Runesword

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) Runesword.png
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.

As part of commit 20cbadc - which strengthens quest leaders and makes it so that killing them no longer makes the game unwinnable - the Barbarian quest leader Pelias 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, which changes Stormbringer's base item from a broadsword to a 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 at a forge by combining a broadsword and a dagger.

SlashTHEM

In SlashTHEM, in addition to SLASH'EM details, there is a 15% chance of a cursed -9 runesword named Excalipoor generating in a chest within the thieves' stronghold in the village of the Town branch. Excalipoor is a recurring weapon in the Final Fantasy series of games, where it is a very weak knockoff of Excalibur known to fool treasure hunters.