rock moles and rust monsters if possible&mdash;additionally, avoid throwing any enchanted daggers at [[disenchanter]]s.
+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 daggers are your primary choice of projectile, then be sure to [[erodeproof]] them when possible, and avoid leaving any of them near [[metallivore]]s such as rock moles and rust monsters if possible&mdash;additionally, avoid throwing any enchanted daggers at [[disenchanter]]s.
 ==History==
@@ Line 66: / Line 70: @@
 * [[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.
+* [[Deep Freeze (SLASH'EM)|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.
+* [[Firewall (SLASH'EM)|Firewall]] is an artifact athame that is the guaranteed first sacrifice gift for [[Flame Mage]]s.
 * [[The Stake of Van Helsing (SLASH'EM)|The Stake of Van Helsing]] is an artifact wooden stake that acts as the [[Undead Slayer]] quest artifact.
@@ Line 77: / Line 81: @@
 ===dNetHack===
-[[dNetHack]] adds a few weapons that use the dagger skill: the [[droven dagger]], the [[set of crow talons]], the [[tecpatl]], the [[rakuyo-dagger]], and the [[blade of pity]].
+[[dNetHack]] adds several weapons that use the dagger skill:
-Any weapon that uses the dagger skill can be used to carve [[staves]] into [[wood]]en weapons.
+The dagger itself makes up {{frac|50}} (2%) of all weapons that are randomly generated on the floor, in general shops or as death drops. Used armor dealerships and antique weapon outlets can also stock daggers.
-[[Vampire (starting race in dNetHack)|Vampire]] heroes in roles that would start with athames will instead start with daggers replacing each of them&mdash;currently, this only applies to the Wizard.
+[[Drow (starting race)#dNetHack|Drow]] heroes in roles that would start with daggers will instead start with droven daggers. [[Vampire (starting race in dNetHack)|Vampire]] heroes in roles that would start with athames will instead start with daggers&mdash;currently, this only applies to the [[Wizard/dNetHack|Wizard]].
 [[The Air Crystal]] increases a hero's skill cap for daggers by 1 while carried.
-[[Andromalius]] is a [[Spirits (dNetHack)|spirit]] that grants skill in daggers while bound, and 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 third object, which also has a chance of being a dagger.
+[[Andromalius]] is a [[Spirits (dNetHack)|spirit]] that grants skill in daggers while bound, and his seal must contain two items from a set of several eligible objects, including a standard dagger&mdash;successfully binding him will exchange the two items for a third object, 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.
+[[SpliceHack]] adds the [[parazonium]] as a weapon that uses the dagger skill, and also 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]].
@@ Line 120: / Line 134: @@
 ===Hack'EM===
-[[Hack'EM]] adds the great dagger and stake from SLASH'EM, and the parazonium from SpliceHack.
+[[Hack'EM]] adds the great dagger and stake from SLASH'EM, as well as the parazonium from SpliceHack.
 ==Encyclopedia entry==

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 Various [[role]]s start the game with one or more daggers:
-* [[Human (starting race)|Human]] and [[Gnome (starting race)|gnomish]] [[Ranger]]s start each game with a [[Enchantment|+1]] dagger as their secondary weapon.{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|114|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+* [[Human (starting race)|Human]] and [[Gnome (starting race)|gnomish]] [[Ranger]]s start each game with a [[Enchantment|+1]] dagger as their secondary weapon.{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|125|nethack=5.0.0}} [[Elf (starting race)|Elven]] Rangers start with a +1 [[elven dagger]] in place of the standard dagger, while [[Orc (starting race)|orcish]] Rangers start with a +1 [[orcish dagger]] in place of the standard dagger.{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|226|nethack=5.0.0|name="elfdagger"|comment=elven substition for daggers}}{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|235|nethack=5.0.0|name="orcdagger"|comment=orcish substitution for daggers}}
-* Human [[Rogue]]s start each game with a stack of +0 daggers as their secondary weapons.{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|125|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+* Human [[Rogue]]s start each game with a stack of 6-15 +0 daggers as their secondary weapons.{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|125|nethack=3.6.7}}<ref name="orcdagger"/>
-* [[Valkyrie]]s start each game with a +0 dagger as their secondary weapon.{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|154|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+* [[Valkyrie]]s start each game with a +0 dagger as their secondary weapon.{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|162|nethack=5.0.0}}
 The dagger makes up {{frac|3|100}} (3%) of all weapons that are randomly generated on the floor, in general [[shop]]s or as [[death drop]]s. Used armor dealerships and antique weapon outlets can also stock daggers.
-Various monsters are [[generated with]] daggers:
+Various monsters can be [[generated with]] daggers:
-* [[Hobbit]]s have a {{frac|3}} chance of generating with a dagger.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|354|nethack=3.6.7}}
+* [[Watchmen]] and [[soldier]]s have a {{frac|2}} chance of generating with a dagger as their secondary weapon, and other [[mercenaries]] have a {{frac|4}} chance of being given a dagger as their primary weapon.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|199|nethack=5.0.0}}{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|213-L215|nethack=5.0.0}}
-* 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}}
+* [[Student]]s, [[attendant]]s, [[abbot]]s, [[Acolyte (quest guardian)|acolytes]], [[guide]]s, and [[apprentice]]s have a roughly effective {{frac|3}} chance of generating with a dagger.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|276-L283|nethack=5.0.0}}
-* [[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}}
+* [[Hunter]]s have a {{frac|3}} chance of generating with a dagger.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|308|nethack=5.0.0}}
-* 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}}
+* [[Thug]]s have a {{frac|2|3}} chance of generating with a dagger.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|317|nethack=5.0.0}}
-* [[Student]]s, [[attendant]]s, [[abbot]]s, [[Acolyte (quest guardian)|acolytes]], [[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}}
+* [[Hobbit]]s have a {{frac|3}} chance of generating with a dagger.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|363-L367|nethack=5.0.0}}
-* [[Hunter]]s also have a {{frac|3}} chance of generating with a dagger.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|304|nethack=3.6.7}}
+* [[Dwarf (monster attribute)|Dwarves]] that are not [[undead]] have an effective {{frac|2}} chance of generating with a dagger.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|397-L399|nethack=5.0.0}}
-* [[Thug]]s have a {{frac|2|3}} chance of generating with a dagger.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|313|nethack=3.6.7}}
+* One of the five default weapon sets for monsters that have [[weapon attack]]s, are not [[strong]] and do ''not'' have a default initial weapon is a stack of {{rn1|3|3}} daggers.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|555-L557|nethack=5.0.0}}
-* [[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}}
+* [[The Master of Thieves]] is generated with a stack of 2-8 non-cursed +2 daggers when acting as the [[quest leader]] for the [[Rogue quest]].{{refsrc|dat/Rog-strt.lua|109|nethack=5.0.0}}
+* [[Player monster]]s, including those generated on the [[Astral Plane]], have an effective {{frac|5|194}} chance (~2.58%) of generating with a stack of up to 8 daggers as their initial weapon before role-based replacements are applied.{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|150|nethack=5.0.0|comment={{frac|2}} to get a random weapon&mdash;the designated range of objects covers weapons from the spear to the bullwhip inclusively in <tt>objects.h</tt>, and uses normal generation odds}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|267-L271|nethack=5.0.0|comment=throwable weapons can have up to 7 more added}}
 ==Dagger skill==
@@ Line 139: / Line 138: @@
 ==References==
 <references/>
-{{nethack-367}}
+{{nethack-500}}
 [[Category:Weapons]]
 [[Category:Skills]]

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 * [[Valkyrie]]s start each game with a +0 dagger as their secondary weapon.{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|154|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
-The dagger makes up {{frac|3|100}} (3%) of all randomly-generated weapons created on the floor, as [[death drop]]s or in [[shop]]s. General stores, used armor dealerships and antique weapon outlets can stock daggers.
+The dagger makes up {{frac|3|100}} (3%) of all weapons that are randomly generated on the floor, in general [[shop]]s or as [[death drop]]s. Used armor dealerships and antique weapon outlets can also stock daggers.
 Various monsters are [[generated with]] daggers:

@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 The dagger makes up {{frac|3|100}} (3%) of all randomly-generated weapons created on the floor, as [[death drop]]s or in [[shop]]s. General stores, used armor dealerships and antique weapon outlets can stock daggers.
-Various monsters [[Monster starting inventory|are also generated with]] daggers:
+Various monsters are [[generated with]] daggers:
 * [[Hobbit]]s have a {{frac|3}} chance of generating with a dagger.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|354|nethack=3.6.7}}
@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 * [[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}}
+* [[Student]]s, [[attendant]]s, [[abbot]]s, [[Acolyte (quest guardian)|acolytes]], [[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}}

@@ Line 10: / Line 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]].
@@ Line 55: / Line 54: @@
 ==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 [[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.
+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 [[large box]]es.
-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.
+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 you are using daggers as a primary choice of projectile, be sure to [[erodeproof]] them when possible, and avoid leaving any of them near [[metallivore]]s such as rock moles and rust monsters if possible&mdash;additionally, avoid throwing any enchanted daggers at [[disenchanter]]s.
 ==History==

@@ Line 101: / Line 101: @@
 ===EvilHack===
-[[EvilHack]] adds the [[Dark elven dagger (EvilHack)|dark elven dagger]] as a weapon that uses the dagger skill, and adds [[Shadowblade]] as an artifact that uses the dagger skill. As of version 0.8.3, EvilHack also merges the [[knife]] skill into the dagger skill.
+[[EvilHack]] adds the [[Dark elven dagger (EvilHack)|dark elven dagger]] as a weapon that uses the dagger skill, and adds [[Shadowblade (EvilHack)|Shadowblade]] as an artifact that uses the dagger skill. As of version 0.8.3, EvilHack also merges the [[knife]] skill into 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:
+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:
 * A dagger can be combined with two [[dart]]s to create 3-4 [[shuriken]].

@@ Line 95: / Line 95: @@
 ===notdNetHack===
-In [[notdNetHack]], in addition to dNetHack details, two spirits generate with daggers when summoned by an [[Illithanachronounbinder]]:
+In [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], in addition to dNetHack details, two spirits generate with daggers when summoned by an [[Illithanachronounbinder]]:
-* [[Andromalius]] generates with a stack of 5-15 daggers.
+* Andromalius generates with a stack of 5-15 daggers.
 * [[Balam]] generates with two separate sets of large daggers.

@@ Line 79: / Line 79: @@
 ===dNetHack===
-[[dNetHack]] adds a few weapons that use the dagger skill: the [[droven dagger]], the [[set of crow talons]], the [[tecpatl]], and the [[rakuyo-dagger]]. Any weapon that uses the dagger skill can be used to carve [[staves]] into [[wood]]en weapons.
+[[dNetHack]] adds a few weapons that use the dagger skill: the [[droven dagger]], the [[set of crow talons]], the [[tecpatl]], and the [[rakuyo-dagger]].
-[[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.
+Any weapon that uses the dagger skill can be used to carve [[staves]] into [[wood]]en weapons.
-[[The Air Crystal]] increases a character's skill cap for daggers by 1 while carried.
+[[Vampire (starting race in dNetHack)|Vampire]] heroes in roles that would start with athames will instead start with daggers replacing each of them&mdash;currently, this only applies to the Wizard.
-[[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 third object, which also has a chance of being a dagger.
+[[The Air Crystal]] increases a hero's skill cap for daggers by 1 while carried.
 ===SpliceHack===