Runesword

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Name	runesword
Appearance	runed broadsword
Damage vs. small	2d4
Damage vs. large	1d6+1
To-hit bonus	+0
Weapon skill	broadsword
Size	one-handed
Base price	300 zm (+10/positive enchant)
Weight	40
Material	iron

A runesword is a type of weapon that appears in NetHack. It uses the broadsword skill, and appears as a runed broadsword when unidentified, which it shares with the elven broadsword. It is made of iron.

Stormbringer is an artifact weapon that uses the runesword as its base item.

Generation

The runesword is not randomly generated, and is typically only seen in the form of Stormbringer; if a bones level containing Stormbringer is loaded in a game where you have already generated the artifact, it will be replaced with an ordinary runesword. It is also possible to wish for a runesword as well.

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

Per commit 20cbadcf, Pelias, the Barbarian quest leader, is generated with a runesword.

Description

A runesword is lighter and more expensive than an elven broadsword, and deals less damage to small monsters while dealing the same damage against large monsters.

History

The runesword first appears in NetHack 3.1.0, when Stormbringer was changed from an artifact broadsword to an artifact runesword.

Variants

Some variants will generate a runesword in specific levels, with the standard 5% chance of it being made into an artifact (i.e., typically Stormbringer).

SLASH'EM

In SLASH'EM, a runesword is always generated in a hidden room within the Boulder Path of the Lawful Quest.

dNetHack

In dNetHack, the Chaos Temple Quest always contains a cursed +3 runesword in one of the Ruined Temple chests.

EvilHack

In EvilHack, a runesword can be created by combining a broadsword and a dagger at a forge.