Hellfire (SLASH'EM) - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: some copyedit

2025-09-09T12:17:30Z

some copyedit

Umbire the Phantom: copyedit

2025-05-10T22:25:40Z

copyedit

Ion frigate: okay, this thing is really good in the mines

2025-01-24T07:16:56Z

okay, this thing is really good in the mines

Ion frigate: probably a bug, but this makes it a lot more worthwhile as a weapon - ammo doesn't auto-mulch; note fire resistance cancelling damage from point-blank explosions

2025-01-24T07:10:28Z

probably a bug, but this makes it a lot more worthwhile as a weapon - ammo doesn't auto-mulch; note fire resistance cancelling damage from point-blank explosions

Umbire the Phantom: /* Strategy */ copyedit

2024-06-03T18:05:08Z

‎Strategy: copyedit

Ion frigate: put the practical firearm; reiterate guaranteed mulching

2024-06-03T08:53:38Z

put the practical firearm; reiterate guaranteed mulching

Ion frigate: missing word

2024-06-03T08:47:56Z

missing word

Umbire the Phantom: split off dnh stuff

2024-04-24T23:17:48Z

split off dnh stuff

New page

{{artifact weapon
|color=wood color
|name=Hellfire
|base=crossbow
|smalldmg=1d2 '''+7''' (+2d6)<br>'''+1d7''' (+2d6) in Hack'EM
|largedmg=1d2 '''+7''' (+2d6)<br>'''+1d7''' (+2d6) in Hack'EM
|tohit='''+5'''<br>'''+1d5''' in Hack'EM
|skill=crossbow
|affiliation=<ul><li>[[chaotic]]</li></ul>
|whenwielded=<ul><li>[[fire resistance]]</li><li>fired bolts cause fiery explosion on hit</li></ul>
|cost=4000
|weight=50
|material=wood
}}
'''Hellfire''' is an [[artifact weapon]] that appears in [[SLASH'EM]], [[SlashTHEM]] and [[Hack'EM]]. It is [[chaotic]] for generation purposes, and its [[base item]] is a [[crossbow]].

==Generation==
A randomly generated on the ground has a base {{frac|20}} chance of being made into Hellfire. Chaotic characters can receive Hellfire as a [[sacrifice gift]].

In SlashTHEM, Hellfire is one of the many artifacts that can be requested at [[The Forge]].

==Description==
Hellfire has a flat +5 [[to-hit]] bonus and +7 damage, and grants [[fire resistance]] while wielded; in Hack'EM, this is changed to +1d5 to-hit and +1d7 damage. [[Crossbow bolt]]s fired from Hellfire explode upon hitting a monster, consuming the bolt and dealing an additional +2d6 to monsters in a 3x3 radius centered on the target.{{refsrc|dothrow.c|1536|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2|comment=Hellfire explosion for player}}{{refsrc|explode.c|154|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}{{refsrc|mthrowu.c|146|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}{{refsrc|explode.c|156|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}<ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/dothrow.c#L1651 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 dothrow.c, line 1651]</ref><ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/explode.c#L154 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 explode.c, line 154]</ref><ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/mthrowu.c#L175 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 mthrowu.c, line 175]</ref><ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/explode.c#L156 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 explode.c, line 156]</ref>

==Strategy==
In theory, Hellfire is great for a character who wants to do a lot of ranged fighting, as it turns ordinary crossbow bolts into potent weapons. However, several caveats apply:

Due to the range of the explosions, you should avoid firing Hellfire at a target that is either point-blank range or adjacent to anything you don't want to hit, such as [[pet]]s, [[aligned priest]]s, and [[shopkeeper]]s. In addition, crossbows are two-handed weapons in SLASH'EM and its variants, making [[shield]]s of any kind an obstruction; SLASH'EM's increased blasting damage also means that cross-aligned players should avoid Hellfire in particular, as re-wielding the weapon each time you switch from melee to ranged combat will cause too much damage. Finally, the presence of rapid-fire [[heavy machine gun]]s and other [[firearm]]s make Hellfire less powerful than some mundane alternatives for most roles.

With all of this in mind, [[Rogue]]s and [[Ranger]]s are likely to benefit the most from discovering Hellfire - they can reach expert in [[crossbow]] skill, making Hellfire a viable alternative to firearms for them.

==References==
<references/>
{{slashem-7E7|offset=1}}
{{variant-343}}
[[Category:SLASH'EM artifact weapons]]
[[Category:SlashTHEM artifact weapons]]
[[Category:Hack'EM artifact weapons]]

@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 ==Generation==
-A randomly generated crossbow on the ground has a base {{frac|20}} chance of being made into Hellfire.
+A crossbow randomly generated on the ground (including in [[shop]]s) or as a [[death drop]] has a base {{frac|20}} chance of being made into Hellfire.
 Chaotic [[heroes]] can receive Hellfire as a [[sacrifice gift]].
@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 ==Strategy==
-In theory, Hellfire is great for a character who wants to do a lot of ranged fighting, as it turns ordinary crossbow bolts into potent weapons. However, several caveats apply:
+In theory, Hellfire is great for a character who wants to do a lot of ranged fighting, as it turns ordinary crossbow bolts into potent weapons. However, several caveats apply in practice:
-* Due to the range of the explosions, firing Hellfire at a target that is either at point-blank range or else adjacent to non-hostile targets such as [[pet]]s, [[aligned priest]]s, and [[shopkeeper]]s can be dangerous. [[Fire resistance]] (which Hellfire grants) will protect you against the damage, but items in your inventory may still be destroyed or damaged.
+* Due to the range of the explosions, firing Hellfire at a target that is either at point-blank range or else adjacent to non-hostile targets such as [[pet]]s, [[aligned priest]]s, and [[shopkeeper]]s can be dangerous. [[Fire resistance]] (which Hellfire grants) will protect you against the damage, but items in your inventory may still be destroyed or damaged, and angering and/or killing peacefuls can be a serious detriment to [[alignment record]], [[luck]] and the hero's overall survival alike.
 * Crossbows are two-handed weapons in SLASH'EM and its derivatives, making [[shield]]s of any kind an obstruction&mdash;SLASH'EM's increased blasting damage also means that cross-aligned players may want to avoid Hellfire in particular, as switching from melee to ranged combat and constantly re-wielding the weapon will incur significant blasting damage.
-* Moreover, Hellfire is less powerful than some mundane alternatives for most roles with the presence of rapid-fire [[assault rifle]]s and other [[firearm]]s.
+* Moreover, Hellfire is less powerful than some mundane alternatives for most roles with the presence of rapid-fire [[Assault rifle (SLASH'EM)|assault rifles]] and other [[firearm]]s.
-With all of this in mind, [[Rogue/SLASH'EM|Rogues]] and [[Ranger/SLASH'EM|Rangers]] are likely to benefit the most from discovering Hellfire: they can reach Expert in the crossbow [[skill]], making Hellfire a viable alternative to firearms for them.  An early Hellfire can be very useful in the [[Gnomish Mines]], whose inhabitants will provide a plentiful supply of bolts and tend to bunch into clusters when hostile and pursuing the hero.
+With all of this in mind, [[Rogue/SLASH'EM|Rogues]] and [[Ranger/SLASH'EM|Rangers]] are likely to benefit the most from discovering Hellfire: they can reach Expert in the crossbow [[skill]], making Hellfire a viable alternative to firearms for them. An early Hellfire can be very useful in the [[Gnomish Mines]], whose inhabitants will provide a plentiful supply of bolts and tend to bunch into clusters when hostile and pursuing the hero.
 ==References==

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
    |name=Hellfire
    |base=crossbow
-   |smalldmg=1d2 '''+7''' (+2d6)<br>'''+1d7''' (+2d6) in Hack'EM
+   |smalldmg=1d2 ('''+7''' +2d6 to bolt damage)<br>('''+1d7''' +2d6 in Hack'EM)
-   |largedmg=1d2 '''+7''' (+2d6)<br>'''+1d7''' (+2d6) in Hack'EM
+   |largedmg=1d2 ('''+7''' +2d6 to bolt damage)<br>('''+1d7''' +2d6 in Hack'EM)
    |tohit='''+5'''<br>'''+1d5''' in Hack'EM
    |skill=crossbow
@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
    |material=wood
 }}
 '''Hellfire''' is an [[artifact weapon]] that appears in [[SLASH'EM]], [[SlashTHEM]] and [[Hack'EM]]. It is [[chaotic]] for generation purposes, and its [[base item]] is a [[crossbow]].
 ==Generation==
-A randomly generated crossbow on the ground has a base {{frac|20}} chance of being made into Hellfire. Chaotic characters can receive Hellfire as a [[sacrifice gift]].
+A randomly generated crossbow on the ground has a base {{frac|20}} chance of being made into Hellfire.
 In SlashTHEM, Hellfire is one of the many artifacts that can be requested at [[The Forge]].
 ==Description==
-Hellfire has a flat +5 [[to-hit]] bonus and +7 damage, and grants [[fire resistance]] while wielded; in Hack'EM, this is changed to +1d5 to-hit and +1d7 damage. [[Crossbow bolt]]s fired from Hellfire explode upon hitting a monster, dealing an additional +2d6 to monsters in a 3x3 radius centered on the target.  Bolts a monster fires from Hellfire are always consumed, but those fired by a player mulch at normal rates; this may be a [[bug]].{{refsrc|dothrow.c|1536|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2|comment=Hellfire explosion for player - bolt is not specifically destroyed}}{{refsrc|explode.c|154|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}{{refsrc|mthrowu.c|146|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2|comment=Bolt is always destroyed}}{{refsrc|explode.c|156|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}<ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/dothrow.c#L1651 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 dothrow.c, line 1651]</ref><ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/explode.c#L154 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 explode.c, line 154]</ref><ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/mthrowu.c#L175 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 mthrowu.c, line 175]</ref><ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/explode.c#L156 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 explode.c, line 156]</ref>
+While [[wielded]], Hellfire grants [[fire resistance]] and applies a flat +5 [[to-hit]] bonus and +7 damage to [[crossbow bolt]]s fired from it; in Hack'EM, this is changed to +1d5 to-hit and +1d7 damage. Crossbow bolts fired from Hellfire explode upon hitting a monster, dealing an additional +2d6 in [[Fire (element)|fire damage]] to monsters in a 3x3 radius centered on the target. Bolts a monster fires from Hellfire are always consumed, but those fired by a player mulch at normal rates; this may be a [[bug]].{{refsrc|dothrow.c|1536|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2|comment=Hellfire explosion for player - bolt is not specifically destroyed}}{{refsrc|explode.c|154|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}{{refsrc|mthrowu.c|146|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2|comment=Bolt is always destroyed}}{{refsrc|explode.c|156|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}<ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/dothrow.c#L1651 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 dothrow.c, line 1651]</ref><ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/explode.c#L154 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 explode.c, line 154]</ref><ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/mthrowu.c#L175 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 mthrowu.c, line 175]</ref><ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/explode.c#L156 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 explode.c, line 156]</ref>
 ==Strategy==
 In theory, Hellfire is great for a character who wants to do a lot of ranged fighting, as it turns ordinary crossbow bolts into potent weapons. However, several caveats apply:
-* Due to the range of the explosions, firing Hellfire at a target that is either point-blank range or adjacent to non-hostile targets such as [[pet]]s, [[aligned priest]]s, and [[shopkeeper]]s can be dangerous.  [[Fire resistance]] (which Hellfire grants) will protect you against the damage, but items in your inventory may still be destroyed or damaged.
+* Due to the range of the explosions, firing Hellfire at a target that is either at point-blank range or else adjacent to non-hostile targets such as [[pet]]s, [[aligned priest]]s, and [[shopkeeper]]s can be dangerous. [[Fire resistance]] (which Hellfire grants) will protect you against the damage, but items in your inventory may still be destroyed or damaged.
-* Crossbows are two-handed weapons in SLASH'EM and its variants, making [[shield]]s of any kind an obstruction - SLASH'EM's increased blasting damage also means that cross-aligned players should avoid Hellfire in particular, as switching from melee to ranged combat and constantly re-wielding the weapon will incur significant blasting damage.
+* Crossbows are two-handed weapons in SLASH'EM and its derivatives, making [[shield]]s of any kind an obstruction&mdash;SLASH'EM's increased blasting damage also means that cross-aligned players may want to avoid Hellfire in particular, as switching from melee to ranged combat and constantly re-wielding the weapon will incur significant blasting damage.
-* Moreover, the presence of rapid-fire [[assault rifle]]s and other [[firearm]]s make Hellfire less powerful than some mundane alternatives for most roles.
+* Moreover, Hellfire is less powerful than some mundane alternatives for most roles with the presence of rapid-fire [[assault rifle]]s and other [[firearm]]s.
-With all of this in mind, [[Rogue]]s and [[Ranger]]s are likely to benefit the most from discovering Hellfire - they can reach expert in [[crossbow]] skill, making Hellfire a viable alternative to firearms for them.  An early Hellfire can be very useful in the [[Gnomish Mines]], whose inhabitants will provide a plentiful supply of bolts and tend to bunch into clusters.
+With all of this in mind, [[Rogue/SLASH'EM|Rogues]] and [[Ranger/SLASH'EM|Rangers]] are likely to benefit the most from discovering Hellfire: they can reach Expert in the crossbow [[skill]], making Hellfire a viable alternative to firearms for them.  An early Hellfire can be very useful in the [[Gnomish Mines]], whose inhabitants will provide a plentiful supply of bolts and tend to bunch into clusters when hostile and pursuing the hero.
 ==References==

@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
 In theory, Hellfire is great for a character who wants to do a lot of ranged fighting, as it turns ordinary crossbow bolts into potent weapons. However, several caveats apply:
-* Due to the range of the explosions, firing Hellfire at a target that is either point-blank range or adjacent to non-hostile targets such as [[pet]]s, [[aligned priest]]s, and [[shopkeeper]]s can be dangerous.  [[Fire resistance]] (which Hellfire grants) will protect you against the damage, but items in your inventory may still be destroyed.
+* Due to the range of the explosions, firing Hellfire at a target that is either point-blank range or adjacent to non-hostile targets such as [[pet]]s, [[aligned priest]]s, and [[shopkeeper]]s can be dangerous.  [[Fire resistance]] (which Hellfire grants) will protect you against the damage, but items in your inventory may still be destroyed or damaged.
 * Crossbows are two-handed weapons in SLASH'EM and its variants, making [[shield]]s of any kind an obstruction - SLASH'EM's increased blasting damage also means that cross-aligned players should avoid Hellfire in particular, as switching from melee to ranged combat and constantly re-wielding the weapon will incur significant blasting damage.
 * Moreover, the presence of rapid-fire [[assault rifle]]s and other [[firearm]]s make Hellfire less powerful than some mundane alternatives for most roles.
-With all of this in mind, [[Rogue]]s and [[Ranger]]s are likely to benefit the most from discovering Hellfire - they can reach expert in [[crossbow]] skill, making Hellfire a viable alternative to firearms for them.
+With all of this in mind, [[Rogue]]s and [[Ranger]]s are likely to benefit the most from discovering Hellfire - they can reach expert in [[crossbow]] skill, making Hellfire a viable alternative to firearms for them.  An early Hellfire can be very useful in the [[Gnomish Mines]], whose inhabitants will provide a plentiful supply of bolts and tend to bunch into clusters.
 ==References==

@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 ==Description==
-Hellfire has a flat +5 [[to-hit]] bonus and +7 damage, and grants [[fire resistance]] while wielded; in Hack'EM, this is changed to +1d5 to-hit and +1d7 damage. [[Crossbow bolt]]s fired from Hellfire explode upon hitting a monster, consuming the bolt and dealing an additional +2d6 to monsters in a 3x3 radius centered on the target.{{refsrc|dothrow.c|1536|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2|comment=Hellfire explosion for player}}{{refsrc|explode.c|154|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}{{refsrc|mthrowu.c|146|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}{{refsrc|explode.c|156|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}<ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/dothrow.c#L1651 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 dothrow.c, line 1651]</ref><ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/explode.c#L154 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 explode.c, line 154]</ref><ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/mthrowu.c#L175 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 mthrowu.c, line 175]</ref><ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/explode.c#L156 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 explode.c, line 156]</ref>
+Hellfire has a flat +5 [[to-hit]] bonus and +7 damage, and grants [[fire resistance]] while wielded; in Hack'EM, this is changed to +1d5 to-hit and +1d7 damage. [[Crossbow bolt]]s fired from Hellfire explode upon hitting a monster, dealing an additional +2d6 to monsters in a 3x3 radius centered on the target.  Bolts a monster fires from Hellfire are always consumed, but those fired by a player mulch at normal rates; this may be a [[bug]].{{refsrc|dothrow.c|1536|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2|comment=Hellfire explosion for player - bolt is not specifically destroyed}}{{refsrc|explode.c|154|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}{{refsrc|mthrowu.c|146|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2|comment=Bolt is always destroyed}}{{refsrc|explode.c|156|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}<ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/dothrow.c#L1651 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 dothrow.c, line 1651]</ref><ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/explode.c#L154 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 explode.c, line 154]</ref><ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/mthrowu.c#L175 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 mthrowu.c, line 175]</ref><ref>[https://github.com/Soviet5lo/SlashTHEM/blob/v0.9.6/src/explode.c#L156 SlashTHEM 0.9.6 explode.c, line 156]</ref>
 ==Strategy==
 In theory, Hellfire is great for a character who wants to do a lot of ranged fighting, as it turns ordinary crossbow bolts into potent weapons. However, several caveats apply:
-* Due to the range of the explosions, avoid firing Hellfire at a target that is either point-blank range or adjacent to non-hostile targets such as [[pet]]s, [[aligned priest]]s, and [[shopkeeper]]s.
+* Due to the range of the explosions, firing Hellfire at a target that is either point-blank range or adjacent to non-hostile targets such as [[pet]]s, [[aligned priest]]s, and [[shopkeeper]]s can be dangerous.  [[Fire resistance]] (which Hellfire grants) will protect you against the damage, but items in your inventory may still be destroyed.
 * Crossbows are two-handed weapons in SLASH'EM and its variants, making [[shield]]s of any kind an obstruction - SLASH'EM's increased blasting damage also means that cross-aligned players should avoid Hellfire in particular, as switching from melee to ranged combat and constantly re-wielding the weapon will incur significant blasting damage.
 * Moreover, the presence of rapid-fire [[assault rifle]]s and other [[firearm]]s make Hellfire less powerful than some mundane alternatives for most roles.
 With all of this in mind, [[Rogue]]s and [[Ranger]]s are likely to benefit the most from discovering Hellfire - they can reach expert in [[crossbow]] skill, making Hellfire a viable alternative to firearms for them.

@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
 In theory, Hellfire is great for a character who wants to do a lot of ranged fighting, as it turns ordinary crossbow bolts into potent weapons. However, several caveats apply:
-Due to the range of the explosions, you should avoid firing Hellfire at a target that is either point-blank range or adjacent to anything you don't want to hit, such as [[pet]]s, [[aligned priest]]s, and [[shopkeeper]]s. In addition, crossbows are two-handed weapons in SLASH'EM and its variants, making [[shield]]s of any kind an obstruction; SLASH'EM's increased blasting damage also means that cross-aligned players should avoid Hellfire in particular, as re-wielding the weapon each time you switch from melee to ranged combat will cause too much damage. Moreover, the presence of rapid-fire [[assault rifle]]s and other [[firearm]]s make Hellfire less powerful than some mundane alternatives for most roles.  Finally, the guaranteed [[mulch]]ing forces you to choose your targets wisely: a character who uses Hellfire on every monster will swiftly run out of ammo.
+* Due to the range of the explosions, avoid firing Hellfire at a target that is either point-blank range or adjacent to non-hostile targets such as [[pet]]s, [[aligned priest]]s, and [[shopkeeper]]s.
 With all of this in mind, [[Rogue]]s and [[Ranger]]s are likely to benefit the most from discovering Hellfire - they can reach expert in [[crossbow]] skill, making Hellfire a viable alternative to firearms for them.