Iron bars - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: pothole

2026-04-20T01:00:17Z

pothole

Unguarded1765: Fix the text structure of information related to 3.7.0

2026-01-29T10:51:46Z

Fix the text structure of information related to 3.7.0

Umbire the Phantom: lightning spell

2025-12-24T00:42:57Z

lightning spell

Umbire the Phantom: /* Strategy */ tweaks

2025-12-23T23:09:32Z

‎Strategy: tweaks

Umbire the Phantom: tweak

2025-12-23T23:08:52Z

tweak

Umbire the Phantom: /* Description */ word choice

2025-12-03T04:49:05Z

‎Description: word choice

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

2024-12-21T07:37:14Z

‎Description: copyedit + upcoming

Umbire the Phantom: /* Description */ copyedit

2024-12-16T07:25:18Z

‎Description: copyedit

Umbire the Phantom: follow up

2024-05-25T16:34:37Z

follow up

Cathartes: /* Description */ I meant iron ball, not bar

2024-05-25T16:31:40Z

‎Description: I meant iron ball, not bar

@@ Line 30: / Line 30: @@
 ==Strategy==
-Iron bars do not impede visibility, allowing spellcasting or wand-using players and monsters to direct their beams, rays and gazes through them. In particular, this can be used to pick off Orcish Town's invaders without as much immediate risk to yourself&mdash;but beware of the [[poisoned]] [[arrow]]s that many of them can fire back at you, especially if you lack [[poison resistance]].
+Iron bars do not impede visibility, allowing spellcasting or wand-using players and monsters to direct their beams, rays and gazes through them. In particular, this can be used to pick off Orcish Town's invaders without as much immediate risk to yourself&mdash;but beware of the [[Poisoned weapon|poisoned]] [[arrow]]s that many of them can fire back at you, especially if you lack [[poison resistance]].
 The iron bars on the fourth variant of Medusa's Island present a significant hazard: you may inadvertently catch a glimpse of Medusa through the bars as you approach her, depending on where she is first generated, and immediately become [[petrified]]. Wearing a [[blindfold]] or [[towel]] well before approaching is a good idea, especially if you lack [[reflection]].

@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 Per {{commit|f61e1e8e23f48f670c5b7c465089effd7743aba9}}, there is a small chance of breaking iron bars by hitting them with a [[war hammer]]&mdash;{{commit|c212ee44c06cb5ef5fec1a7f02d7c48c13f46fd6}} extends this to include hitting them with a [[heavy iron ball]]. The chance is dependent on the hero's strength, whether they throw or force-fight with the weapon, and the war hammer's enchantment or iron ball's weight.
-Per {{commit|738c2239c9063cbf62e5650977da45c1e38a3108}}, there is a {{frac|10}} chance that iron bars will melt when hit by [[lightning]] rays. Per {{commit|6b8079a16f425aa80239b0b1009ec98a70af56ff}}, the lightning spell will destroy any iron bars if the hero is targeted while occupying their square.}}
+Per {{commit|738c2239c9063cbf62e5650977da45c1e38a3108}}, there is a {{frac|10}} chance that iron bars will melt when hit by [[lightning]] rays. Per {{commit|6b8079a16f425aa80239b0b1009ec98a70af56ff}}, the lightning spell will destroy any iron bars if the hero is targeted while occupying their square.
 Per {{commit|0e713dc4e90eba08ec50c4260a36161d5f3db4d8}}, all metallivores are capable of eating iron bars.}}

@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 Per {{commit|f61e1e8e23f48f670c5b7c465089effd7743aba9}}, there is a small chance of breaking iron bars by hitting them with a [[war hammer]]&mdash;{{commit|c212ee44c06cb5ef5fec1a7f02d7c48c13f46fd6}} extends this to include hitting them with a [[heavy iron ball]]. The chance is dependent on the hero's strength, whether they throw or force-fight with the weapon, and the war hammer's enchantment or iron ball's weight.
-Per {{commit|738c2239c9063cbf62e5650977da45c1e38a3108}}, there is a {{frac|10}} chance that iron bars will melt when hit by [[lightning]] rays.
+Per {{commit|738c2239c9063cbf62e5650977da45c1e38a3108}}, there is a {{frac|10}} chance that iron bars will melt when hit by [[lightning]] rays. Per {{commit|6b8079a16f425aa80239b0b1009ec98a70af56ff}}, the lightning spell will destroy any iron bars if the hero is targeted while occupying their square.}}
 Per {{commit|0e713dc4e90eba08ec50c4260a36161d5f3db4d8}}, all metallivores are capable of eating iron bars.}}

@@ Line 30: / Line 30: @@
 ==Strategy==
-Iron bars do not impede visibility, allowing spellcasting or wand-using players and monsters to direct their beams, rays and gazes through them. In particular, this can be used to pick off Orcish Town's invaders without as much immediate risk to yourself - but beware of the [[poison]]ed [[arrow]]s that many of them can fire back at you, especially if you lack [[poison resistance]].
+Iron bars do not impede visibility, allowing spellcasting or wand-using players and monsters to direct their beams, rays and gazes through them. In particular, this can be used to pick off Orcish Town's invaders without as much immediate risk to yourself&mdash;but beware of the [[poisoned]] [[arrow]]s that many of them can fire back at you, especially if you lack [[poison resistance]].
-The iron bars on the fourth variant of Medusa's Island present a significant hazard: you may inadvertently catch a glimpse of Medusa through the bars as you approach her, depending on where she is first generated, and risk being immediately [[petrified]]. Wearing a [[blindfold]] or [[towel]] well before approaching is a good idea, especially if you lack [[reflection]].
+The iron bars on the fourth variant of Medusa's Island present a significant hazard: you may inadvertently catch a glimpse of Medusa through the bars as you approach her, depending on where she is first generated, and immediately become [[petrified]]. Wearing a [[blindfold]] or [[towel]] well before approaching is a good idea, especially if you lack [[reflection]].
 ==History==

@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 Per {{commit|f61e1e8e23f48f670c5b7c465089effd7743aba9}}, there is a small chance of breaking iron bars by hitting them with a [[war hammer]]&mdash;{{commit|c212ee44c06cb5ef5fec1a7f02d7c48c13f46fd6}} extends this to include hitting them with a [[heavy iron ball]]. The chance is dependent on the hero's strength, whether they throw or force-fight with the weapon, and the war hammer's enchantment or iron ball's weight.
-Per {{commit|738c2239c9063cbf62e5650977da45c1e38a3108}}, there is a {{frac|10}} chance that iron bars will melt when hit by [[lightning]].
+Per {{commit|738c2239c9063cbf62e5650977da45c1e38a3108}}, there is a {{frac|10}} chance that iron bars will melt when hit by [[lightning]] rays.
 Per {{commit|0e713dc4e90eba08ec50c4260a36161d5f3db4d8}}, all metallivores are capable of eating iron bars.}}

@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 [[Acid]] can be used to dissolve iron bars: smashing a [[wield]]ed [[potion of acid]] onto them by [[force-fight]]ing using {{kbd|F}} will dissolve them, and a thrown potion can also do so, but only has a {{frac|5}} chance of hitting the bars due to the aforementioned projectile mechanics;{{refsrc|src/hack.c|1632|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mthrowu.c|1136|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} the acidic breath of a [[yellow dragon]] will also dissolve iron bars.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4567|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Iron bars in a region that is marked "[[non-diggable]]" cannot be dissolved by any of these methods.
-{{upcoming|3.7.0|The bug that lets engulfers pull engulfed monsters through iron bars that they could not pass otherwise is fixed via {{commit|21068b05c5c98ad7d5e50a9dbaa1b6256063e2e3}}.
+{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|The bug that lets engulfers pull engulfed monsters through iron bars that they could not pass otherwise is fixed via {{commit|21068b05c5c98ad7d5e50a9dbaa1b6256063e2e3}}.
-Per {{commit|f61e1e8e23f48f670c5b7c465089effd7743aba9}}, there is a small chance of breaking iron bars by hitting them with a [[war hammer]]&mdash;{{commit|c212ee44c06cb5ef5fec1a7f02d7c48c13f46fd6}} extends this to include hitting them with a [[heavy iron ball]]. The chance is dependent on the hero's strength, whether they throw or force-fight with the weapon, and the weapon's enchantment or iron ball's weight.
+Per {{commit|f61e1e8e23f48f670c5b7c465089effd7743aba9}}, there is a small chance of breaking iron bars by hitting them with a [[war hammer]]&mdash;{{commit|c212ee44c06cb5ef5fec1a7f02d7c48c13f46fd6}} extends this to include hitting them with a [[heavy iron ball]]. The chance is dependent on the hero's strength, whether they throw or force-fight with the weapon, and the war hammer's enchantment or iron ball's weight.
 Per {{commit|738c2239c9063cbf62e5650977da45c1e38a3108}}, there is a {{frac|10}} chance that iron bars will melt when hit by [[lightning]].

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 ==Description==
-Iron bars cannot be [[digging|dug]] through, and objects thrown through them have a chance of being stopped by the iron bars. Specifically, large objects such as most melee [[weapon]]s, most [[armor]] and [[boulder]]s will always be stopped - smaller objects such as [[potion]]s and most [[projectile]]s (including [[spear]]s, but not [[dagger]]s or [[boomerang]]s) will pass through with a {{frac|4|5}} chance, and will always pass through if they are thrown from a square adjacent to the bars in question.{{refsrc|src/mthrowu.c|476|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=calls <code>hits_bars</code>}}{{refsrc|src/mthrowu.c|1122|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=<code>hits_bars</code> function}} [[Beam]]s and [[ray]]s such as [[dragon]] [[breath]] will always pass right through iron bars.
+Iron bars cannot be [[digging|dug]] through, and objects thrown through them have a chance of being stopped by the iron bars:{{refsrc|src/mthrowu.c|1122|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=<code>hits_bars</code> function}} large objects such as most melee [[weapon]]s, most [[armor]] and [[boulder]]s will always be stopped, while smaller objects such as [[potion]]s and most [[projectile]]s (including [[spear]]s, but not [[dagger]]s or [[boomerang]]s) will pass through with a {{frac|4|5}} chance, and those smaller objects will always pass through if they are thrown from a square adjacent to the bars.{{refsrc|src/mthrowu.c|476|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=calls <code>hits_bars</code>}} [[Beam]]s and [[ray]]s such as [[dragon]] [[breath]] will always pass right through iron bars.
-All monsters that are [[whirly]], [[amorphous]], [[phasing]], [[tiny]], or else are [[slithy]] and no bigger than medium-sized, can pass through iron bars, while monsters with rusting or corrosive attacks can eat through the bars.{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|325|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=<code>passes_bars</code> function}} A hero can do the same by [[polymorph]]ing into a monster with any of these properties. A bug identified in [[NetHack 3.4.0]] allows whirly and/or amorphous [[engulfing]] monsters to pass through iron bars while engulfing a monster (e.g. the unpolymorphed hero) that cannot.
+Monsters can pass through iron bars if they are [[whirly]], [[amorphous]], [[phasing]], or [[tiny]], or else if they are [[slithy]] and no bigger than medium-sized, while monsters with rusting or corrosive attacks can remove the bars by eating or walking through them{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|325|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=<code>passes_bars</code> function}}&mdash;a hero can do the same by [[polymorph]]ing into a monster with any of these properties. A bug identified in [[NetHack 3.4.0]] allows whirly and/or amorphous [[engulfing]] monsters to pass through iron bars while engulfing a monster (e.g. the unpolymorphed hero) that cannot.
-[[Acid]] can be used to dissolve iron bars: smashing a [[wield]]ed [[potion of acid]] onto them using {{kbd|F}} will dissolve them, while a thrown potion only has a {{frac|5}} chance of hitting the bars due to the aforementioned projectile mechanics;{{refsrc|src/hack.c|1632|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mthrowu.c|1136|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} the acidic breath of a [[yellow dragon]] will dissolve iron bars.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4567|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Bars that are marked "[[non-diggable]]" cannot be dissolved by any of these methods.
+[[Acid]] can be used to dissolve iron bars: smashing a [[wield]]ed [[potion of acid]] onto them by [[force-fight]]ing using {{kbd|F}} will dissolve them, and a thrown potion can also do so, but only has a {{frac|5}} chance of hitting the bars due to the aforementioned projectile mechanics;{{refsrc|src/hack.c|1632|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mthrowu.c|1136|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} the acidic breath of a [[yellow dragon]] will also dissolve iron bars.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4567|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Iron bars in a region that is marked "[[non-diggable]]" cannot be dissolved by any of these methods.
 {{upcoming|3.7.0|The bug that lets engulfers pull engulfed monsters through iron bars that they could not pass otherwise is fixed via {{commit|21068b05c5c98ad7d5e50a9dbaa1b6256063e2e3}}.
-Per {{commit|f61e1e8e23f48f670c5b7c465089effd7743aba9}}, there is a small chance of breaking iron bars by hitting them with a [[war hammer]]. {{commit|c212ee44c06cb5ef5fec1a7f02d7c48c13f46fd6}} extends this to include hitting them with a [[heavy iron ball]]. The chance is dependent on the character's strength, whether they throw or force-fight with the weapon, and the weapon's enchantment or iron ball's weight.
+Per {{commit|f61e1e8e23f48f670c5b7c465089effd7743aba9}}, there is a small chance of breaking iron bars by hitting them with a [[war hammer]]&mdash;{{commit|c212ee44c06cb5ef5fec1a7f02d7c48c13f46fd6}} extends this to include hitting them with a [[heavy iron ball]]. The chance is dependent on the hero's strength, whether they throw or force-fight with the weapon, and the weapon's enchantment or iron ball's weight.
 Per {{commit|738c2239c9063cbf62e5650977da45c1e38a3108}}, there is a {{frac|10}} chance that iron bars will melt when hit by [[lightning]].
-Per {{commit|0e713dc4e90eba08ec50c4260a36161d5f3db4d8}}, all metallivores are also capable of eating iron bars.
+Per {{commit|0e713dc4e90eba08ec50c4260a36161d5f3db4d8}}, all metallivores are capable of eating iron bars.}}
 ==Strategy==

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 * The fourth [[snake]]-filled variant of [[Medusa's Island]] has some iron bars around [[Medusa]]'s dwelling.
-{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|As of {{commit|4af086be73b8f11563ff8fa0af4c57c222227a93}} and {{commit|0bfd6b22f1d5e1ab6943079eab94053267bf7e6f}}, some Gehennom levels have iron bars instead of walls.}}
+{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Per {{commit|4af086be73b8f11563ff8fa0af4c57c222227a93}} and {{commit|0bfd6b22f1d5e1ab6943079eab94053267bf7e6f}}, some Gehennom levels have iron bars instead of walls.}}
 ==Description==
 Iron bars cannot be [[digging|dug]] through, and objects thrown through them have a chance of being stopped by the iron bars. Specifically, large objects such as most melee [[weapon]]s, most [[armor]] and [[boulder]]s will always be stopped - smaller objects such as [[potion]]s and most [[projectile]]s (including [[spear]]s, but not [[dagger]]s or [[boomerang]]s) will pass through with a {{frac|4|5}} chance, and will always pass through if they are thrown from a square adjacent to the bars in question.{{refsrc|src/mthrowu.c|476|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=calls <code>hits_bars</code>}}{{refsrc|src/mthrowu.c|1122|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=<code>hits_bars</code> function}} [[Ray]]s (e.g. [[dragon]] [[breath]]) and [[beam]]s will always pass right through iron bars.
-All monsters that are [[whirly]], [[amorphous]], [[phasing]], [[tiny]], or else medium-sized (or smaller) and [[slithy]], can pass through them, and monsters with rusting or corrosive attacks, such as [[rust monster]]s and [[gray ooze]]s, can also eat through the bars.{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|325|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=<code>passes_bars</code> function}} This includes you if you [[polymorph]] into a monster with any of these properties. A bug identified in [[NetHack 3.4.0]] allows whirly and/or amorphous [[engulfing|engulfers]] to pass through iron bars while engulfing a monster (e.g. your unpolymorphed character) that cannot.
+All monsters that are [[whirly]], [[amorphous]], [[phasing]], [[tiny]], or else medium-sized (or smaller) and [[slithy]], can pass through them, and monsters with rusting or corrosive attacks, such as [[rust monster]]s and [[gray ooze]]s, can eat through the bars.{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|325|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=<code>passes_bars</code> function}} Characters can do the same by [[polymorph]]ing into a monster with any of these properties. A bug identified in [[NetHack 3.4.0]] allows whirly and/or amorphous [[engulfing]] monsters to pass through iron bars while engulfing a monster (e.g. the unpolymorphed character) that cannot.
 [[Acid]] can be used to dissolve iron bars: smashing a [[wield]]ed [[potion of acid]] onto them using {{kbd|F}} will dissolve them, while a thrown potion only has a {{frac|5}} chance of hitting the bars due to the aforementioned.{{refsrc|src/hack.c|1632|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mthrowu.c|1136|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} The acidic breath of a [[yellow dragon]] will dissolve the bars as well.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|4567|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Bars that are marked "[[non-diggable]]" cannot be dissolved by any of these methods.
@@ Line 23: / Line 23: @@
 {{upcoming|3.7.0|The bug that lets engulfers pull engulfed monsters through iron bars that they could not pass otherwise is fixed via {{commit|21068b05c5c98ad7d5e50a9dbaa1b6256063e2e3}}.
-As of {{commit|f61e1e8e23f48f670c5b7c465089effd7743aba9}}, there is a small chance of breaking iron bars by hitting with a [[war hammer]].  {{commit|c212ee44c06cb5ef5fec1a7f02d7c48c13f46fd6}} extends this to include hitting with an [[iron ball]]. The chance depends on whether you force-fight or throw with the weapon, your strength, and the weapon's enchantment (or weight, for the iron ball).
+Per {{commit|f61e1e8e23f48f670c5b7c465089effd7743aba9}}, there is a small chance of breaking iron bars by hitting them with a [[war hammer]]. {{commit|c212ee44c06cb5ef5fec1a7f02d7c48c13f46fd6}} extends this to include hitting them with a [[heavy iron ball]]. The chance is dependent on the character's strength, whether they throw or force-fight with the weapon, and the weapon's enchantment or iron ball's weight.
-As of {{commit|738c2239c9063cbf62e5650977da45c1e38a3108}}, there is a {{frac|10}} chance that iron bars will melt when hit by lightning.
+Per {{commit|738c2239c9063cbf62e5650977da45c1e38a3108}}, there is a {{frac|10}} chance that iron bars will melt when hit by [[lightning]].
-As of {{commit|0e713dc4e90eba08ec50c4260a36161d5f3db4d8}}, all metallivores (instead of only monsters with rusting or corrosive attacks) can eat iron bars.
+Per {{commit|0e713dc4e90eba08ec50c4260a36161d5f3db4d8}}, all metallivores are also capable of eating iron bars.
 }}
@@ Line 55: / Line 55: @@
 ===dNetHack===
-In [[dNetHack]] and [[notdNetHack]], you can also break iron bars with a [[wand of striking]], [[force bolt]], or a laser such as a [[lightsaber]] - this will produce 1-7 [[iron bar]] objects. These bars can be picked up and wielded as weapons, and use the [[quarterstaff]] skill.
+In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], characters can break iron bars with a [[wand of striking]], [[force bolt]], or a laser such as a [[lightsaber]] - this will produce 1-7 [[iron bar]] objects. These bars can be picked up and wielded as weapons, and use the [[quarterstaff]] skill.
 ===EvilHack===
-In [[EvilHack]], iron bars can be broken with a force bolt or wand of striking as well.
+In [[EvilHack]], iron bars can also be broken with a force bolt or wand of striking.
 ==References==