Wand of probing - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: detail

2026-01-08T21:38:18Z

detail

Umbire the Phantom: copyedit

2026-01-08T21:35:17Z

copyedit

Umbire the Phantom: touch ups

2025-04-01T07:59:54Z

touch ups

Umbire the Phantom: copyedit

2025-02-21T05:16:26Z

copyedit

JASON10668: Add languages template.

2025-01-11T10:09:35Z

Add languages template.

Phol ende wodan: /* Description */ fix strange line breaks in the upcoming section

2024-12-12T23:42:37Z

‎Description: fix strange line breaks in the upcoming section

Furey: Link directly to new page TNNT (the game).

2024-06-18T11:33:36Z

Link directly to new page TNNT (the game).

Furey: "The November NetHack Tournament" -> "TNNT (the game)"

2024-06-15T02:02:18Z

"The November NetHack Tournament" -> "TNNT (the game)"

Umbire the Phantom: pothole

2023-11-16T12:20:03Z

pothole

Umbire the Phantom: /* Description */ auto-ID

2023-10-28T02:51:50Z

‎Description: auto-ID

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 [[Zen]] [[conduct]] players can use the wand of probing to reveal their inventory and other objects, provided they are lucky enough to find ''and'' identify one.
-Wands of probing have a niche use for game-time [[speed ascension]], which often requires a player to write many [[scrolls of charging]] via [[magic marker]] to replenish their power: such players make frequent use of an [[air elemental]] polyself for speed, e.g. to find the [[vibrating square]], and are [[blind]] while in that state&mdash;zapping themselves with a wand of probing reveals the object appearance of a freshly-written scroll, making it readable.
+Wands of probing have a niche use for game-time [[speed ascension]], which often requires a player to write many [[scrolls of charging]] via [[magic marker]] to replenish their power: such players make frequent use of an [[air elemental]] polyself for speed, e.g. to find the [[vibrating square]], and are [[blind]] while in that state&mdash;zapping themselves with a wand of probing reveals unknown objects that the hero will have picked up while traveling, as well as displaying the labels of freshly-written scrolls and making them readable.
 ==History==
-The wand of probing first appears in [[NetHack 1.3d]]. From this version to [[NetHack 3.4.3]], including some variants based on these versions, zapping the box containing Schroedinger's Cat with the wand of probing will simply show the box as empty. This is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-263|bug C343-263]], and was fixed in February 2007 via {{commit|7abf238f1b544eb2ec87575a2ccabbab98bc1510}} so that the box "appears" empty.
+The wand of probing first appears in [[NetHack 1.3d]].
 ==Messages==

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
    |abundance=3%
 }}
 A '''wand of probing''' is a type of [[wand]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''.
@@ Line 39: / Line 38: @@
 ===Item hunting===
-The wand can check peaceful monsters for useful desired items (such as a [[Dwarf (monster)|dwarf]]'s [[dwarvish mithril-coat|mithril coat]], or a [[watch captain]]'s [[silver saber]] or [[long sword]]) before deciding whether or not to risk killing them, whether you do so directly and risk [[murder]] penalties or have a pet do the job for you. It can also reveal if other monsters have a valuable known amulet or other similar items, e.g. finding a [[Sokoban]] [[amulet of reflection]] that you suspect has gone missing, or else tracking down a pesky [[Nymph (monster class)|nymph]] that has stolen your amulet of life saving and possibly devising a method to liberate the amulet without it being used up.
+The wand can check peaceful monsters for useful desired items: one such example is searching for a [[Dwarf (monster)|dwarf]]'s [[dwarvish mithril-coat|mithril coat]], or a [[watch captain]]'s [[silver saber]] or [[long sword]]; another is finding a [[Sokoban]] [[amulet of reflection]] that you suspect has gone missing, while yet another example involves tracking down a pesky [[Nymph (monster class)|nymph]] that has stolen your amulet of life saving and possibly devising a method to liberate the amulet without it being used up.
 Zapping the wand of probing downward reveals buried objects, and can also be used to check bags that are found in [[bones]] to decide if a suspected [[bag of holding]] is worth [[uncursing]] right away. Using the wand to check statues for items can minimize the amount of historical statues broken for [[Archeologist]]s.
 ===Conducts and speed play===
-Wands of probing have a niche use for game-time [[speed ascension]], which often requires a player to write many [[scrolls of charging]] via [[magic marker]] to replenish their power&mdash;such players also make frequent use of an [[air elemental]] polyself for speed, e.g. to find the [[vibrating square]], and are [[blind]] while in that state; zapping themselves with a wand of probing reveals the object appearance of a freshly-written scroll, making it readable. This also gives it a use case for [[zen]] [[conduct]] players to reveal their inventory and other objects, provided they are lucky enough to find ''and'' identify one.
+[[Zen]] [[conduct]] players can use the wand of probing to reveal their inventory and other objects, provided they are lucky enough to find ''and'' identify one.
 ==History==
@@ Line 50: / Line 51: @@
 ==Messages==
-{{Message|You probe towards the ceiling.|You zapped a wand of probing upward.}}
+{{message|You probe towards the ceiling.|You zapped a wand of probing upward.}}
-{{Message|You probe beneath the <surface>.|You zapped a wand of probing downward.}}
+{{message|You probe beneath the <surface>.|You zapped a wand of probing downward.}}
-{{Message|Your probe reveals nothing.|Zapping the wand up or down did not reveal anything.}}
+{{message|Your probe reveals nothing.|Zapping the wand up or down did not reveal anything.}}
-{{Message|You aren't sure whether the <large box> has <Schrodinger's Cat> or its [[corpse]] inside.|You zapped a wand of probing at a box containing Schroedinger's Cat, with the specifics of the message changing if you are [[hallucinating]].<ref name="mysterybox"/>}}
+{{message|You aren't sure whether the <large box> has <Schrodinger's Cat> or its [[corpse]] inside.|You zapped a wand of probing at a box containing Schroedinger's Cat, with the specifics of the message changing if you are [[hallucinating]].<ref name="mysterybox"/>}}
 ==Variants==

@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 ==Description==
-[[Zapping]] a wand of probing in a given direction will reveal information about [[monster]]s and [[item]]s in the path of its [[beam]]. Probed monsters will have their [[name]], [[alignment]], [[Monster level|level]], [[HP]], [[AC]], and statuses shown, along with their inventory - this does not anger peaceful monsters or wake sleeping ones, and will work on invisible monsters.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|321|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3409|nethack=3.6.7|name="invis"|comment={{white|I}} are cleared as the identity of the invisible monster is revealed}} Probed items will have their appearances revealed, and [[container]]s and [[statue]]s will have their contents listed and displayed.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|1919|nethack=3.6.7}}
+A [[hero]] [[zapping]] a wand of probing in a given direction will reveal information about [[monster]]s and [[item]]s in the path of its [[beam]]. Probed monsters will have their [[name]], [[alignment]], [[Monster level|level]], [[HP]], [[AC]], and statuses shown, along with their inventory&mdash;this does not anger peaceful monsters or wake sleeping ones, and will work on invisible monsters.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|321|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3409|nethack=3.6.7|name="invis"|comment={{white|I}} are cleared as the identity of the invisible monster is revealed}} Probed items will have their appearances revealed, and [[container]]s and [[statue]]s will have their contents listed and displayed.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|1919|nethack=3.6.7}} Monsters will not use this wand.
 A hero zapping the wand downward at their square will reveal the contents of any containers and statues on that square, as well as listing any items that are buried in that square (i.e. within a [[grave]] or a filled [[pit]] or [[hole]]);{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2831|nethack=3.6.7|comment=Behavior of wand of probing zapped downwards}} if done while [[riding]], it will also reveal the inventory and status of the steed as with any other monster.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2679|nethack=3.6.7|comment=Behavior of wand probing a steed}} A hero zapping the wand at themselves will reveal their HP, status, [[alignment record]] and other stats similar to a [[stethoscope]], along with their inventory and the contents of any containers or statues within it.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2540|nethack=3.6.7}} Zapping the wand upwards will probe the ceiling, typically revealing nothing.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2827|nethack=3.6.7}}
@@ Line 33: / Line 33: @@
 ==Strategy==
-The wand or probing is usually neglected in favor of a stethoscope, which is a slightly lighter item that can reveal most of the same information about an adjacent monster minus its inventory - it is also not limited by charges and can be used once per [[turn]] as a free action. However, the wand has many distinct advantages over a stethoscope due to its ranged applications, and is at least viable as a situational substitute, especially if you have not yet found a stethoscope. If all else fails, the wand can be used as fodder for [[polypiling]].
+The wand or probing is usually neglected in favor of a stethoscope, which is a slightly lighter item that can reveal most of the same information about an adjacent monster minus its inventory&mdash;it is also not limited by charges and can be used once per [[turn]] as a free action. However, the wand has many distinct advantages over a stethoscope due to its ranged applications, and is at least viable as a situational substitute, especially if you have not yet found a stethoscope. If all else fails, the wand can be used as fodder for [[polypiling]].
 ===Monsters===
@@ Line 44: / Line 44: @@
 ===Conducts and speed play===
-Wands of probing have a niche use for game-time [[speed ascension]], which often requires a player to write many [[scroll of charging|scrolls of charging]] via [[magic marker]] to replenish their power - such players also make frequent use of an [[air elemental]] polyself for speed, e.g. to find the [[vibrating square]], and are [[blind]] while in that state; zapping themselves with a wand of probing reveals the object appearance of a freshly-written scroll, making it readable. This also gives it a use case for [[zen]] [[conduct]] players to reveal their inventory and other objects, provided they are lucky enough to find ''and'' identify one.
+Wands of probing have a niche use for game-time [[speed ascension]], which often requires a player to write many [[scrolls of charging]] via [[magic marker]] to replenish their power&mdash;such players also make frequent use of an [[air elemental]] polyself for speed, e.g. to find the [[vibrating square]], and are [[blind]] while in that state; zapping themselves with a wand of probing reveals the object appearance of a freshly-written scroll, making it readable. This also gives it a use case for [[zen]] [[conduct]] players to reveal their inventory and other objects, provided they are lucky enough to find ''and'' identify one.
 ==History==
-The wand of probing first appears in [[NetHack 1.3d]].
+The wand of probing first appears in [[NetHack 1.3d]]. From this version to [[NetHack 3.4.3]], including some variants based on these versions, zapping the box containing Schroedinger's Cat with the wand of probing will simply show the box as empty. This is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-263|bug C343-263]], and was fixed in February 2007 via {{commit|7abf238f1b544eb2ec87575a2ccabbab98bc1510}} so that the box "appears" empty.
 ==Messages==
@@ Line 66: / Line 64: @@
 ===TNNT (the game)===
 In [[TNNT (the game)]], the [[swap chest]] cannot have its contents revealed by a wand of probing.
 ==References==

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 ==Generation==
-% of all randomly-generated wands will be a wand of probing.
+[[Wizard]]s may be given a wand of probing as the random wand in their starting inventory.{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|164|nethack=3.6.7}}
-Wands of probing can generate with up to 8 charges.
+Wands of probing make up {{frac|3|100}} (3%) of all randomly-generated wands. General [[store]]s and "quality apparel and accessories" shops can sell wands of probing.
 ==Description==
 [[Zapping]] a wand of probing in a given direction will reveal information about [[monster]]s and [[item]]s in the path of its [[beam]]. Probed monsters will have their [[name]], [[alignment]], [[Monster level|level]], [[HP]], [[AC]], and statuses shown, along with their inventory - this does not anger peaceful monsters or wake sleeping ones, and will work on invisible monsters.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|321|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3409|nethack=3.6.7|name="invis"|comment={{white|I}} are cleared as the identity of the invisible monster is revealed}} Probed items will have their appearances revealed, and [[container]]s and [[statue]]s will have their contents listed and displayed.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|1919|nethack=3.6.7}}
-Zapping the wand downward at your square will reveal the contents of any containers and statues on that square, as well as listing any items that are buried on the square (i.e. within a [[grave]] or a filled [[pit]] or [[hole]]);{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2831|nethack=3.6.7|comment=Behavior of wand of probing zapped downwards}} if done while you are [[riding]], it will also reveal the inventory and status of your steed as with any other monster.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2679|nethack=3.6.7|comment=Behavior of wand probing a steed}} Zapping the wand at yourself will reveal your own HP, status, [[alignment record]] and other stats along with your inventory, including the contents of any containers or statues.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2540|nethack=3.6.7}} Zapping the wand upwards will probe the ceiling, typically revealing nothing.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2827|nethack=3.6.7}}
+A hero zapping the wand downward at their square will reveal the contents of any containers and statues on that square, as well as listing any items that are buried in that square (i.e. within a [[grave]] or a filled [[pit]] or [[hole]]);{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2831|nethack=3.6.7|comment=Behavior of wand of probing zapped downwards}} if done while [[riding]], it will also reveal the inventory and status of the steed as with any other monster.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2679|nethack=3.6.7|comment=Behavior of wand probing a steed}} A hero zapping the wand at themselves will reveal their HP, status, [[alignment record]] and other stats similar to a [[stethoscope]], along with their inventory and the contents of any containers or statues within it.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2540|nethack=3.6.7}} Zapping the wand upwards will probe the ceiling, typically revealing nothing.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2827|nethack=3.6.7}}
 Zapping a wand of probing at a container that has [[Schroedinger's Cat]] will not reveal whether or not the cat is alive, but prints a unique message.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|1931|nethack=3.6.7|name="mysterybox"}} Zapping the wand while [[hallucinating]] will report the hallucinated identities of monsters rather than their real appearances. Successfully probing anything with the wand will [[auto-identify]] it.
-{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|As of {{commit|44a649b0b4cbc0f494583887389d41c528df7123|commit 44a649b}}, the wand of probing will map unseen squares in the beam's path, though it will stop at walls or doors.
+{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Per {{commit|44a649b0b4cbc0f494583887389d41c528df7123|commit 44a649b}}, the wand of probing will map unseen squares in the beam's path, though it will stop at walls or doors.
-As of {{commit|412a996da87a09e08587fe0b3673584436ff995f|commit 412a996}}, the wand also reveals [[tin]] contents.
+Per {{commit|412a996da87a09e08587fe0b3673584436ff995f}}, the wand reveals [[tin]] contents.
-As of {{commit|a31be023503a0b9534efa59529d521637236e949|commit a31be02}}, the wand's beam will also reveal [[secret door]]s and secret [[corridor]]s and convert them to "normal", as well as revealing [[trap]]s and the contents of [[egg]]s.
+Per {{commit|a31be023503a0b9534efa59529d521637236e949}}, the wand's beam will reveal [[secret door]]s and secret [[corridor]]s and convert them to "normal", as well as revealing [[trap]]s and the contents of [[egg]]s.
-As of {{commit|1a5eaf78e6c4a4bcaa1191a56126d5cb197f6b36|commit 1a5eaf7}}, the wand will also reveal items submerged in [[lava]] or [[water]] when zapped downwards on an applicable square.}}
+Per {{commit|1a5eaf78e6c4a4bcaa1191a56126d5cb197f6b36}}, the wand will reveal items submerged in [[lava]] or [[water]] when zapped downwards on an applicable square.}}
 ==Strategy==
-The wand or probing is usually neglected in favor of a [[stethoscope]], which is a slightly lighter item that can reveal most of the same information about an adjacent monster minus its inventory - it is also not limited by charges and can be used once per [[turn]] as a free action. However, the wand has many distinct advantages over a stethoscope due to its ranged applications, and is at least viable as a situational substitute, especially if you have not yet found a stethoscope. If all else fails, the wand can be used as fodder for [[polypiling]].
+The wand or probing is usually neglected in favor of a stethoscope, which is a slightly lighter item that can reveal most of the same information about an adjacent monster minus its inventory - it is also not limited by charges and can be used once per [[turn]] as a free action. However, the wand has many distinct advantages over a stethoscope due to its ranged applications, and is at least viable as a situational substitute, especially if you have not yet found a stethoscope. If all else fails, the wand can be used as fodder for [[polypiling]].
 ===Monsters===
@@ Line 37: / Line 39: @@
 ===Item hunting===
-The wand can check peaceful monsters for useful desired items (such as a [[Dwarf (monster)|dwarf]]'s [[dwarvish mithril-coat|mithril coat]], or a [[watch captain]]'s [[silver saber]] or [[long sword]]) before deciding whether or not to risk killing them, whether you do so directly and risk [[murder]] penalties or have a pet do the job for you. It can also reveal if other monsters have a valuable known amulet or other similar items, e.g. finding a [[Sokoban]] [[amulet of reflection]] that you suspect has gone missing, or else tracking down a pesky [[nymph]] that has stolen your amulet of life saving and possibly devising a method to liberate the amulet without it being used up.
+The wand can check peaceful monsters for useful desired items (such as a [[Dwarf (monster)|dwarf]]'s [[dwarvish mithril-coat|mithril coat]], or a [[watch captain]]'s [[silver saber]] or [[long sword]]) before deciding whether or not to risk killing them, whether you do so directly and risk [[murder]] penalties or have a pet do the job for you. It can also reveal if other monsters have a valuable known amulet or other similar items, e.g. finding a [[Sokoban]] [[amulet of reflection]] that you suspect has gone missing, or else tracking down a pesky [[Nymph (monster class)|nymph]] that has stolen your amulet of life saving and possibly devising a method to liberate the amulet without it being used up.
 Zapping the wand of probing downward reveals buried objects, and can also be used to check bags that are found in [[bones]] to decide if a suspected [[bag of holding]] is worth [[uncursing]] right away. Using the wand to check statues for items can minimize the amount of historical statues broken for [[Archeologist]]s.
@@ Line 47: / Line 49: @@
 The wand of probing first appears in [[NetHack 1.3d]].
-In [[NetHack 3.4.3]] and earlier versions, including some variants based on these versions, zapping the box containing Schroedinger's Cat with the wand of probing will simply show the box as empty. This is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-263|bug C343-263]], and was fixed in February 2007 via {{commit|7abf238f1b544eb2ec87575a2ccabbab98bc1510|commit 7abf238}}.
+In [[NetHack 3.4.3]] and earlier versions, including some variants based on these versions, zapping the box containing Schroedinger's Cat with the wand of probing will simply show the box as empty. This is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-263|bug C343-263]], and was fixed in February 2007 via {{commit|7abf238f1b544eb2ec87575a2ccabbab98bc1510}} so that the box "appears" empty.
 ==Messages==
@@ Line 57: / Line 59: @@
 ==Variants==
 ===NetHack: The Next Generation===
-In [[NetHack: The Next Generation]], the [[spellbook of finger]] is a rough spell equivalent to the wand of probing - unlike the wand, however, it can anger peaceful monsters that you cast the spell at, may wake up sleeping monsters, and does not reveal the identity of invisible monsters.
+In [[NetHack: The Next Generation]], the [[spellbook of finger]] is a rough spell equivalent to the wand of probing&mdash;unlike the wand, however, it can anger peaceful monsters that you cast the spell at, may wake up sleeping monsters, and does not reveal the identity of invisible monsters.
 ===TNNT (the game)===
 In [[TNNT (the game)]], the [[swap chest]] cannot have its contents revealed by a wand of probing.
 [[SlashTHEM]] adds the spellbook of finger from NetHack: The Next Generation, and the spell functions roughly the same.

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:09, 11 January 2025
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		+	{{languages}}
	{{wand		{{wand
	\|name=probing		\|name=probing

@@ Line 56: / Line 56: @@
 ===TNNT (the game)===
-In [[TNNT|TNNT (the game)]], the [[swap chest]] cannot have its contents revealed by a wand of probing.
+In [[TNNT (the game)]], the [[swap chest]] cannot have its contents revealed by a wand of probing.
 ===SlashTHEM===

@@ Line 23: / Line 23: @@
 {{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|As of {{commit|44a649b0b4cbc0f494583887389d41c528df7123|commit 44a649b}}, the wand of probing will map unseen squares in the beam's path, though it will stop at walls or doors. As of {{commit|412a996da87a09e08587fe0b3673584436ff995f|commit 412a996}}, the wand also reveals [[tin]] contents.
-As of {{commit|a31be023503a0b9534efa59529d521637236e949|commit a31be02}}, the wand's beam will also reveal [[secret doors]] and secret
+As of {{commit|a31be023503a0b9534efa59529d521637236e949|commit a31be02}}, the wand's beam will also reveal [[secret door]]s and secret
 [[corridor]]s and convert them to "normal", as well as revealing [[trap]]s and the contents of [[egg]]s. As of {{commit|1a5eaf78e6c4a4bcaa1191a56126d5cb197f6b36|commit 1a5eaf7}}, the wand will also reveal items submerged in [[lava]] or [[water]] when zapped downwards on an applicable square.}}