Difference between revisions of "Pounding"
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[[File:Pounding_Diagram.png|thumb|Players can pound colored squares, depending on their [[skill]] level.]] | [[File:Pounding_Diagram.png|thumb|Players can pound colored squares, depending on their [[skill]] level.]] | ||
| − | In ''[[NetHack]]'', '''pounding''' is the action of [[apply]]ing a [[lance]] or [[polearm]] on a target that is at a distance of two [[square]]s from the wielder | + | In ''[[NetHack]]'', '''pounding''' is the action of [[apply]]ing a [[lance]] or [[polearm]] on a target that is at a distance of two [[square]]s from the wielder. |
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
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The {{white|@}} is the wielder's location. Spaces marked with a {{darkgray|X}} are too close to be hit, spaces marked with a {{yellow|U}} can be hit even while Unskilled, spaces marked with a {{orange|S}} can only be hit when Skilled, and spaces marked with a {{red|E}} can only be hit when Expert. Only [[Knight]]s can reach Expert skill level in lance, and no roles can reach more than Skilled in polearms. | The {{white|@}} is the wielder's location. Spaces marked with a {{darkgray|X}} are too close to be hit, spaces marked with a {{yellow|U}} can be hit even while Unskilled, spaces marked with a {{orange|S}} can only be hit when Skilled, and spaces marked with a {{red|E}} can only be hit when Expert. Only [[Knight]]s can reach Expert skill level in lance, and no roles can reach more than Skilled in polearms. | ||
| − | Pounding monsters will not trigger [[passive attack]]s against the wielder, but does scuff engravings on their square and cause [[Elbereth]] to fade, incurring an [[alignment record]] penalty;{{refsrc|src/apply.c| | + | Pounding monsters will not trigger [[passive attack]]s against the wielder, but does scuff engravings on their square and cause [[Elbereth]] to fade, incurring an [[alignment record]] penalty;{{refsrc|src/apply.c|3102|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} the pounding weapon will still be subject to their effects (e.g. [[erosion]], [[disenchantment]], etc.) as normal. When [[twoweapon]]ing, the range for pounding is the lesser of your pounding weapon's skill and your two-weapon combat skill - this is applicable with a lance, as all polearms are two-handed. A lance can be used for pounding without any penalty, even when the wielder is not mounted. |
Most monsters can only use polearms with a skill level equivalent of Unskilled - [[Troll (monster class)|trolls]] are an exception, and can use them with a skill level equivalent of Skilled. | Most monsters can only use polearms with a skill level equivalent of Unskilled - [[Troll (monster class)|trolls]] are an exception, and can use them with a skill level equivalent of Skilled. | ||
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==History== | ==History== | ||
| + | The game function is first nnamed by Shawn M. Moore, whose [https://sartak.org/nh/knight-faq-343.html#poleweapons ''Knight FAQ''] for [[NetHack 3.4.3]] gives a thorough description of the mechanic. | ||
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The feature of pounding scuffing engravings on the square beneath the pounder is introduced in [[NetHack 3.6.0]]. | The feature of pounding scuffing engravings on the square beneath the pounder is introduced in [[NetHack 3.6.0]]. | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
| − | {{nethack- | + | {{nethack-367}} |
[[Category:Strategy]] | [[Category:Strategy]] | ||
[[Category:Weapons]] | [[Category:Weapons]] | ||
Revision as of 04:07, 13 April 2024
In NetHack, pounding is the action of applying a lance or polearm on a target that is at a distance of two squares from the wielder.
Contents
Description
Pounding with a weapon allows a character or monster to attack a target that is not adjacent and is roughly two squares away from them, with the eligible target squares dependent on the wielder's skill in that weapon:
SXXXS
UX@XU
SXXXS
ESUSE
The @ is the wielder's location. Spaces marked with a X are too close to be hit, spaces marked with a U can be hit even while Unskilled, spaces marked with a S can only be hit when Skilled, and spaces marked with a E can only be hit when Expert. Only Knights can reach Expert skill level in lance, and no roles can reach more than Skilled in polearms.
Pounding monsters will not trigger passive attacks against the wielder, but does scuff engravings on their square and cause Elbereth to fade, incurring an alignment record penalty;[1] the pounding weapon will still be subject to their effects (e.g. erosion, disenchantment, etc.) as normal. When twoweaponing, the range for pounding is the lesser of your pounding weapon's skill and your two-weapon combat skill - this is applicable with a lance, as all polearms are two-handed. A lance can be used for pounding without any penalty, even when the wielder is not mounted.
Most monsters can only use polearms with a skill level equivalent of Unskilled - trolls are an exception, and can use them with a skill level equivalent of Skilled.
Strategy
Pounding is an excellent strategy for hitting both melee and ranged targets; if you have adequate speed and at least Skilled level, you can attempt to kill a group of opponents at a choke point (such as a door) a knight's move away. If you plan on pounding in corridors, though, you will need either a light source or infravision, as you cannot pound a monster you cannot see (even if you can detect it via other means).
In addition, pounding does not trigger passive attacks, meaning you can use it against dangerous creatures without depleting your projectiles or wand charges. Some players like to pound dangerous sea monsters on levels such as Medusa's Island, the Castle, and the Wizard's Tower in order to remain safe from their drowning attacks.
Pounding can also be used for the hit and run tactic, and is much safer than melee attacks in that respect, especially after 3.6 monster speed changes.
History
The game function is first nnamed by Shawn M. Moore, whose Knight FAQ for NetHack 3.4.3 gives a thorough description of the mechanic.
The feature of pounding scuffing engravings on the square beneath the pounder is introduced in NetHack 3.6.0.
Variants
SLASH'EM
In SLASH'EM, the range for pounding with a lance or polearm is expanded and made unrestricted by skill level:
UXXXU
UX@XU
UXXXU
UUUUU
dNetHack
dNetHack and notdNetHack allow the use of other weapons besides polearms and lances to pound.
The aklys, white vibrospear, gold-bladed vibrospear, and force pike can be applied to pound as a polearm; the shepherd's crook is a weapon that can be applied to pound like a polearm, but is also able to pick up items and pull monsters on those squares. Sol Valtiva and Shadowlock are artifacts that can also be applied to pound as a polearm, and The Rod of Lordly Might, dNetHack artifacts#The Rod of the Elvish Lords and The Sceptre of Lolth can be applied to pound while in lance form.
A weapon's pounding range is determined by that weapon's skill, and when pounding a menu is brought up that offers any monsters in range, as well as an option that allows selecting a square as in NetHack if targeting a specific square or an invisible monster. The letters used in the pounding menu can be arranged in either sequential order of target, starting clockwise from N (north), or else apply the same letter to a given directional square (i.e., a is always north, b is north-northeast, etc.) regardless of if it is occupied.
NetHack Fourk
In NetHack Fourk, the game tries to place the cursor at a reasonable target square initially when pounding, rather than at the character's own location.
