Runesword - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ snip details, move to subpage and point there

2026-07-13T11:49:42Z

‎dNetHack: snip details, move to subpage and point there

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ redo brand stuff

2026-06-26T15:06:01Z

‎dNetHack: redo brand stuff

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ I think this is what it does, awaiting a chance to confirm

2026-06-20T07:24:39Z

‎dNetHack: I think this is what it does, awaiting a chance to confirm

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ artifacts

2026-06-20T06:47:35Z

‎dNetHack: artifacts

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ weapon pref

2026-06-20T06:36:12Z

‎dNetHack: weapon pref

Umbire the Phantom: expand on main and variants alike

2026-06-20T06:33:50Z

expand on main and variants alike

Umbire the Phantom: nh5, begin tailoring variant section

2026-06-20T05:31:46Z

nh5, begin tailoring variant section

Netzhack: /* Variants */ more verbal, less gerundive style

2026-05-26T12:38:06Z

‎Variants: more verbal, less gerundive style

Netzhack: /* Strategy */ Participial clause doesn't need "with"

2026-05-26T12:36:44Z

‎Strategy: Participial clause doesn't need "with"

Johnmatt3000: Grammar fix

2026-01-28T17:33:04Z

Grammar fix

@@ Line 41: / Line 41: @@
 ===dNetHack===
-In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], the runesword is changed from ''NetHack'' and further distinguished from the [[Broadsword (dNetHack)|broadsword]].
+{{main|Runesword (dNetHack)}}
 In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], the runesword is changed from ''NetHack'' and further distinguished from the [[Broadsword (dNetHack)|broadsword]]. dNetHack and its related variants also add two other [[dNetHack artifacts|artifact runeswords]]:
 * [[dNetHack artifacts#Malice|Malice]] is a [[chaotic]] [[firmament]] runesword that is the first [[sacrifice gift]] for chaotic [[Human (starting race)#dNetHack|human]] [[Kensei]], and has +1d10 [[to-hit]] and +1d12 damage bonuses against monsters without [[magic resistance]].

@@ Line 45: / Line 45: @@
 The runesword is a [[Item size (dNetHack)|large]] melee weapon that appears as a '''runed black blade''' while unidentified, or a '''runed blade''' if the hero is currently [[blind]]. Runeswords inflict slashing damage, dealing 1d10+1d4 damage against small monsters and 1d10+1 against large monsters. A hero wielding a runesword while they are at Skilled or better in broadswords gains the "graze" [[expert trait]]. In terms of monster weapon preference, monsters will prefer the runesword to a [[battle-axe]], and they will prefer a [[church blade]], a [[silverknight scythe]] (if they can use [[polearms]]) or better to the runesword.
-The runesword is one of the few invalid weapon types for the generation or reshaping of [[Fire Brand (dNetHack)|Fire Brand]] and [[Frost Brand (dNetHack)|Frost Brand]].
+[[Fire Brand (dNetHack)|Fire Brand]] and [[Frost Brand (dNetHack)|Frost Brand]] can only be reshaped into runeswords by a chaotic [[Human (starting race)#dNetHack|human]] [[Kensei]] hero.
 A cursed +3 runesword is generated in the [[Chaos Temple Quest]], where it is placed within a [[chest]] in the Ruined Temple area during level creation.

@@ Line 53: / Line 53: @@
 dNetHack and its related variants also add two other [[dNetHack artifacts|artifact runeswords]]:
-* [[dNetHack artifacts#Malice|Malice]] is a [[chaotic]] [[firmament]] runesword that is the first [[sacrifice gift]] for chaotic [[Human (starting race)#dNetHack|human]] [[Kensei]].
+* [[dNetHack artifacts#Malice|Malice]] is a [[chaotic]] [[firmament]] runesword that is the first [[sacrifice gift]] for chaotic [[Human (starting race)#dNetHack|human]] [[Kensei]], and has +1d10 [[to-hit]] and +1d12 damage bonuses against monsters without [[magic resistance]].
 * [[dNetHack artifacts#Aryfaern Kerym|Aryfaern Kerym]] is a neutral, [[Elf (starting race)|elf-favoring]] intelligent [[mineral]] runesword that acts as the [[crowning]] gift for neutral elven [[Noble/dNetHack|Nobles]], [[Priest/dNetHack|Priests]], [[Ranger/dNetHack|Rangers]], and [[Wizard/dNetHack|Wizards]]. Aryfaern Kerym has +1d5 [[to-hit]] and +1d10 [[shock]] damage bonuses against non-resistant monsters, grants [[shock resistance]] and behaves as a [[light source]] while wielded, and grants doubled damage to certain beam- and ray-based spells cast by an elven hero similar to [[the Magic Mirror of Merlin]].

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:47, 20 June 2026
Line 50:		Line 50:

	[[Player monster (dNetHack)\|Player monsters]] generated on the [[Astral Plane]] have a {{frac\|20}} chance of their melee weapon being made into a runesword.		[[Player monster (dNetHack)\|Player monsters]] generated on the [[Astral Plane]] have a {{frac\|20}} chance of their melee weapon being made into a runesword.
		+
		+	dNetHack and its related variants also add two other [[dNetHack artifacts\|artifact runeswords]]:
		+
		+	* [[dNetHack artifacts#Malice\|Malice]] is a [[chaotic]] [[firmament]] runesword that is the first [[sacrifice gift]] for chaotic [[Human (starting race)#dNetHack\|human]] [[Kensei]].
		+	* [[dNetHack artifacts#Aryfaern Kerym\|Aryfaern Kerym]] is a neutral, [[Elf (starting race)\|elf-favoring]] intelligent [[mineral]] runesword that acts as the [[crowning]] gift for neutral elven [[Noble/dNetHack\|Nobles]], [[Priest/dNetHack\|Priests]], [[Ranger/dNetHack\|Rangers]], and [[Wizard/dNetHack\|Wizards]]. Aryfaern Kerym has +1d5 [[to-hit]] and +1d10 [[shock]] damage bonuses against non-resistant monsters, grants [[shock resistance]] and behaves as a [[light source]] while wielded, and grants doubled damage to certain beam- and ray-based spells cast by an elven hero similar to [[the Magic Mirror of Merlin]].

	===EvilHack===		===EvilHack===

@@ Line 43: / Line 43: @@
 In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], the runesword is changed from ''NetHack'' and further distinguished from the [[Broadsword (dNetHack)|broadsword]].
-The runesword is a [[Item size (dNetHack)|large]] melee weapon that appears as a '''runed black blade''' while unidentified, or a '''runed blade''' if the hero is currently [[blind]]. Runeswords inflict slashing damage, dealing 1d10+1d4 damage against small monsters and 1d10+1 against large monsters. A hero wielding a runesword while they are at Skilled or better in broadswords gains the "graze" [[expert trait]]. The runesword is one of the few invalid weapon types for the generation or reshaping of [[Fire Brand (dNetHack)|Fire Brand]] and [[Frost Brand (dNetHack)|Frost Brand]].
+The runesword is a [[Item size (dNetHack)|large]] melee weapon that appears as a '''runed black blade''' while unidentified, or a '''runed blade''' if the hero is currently [[blind]]. Runeswords inflict slashing damage, dealing 1d10+1d4 damage against small monsters and 1d10+1 against large monsters. A hero wielding a runesword while they are at Skilled or better in broadswords gains the "graze" [[expert trait]]. In terms of monster weapon preference, monsters will prefer the runesword to a [[battle-axe]], and they will prefer a [[church blade]], a [[silverknight scythe]] (if they can use [[polearms]]) or better to the runesword.
 A cursed +3 runesword is generated in the [[Chaos Temple Quest]], where it is placed within a [[chest]] in the Ruined Temple area during level creation.

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
    |material=iron
 }}
-A '''runesword''' is a type of [[weapon]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is a one-handed [[melee]] weapon that uses the [[broadsword]] skill, and appears as a [[runed broadsword]] when [[unidentified]]. It is made of [[iron]].
+A '''runesword''' is a type of [[weapon]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is a one-handed [[melee]] weapon that uses the [[broadsword]] [[skill]], and appears as a [[runed broadsword]] when [[unidentified]]. It is made of [[iron]].
 The runesword is the [[base item]] for the [[artifact]] [[Stormbringer]].
@@ Line 23: / Line 23: @@
 ==Description==
 A runesword has the same base damage dice as a broadsword, dealing 2d4 damage to small monsters and 1d6+1 damage to large monsters&mdash;it is also lighter than the broadsword at 40 [[aum]] compared to its 70, and has a much higher base cost at 300 [[zm]] versus the broadsword's 10.
 ==Strategy==
-Despite its rarity and higher base cost, the runesword's only advantage over a regular broadsword is being less cumbersome. A hero with Stormbringer that finds a runesword in bones may be able to use it as a passable off-hand weapon for [[two-weapon combat]] if they can uncurse it.
+Despite its rarity and higher base cost, the runesword's only advantage over a regular broadsword is being less cumbersome. A hero with Stormbringer that finds a runesword in bones and uncurses it may be able to use it as a passable off-hand weapon for [[two-weapon combat]].
 ==History==
@@ Line 36: / Line 38: @@
 ===SLASH'EM===
-In [[SLASH'EM]], a runesword is always generated in a hidden room within the Boulder Path of the [[Lawful Quest]] and has the standard {{frac|5}} chance of being made into an artifact (i.e., Stormbringer).
+In [[SLASH'EM]], a cursed +0 runesword is always generated in a hidden room within the Boulder Path of the [[Lawful Quest]] during level creation, and has the standard {{frac|5}} chance of being made into an artifact (i.e., Stormbringer).
 ===dNetHack===
-In [[dNetHack]], runeswords deal 1d10+1d4 damage versus small monsters and 1d10+1 versus large monsters.
+In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], the runesword is changed from ''NetHack'' and further distinguished from the [[Broadsword (dNetHack)|broadsword]].
-A cursed +3 runesword is generated in one of the Ruined Temple chests within the [[Chaos Temple Quest]] at level creation.
+The runesword is a [[Item size (dNetHack)|large]] melee weapon that appears as a '''runed black blade''' while unidentified, or a '''runed blade''' if the hero is currently [[blind]]. Runeswords inflict slashing damage, dealing 1d10+1d4 damage against small monsters and 1d10+1 against large monsters. A hero wielding a runesword while they are at Skilled or better in broadswords gains the "graze" [[expert trait]]. The runesword is one of the few invalid weapon types for the generation or reshaping of [[Fire Brand (dNetHack)|Fire Brand]] and [[Frost Brand (dNetHack)|Frost Brand]].
 ===EvilHack===
-In [[EvilHack]], Pelias is always generated with a +5 runesword, and [[Saint Michael]] is always generated with a runesword.
+In [[EvilHack]], Pelias is always generated with a +5 runesword, and [[Saint Michael]] is always generated with a [[blessed]] and [[erosion]]-proofed [[silver]] runesword that has the [[Fire (element)|fire]] [[Object properties#EvilHack|object property]] and an [[enchantment]] ranging from +5 to +7 (with an equal probability of each).
-A runesword can be created at a [[Forge (dungeon feature)|forge]] by combining a broadsword and a [[dagger]]. [[Dichotomy]] is an artifact runesword that can only be created by combining [[Fire Brand]] and [[Frost Brand]] at a forge.
+A runesword can be created at a [[Forge (dungeon feature)|forge]] by combining a broadsword and a [[dagger]].
 ===SlashTHEM===
-In [[SlashTHEM]], in addition to SLASH'EM details, there is a {{frac|3|20}} chance of a cursed -9 runesword named Excalipoor generating in a chest within the thieves' stronghold in the village of the [[Town]] branch. Excalipoor is a recurring weapon in the ''[[wikipedia:Final Fantasy|Final Fantasy]]'' series of games, where it is a very weak knockoff of [[Excalibur]] known to fool treasure hunters.
+In [[SlashTHEM]], the runesword appears as a '''runic broadsword''' when unidentified, and can be randomly generated: they are quite rare and make up {{frac|500}} (0.2%) of all weapons randomly generated on the ground, in general [[shop]]s or as [[death drop]]s. Used armor dealerships and antique weapon outlets can also stock runeswords.
 ==References==

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
    |material=iron
 }}
-A '''runesword''' is a type of [[weapon]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is a one-handed [[melee]] weapon that uses the [[broadsword]] skill, and appears as a [[runed broadsword]] when [[Identification|unidentified]], an appearance it shares with the [[elven broadsword]]. It is made of [[iron]].
+The runesword is the [[base item]] for the [[artifact]] [[Stormbringer]].
 ==Generation==
-Runeswords are not randomly generated, though they can be [[wish]]ed for or found in [[bones]].
+Runeswords are not randomly generated, though they can be [[wish]]ed for or found in [[bones]]. If a bones level containing Stormbringer is loaded in a game where the artifact is already generated the artifact, it will be replaced with an ordinary runesword.
-If a [[bones]] level containing Stormbringer is loaded in a game where you have already generated the artifact, it will be replaced with an ordinary runesword.
+[[Pelias]], the [[quest leader]] for the [[Barbarian quest]], is [[always generated with]] a +5 runesword.{{refsrc|dat/Bar-strt.lua|73|nethack=5.0.0}}
-{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|As part of {{commit|20cbadcf85544cf9d0c3f4e4200b2800bab49c8e|commit 20cbadc}} - which strengthens [[quest leader]]s and makes it so that killing them no longer makes the game [[unwinnable]] - the [[Barbarian]] [[quest leader]] [[Pelias]] is generated with a +5 runesword.}}
+==Description==
 ==Strategy==
-A runesword is nearly identical to a regular broadsword, the only differences being its rarity and significantly lighter weight.
+Despite its rarity and higher base cost, the runesword's only advantage over a regular broadsword is being less cumbersome. A hero with Stormbringer that finds a runesword in bones may be able to use it as a passable off-hand weapon for [[two-weapon combat]] if they can uncurse it.
 ==History==
 The runesword first appears in [[NetHack 3.1.0]], which changes Stormbringer's base item from a broadsword to a runesword.
 ==Variants==
-Some variants will generate a runesword on specific levels, with the standard {{frac|5}} chance that it will be an artifact (i.e., typically Stormbringer).
+Some ''NetHack'' variants may further differentiate runeswords from broadswords, and may also place runeswords in certain levels to make them somewhat more available.
 ===SLASH'EM===
-In [[SLASH'EM]], a runesword is always generated in a hidden room within the Boulder Path of the [[Lawful Quest]].
+In [[SLASH'EM]], a runesword is always generated in a hidden room within the Boulder Path of the [[Lawful Quest]] and has the standard {{frac|5}} chance of being made into an artifact (i.e., Stormbringer).
 ===dNetHack===
@@ Line 42: / Line 44: @@
 ===EvilHack===
-In [[EvilHack]], [[Pelias]] is always generated with a +5 runesword, and [[Saint Michael]] is always generated with a runesword.
+In [[EvilHack]], Pelias is always generated with a +5 runesword, and [[Saint Michael]] is always generated with a runesword.
 A runesword can be created at a [[Forge (dungeon feature)|forge]] by combining a broadsword and a [[dagger]]. [[Dichotomy]] is an artifact runesword that can only be created by combining [[Fire Brand]] and [[Frost Brand]] at a forge.
@@ Line 48: / Line 50: @@
 ===SlashTHEM===
 In [[SlashTHEM]], in addition to SLASH'EM details, there is a {{frac|3|20}} chance of a cursed -9 runesword named Excalipoor generating in a chest within the thieves' stronghold in the village of the [[Town]] branch. Excalipoor is a recurring weapon in the ''[[wikipedia:Final Fantasy|Final Fantasy]]'' series of games, where it is a very weak knockoff of [[Excalibur]] known to fool treasure hunters.
-{{nethack-367}}
 [[Category:Weapons]]

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 A '''runesword''' is a type of [[weapon]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is a one-handed [[melee]] weapon that uses the [[broadsword]] skill, and appears as a [[runed broadsword]] when [[Identification|unidentified]], an appearance it shares with the [[elven broadsword]]. It is made of [[iron]].
-The runesword is the [[base item]] [[Stormbringer]] is an [[artifact weapon]] that uses the runesword as its [[base item]].
+[[Stormbringer]] is an [[artifact weapon]] that uses the runesword as its [[base item]].
 ==Generation==