Wand of fire - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: /* NetHack Fourk */ ditto

2025-02-08T02:24:58Z

‎NetHack Fourk: ditto

Umbire the Phantom: /* Description */ cite broken wand

2025-02-08T02:03:31Z

‎Description: cite broken wand

Umbire the Phantom: pasto

2025-02-08T01:53:31Z

pasto

Umbire the Phantom: another pass including variants

2025-02-07T16:58:34Z

another pass including variants

Umbire the Phantom: everything up to variants

2025-02-07T16:25:01Z

everything up to variants

JASON10668: Add languages template.

2025-02-06T06:28:48Z

Add languages template.

Umbire the Phantom at 17:21, 28 February 2022

2022-02-28T17:21:14Z

Umbire the Phantom: /* Generation */

2022-02-28T17:06:49Z

‎Generation

Umbire the Phantom: Add relevant strategy, {{upcoming}}, flesh out variants section - correct as necessary for FIQ/Fourk, don't have as much experience there

2022-02-28T17:02:46Z

Add relevant strategy, {{upcoming}}, flesh out variants section - correct as necessary for FIQ/Fourk, don't have as much experience there

Umbire the Phantom at 02:17, 27 February 2022

2022-02-27T02:17:39Z

@@ Line 55: / Line 55: @@
 ===NetHack Fourk===
-In [[NetHack Fourk]], which incorporates the [[Wands Balance Patch]], unskilled usage of a wand of fire deals the lesser between 3d6 or {{frac|2|5}} of the target's maximum HP in fire damage, and the wand behaves as in ''NetHack'' at all other skill levels. This also applies to [[FIQHack]].
+In [[NetHack Fourk]], which incorporates the [[Wands Balance Patch]], unskilled usage of a wand of cold deals the lesser between 3d6 or {{frac|2|5}} of the target's maximum HP in fire damage, and does not destroy items&mdash;the wand behaves as in ''NetHack'' at all other skill levels. This also applies to [[FIQHack]].
 ===SpliceHack===

@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 [[Engraving]] with a wand of fire will [[auto-identify]] the wand and overwrites any current engraving.
-[[Breaking wands|Breaking]] a wand of fire by [[applying]] it will create a damaging magical explosion of fire in a 3×3 square centered on the hero, auto-identifying the wand and dealing fire damage equal to (remaining charges)*d8, while also destroying scrolls, spellbooks and potions in the open inventory of affected monsters.
+[[Breaking wands|Breaking]] a wand of fire by [[applying]] it will create a damaging magical explosion of fire in a 3×3 square centered on the hero, auto-identifying the wand and dealing fire damage equal to (remaining charges)*d8, while also destroying scrolls, spellbooks and potions in the open inventory of affected monsters.{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3368|nethack=3.6.7}}
 {{upcoming|3.7.0|Rays of fire that partially or completely evaporate water squares will generate [[cloud]]s of steam.}}

@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 [[Engraving]] with a wand of fire will [[auto-identify]] the wand and overwrites any current engraving.
-[[Breaking wands|Breaking]] a wand of fire by [[applying]] it will create a damaging magical explosion of cold in a 3×3 square centered on the hero, auto-identifying the wand and dealing fire damage equal to (remaining charges)*d8, while also destroying scrolls, spellbooks and potions in the open inventory of affected monsters.
+[[Breaking wands|Breaking]] a wand of fire by [[applying]] it will create a damaging magical explosion of fire in a 3×3 square centered on the hero, auto-identifying the wand and dealing fire damage equal to (remaining charges)*d8, while also destroying scrolls, spellbooks and potions in the open inventory of affected monsters.
 {{upcoming|3.7.0|Rays of fire that partially or completely evaporate water squares will generate [[cloud]]s of steam.}}

@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 [[Asmodeus]] is [[Monster starting inventory|always generated with]] a wand of cold.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|772|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
-Randomly created [[intelligent monster]]s may be [[Monster starting inventory|generated with]] a wand of fire as a [[offensive item]].{{refsrc|src/muse.c|1609|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+Randomly created [[intelligent monster]]s may be generated with a wand of fire as a [[offensive item]].{{refsrc|src/muse.c|1609|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
 Wands of fire are created with 4 to 8 charges.
 ==Description==
-[[Zapping]] a wand of fire in a given direction emits a [[ray]] of [[fire]] that deals 6d6 damage to monsters that it hits unless they have [[fire resistance]], while dealing an additional +7 bonus damage to monsters that have a fire [[vulnerability]] (i.e. they have [[cold resistance]] but not fire resistance).{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3623|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3629|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} The ray also has a {{frac|3}} chance of [[burn]]ing vulnerable items in the victim's open inventory:{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3633|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} this partly burns worn [[armor]] and destroys [[scroll]]s, [[spellbook]]s, and [[globs of green slime]], as well as making [[potion]]s explode by igniting [[potions of oil]] and boiling other [[potion]]s&mdash;each item destroyed this way deals fire damage to the victim, and each type of non-oil potion that explodes will subject the victim to the potion's [[vapors]].
+[[Zapping]] a wand of fire in a given direction emits a [[ray]] of [[fire]] that deals 6d6 damage to monsters that it hits unless they have [[fire resistance]], while dealing an additional +7 bonus damage to monsters that have a fire [[vulnerability]] (i.e. they have [[cold resistance]] but not fire resistance).{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3623|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3629|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} The ray also has a {{frac|3}} chance of [[burn]]ing vulnerable items in the victim's open inventory:{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3633|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} this partly burns worn [[armor]] and destroys [[scroll]]s, [[spellbook]]s, and [[globs of green slime]], as well as making [[potion]]s explode by igniting [[potions of oil]] and boiling other [[potion]]s&mdash;each item destroyed this way deals fire damage to the victim, and each type of non-oil potion that explodes will subject the victim to the potion's [[vapors]]. [[Monster]]s can use this wand, and hostile ones will zap it at the [[hero]].
 Like most rays, a wand of fire's rays will bounce when it hits walls or targets with [[reflection]]&mdash;it will also evaporate [[pool]]s of water and melt [[ice]] that it travels over, and destroys [[door]]s hit by the blast.
@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 [[Engraving]] with a wand of fire will [[auto-identify]] the wand and overwrites any current engraving.
-[[Breaking wands|Breaking]] a wand of fire by [[applying]] it will create a damaging magical explosion of cold in a 3×3 square centered on the [[hero]], auto-identifying the wand and dealing fire damage equal to (remaining charges)*d8, while also destroying scrolls, spellbooks and potions in the open inventory of affected monsters.
+[[Breaking wands|Breaking]] a wand of fire by [[applying]] it will create a damaging magical explosion of cold in a 3×3 square centered on the hero, auto-identifying the wand and dealing fire damage equal to (remaining charges)*d8, while also destroying scrolls, spellbooks and potions in the open inventory of affected monsters.
 {{upcoming|3.7.0|Rays of fire that partially or completely evaporate water squares will generate [[cloud]]s of steam.}}
@@ Line 36: / Line 36: @@
 The wand of fire is a very strong offensive item against most monsters, but it is also dangerous for the hero to encounter early on when most characters do not have a readily-identifiable source of fire resistance. Even for a hero with the wand, they should be careful of rebounds as with many other wand rays; rebounds can also be used deliberately to rack up damage against vulnerable monsters, especially ones with fire weaknesses. Its chance of burning items in a target's inventory may deter a hero from using it, though it may conversely be employed to try destroying specific items such as suspected [[scrolls of teleportation]].
-Though its combat uses become more limited in the late game where many monsters have fire resistance, particularly those in [[Gehennom]], it can still be used to dispose of far stronger monsters that cannot [[fly]] or [[swim]] by luring them over ice and using the wand to [[drown]] them. Naturally, this danger can also befall the hero, particularly if they are using a [[wand of cold]] or cold [[breath weapon]] to traverse water in areas such as [[Medusa's Island]], or else crossing a naturally icy area such as the upper floors of the [[Valkyrie quest]]. The wand can also be used to strand [[Giant eel|giant]] and [[electric eel]]s inhabiting pools of water (but ''not'' moats) and prevent them from drowning the hero.
+Though its combat uses become more limited in the late game where many monsters have fire resistance, particularly those in [[Gehennom]], it can still be used to dispose of strong monsters that cannot [[fly]] or [[swim]] by luring them over ice and using the wand to [[drown]] them. Naturally, this danger can also befall the hero, particularly if they are using a [[wand of cold]] or cold [[breath weapon]] to traverse water in areas such as [[Medusa's Island]], or else crossing a naturally icy area such as the upper floors of the [[Valkyrie quest]]. The wand can also be used to strand [[Giant eel|giant]] and [[electric eel]]s inhabiting pools of water (but ''not'' moats) and prevent them from drowning the hero.
 The wand is frequently used as a means of engraving [[Elbereth]], which creates a semi-permanent engraving that can only degrade when scaring monsters. Like some other wands, it can also be used to destroy doors without creating [[noise]], allowing a hero to enter the [[Sokoban]] [[treasure zoo]] or similar rooms without waking the inhabitants. Heroes can also use them as an emergency cure for [[sliming]] by zapping themselves with the wand&mdash;the damage done to armor and inventory is preferable to [[YASD|ending the game]] as a mindless [[green slime]]. Incidentally, the green slime is one of a few late-game threats that has a vulnerability to fire, making the wand potentially useful to kill one before it can slime the hero.
@@ Line 47: / Line 47: @@
 ==Variants==
 ===SLASH'EM===
-In [[SLASH'EM]], [[Flame Mage]]s start the game with a wand of fire.
+In [[SLASH'EM]], [[Flame Mage]]s start the game with a wand of fire.{{refsrc|u_init.c|68|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}
-[[Grund's Stronghold]] has a [[hobgoblin]] with a wand of fire in the open area, and the [[soldier]] that appears in the front corridors has a 60% chance of being generated with a wand of fire.
+[[Grund's Stronghold]] generates a [[hobgoblin]] with a wand of fire in the open area at level creation, and the [[soldier]] placed in the front corridors at level creation has a {{frac|3|5}} chance of being generated with a wand of fire.
-===SlashTHEM===
+===UnNetHack===
-In [[SlashTHEM]], on top [[SLASH'EM]] changes, all [[Firefighter]]s start with a wand of fire.
+In [[UnNetHack]], each filler level in [[Sheol]] has a {{frac|3}} chance of generating a wand of fire, and the middle floor has two guaranteed wands of fire.
-===FIQHack===
+===EvilHack===
-In [[FIQHack]], which incorporates the [[Wands Balance Patch]], unskilled usage of a wand of fire chooses the lesser of two values to deal as damage: 3d6 or 40% max HP damage.
+In [[EvilHack]], the odds of a monster generating with a wand of fire are lower than normal in the [[Ice Queen's Realm]].
-===NetHack Fourk===
+===SlashTHEM===
-In [[NetHack Fourk]], which incorporates the [[Wands Balance Patch]], unskilled usage of a wand of fire also chooses the lesser of two values to deal as damage: 3d6 or 40% max HP damage.
+In [[SlashTHEM]], in addition to SLASH'EM details, [[Firefighter]]s start each game with a wand of fire.
 ==References==

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 }}
-The '''wand of fire''' is a [[wand]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''.
+A '''wand of fire''' is a type of [[wand]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''.
 ==Generation==
-A [[Wizard]] may receive a wand of fire as part of their starting inventory.
+[[Wizard]]s may be given a wand of fire as the random wand in their starting inventory.{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|164|nethack=3.6.7}}
-There is a 4% chance that a [[Wand#Generation|randomly-generated wand]] within the dungeon and its branches will be a wand of fire. Monsters may generate with the wand as a random [[offensive item]].
+Wands of fire make up {{frac|25}} (4%) of all randomly-generated wands. General [[store]]s and "quality apparel and accessories" shops can sell wands of fire.
-[[Asmodeus]] [[Monster starting inventory|will always generate with]] a [[wand of cold]] and a wand of fire.{{refsrc|makemon.c|643}}{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|772|version=NetHack 3.6.6}}
+[[Asmodeus]] is [[Monster starting inventory|always generated with]] a wand of cold.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|772|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
-==Effects==
+Randomly created [[intelligent monster]]s may be [[Monster starting inventory|generated with]] a wand of fire as a [[offensive item]].{{refsrc|src/muse.c|1609|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
-[[Engraving]] with a wand of fire will [[auto-identify]] the wand.
+Wands of fire are created with 4 to 8 charges.
-{{upcoming|3.7.0|Rays of fire that partially or completely evaporate pools or moats will generate [[cloud]]s of steam.}}
+==Description==
 ==Strategy==
-:''See also: [[Wand strategy]]''
+The wand of fire is a very strong offensive item against most monsters, but it is also dangerous for the hero to encounter early on when most characters do not have a readily-identifiable source of fire resistance. Even for a hero with the wand, they should be careful of rebounds as with many other wand rays; rebounds can also be used deliberately to rack up damage against vulnerable monsters, especially ones with fire weaknesses. Its chance of burning items in a target's inventory may deter a hero from using it, though it may conversely be employed to try destroying specific items such as suspected [[scrolls of teleportation]].
-A wand of fire is a popular means of engraving [[Elbereth]] - such engravings are permanent and can only be removed by making it vanish (with a [[wand of cancellation]], wand of cold or [[wand of make invisible|make invisible]]), [[wand of teleportation|teleporting it]], [[wand of polymorph|polymorphing it]], or overwriting it (with a [[wand of lightning]] or another wand of fire). The wand can also be used to destroy the [[door]] to the [[Sokoban]] zoo without waking up ''all'' of its inhabitants.
+Though its combat uses become more limited in the late game where many monsters have fire resistance, particularly those in [[Gehennom]], it can still be used to dispose of far stronger monsters that cannot [[fly]] or [[swim]] by luring them over ice and using the wand to [[drown]] them. Naturally, this danger can also befall the hero, particularly if they are using a [[wand of cold]] or cold [[breath weapon]] to traverse water in areas such as [[Medusa's Island]], or else crossing a naturally icy area such as the upper floors of the [[Valkyrie quest]]. The wand can also be used to strand [[Giant eel|giant]] and [[electric eel]]s inhabiting pools of water (but ''not'' moats) and prevent them from drowning the hero.
-In addition to holding off tougher hostiles, wands of fire can also be used to cut them off or dispose of them directly - you can lure an earthbound monster onto ice (e.g. moats frozen with a wand of cold) and then zap a wand of fire to melt it from beneath them, drowning them instantly. Beware, though: monsters using this wand can possibly do the same to you, which is a danger for [[Valkyrie]]s on their [[Valkyrie quest|quest]] in particular. A wand of fire can also be used to strand [[sea monster]]s and prevent drowning from [[giant eel]]s or [[electric eel]]s, though this only works if the monster is in a moat.
+The wand is frequently used as a means of engraving [[Elbereth]], which creates a semi-permanent engraving that can only degrade when scaring monsters. Like some other wands, it can also be used to destroy doors without creating [[noise]], allowing a hero to enter the [[Sokoban]] [[treasure zoo]] or similar rooms without waking the inhabitants. Heroes can also use them as an emergency cure for [[sliming]] by zapping themselves with the wand&mdash;the damage done to armor and inventory is preferable to [[YASD|ending the game]] as a mindless [[green slime]]. Incidentally, the green slime is one of a few late-game threats that has a vulnerability to fire, making the wand potentially useful to kill one before it can slime the hero.
-In an emergency where you are afflicted with [[sliming]], zapping the wand at yourself can save you - though it may also damage your armor and inventory, it is much preferable to ending your game as a slime.
+{{upcoming|3.7.0|Ice floors are present in Gehennom, making the danger of them being melted from under the hero far more present.}}
 ==History==
-The wand of fire has been present in the game since Hack 1.21, a variant of [[Jay Fenlason's Hack]].
+The wand of fire first appears in Hack 1.21 and Hack for PDP-11, which are based on [[Jay Fenlason's Hack]], and is included in the initial item list for [[Hack 1.0]].
 ==Variants==
@@ Line 55: / Line 62: @@
 ==References==
 <references/>
-{{nethack-366}}
+{{nethack-367}}
 [[Category:Wands|Fire]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:28, 6 February 2025
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		+	{{languages}}
	{{wand		{{wand
	\|name=fire		\|name=fire

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 ==Strategy==
-:''See also: [[wand strategy]]''
+:''See also: [[Wand strategy]]''
 The wand of fire is a useful offensive item against most monsters that can prove just as deadly to you, especially early on where you typically lack a source of [[reflection]] or fire resistance. It can be especially deadly against vulnerable monsters if you have a means of rebounding or reflecting the ray back at them.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:06, 28 February 2022
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	==Generation==		==Generation==
		+	A [[Wizard]] may receive a wand of fire as part of their starting inventory.
		+
	There is a 4% chance that a [[Wand#Generation\|randomly-generated wand]] within the dungeon and its branches will be a wand of fire. Monsters may generate with the wand as a random [[offensive item]].		There is a 4% chance that a [[Wand#Generation\|randomly-generated wand]] within the dungeon and its branches will be a wand of fire. Monsters may generate with the wand as a random [[offensive item]].

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 The '''wand of fire''' is a [[wand]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''.
-== Effects ==
+==Effects==
-[[Zap]]ping the wand in a given direction emits a ray of fire that does 6d6 damage to non-[[fire resistance|fire resistant]] targets, and does an additional 7 damage if the monster is cold resistant; [[potions]] may boil, [[scrolls]] and [[spellbooks]] may burn, and organic [[armor]] may smoulder. The ray bounces when it hits walls or targets with [[reflection]], and may melt any squares of ice it travels over.
+[[Zap]]ping the wand in a given direction emits a [[ray]] of fire that does 6d6 damage to non-[[fire resistance|fire resistant]] targets, with a +7 bonus if the monster has [[cold resistance]].{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3629|version=NetHack 3.6.6}} Monsters hit with this ray may have their inventory set aflame: [[potions]] may boil, [[scrolls]] and [[spellbooks]] may burn, and organic [[armor]] may smoulder. The ray bounces when it hits walls or targets with [[reflection]], and can melt any squares of [[ice]] it travels over.
 [[Engraving]] with a wand of fire will [[auto-identify]] the wand.
-== Strategy ==
+==Strategy==
-The wand of fire is a useful offensive item against most monsters, although it can prove just as deadly to you, especially in the early game where you most likely have not found a means of [[reflection]] or [[fire resistance]].
+The wand of fire is a useful offensive item against most monsters, although it can prove just as deadly to you, especially in the early game where most players have no source of [[reflection]] or fire resistance.
-A wand of fire is a popular means of engraving [[Elbereth]]; in [[3.6.1]] and later releases, as well as [[3.4.3]] and variants based on it, such engravings are permanent and can only be removed by making it vanish (with a [[wand of cancellation]] or [[wand of make invisible|make invisible]]), [[wand of teleportation|teleporting it]], [[wand of polymorph|polymorphing it]], or overwriting it (with a [[wand of lightning]] or wand of fire).
+A wand of fire is a popular means of engraving [[Elbereth]] - such engravings are permanent and can only be removed by making it vanish (with a [[wand of cancellation]], [[wand of cold]] or [[wand of make invisible|make invisible]]), [[wand of teleportation|teleporting it]], [[wand of polymorph|polymorphing it]], or overwriting it (with a [[wand of lightning]] or another wand of fire).
-In an emergency, the wand can also save you from [[sliming]] - though it may also damage your armor and inventory, it is much preferable to ending your game as a slime.
+In an emergency, zapping the wand at yourself can also save you from [[sliming]] - though it may also damage your armor and inventory, it is much preferable to ending your game as a slime.
 ==SLASH'EM==
 In [[SLASH'EM]], the [[Flame Mage]] [[role]] conveniently starts with a wand of fire.
 [[Category:Wands|Fire]]