Frost horn - Revision history

JASON10668: Add languages template.

2026-03-23T06:15:00Z

Add languages template.

Umbire the Phantom: /* Description */ usage fee, reorg

2025-11-30T23:19:23Z

‎Description: usage fee, reorg

Umbire the Phantom: /* Description */ ditto

2025-11-30T23:14:58Z

‎Description: ditto

Umbire the Phantom: /* Description */ strangling

2025-11-30T23:12:59Z

‎Description: strangling

Umbire the Phantom: /* SlashTHEM */ copyedit

2025-11-06T18:06:10Z

‎SlashTHEM: copyedit

Umbire the Phantom: /* Variants */ advent, hack'em, amon

2025-11-05T23:09:21Z

‎Variants: advent, hack'em, amon

Umbire the Phantom: ...and then more again

2025-11-05T10:47:58Z

...and then more again

Umbire the Phantom: /* Description */ detailing more...

2025-11-05T10:17:43Z

‎Description: detailing more...

Umbire the Phantom: /* Generation */ detail properly

2025-11-05T08:51:06Z

‎Generation: detail properly

Umbire the Phantom: /* Variants */ ditto

2025-11-03T14:32:43Z

‎Variants: ditto

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:15, 23 March 2026
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		+	{{languages}}
	{{tool		{{tool
	\|name=frost horn		\|name=frost horn

@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 * Choosing not to improvise will allow the hero to play specific notes from the horn without using up any charges, with the sound awakening nearby sleeping monsters.{{refsrc|src/music.c|707|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|714|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|769|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
-A hero cannot apply a frost horn if they are subjected to [[strangulation]], if they are in the form of a [[sea monster]], or if they are in the form of any monster that is [[tiny]] in size, [[unbreathing]], cannot speak, lacks a [[head]], or can only buzz.{{refsrc|src/music.c|693|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|336|nethack=3.6.7|comment=<tt>MS_BUZZ</tt> covers [[killer bee]]s, [[queen bee]]s, [[grid bug]]s, and [[xan]]s}} They will also be prevented from applying a frost horn while underwater.{{refsrc|src/music.c|690|nethack=3.6.7}}
+The [[usage fee]] for applying a charged frost horn in a shop is one quarter of the full price.{{refsrc|src/shk.c|4541|nethack=3.6.7|comment=usage fee for all charged magical instruments is ¼ of the full price}}
 [[Charging]] from an uncursed source adds 1d4 charges to a frost horn, while blessed charging adds 2d4 charges and cursed charging will instead strip away all charges{{refsrc|src/read.c|687|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/read.c|690|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/read.c|692|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/read.c|697|nethack=3.6.7}}&mdash;frost horns can be recharged indefinitely, though the counter will not update after charging it more than 7 times.{{refsrc|src/read.c|573|nethack=3.6.7|comment=tools don't have a limit, but the counter used does}}
-[[Beatitude]] has no effect on the outcome of playing a frost horn. Monsters can use this item with the same conditions, and hostile ones will apply it offensively in the hero's direction.
+Monsters can use this item with the same conditions, and hostile ones will apply it offensively in the hero's direction.
 ==Strategy==

@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 * Choosing not to improvise will allow the hero to play specific notes from the horn without using up any charges, with the sound awakening nearby sleeping monsters.{{refsrc|src/music.c|707|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|714|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|769|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
-A hero cannot apply a magic whistle if they are subjected to [[strangulation]], if they are in the form of a [[sea monster]], or if they are in the form of any monster that is [[tiny]] in size, [[unbreathing]], cannot speak, lacks a [[head]], or can only buzz.{{refsrc|src/music.c|693|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|336|nethack=3.6.7|comment=<tt>MS_BUZZ</tt> covers [[killer bee]]s, [[queen bee]]s, [[grid bug]]s, and [[xan]]s}} They will also be prevented from applying a frost horn while underwater.{{refsrc|src/music.c|690|nethack=3.6.7}}
+A hero cannot apply a frost horn if they are subjected to [[strangulation]], if they are in the form of a [[sea monster]], or if they are in the form of any monster that is [[tiny]] in size, [[unbreathing]], cannot speak, lacks a [[head]], or can only buzz.{{refsrc|src/music.c|693|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|336|nethack=3.6.7|comment=<tt>MS_BUZZ</tt> covers [[killer bee]]s, [[queen bee]]s, [[grid bug]]s, and [[xan]]s}} They will also be prevented from applying a frost horn while underwater.{{refsrc|src/music.c|690|nethack=3.6.7}}
 [[Charging]] from an uncursed source adds 1d4 charges to a frost horn, while blessed charging adds 2d4 charges and cursed charging will instead strip away all charges{{refsrc|src/read.c|687|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/read.c|690|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/read.c|692|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/read.c|697|nethack=3.6.7}}&mdash;frost horns can be recharged indefinitely, though the counter will not update after charging it more than 7 times.{{refsrc|src/read.c|573|nethack=3.6.7|comment=tools don't have a limit, but the counter used does}}

@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 * Choosing not to improvise will allow the hero to play specific notes from the horn without using up any charges, with the sound awakening nearby sleeping monsters.{{refsrc|src/music.c|707|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|714|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|769|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
-A hero cannot apply a frost horn if they are in the form of a [[sea monster]], or if they are in the form of any monster that is [[tiny]] in size, [[unbreathing]], cannot speak, lacks a [[head]], or can only buzz.{{refsrc|src/music.c|693|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|336|nethack=3.6.7|comment=<tt>MS_BUZZ</tt> covers [[killer bee]]s, [[queen bee]]s, [[grid bug]]s, and [[xan]]s}} They will also be prevented from applying a frost horn while underwater.{{refsrc|src/music.c|690|nethack=3.6.7}}
+A hero cannot apply a magic whistle if they are subjected to [[strangulation]], if they are in the form of a [[sea monster]], or if they are in the form of any monster that is [[tiny]] in size, [[unbreathing]], cannot speak, lacks a [[head]], or can only buzz.{{refsrc|src/music.c|693|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|336|nethack=3.6.7|comment=<tt>MS_BUZZ</tt> covers [[killer bee]]s, [[queen bee]]s, [[grid bug]]s, and [[xan]]s}} They will also be prevented from applying a frost horn while underwater.{{refsrc|src/music.c|690|nethack=3.6.7}}
 [[Charging]] from an uncursed source adds 1d4 charges to a frost horn, while blessed charging adds 2d4 charges and cursed charging will instead strip away all charges{{refsrc|src/read.c|687|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/read.c|690|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/read.c|692|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/read.c|697|nethack=3.6.7}}&mdash;frost horns can be recharged indefinitely, though the counter will not update after charging it more than 7 times.{{refsrc|src/read.c|573|nethack=3.6.7|comment=tools don't have a limit, but the counter used does}}

@@ Line 75: / Line 75: @@
 ===SlashTHEM===
-In [[SlashTHEM]], [[Musician]]s start each game with a frost horn.
+In [[SlashTHEM]], upgrading functions as it does in SLASH'EM, as does dipping a frost horn into a potion of amnesia.
-Upgrading functions as it does in SLASH'EM, as does dipping a frost horn into a potion of amnesia.
+As in dNetHack and its derivatives, Bards start the game with knowledge of the frost horn's appearance, and frost horns can similarly be used as substitutes for tooled horns when playing songs via the musicalize spell skill.
 Rare instruments shops have a {{frac|3|100}} chance of generating a frost horn on each square, as in UnNetHack.
 ===Hack'EM===

@@ Line 54: / Line 54: @@
 ===UnNetHack===
-In [[UnNetHack]], rare instruments shops have a {{frac|3|100}} chance of generating a frost horn on each square.
+In [[UnNetHack]], rare instruments shops have a {{frac|3|100}} chance of generating a frost horn on each square. UnNetHack also incorporates the [[advent calendar]] patch, and a frost horn may appear as the Christmas present for day 24.
 ===dNetHack===
@@ Line 72: / Line 72: @@
 ===notdNetHack===
-In [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], in addition to dNetHack details, [[Amon]] will always drop a frost horn with a high chance of a non-standard [[Object materials (dNetHack)|object material]] upon death when summoned by an [[Illithanachronounbinder]].
+In [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], in addition to dNetHack details, [[Amon]] will always drop a frost horn upon death&mdash;this frost horn has a high chance of an [[Object materials (dNetHack)|object material]] other than the standard bone.
 ===SlashTHEM===
@@ Line 86: / Line 86: @@
 In [[Hack'EM]], [[Ice Mage/Hack'EM|Ice Mages]] start each game with a blessed frost horn.
-Upgrading a frost horn successfully will produce a fire horn and vice versa.
+Rare instruments shops have a {{frac|3|100}} chance of generating a frost horn on each square, as in UnNetHack and SlashTHEM.
 ==References==

@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 Frost horns are rare and make up {{frac|500}} (0.2%) of all tools randomly generated on the ground, in general [[shop]]s or as [[death drop]]s. Hardware stores can also stock frost horns.
-Frost horns are generated with {{rn1|5|4}} charges, and can hold a maximum of 20 charges.{{refsrc|src/mkobj.c|960|nethack=3.6.7}} They are normally generated uncursed, with the exception of some found in [[bones]] levels and on [[trap]] "bones".
+Frost horns are generated with {{rn1|5|4}} charges, and can hold a maximum of 20 charges.{{refsrc|src/mkobj.c|960|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/read.c|694|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/read.c|699|nethack=3.6.7}} They are normally generated uncursed, with the exception of some found in [[bones]] levels and on [[trap]] "bones".
 ==Description==
@@ Line 28: / Line 28: @@
 A hero cannot apply a frost horn if they are in the form of a [[sea monster]], or if they are in the form of any monster that is [[tiny]] in size, [[unbreathing]], cannot speak, lacks a [[head]], or can only buzz.{{refsrc|src/music.c|693|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|336|nethack=3.6.7|comment=<tt>MS_BUZZ</tt> covers [[killer bee]]s, [[queen bee]]s, [[grid bug]]s, and [[xan]]s}} They will also be prevented from applying a frost horn while underwater.{{refsrc|src/music.c|690|nethack=3.6.7}}
 [[Beatitude]] has no effect on the outcome of playing a frost horn. Monsters can use this item with the same conditions, and hostile ones will apply it offensively in the hero's direction.
@@ Line 35: / Line 37: @@
 A hero that obtains a frost horn can utilize it as an offensive and defensive measure: it can be played to blast monsters at at a distance for a higher range of damage than a [[wand of cold]] (including monster [[vulnerability]] to cold), and once it runs out of charges the horn can scare monsters that cannot be as easily deterred by other means, e.g. [[engraving]] [[Elbereth]]. However, applying the horn for cold blasts can prove difficult in corridors that are tight or else poorly [[lit]] without risking a [[YASD|potentially deadly rebound]]. Additionally, note that the extra damage dealt to cold-vulnerable monsters is higher than that of the fire horn, likely to account for the lower extra damage done by freezing potions.
 When testing for a possible frost horn, players should do so in an open space and be aware of potential rebound paths and whether or not any peaceful monsters are in close enough proximity to be hit by the rays. Additionally, the frost horn can be used as a tonal instrument for playing the [[passtune]] on the [[Castle]] level.

@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 A [[hero]] [[applying]] a frost horn will be prompted if they want to improvise, as with a standard [[tonal instrument]], and the item's effects depend on the answer chosen by the player:{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3726|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|700|nethack=3.6.7}}
-* Choosing to improvise on a frost horn with charges will prompt for a cardinal direction, and the horn will emit a [[ray]] of [[cold]] in that direction, using up a charge and [[auto-identify]]ing the item type.{{refsrc|src/music.c|585|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|598|nethack=3.6.7}} The ray will always bounce off walls and can freeze [[moat]]s and pools into [[ice]], reinforce existing ice, destroy [[door]]s, and cool [[lava]] into solid rock [[floor]], with any objects that are submerged in water or lava buried within the resulting ice.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4481|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4498|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4501|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4507|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4544|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4550|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4634|nethack=3.6.7}} Rays of cold from the horn are completely stopped by the water within the [[Plane of Water]] and will have no effect on it.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4486|nethack=3.6.7}} A hero or monster that has [[reflection]] will cause the ray to rebound without being harmed.
+* Choosing to improvise on a frost horn with charges will prompt for a cardinal direction, and the horn will emit a [[ray]] of [[cold]] in that direction, using up a charge and [[auto-identify]]ing the item type.{{refsrc|src/music.c|585|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|598|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|840|version=NetHack 3.6.7|name="else"|comment=<tt>else</tt> only occurs if improvising}} The ray will always bounce off walls and can freeze [[moat]]s and pools into [[ice]], reinforce existing ice, destroy [[door]]s, and cool [[lava]] into solid rock [[floor]], with any objects that are submerged in water or lava buried within the resulting ice.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4481|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4498|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4501|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4507|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4544|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4550|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4634|nethack=3.6.7}} Rays of cold from the horn are completely stopped by the water within the [[Plane of Water]] and will have no effect on it.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4486|nethack=3.6.7}} A hero or monster that has [[reflection]] will cause the ray to rebound without being harmed.
 ** A hero or monster that is hit by the ray takes cold damage equal to a number of six-sided dice ranging from {{rn1|6|6}} (i.e. Xd6) unless they have [[cold resistance]]{{refsrc|src/music.c|600|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3643|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3800|nethack=3.6.7}}&mdash;monsters that have [[fire resistance]] but not cold resistance take an additional +Xd3 damage from the ray.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3649|nethack=3.6.7}} The ray has a {{frac|3}} chance of freezing and shattering non-[[oil]] potions in the victim's inventory.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3653|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3808|nethack=3.6.7}} [[Flesh golem]]s hit by the ray (''not'' counting a [[polymorph]]ed hero) will [[slow]] down.
 ** A hero that applies the horn at themselves will take 12d6 damage unless they have cold resistance, and the cold can shatter non-oil potions as above.{{refsrc|src/music.c|591|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2336|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2338|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2342|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2346|nethack=3.6.7}}
-* Choosing to improvise on a frost horn with no charges will treat the horn as an applied [[tooled horn]], which can wake up nearby [[sleeping]] monsters and [[scare]] any that fail a roll against their [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]].{{refsrc|src/music.c|840|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=<tt>else</tt> only occurs if improvising}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|604|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|609|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=calls <tt>awaken_monsters()</tt>}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|61|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=<tt>awaken_monsters()</tt> function}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|70|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|78|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+* Choosing to improvise on a frost horn with no charges will treat it as an applied [[tooled horn]], which can wake up nearby [[sleeping]] monsters and [[scare]] any that fail a roll against their [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]].<ref name="else"/>{{refsrc|src/music.c|604|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|609|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=calls <tt>awaken_monsters()</tt>}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|61|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=<tt>awaken_monsters()</tt> function}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|70|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|78|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
 * Choosing not to improvise will allow the hero to play specific notes from the horn without using up any charges, with the sound awakening nearby sleeping monsters.{{refsrc|src/music.c|707|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|714|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/music.c|769|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
-A hero cannot apply a frost horn if they are in the form of a [[sea monster]], or if they are in the form of any monster that is [[tiny]] in size, [[unbreathing]], cannot speak, lacks a [[head]], or can only buzz.{{refsrc|src/music.c|693|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|336|nethack=3.6.7|comment=<tt>MS_BUZZ</tt> covers [[killer bee]]s, [[queen bee]]s, [[grid bug]]s, and [[xan]]s}} They will also be prevented from applying a frost horn while underwater.{{refsrc|src/music.c|690|nethack=3.6.7}} Monsters can use this item with the same conditions, and hostile ones will apply it offensively in the hero's direction.
+A hero cannot apply a frost horn if they are in the form of a [[sea monster]], or if they are in the form of any monster that is [[tiny]] in size, [[unbreathing]], cannot speak, lacks a [[head]], or can only buzz.{{refsrc|src/music.c|693|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|336|nethack=3.6.7|comment=<tt>MS_BUZZ</tt> covers [[killer bee]]s, [[queen bee]]s, [[grid bug]]s, and [[xan]]s}} They will also be prevented from applying a frost horn while underwater.{{refsrc|src/music.c|690|nethack=3.6.7}}
 ==Strategy==

@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 ==Generation==
-Frost horns are rare and make up {{frac|500}} of all tools randomly generated on the ground, in general [[shop]]s or as [[death drop]]s. Hardware stores can also stock frost horns.
+Frost horns are rare and make up {{frac|500}} (0.2%) of all tools randomly generated on the ground, in general [[shop]]s or as [[death drop]]s. Hardware stores can also stock frost horns.
-Frost horns are generated with {{rn1|5|4}} charges, and can hold a maximum of 20 charges.{{refsrc|src/mkobj.c|960|nethack=3.6.7}} They are normally generated uncursed with the exception of [[bones]] levels and [[trap]] "bones".
+Frost horns are generated with {{rn1|5|4}} charges, and can hold a maximum of 20 charges.{{refsrc|src/mkobj.c|960|nethack=3.6.7}} They are normally generated uncursed, with the exception of some found in [[bones]] levels and on [[trap]] "bones".
 ==Description==

@@ Line 46: / Line 46: @@
 ===SLASH'EM===
 In [[SLASH'EM]], [[upgrading]] a tooled horn successfully has a {{frac|3}} chance of producing a frost horn, and upgrading a frost horn successfully will produce a tooled horn. [[Dipping]] a frost horn in a [[potion of amnesia]] will use up the potion and "downgrade" the item to a tooled horn.
 ===dNetHack===
-In [[dNetHack]], [[The Singing Sword]] can learn a 'chilling song' if the hero applies a charged frost horn with the [[artifact]] in their possession, and the chilling song causes the artifact to deal double damage against monsters that lack cold resistance and are not [[deaf]] or [[mindless]].
+In [[dNetHack]], [[Troubadour]]s start the game with knowledge of the frost horn's appearance.
 ===FIQHack===
@@ Line 60: / Line 69: @@
 ===SlashTHEM===
-In [[SlashTHEM]], in addition to SLASH'EM details, [[Musician]]s start each game with a frost horn.
+In [[SlashTHEM]], [[Musician]]s start each game with a frost horn.
 ===Hack'EM===