Torch (dNetHack) - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: /* Description */ copyedit

2026-01-16T15:02:16Z

‎Description: copyedit

Umbire the Phantom: dwarf knight, damage types exist in vanilla but to a lesser extent, etc. etc. etc.

2025-10-08T08:52:48Z

dwarf knight, damage types exist in vanilla but to a lesser extent, etc. etc. etc.

Umbire the Phantom: /* Strategy */ word choice

2025-05-24T14:30:07Z

‎Strategy: word choice

Umbire the Phantom: /* Description */ word choice

2025-05-24T14:28:32Z

‎Description: word choice

Umbire the Phantom: /* Description */ do it this way

2025-05-24T14:28:03Z

‎Description: do it this way

Umbire the Phantom: pothole

2025-05-09T16:39:05Z

pothole

Umbire the Phantom: /* Strategy */ bit more detail

2025-05-09T06:21:44Z

‎Strategy: bit more detail

Umbire the Phantom: /* Strategy */ typo

2025-05-09T06:14:21Z

‎Strategy: typo

Umbire the Phantom: /* Strategy */ typo

2025-05-09T06:13:18Z

‎Strategy: typo

Umbire the Phantom: did my best with what I was given

2025-05-09T06:13:02Z

did my best with what I was given

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 {{lightradius|r=4}}
-Light from a lit torch will illuminate normally-dark squares within the radius, but will not fully override darkness from other sources such as a [[shadowlander's torch]] or [[fossil dark]]. A torch remains active for 500–1500 turns: as its timer comes closer to expiring, the torch burns down to a 3-square radius and then a 2-square radius before burning out completely (150, 50 and 0 turns left to burn respectively), and a torch that burns out may turn into a [[Erosion|burnt]] club with 1–3 levels of erosion. If a hero creates darkness by [[reading]] a cursed [[scroll of light]], either casting the {{+ of|light}} spell or using the [[Monster (command)|#monster]] [[extended command]] as a drow, or zapping a [[wand of darkness]], any torches in the lit area will be extinguished; this also occurs if a [[monster]] creates darkness as well.
+Light from a lit torch will illuminate normally-dark squares within the radius, but will not fully override darkness from other sources such as a [[shadowlander's torch]] or [[fossil dark]]. A torch remains active for 500–1500 turns: as its timer reaches 150 turns left, then 50 and finally 0, the torch respectively burns down to providing light in a 3-square radius, then a 2-square radius before burning out completely, and a torch that burns out may turn into a [[Erosion|burnt]] club with 1–3 levels of erosion. If a hero creates darkness by [[reading]] a cursed [[scroll of light]], either casting the {{+ of|light}} spell or using the [[Monster (command)|#monster]] [[extended command]] as a drow, or zapping a [[wand of darkness]], any torches in the lit area will be extinguished; this also occurs if a [[monster]] creates darkness as well.
 As a weapon, a torch uses the club [[skill]] and deals 1d3 points of blunt damage to small monsters and 1d2 to large monsters&mdash;while lit, it deals an additional +1d10 [[Fire (element)|fire]] damage versus monsters that lack [[fire resistance]], and the fire damage can burn [[armor]] and destroy [[scroll]]s, [[spellbook]]s and [[potion]]s in the target's inventory, with the potions releasing [[vapors]]. A torch gains a full damage bonus from the wielder's [[strength]], with a maximum of +8 at 25 strength. Monsters will not apply torches on their own, but will use them as weapons if they are the best option available for them, and [[monster weapon preference]] factors in whether or not they are currently lit.

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 }}
 {{otheruses|the item in dNetHack and its derivatives|the item in other variants|torch}}
-A '''torch''' is a type of [[tool]] that appears in [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]]. It is a [[stackable]], [[one-handed]] [[weapon-tool]] that is made of [[wood]].
+A '''torch''' is a type of [[tool]] that appears in [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]]. The torch is a [[stackable]], [[one-handed]] [[weapon-tool]] that uses the [[club]] [[skill]]. It has a [[Object materials (dNetHack)|base material]] of [[wood]].
 ==Generation==
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 * [[Barbarian/dNetHack|Barbarians]] start each game with 3 uncursed torches.
 * [[Caveman/dNetHack|Cavepeople]] start each game with 3 uncursed torches.
 * [[Noble#dNethack Dwarf Noble|Dwarven Nobles]] and [[Noble#dNetHack Female Half-Dragon Noble|half-dragon Nobles]] of both genders start each game with 3 uncursed torches.
 * [[Rogue/dNetHack|Rogues]] start each game with 2 uncursed torches.
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 Torches make up {{frac|3|20}} (1.5%) of all randomly-generated tools. General [[store]]s and hardware stores can stock torches.
-A [[club]] can be dipped into a [[potion of oil]] to turn it into a torch.
+A club can be dipped into a [[potion of oil]] to turn it into a torch.
 The inverted ziggurat [[Map inclusion (dNetHack)|map inclusions]] on the [[Neutral Quest (dNetHack)|Neutral Quest]] that do not have an [[altar]] will contain a [[chest]] buried in the central square of the room with 1–6 torches inside.
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 {{lightradius|r=4}}
-Light from a lit torch will illuminate normally-dark squares within the radius, but will not fully override darkness from other sources such as a [[shadowlander's torch]] or [[fossil dark]]. A torch remains active for 500–1500 turns: as its timer comes closer to expiring, the torch burns down to a 3-square radius and then a 2-square radius before burning out completely (150, 50 and 0 turns left to burn respectively), and a torch that burns out may turn into a [[Erosion|burnt]] club with 1–3 levels of erosion. If a hero creates darkness by [[reading]] a cursed [[scroll of light]], either casting the {{+ of|light}} spell or using the [[Monster (command)|#monster]] [[extended command]] as a drow, or zapping a [[wand of darkness]], any torches in the lit area will be extinguished; this also occurs if a monster creates darkness as well.
+Light from a lit torch will illuminate normally-dark squares within the radius, but will not fully override darkness from other sources such as a [[shadowlander's torch]] or [[fossil dark]]. A torch remains active for 500–1500 turns: as its timer comes closer to expiring, the torch burns down to a 3-square radius and then a 2-square radius before burning out completely (150, 50 and 0 turns left to burn respectively), and a torch that burns out may turn into a [[Erosion|burnt]] club with 1–3 levels of erosion. If a hero creates darkness by [[reading]] a cursed [[scroll of light]], either casting the {{+ of|light}} spell or using the [[Monster (command)|#monster]] [[extended command]] as a drow, or zapping a [[wand of darkness]], any torches in the lit area will be extinguished; this also occurs if a [[monster]] creates darkness as well.
-As a weapon, a torch uses the club [[skill]] and deals 1d3 points of [[Damage types (dNetHack)|blunt]] damage to small monsters and 1d2 to large monsters&mdash;while lit, it deals an additional +1d10 [[Fire (element)|fire]] damage versus monsters that lack [[fire resistance]], and the fire damage can burn [[armor]] and destroy [[scroll]]s, [[spellbook]]s and [[potion]]s in the target's inventory, with the potions releasing [[vapors]]. A torch gains a full damage bonus from the wielder's [[strength]], with a maximum of +8 at 25 strength. Monsters will not apply torches on their own, but will use them as weapons if they are the best option available for them, and monster weapon choice factors in whether or not they are currently lit.
+As a weapon, a torch uses the club [[skill]] and deals 1d3 points of blunt damage to small monsters and 1d2 to large monsters&mdash;while lit, it deals an additional +1d10 [[Fire (element)|fire]] damage versus monsters that lack [[fire resistance]], and the fire damage can burn [[armor]] and destroy [[scroll]]s, [[spellbook]]s and [[potion]]s in the target's inventory, with the potions releasing [[vapors]]. A torch gains a full damage bonus from the wielder's [[strength]], with a maximum of +8 at 25 strength. Monsters will not apply torches on their own, but will use them as weapons if they are the best option available for them, and [[monster weapon preference]] factors in whether or not they are currently lit.
 ==Strategy==

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 One advantage of torches over some other light sources is that they are decently fairly light and easily stacked (based on [[enchantment]] like other weapons), making a small stack of them tolerable enough to carry for a hero without a [[bag]] or other [[container]], and they can also easily made using potions of oil and clubs. A hero that reaches [[Minetown]] and is at a loss for a reasonable light source to explore the deep Gnomish Mines or other dark areas may consider grabbing spare potions of oil from [[Izchak]] if the plentiful light sources within the Mines themselves are somehow of no use to them or else of no interest. [[Throwing]] lit torches at enemies can also be used to set them up for [[ranged weapon]] attacks with the torch's light, but any potions destroyed when a lit torch hits a monster cannot be type-[[named]].
-As a weapon, clubs in general have a niche against monsters such as [[skeleton]]s and the [[Keter Sephiroth]], especially for roles that lack good unarmed attacks, and Cavepeople in particular may want to utilize torches for fire damage, including transforming their starting +1 club into one after they have found a better long-term weapon. Fire damage from torches can also burn up [[defensive item]]s that hostile monsters might use to escape, though this is somewhat limited in application and may burn up other valuable loot. Other heroes may want torches to carve [[staves]] into for warding off later monsters, such as the [[User:Chris/dNetHack/Dreprun|dreprun stave]] against [[mastodon]]s and [[Byakhee (dNetHack)|byakhees]].
+As a weapon, clubs in general have a niche against monsters such as [[skeleton]]s and the [[Keter Sephiroth]], especially for roles that lack good unarmed attacks, and Cavepeople in particular may want to utilize torches for fire damage, including transforming their starting +1 club into one after they have found a better long-term weapon. Fire damage from torches can also burn up [[defensive item]]s that hostile monsters might use to escape, though this is somewhat limited in application and may burn up other valuable loot. Other heroes may want to carve [[staves]] into torches for warding off later monsters, such as the [[User:Chris/dNetHack/Dreprun|dreprun stave]] against [[mastodon]]s and [[Byakhee (dNetHack)|byakhees]].
 In some rare cases, a torch may be useful to train up the club skill for players planning a dedicated [[dNetHack artifacts#Ibite Arm|Ibite Arm]] run (which is an [[insight]] [[artifact]] whose details constitute '''major spoilers''' for the mechanic).

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 Light from a lit torch will illuminate normally-dark squares within the radius, but will not fully override darkness from other sources such as a [[shadowlander's torch]] or [[fossil dark]]. A torch remains active for 500–1500 turns: as its timer comes closer to expiring, the torch burns down to a 3-square radius and then a 2-square radius before burning out completely (150, 50 and 0 turns left to burn respectively), and a torch that burns out may turn into a [[Erosion|burnt]] club with 1–3 levels of erosion. If a hero creates darkness by [[reading]] a cursed [[scroll of light]], either casting the {{+ of|light}} spell or using the [[Monster (command)|#monster]] [[extended command]] as a drow, or zapping a [[wand of darkness]], any torches in the lit area will be extinguished; this also occurs if a monster creates darkness as well.
-As a weapon, a torch uses the club [[skill]] and deals 1d3 points of [[Damage types (dNetHack)|blunt]] damage to small monsters and 1d2 to large monsters&mdash;while lit, it deals an additional +1d10 [[Fire (element)|fire]] damage versus monsters that lack [[fire resistance]], and the fire damage can burn [[armor]] and destroy [[scroll]]s, [[spellbook]]s and [[potion]]s in the target's inventory, with the potions releasing [[vapors]]. A torch gains a full damage bonus from the wielder's [[strength]], with a maximum of +8 at 25 strength. Monsters will not apply torches on their own, but will use them as weapons if they are the best option available for them&mdash;monster weapon choice factors in whether or not they are currently lit.
+As a weapon, a torch uses the club [[skill]] and deals 1d3 points of [[Damage types (dNetHack)|blunt]] damage to small monsters and 1d2 to large monsters&mdash;while lit, it deals an additional +1d10 [[Fire (element)|fire]] damage versus monsters that lack [[fire resistance]], and the fire damage can burn [[armor]] and destroy [[scroll]]s, [[spellbook]]s and [[potion]]s in the target's inventory, with the potions releasing [[vapors]]. A torch gains a full damage bonus from the wielder's [[strength]], with a maximum of +8 at 25 strength. Monsters will not apply torches on their own, but will use them as weapons if they are the best option available for them, and monster weapon choice factors in whether or not they are currently lit.
 ==Strategy==

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 ==Description==
-A hero [[applying]] a torch will light it, or snuff it if it is already lit. While lit, a torch emits light in a radius of 4 squares around it&mdash;this lights normally dark squares within the radius, but will not fully override darkness from other sources such as a [[shadowlander's torch]] or [[fossil dark]]. A torch remains active for 500–1500 turns: as its timer comes closer to expiring, the torch burns down to a 3-square radius and then a 2-square radius before burning out completely (150, 50 and 0 turns left to burn respectively), and a torch that burns out may turn into a [[Erosion|burnt]] club with 1–3 levels of erosion. If a hero creates darkness by [[reading]] a cursed [[scroll of light]], either casting the {{+ of|light}} spell or using the [[Monster (command)|#monster]] [[extended command]] as a drow, or zapping a [[wand of darkness]], any torches in the lit area will be extinguished; this also occurs if a monster creates darkness as well.
+A hero [[applying]] a torch will light it, or snuff it if it is already lit. While lit, a torch emits light in a radius of 4 squares around it:
 As a weapon, a torch uses the club [[skill]] and deals 1d3 points of [[Damage types (dNetHack)|blunt]] damage to small monsters and 1d2 to large monsters&mdash;while lit, it deals an additional +1d10 [[Fire (element)|fire]] damage versus monsters that lack [[fire resistance]], and the fire damage can burn [[armor]] and destroy [[scroll]]s, [[spellbook]]s and [[potion]]s in the target's inventory, with the potions releasing [[vapors]]. A torch gains a full damage bonus from the wielder's [[strength]], with a maximum of +8 at 25 strength. Monsters will not apply torches on their own, but will use them as weapons if they are the best option available for them&mdash;monster weapon choice factors in whether or not they are currently lit.

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 ==Strategy==
-A torch can be a useful holdover light source until either a more permanent source presents itself ([[candle of invocation]], [[magic lamp]], [[magic torch]], [[User:Chris/dNethack/dNethack_Items#Potions|potion of starlight]], [[sunlight maggot]]) &ndash; or possibly in the case of spellcasters &ndash; until a spellbook of light is found. They're incredibly light and can stack with more of themselves as long as they are of the same enchantment, making them ideal for the early game where most characters will still not have any [[bag]]s. Characters that make it to [[Minetown]] and cannot find a good light source there but find a potion of oil in [[Izchak]]'s store may wish to consider turning any clubs they find into torches to help with the oppressive darkness of the lower mines. [[Ogre]]s have a high chance of being generated with a large club. Potions of oil can also be sourced from a [[Map_inclusion_(dNetHack)#Formian_Nest_Outpost_(Volatiles_Shop)|volatiles store]] from the top of the [[Law quest (dNetHack)|law quest]]. However, most characters will never be short on light sources, since all [[dwarvish helm]]s provide a portable and convenient light source with a radius of 3 squares. Once a torch only has 150 turns of use left, it is best to look for another light source.
+A torch can be a useful temporary light source for a starting hero until a more permanent one presents itself: such light sources include the [[candle of invocation]], [[magic lamp]], [[magic torch]], [[potions of starlight]], [[sunlight maggot]]s, or even a [[spellbook of light]] for spellcasters in particular&mdash;[gnomish pointy hat]]s and [[dwarven helm]]s are also plentiful in the [[Gnomish Mines]].
-The torch deals respectable damage, but the lack of any guaranteed gift artifact club does limit their practical use. However, if the [[Insight#Insight_weapon_extra_effects|ibite arm]] ('''major spoilers!!''') is the intended weapon for the late game training up club early saves some time. Enemies hit by the torch can have their [[defensive item]]s denied to them, preventing them from escaping last minute, e.g. by reading a [[scroll of teleportation]]. However, this also denies you the opportunity of obtaining them yourself. [[Throw]]ing a lit torch is a viable method of creating a spot of light on a dark level and can be used to facilitate taking down enemies with [[ranged weapon]]s but won't allow for [[Name##naming_a_class_of_items|typenaming]] potions based on their vapors.
+One advantage of torches over some other light sources is that they are decently fairly light and easily stacked (based on [[enchantment]] like other weapons), making a small stack of them tolerable enough to carry for a hero without a [[bag]] or other [[container]], and they can also easily made using potions of oil and clubs. A hero that reaches [[Minetown]] and is at a loss for a reasonable light source to explore the deep Gnomish Mines or other dark areas may consider grabbing spare potions of oil from [[Izchak]] if the plentiful light sources within the Mines themselves are somehow of no use to them or else of no interest. [[Throwing]] lit torches at enemies can also be used to set them up for [[ranged weapon]] attacks with the torch's light, but any potions destroyed when a lit torch hits a monster cannot be type-[[named]].
-Clubs have a niche use against enemies with resistance to slashing and piercing weapons, but not blunt weapons such as [[skeleton]]s and the [[Keter Sephiroth|Keter]], especially for roles that do not have good [[unarmed]] attacks. Cavepeople that have outgrown their starting club or want the additional fire damage may wish to transform it into a torch. Other characters may still find use in carving [[Ward_(dNetHack)#Icelandic_magical_staves|staves]] into clubs to ward off some monsters ([[q]] and [[B]] such as [[mastodon]]s and [[Byakhee (dNetHack)|byakhees]] especially &mdash; see [[User:Chris/dNetHack/Dreprun|dreprun stave]]).
+As a weapon, clubs in general have a niche against monsters such as [[skeleton]]s and the [[Keter Sephiroth]], especially for roles that lack good unarmed attacks, and Cavepeople in particular may want to utilize torches for fire damage, including transforming their starting +1 club into one after they have found a better long-term weapon. Fire damage from torches can also burn up [[defensive item]]s that hostile monsters might use to escape, though this is somewhat limited in application and may burn up other valuable loot. Other heroes may want torches to carve [[staves]] into for warding off later monsters, such as the [[User:Chris/dNetHack/Dreprun|dreprun stave]] against [[mastodon]]s and [[Byakhee (dNetHack)|byakhees]].
 ==History==