Grappling hook - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: /* Generation */ copyedit + upcoming

2026-01-15T22:18:15Z

‎Generation: copyedit + upcoming

Tomsod: /* History */ slash'em origins

2025-06-23T22:50:17Z

‎History: slash'em origins

Umbire the Phantom: and the rest

2025-04-01T07:49:44Z

and the rest

Umbire the Phantom: s'more tailoring and citations

2025-04-01T07:02:00Z

s'more tailoring and citations

Umbire the Phantom: copyedit and citation updating, start on variants (hence lack of potholes), update version

2025-04-01T06:59:11Z

copyedit and citation updating, start on variants (hence lack of potholes), update version

Umbire the Phantom: /* Description */ footrice corpses

2025-04-01T05:35:58Z

‎Description: footrice corpses

Umbire the Phantom: once over the strategy then hop off to shower

2025-04-01T05:10:14Z

once over the strategy then hop off to shower

Umbire the Phantom: start on prettying this up

2025-04-01T04:57:21Z

start on prettying this up

Tomsod: /* Strategy */ 3.7 bullwhip nerf

2025-01-08T07:51:01Z

‎Strategy: 3.7 bullwhip nerf

Umbire the Phantom: cat here

2024-09-24T14:23:54Z

cat here

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 ==Generation==
-Grappling hooks make up {{frac|200}} (0.5%) of all randomly-generated tools. General [[store]]s and hardware stores can stock grappling hooks.
+Grappling hooks make up {{frac|200}} (0.5%) of all tools that are randomly generated on the ground, in [[shop]]s or as [[death drop]]s. Hardware stores can also stock grappling hooks.
 ==Description==

@@ Line 69: / Line 69: @@
 ==History==
-The grappling hook first appears in [[NetHack 3.3.0]].
+The grappling hook first appears in [[NetHack 3.3.0]].  It was inspired by [[SLASH'EM]]'s [[fishing pole]]. <!-- see this dev comment: https://github.com/NetHack/NetHack/issues/1395#issuecomment-2727592127 -->
 ==Variants==

@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 A '''grappling hook''' is a type of [[tool]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is a one-handed [[weapon-tool]] that uses the [[flail]] [[skill]], and appears as an '''iron hook''' when [[identification|unidentified]].
-{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|The grappling hook is always referred to as such, and no longer uses its unidentified appearance, though this will not be the case with variants based on previous versions.}}
+{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Per {{commit|f04457630936cc18b3f137f9a40abfd6b71c4b46}}, the grappling hook no longer uses an unidentified appearance, though this will not be the case with variants based on previous versions.}}
 ==Generation==
@@ Line 60: / Line 60: @@
 While the grappling hook's abilities are unique, they are unfortunately not terribly useful in most situations, as the hero is almost required to train to Skilled in flails to avoid hooking themselves, and this is only feasible at all for four roles total&mdash;[[Cavepeople]], [[Priest]]s, [[Ranger]]s, and [[Samurai]]. Furthermore, there are few situations where a grappling hook becomes applicable, much less the most sensible option available:
-* One might wish to bring a monster with a dangerous ranged ability into melee range, but very few such monsters are tiny, and even then the ability is very unreliable.
+* A hero could theoretically bring a monster with a dangerous ranged ability into melee range, but on top of being unreliable very few such monsters are tiny in size.
 * The ability to grab an item from under a monster has some niche uses (e.g. grabbing a [[cockatrice]] [[corpse]] before a [[soldier]] can wield it), but only Priests can reliably pull it off, and such situations are quite uncommon.
 * The ability to drag oneself is no better than simply moving to the adjacent square, as it can only move you a single square at a time.
@@ Line 67: / Line 67: @@
 {{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Bullwhips can no longer pick up items from under water or lava, so the grappling hook becomes more competitive for this purpose.}}
 ==Variants==
 ===EvilHack===
-In [[EvilHack]], Convicts will always know the grappling hook's appearance.
+In [[EvilHack]], [[Convict]]s will always know the grappling hook's appearance.
 A [[spear]] can be combined with a grappling hook at a [[Forge (dungeon feature)|forge]] to create a [[guisarme]].
 ===Hack'EM===
-In [[Hack'EM]], Convicts and Pirates will always know the grappling hook's appearance, and Pirates have a {{frac|2}} chance of starting each game with a grappling hook as their tool item. Forging recipes are the same as in EvilHack.
+In [[Hack'EM]], Convicts and [[Pirate]]s will always know the grappling hook's appearance, and Pirates have a {{frac|2}} chance of starting each game with a grappling hook as their tool item. Forging recipes are the same as in EvilHack.
 ==Encyclopedia entry==

@@ Line 50: / Line 50: @@
 Using a grappling hook and snagging a ''wielded'' [[footrice]] [[corpse]] will subject the hero to instant [[stoning]] if they do not have [[gloves]], but using one to pick a corpse up off the ground is fine.{{refsrc|src/pickup.c|256|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=apply.c does not call the usual check when using the whip to pick up the corpse off the ground, but does call it when a weaponized corpse is snatched.}}{{refsrc|src/apply.c|2714|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/apply.c|2849|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
 ===Dragging===
-A hero dragging themselves towards a specified square will be pulled one square over unless they are caught in a [[trap]], in which case they instead remain trapped and may take further damage from the trap.{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3231|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|820|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+A hero dragging themselves towards a specified square will be pulled one square over unless they are caught in a [[trap]], in which case they instead remain trapped and may take further damage from the trap.{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3231|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|820|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3269|nethack=3.6.7}}
 ==Strategy==

@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 ==Description==
-A hero can [[apply]] a grappling hook towards a location some distance away, with that distance determined by the hero's flail skill:
+A hero can [[apply]] a [[wielded]] grappling hook towards a location some distance away, with that distance determined by the hero's flail skill:{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3174|nethack=3.6.7}}
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-For a target square to be valid, it must be lit and the hero must be able to see that square normally, i.e. without the aid of [[astral vision]].{{refsrc|src/apply.c|2962|nethack=3.6.0}}
+For a target square to be valid, that sqaure must be lit and the hero must be able to see it normally, i.e. they are not [[blind]] and not using [[astral vision]].{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3185|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3188|nethack=3.6.7}} Applying a grappling hook that is not wielded will wield the item if possible.{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3159|nethack=3.6.7}} A hero cannot apply a grappling hook while [[engulfed]].{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3155|nethack=3.6.7}}
-When applying a grappling hook, a hero can attempt to grab an [[item]] on the target square, drag themselves towards that square, attack a monster, or drag a tiny [[monster]] towards them: if the hero is applying a grappling hook at Basic or lower skill, there is an equal chance of hitting an item, hitting a monster, hitting the ground, nothing happening, or the hero hooking themselves for 10-19 damage.{{refsrc|src/apply.c|2971|nethack=3.6.0}} Nothing happens if an applied grappling hook attempts to target something that is not on the chosen square. A hero applying a grappling hook at Skilled or higher cannot hit themselves and will be able to select the desired target on their chosen square, with a {{frac|2}} chance (50%) of success at Skilled and a {{frac|19|20}} chance (95%) at Expert&mdash;otherwise, there is an equal chance of each outcome minus the hero hooking themselves, as above; pressing {{kbd|Enter}} when applying a grappling hook will attempt to trigger a random effect.
+When applying a grappling hook, a hero can attempt to grab an [[item]] on the target square, drag themselves towards that square, attack a monster, or drag a tiny [[monster]] towards them: if the hero is applying a grappling hook at Basic or lower skill, there is an equal chance of hitting an item, hitting a monster, hitting the ground, nothing happening, or the hero hooking themselves for 10-19 damage (subject to [[half physical damage]]).{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3194|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3230|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3281|nethack=3.6.7}} Nothing happens if an applied grappling hook attempts to target something that is not on the chosen square. A hero applying a grappling hook at Skilled or higher cannot hit themselves and will be able to select the desired target on their chosen square, with a {{frac|2}} chance (50%) of success at Skilled and a {{frac|19|20}} chance (95%) at Expert&mdash;otherwise, there is an equal chance of each outcome minus the hero hooking themselves, as above; pressing {{kbd|Enter}} when applying a grappling hook will attempt to trigger a random effect.
 ===Grabbing items===
-When grabbing an item, if there are multiple items on that square, the hero will always snag the top most item and can only snag one item from a stack at a time this way.{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3014|nethack=3.6.0}}
+If there are multiple items on a square and a hero successfully uses a grappling hook targeting that square, they will always snag the topmost item from the pile, and can only snag one item from a stack at a time this way.{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3234|nethack=3.6.7}}
-Using a grappling hook to snag a ''wielded'' [[footrice]] [[corpse]] will turn the hero to stone if they do not have [[gloves]], but using one to pick a corpse up off the ground is fine.{{refsrc|src/pickup.c|256|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=apply.c does not call the usual check when using the whip to pick up the corpse off the ground, but does call it when a weaponized corpse is snatched.}}{{refsrc|src/apply.c|2714|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/apply.c|2849|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+Using a grappling hook and snagging a ''wielded'' [[footrice]] [[corpse]] will subject the hero to instant [[stoning]] if they do not have [[gloves]], but using one to pick a corpse up off the ground is fine.{{refsrc|src/pickup.c|256|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=apply.c does not call the usual check when using the whip to pick up the corpse off the ground, but does call it when a weaponized corpse is snatched.}}{{refsrc|src/apply.c|2714|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/apply.c|2849|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
 ===Dragging===
-A hero dragging themselves towards a specified square will be pulled one square over unless they are caught in a [[trap]], in which case they instead remain trapped and may take further damage from the trap.{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|710|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
+A hero dragging themselves towards a specified square will be pulled one square over unless they are caught in a [[trap]], in which case they instead remain trapped and may take further damage from the trap.{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3231|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|820|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
-A [[tiny]] monster successfully targeted with a grappling hook has a {{frac|4}} chance of being dragged one square towards the hero, and simply takes damage otherwise; larger monsters are always hit for damage. When applying a grappling hook at a monster that is [[strong]] or at least [[large]], there is a {{frac|4}} chance that the hero will be pulled one square towards the ground instead, with no effect if that square has [[Moat|water]] or [[air]].{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3036|nethack=3.6.0}}
+A [[tiny]] monster successfully targeted with a grappling hook has a {{frac|4}} chance of being dragged one square towards the hero, and simply takes damage otherwise; larger monsters are always hit for damage. When applying a grappling hook at a monster that is [[strong]] or at least [[large]] in size, there is a {{frac|4}} chance that the hero will be pulled one square towards the monster's position instead, with no effect if that square has [[Moat|water]] or [[air]].{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3259|nethack=3.6.7}}
 ==Strategy==
@@ Line 64: / Line 66: @@
 {{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Bullwhips can no longer pick up items from under water or lava, so the grappling hook becomes more competitive for this purpose.}}
 ==Encyclopedia entry==
@@ Line 72: / Line 83: @@
 ==References==
-<references />
+<references/>
-{{nethack-360}}
+{{nethack-367}}
 [[Category:Tools]]
 [[Category:Weapon-tools]]

@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 }}
-A '''grappling hook''' is a [[weapon-tool]] that uses the [[flail]] skill. When [[identification|unidentified]], it appears as an '''iron hook'''.
+A '''grappling hook''' is a type of [[tool]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is a one-handed [[weapon-tool]] that uses the [[flail]] [[skill]], and appears as an '''iron hook''' when [[identification|unidentified]].
-{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|It is no longer referred to as an iron hook, being identified by default, and always appears as "grappling hook". <!-- The redirect [[iron hook]] should still be left because many variants still call it that. -->}}
+{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|The grappling hook is always referred to as such, and no longer uses its unidentified appearance, though this will not be the case with variants based on previous versions.}}
-== Effects ==
+==Generation==
-=== Range ===
+==Description==
-You can [[apply]] a grappling hook to a location up to a distance determined by your skill in the use of flails:
+A hero can [[apply]] a grappling hook towards a location some distance away, with that distance determined by the hero's flail skill:
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-You can only apply the hook at a space you can see without [[astral vision]].{{refsrc|src/apply.c|2962|nethack=3.6.0}}
+For a target square to be valid, it must be lit and the hero must be able to see that square normally, i.e. without the aid of [[astral vision]].{{refsrc|src/apply.c|2962|nethack=3.6.0}}
-=== Possible outcomes ===
+When applying a grappling hook, a hero can attempt to grab an [[item]] on the target square, drag themselves towards that square, attack a monster, or drag a tiny [[monster]] towards them: if the hero is applying a grappling hook at Basic or lower skill, there is an equal chance of hitting an item, hitting a monster, hitting the ground, nothing happening, or the hero hooking themselves for 10-19 damage.{{refsrc|src/apply.c|2971|nethack=3.6.0}} Nothing happens if an applied grappling hook attempts to target something that is not on the chosen square. A hero applying a grappling hook at Skilled or higher cannot hit themselves and will be able to select the desired target on their chosen square, with a {{frac|2}} chance (50%) of success at Skilled and a {{frac|19|20}} chance (95%) at Expert&mdash;otherwise, there is an equal chance of each outcome minus the hero hooking themselves, as above; pressing {{kbd|Enter}} when applying a grappling hook will attempt to trigger a random effect.
-If you are Unskilled or Basic, there are equal chances of nothing happening, hitting an item, hitting a monster, hitting the ground, or hooking yourself.{{refsrc|src/apply.c|2971|nethack=3.6.0}} If you are at least Skilled, you can select which target you are aiming for. If Skilled, you have a 50% chance of achieving what you try to, and a 95% chance at Expert; otherwise, there are equal chances of each outcome other than hooking yourself. If you can't decide which to choose, you may type enter to trigger a random effect.
+===Grabbing items===
-If you select or get an item or monster as a target, and there is no such thing present on the target space, nothing happens.
+===Dragging===
-=== Grabbing items ===
+A [[tiny]] monster successfully targeted with a grappling hook has a {{frac|4}} chance of being dragged one square towards the hero, and simply takes damage otherwise; larger monsters are always hit for damage. When applying a grappling hook at a monster that is [[strong]] or at least [[large]], there is a {{frac|4}} chance that the hero will be pulled one square towards the ground instead, with no effect if that square has [[Moat|water]] or [[air]].{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3036|nethack=3.6.0}}
 While the grappling hook's abilities are unique, they are unfortunately not terribly useful in most situations:
 * One might wish to bring a monster with a dangerous ranged ability into melee range, but very few such monsters are tiny, and even then the ability is very unreliable.
-* The ability to grab an item from under a monster has some niche uses (e.g. grabbing a [[cockatrice]] [[corpse]] before a [[soldier]] can wield it), but only Priests can reliably pull it off, and such situations are quite uncommon.
+* The ability to grab an item from under a monster has some niche uses (e.g. grabbing a [[cockatrice]] [[corpse]] before a [[soldier]] can wield it), but only Priests can reliably pull it off, and such situations are quite uncommon. This can also be used to snag items from the ground while [[levitating]].
 * Generally, the solution to the inability to pick up items while levitating is to stop levitating.  If this is not possible, the player will also be unable to descend staircases - a situation the grappling hook does nothing to ameliorate.
 * The ability to drag oneself is no better than simply moving to the adjacent square, as it can only move you a single square at a time.
 * Probably the grappling hook's most useful ability is simply that it lets you hit non-adjacent monsters with a one-handed weapon that is also effective in melee range.  Unfortunately, its low damage makes it generally unimpressive in this role, and the chance of being dragged towards large monsters can be dangerous in certain situations.
-Notably, one must attain Skilled proficiency in Flails in order to use a grappling hook without risking injury; it is simply not worth this skill investment for most characters, especially given the lack of any [[artifact]] flails.
+Notably, one must attain Skilled level in flails in order to use a grappling hook without risking injury; it is simply not worth this skill investment for most characters, especially given the lack of any [[artifact]] flails.
-{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|[[Bullwhip]]s can no longer pick up items from under [[moat|water]] or [[lava]], so the grappling hook becomes more competitive for this purpose.}}
+{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|[[Bullwhip]]s can no longer pick up items from under water or [[lava]], so the grappling hook becomes more competitive for this purpose.}}
 ==Encyclopedia entry==
 {{encyclopedia|
 But as for Queequeg -- why, Queequeg sat there among them -- at the head of the table, too, it so chanced; as cool as an icicle.  To be sure I cannot say much for his breeding.  His greatest admirer could not have cordially justified his bringing his harpoon into breakfast with him, and using it there without ceremony; reaching over the table with it, to the imminent jeopardy of many heads, and grappling the beefsteaks towards him.
@@ Line 78: / Line 71: @@
 }}
-== References ==
+==References==
 <references />
 {{nethack-360}}
 [[Category:Tools]]
 [[Category:Weapon-tools]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:51, 8 January 2025
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	Notably, one must attain Skilled proficiency in Flails in order to use a grappling hook without risking injury; it is simply not worth this skill investment for most characters, especially given the lack of any [[artifact]] flails.		Notably, one must attain Skilled proficiency in Flails in order to use a grappling hook without risking injury; it is simply not worth this skill investment for most characters, especially given the lack of any [[artifact]] flails.
		+
		+	{{upcoming\|NetHack 3.7.0\|[[Bullwhip]]s can no longer pick up items from under [[moat\|water]] or [[lava]], so the grappling hook becomes more competitive for this purpose.}}

	==Encyclopedia entry==		==Encyclopedia entry==