Difference between revisions of "Iron bars"

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(Description: correct assumption on my part, properly note bug, upcoming)
 
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{{features}}
 
{{features}}
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'''Iron bars''' are a [[dungeon feature]] that appear in ''[[NetHack]]'', represented by {{cyan|#}}.
  
'''Iron bars''' are a [[dungeon feature]] in ''[[NetHack]]'', represented by {{cyan|#}}.
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==Generation==
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Randomly generated inaccessible [[closet]]s (that have a guaranteed [[scroll of teleportation]]) have a {{frac|5}} chance of iron bars being generated where the door would be.
  
==Generation==
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Iron bars also appear in the following branches and special levels:
Randomly generated inaccessible [[closet]]s (that have a guaranteed [[scroll of teleportation]]) have a 20% chance of having iron bars where the door would be.
 
  
There are guaranteed iron bars in the [[Wizard quest|Wizard]], [[Tourist quest|Tourist]], and [[Ranger quest]]s. The [[Minetown]] variant [[Minetown#Orcish Town|Orcish Town]] will also have several iron bars blocking off the center.
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* The [[Minetown]] variant [[Minetown#Orcish Town|Orcish Town]] will also have several iron bars blocking off entrance into the ruined town.
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* There are guaranteed iron bars in the [[Wizard quest|Wizard]], [[Tourist quest|Tourist]], and [[Ranger quest]]s.  
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* The [[Big Room]] has a wall of iron bars in the middle of the map for #8, and there is a chance of iron bars being selected as the terrain for maps #1 and #10.
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* The fourth [[snake]]-filled variant of [[Medusa's Island]] has some iron bars around [[Medusa]]'s dwelling.
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
Iron bars cannot be walked or 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]] or [[boulder]]s will be always stopped, while "small" objects such as most projectiles (including [[spear]]s, but not [[dagger]]s or [[boomerang]]s) or [[potion]]s will pass through with 80% chance (or 100% if the shooter is next to the bars in question).{{reffunc|mthrowu.c|hit_bars}}{{refsrc|mthrowu.c|463|nethack=3.6.1}} Spells, rays and beam attacks - such as [[dragon]] breath - will pass right through them as if they weren't there. All monsters that are [[whirly]], [[amorphous]], [[phasing]], [[tiny]], or [[slithy]] (but not large) can pass through them, including you if you have phasing or are [[polymorph]]ed into such a monster.{{reffunc|mondata.c|passes_bars}}
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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.
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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.
  
A [[potion of acid]] can be used to dissolve iron bars by hitting them while [[wield]]ing one.{{refsrc|hack.c|1569|nethack=3.6.1}}{{refsrc|mthrowu.c|1115|nethack=3.6.1}} Throwing can also work - but as noted above, the potion only has a 20% chance of hitting the bars. The [[acid]]ic breath of a [[yellow dragon]] will dissolve the bars as well.{{refsrc|zap.c|4425|nethack=3.6.1}}
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[[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.
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{{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}}.}}
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==Strategy==
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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]].
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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]].
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
{{todo|Bug still valid for 3.6.0?}}
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Iron bars first appear in [[NetHack 3.1.0]], when the [[Quest]] was introduced to the game.
Dissolving iron bars with acid was added in [[3.6.1]].
 
 
 
Prior to version [[3.6.0]], iron bars were never randomly generated in vanilla NetHack.
 
  
In version [[3.4.0]], a monster that can pass through iron bars can still do so even while [[engulfing]] a monster that cannot. This may be a bug.
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[[NetHack 3.6.0]] introduces the more commonplace iron bars in the main dungeon, and is the first version where certain monsters can eat through them; [[NetHack 3.6.1]] adds the ability to dissolve iron bars with acid, imported from UnNetHack.
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
 
===SLASH'EM===
 
===SLASH'EM===
In [[SLASH'EM]], iron bars may be found in some of the new levels of [[Sokoban]], but aren't randomly generated. They are also found in [[Grund's Stronghold]], and may comprise the walls of some maze levels, like in [[Gehennom]]. Iron bar mazes are especially annoying during the ascension run.
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In [[SLASH'EM]], iron bars can be found in some of the [[Sokoban (SLASH'EM)|Sokoban]] levels, and also appear in [[Grund's Stronghold]]. Some maze levels within the dungeon may be partially comprised of iron bars, e.g. in [[Gehennom]] - these can prove especially annoying during the [[ascension run]].
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In addition to the applicable methods described above, player [[Doppelganger (starting race)|dopplegangers]] can use the [[liquid leap]] [[technique]] to pass through them. This can even be used on the iron bars in Sokoban, which otherwise prevents creatures from passing through them.
  
Most creatures cannot pass through the bars, but a [[doppelganger]] character may still [[liquid leap]] through them.  
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===SporkHack===
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In [[SporkHack]], iron bars are sometimes generated as part of room-and-corridor dungeon levels.
  
 
===UnNetHack===
 
===UnNetHack===
In [[UnNetHack]], iron bars may be found in some of the new levels of [[Sokoban]]. They sometimes are generated on room-and-corridor dungeon levels instead of doorways. There is a small chance that levels in [[Gehennom]] may have iron bars instead of walls, making it difficult to hack a path.
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In [[UnNetHack]], iron bars appear in some of the [[Sokoban (UnNetHack)|Sokoban]] levels and Gehennom mazes as in SLASH'EM. They also appear much more frequently within the main dungeon, often replacing doorways and sections of rock wall within room-and-corridor levels - as mentioned above, UnNetHack is also the first variant that allows them to be dissolved via acid.
  
Creatures ''are'' able to pass through Sokoban bars. Some are created around the exit if you are attempting to steal from the [[Black Market]].
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A ring of iron bars is created around the [[magic portal]] connecting the [[Black Market]] to the main dungeon if you attempt to steal anything from the shops.
  
Iron bars may be eaten by [[metallivore]]s{{refsrc|src/hack.c|731|unnethack=1499}}{{refsrc|src/monmove.c|1307|unnethack=1499}} and dissolved by a [[Dragon|acid breath]] (with a 20% chance){{refsrc|src/zap.c|3915|unnethack=1499}} or a [[potion of acid]].{{refsrc|src/mthrowu.c|856|unnethack=1499}}
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===dNetHack===
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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.
  
===SporkHack===
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===EvilHack===
In [[SporkHack]], iron bars are sometimes generated on room-and-corridor dungeon levels instead of doorways.
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In [[EvilHack]], iron bars can be broken with a force bolt or wand of striking as well.
 
 
===dNetHack===
 
In [[dNetHack]], iron bars can be broken with wands of striking.
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 
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{{nethack-367}}
{{nethack-366}}
 
 
[[Category:Dungeon features]]
 
[[Category:Dungeon features]]

Latest revision as of 04:51, 6 January 2024

Iron bars are a dungeon feature that appear in NetHack, represented by #.

Generation

Randomly generated inaccessible closets (that have a guaranteed scroll of teleportation) have a 15 chance of iron bars being generated where the door would be.

Iron bars also appear in the following branches and special levels:

  • The Minetown variant Orcish Town will also have several iron bars blocking off entrance into the ruined town.
  • There are guaranteed iron bars in the Wizard, Tourist, and Ranger quests.
  • The Big Room has a wall of iron bars in the middle of the map for #8, and there is a chance of iron bars being selected as the terrain for maps #1 and #10.
  • The fourth snake-filled variant of Medusa's Island has some iron bars around Medusa's dwelling.

Description

Iron bars cannot be dug through, and objects thrown through them have a chance of being stopped by the iron bars. Specifically, large objects such as most melee weapons, most armor and boulders will always be stopped - smaller objects such as potions and most projectiles (including spears, but not daggers or boomerangs) will pass through with a 45 chance, and will always pass through if they are thrown from a square adjacent to the bars in question.[1][2] Rays (e.g. dragon breath) and beams 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 monsters and gray oozes, can also eat through the bars.[3] 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 engulfers to pass through iron bars while engulfing a monster (e.g. your unpolymorphed character) that cannot.

Acid can be used to dissolve iron bars: smashing a wielded potion of acid onto them using F will dissolve them, while a thrown potion only has a 15 chance of hitting the bars due to the aforementioned.[4][5] The acidic breath of a yellow dragon will dissolve the bars as well.[6] Bars that are marked "non-diggable" cannot be dissolved by any of these methods.

The following information pertains to an upcoming version (3.7.0). If this version is now released, please verify that it is still accurate, then update the page to incorporate this information.

The bug that lets engulfers pull engulfed monsters through iron bars that they could not pass otherwise is fixed via commit 21068b05.

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 poisoned arrows 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.

History

Iron bars first appear in NetHack 3.1.0, when the Quest was introduced to the game.

NetHack 3.6.0 introduces the more commonplace iron bars in the main dungeon, and is the first version where certain monsters can eat through them; NetHack 3.6.1 adds the ability to dissolve iron bars with acid, imported from UnNetHack.

Variants

SLASH'EM

In SLASH'EM, iron bars can be found in some of the Sokoban levels, and also appear in Grund's Stronghold. Some maze levels within the dungeon may be partially comprised of iron bars, e.g. in Gehennom - these can prove especially annoying during the ascension run.

In addition to the applicable methods described above, player dopplegangers can use the liquid leap technique to pass through them. This can even be used on the iron bars in Sokoban, which otherwise prevents creatures from passing through them.

SporkHack

In SporkHack, iron bars are sometimes generated as part of room-and-corridor dungeon levels.

UnNetHack

In UnNetHack, iron bars appear in some of the Sokoban levels and Gehennom mazes as in SLASH'EM. They also appear much more frequently within the main dungeon, often replacing doorways and sections of rock wall within room-and-corridor levels - as mentioned above, UnNetHack is also the first variant that allows them to be dissolved via acid.

A ring of iron bars is created around the magic portal connecting the Black Market to the main dungeon if you attempt to steal anything from the shops.

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.

EvilHack

In EvilHack, iron bars can be broken with a force bolt or wand of striking as well.

References