Difference between revisions of "Scimitar"

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A '''scimitar''' is a kind of [[melee]] [[weapon]]. When [[identification|unidentified]], it appears as a '''curved sword'''.
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A '''scimitar''' is a type of edged [[melee]] [[weapon]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is made of [[iron]], and appears as a '''curved sword''' when [[identification|unidentified]].
  
== Scimitar skill ==
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==Generation==
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Scimitars make up about 1.5% of randomly generated weapons (on the floor, as [[death drop]]s, or in [[shop]]s).
  
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Many [[Orc (monster class)|orcs]] are generated with scimitars: [[hobgoblin]]s, [[Orc (monster)|orcs]] and [[hill orc]]s have a {{frac|4}} chance of [[Monster starting inventory|generating with]] a scimitar.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|426|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=default orcish weapons}} [[Mordor orc]]s have a {{frac|3}} chance of being generated with a scimitar;{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|402|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=armor and weapons for Mordor orcs}} [[orc-captain]]s have a {{frac|2}} chance of being generated with Mordor orc weapons, giving them an effective {{frac|6}} chance of generating with scimitars.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|400|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=switch for orc-captains}}
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The [[statue]] of [[Perseus]] on [[Medusa's Island]] has a {{frac|2}} chance of containing a [[blessed]] [[Enchantment|+2]] scimitar.{{refsrc|dat/medusa.des|56|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|dat/medusa.des|155|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|dat/medusa.des|273|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|dat/medusa.des|373|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
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==Scimitar skill==
 
{{scimitar skill table}}
 
{{scimitar skill table}}
  
 
The scimitar is the only weapon to use the scimitar skill. There are no [[artifact weapon|artifact]] scimitars.
 
The scimitar is the only weapon to use the scimitar skill. There are no [[artifact weapon|artifact]] scimitars.
  
== Generation ==
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{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|As of {{commit|296a3ac246ae12218eccff46d3ef79f46eb9068f|commit 296a3ac2}}, the scimitar skill is merged into the [[saber]] skill. Barbarians can reach Skilled in saber to maintain consistency with the former scimitar skill.}}
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==Strategy==
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Scimitars deal respectable damage, but are not often used since most [[role]]s with the skill prefer the upgrade paths afforded by the [[long sword]] or [[silver saber]], the versatility of [[dagger]]s, or the sheer power of the [[unicorn horn]] or [[dwarvish mattock]].
 +
 
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[[Role]]s with poor starting weapons, such as the [[Tourist]], might consider using a scimitar early on; [[illiterate]] and [[wishless]] [[conduct]] players might consider making use of a scimitar until they gain access to an [[altar]] or other means of obtaining artifact weapons. Especially unlucky players might find Perseus' scimitar to be the best non-[[artifact weapon|artifact]] one-handed weapon available.
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 +
==History==
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The scimitar first appears in [[NetHack 1.3d]].
 +
 
 +
==Origin==
 +
{{wikipedia|Scimitar}}
 +
A scimitar (/ˈsɪmɪtər/ or /ˈsɪmɪtɑːr/) is a type of single-edged sword with a convex curved blade that is often used for mounted combat. The term is European in origin, and covers an assortment of different "Eastern" curved swords inspired by sword types introduced to regions in western Asia by Central Asian ''ghilman'' (early Islamic slave-soldiers and/or mercenaries). These swords were originally derived from earlier curved swords developed in Turkic Central Asia (Turkestan), and the earliest evidence of their use dates back to the 9th century CE; among them is the Persian ''shamshir'', from which the term "scimitar" is derived.
 +
 
 +
Though commonly associated with West Asian, South Asian, and North African cultures, various types of curved [[saber]] have seen use in various other cultures, including several "Western" ones; more modern sabers are often distinguished from 'scimitar'-type curved swords by the cross-guard connecting to the pommel (end of the hilt). The scimitar serves a symbolic role in many cultures, both "Eastern" and otherwise - Akkadians and other Old Babylonian peoples viewed the the scimitar as a symbol of royalty or godhood; the scimitar also appears as a symbol of the Russians in the coat of arms of Finland, which depicts a lion brandishing a sword and trampling a scimitar.
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 +
In the works of [[wikipedia:William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]] and other classic literature (such as ''[[wikipedia:The Count of Monte Cristo|The Count of Monte Cristo]]'', which provides the [[encyclopedia]] entry), the scimitar was a symbol for the East and the Islamic world. This association has since gained connotations of "Muslim barbarity", with a possible root in Crusades-era religious propaganda: though the Muslims of the Crusades used straight-edge swords for the first two centuries, European Christians may have tied the cross-like shape of those swords more closely to their own cause.
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 +
==Variants==
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===Pirate patch===
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In variants that incorporate the [[Pirate]] role, Pirates [[Alternate item names|know the scimitar]] as a '''cutlass'''. [[Mayor Cummerbund]], the Pirate [[quest leader]], has a {{frac|3}} chance of generating with a rustproof cutlass, and [[quest guardian]] [[pirate brother]]s each generate with a cutlass. [[Reaver]] is an artifact cutlass that serves as the Pirate [[crowning]] gift. [[Skeletal pirate]]s are generated with rusted cutlasses.
  
Scimitars make up about 1.5% of randomly generated weapons (on the floor, as [[death drop]]s, or in [[shop]]s).  In addition, they are often the starting weapons of [[hobgoblin]]s, [[hill orc]]s,{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|381|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} [[Mordor orc]]s,{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|355|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} and [[orc captain]]s.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|352|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
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===NetHack brass===
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In [[NetHack brass]], the [[Skills (NetHack brass)|skill system]] consolidates scimitars into the saber skill group.
  
The [[statue]] of [[Perseus]] on [[Medusa's Island]] has a 50% chance of containing a [[blessed]] [[Enchantment|+2]] scimitar.{{refsrc|dat/medusa.des|59|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|dat/medusa.des|158|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|dat/medusa.des|276|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|dat/medusa.des|376|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
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===dNetHack===
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In [[dNetHack]], the [[high-elven warsword]] is a weapon that uses the scimitar skill, and appears as a "runed curved sword" when unidentified.
  
== Strategy ==
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Pirates know the scimitar as a '''cutlass'''.
  
Scimitars deal respectable damage but are not often used. Most [[role]]s that can use them prefer the upgrade paths afforded by the [[long sword]] or [[silver saber]], the versatility of [[dagger]]s, or the sheer power of the [[unicorn horn]] or [[dwarvish mattock]].  
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===SpliceHack===
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In [[SpliceHack]] pre-[[SpliceHack-Rewrite|Rewrite]], the [[Dancer]] role starts with a blessed +1 scimitar.
  
[[Role]]s with poor starting weapons, such as the [[Tourist]], might consider using a scimitar if found early.
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The [[falchion]] is a weapon in SpliceHack and SpliceHack-Rewrite that uses the scimitar skill. Barbarians may start the game with a falchion and scimitar as their weapons.
  
==Appearance==
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===EvilHack===
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In [[EvilHack]], orcs generate with [[orcish scimitar]]s instead of the standard scimitar.
  
{{wikipedia|Scimitar}}
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A scimitar can be created at a [[Forge (dungeon feature)|forge]] by combining a [[short sword]] and a [[knife]]. Scimitars can be used at a forge to create various weapons:
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* Combining a scimitar with a [[spear]] creates a [[trident]].
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* Combining a scimitar with a long sword creates a saber.
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* Combining a scimitar with a [[short sword]] creates a [[broadsword]].
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* Combining a scimitar with an [[elven short sword]] creates an [[elven broadsword]].
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===SlashTHEM===
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In [[SlashTHEM]], [[Corsair]]s start the game with a +1 cutlass, and use the same alternate item names as Pirates do.
  
The scimitar is a curved single edged sword. It originated in the Middle East. The curved design was good for slashing opponents without getting stuck while riding.
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===Hack'EM===
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In [[Hack'EM]], the scimitar skill is merged into the saber skill, and Barbarians can start with a falchion and scimitar as in SpliceHack.
  
The similar [[saber]] has a cross-guard connecting to the pommel (tip of the hilt).
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A falchion can be created at a forge by combining two scimitars.
  
== Encyclopedia entry ==
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==Encyclopedia entry==
 
{{encyclopedia|Oh, how handsome, how noble was the Vizier Ali Tebelin,
 
{{encyclopedia|Oh, how handsome, how noble was the Vizier Ali Tebelin,
 
my father, as he stood there in the midst of the shot, his
 
my father, as he stood there in the midst of the shot, his
Line 47: Line 87:
 
|[ The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas ]}}
 
|[ The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas ]}}
  
== References ==
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==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 
+
{{nethack-367}}
 
[[Category:Weapons]]
 
[[Category:Weapons]]
{{nethack-360}}
 

Latest revision as of 06:40, 23 February 2024

) Scimitar.png
Name scimitar
Appearance curved sword
Damage vs. small 1d8
Damage vs. large 1d8
To-hit bonus +0
Weapon skill scimitar
Size one-handed
Base price 15 zm
(+10/positive
enchant)
Weight 40
Material iron

A scimitar is a type of edged melee weapon that appears in NetHack. It is made of iron, and appears as a curved sword when unidentified.

Generation

Scimitars make up about 1.5% of randomly generated weapons (on the floor, as death drops, or in shops).

Many orcs are generated with scimitars: hobgoblins, orcs and hill orcs have a 14 chance of generating with a scimitar.[1] Mordor orcs have a 13 chance of being generated with a scimitar;[2] orc-captains have a 12 chance of being generated with Mordor orc weapons, giving them an effective 16 chance of generating with scimitars.[3]

The statue of Perseus on Medusa's Island has a 12 chance of containing a blessed +2 scimitar.[4][5][6][7]

Scimitar skill

Scimitar
Max Role
Basic
Skilled

The scimitar is the only weapon to use the scimitar skill. There are no artifact scimitars.

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 of commit 296a3ac2, the scimitar skill is merged into the saber skill. Barbarians can reach Skilled in saber to maintain consistency with the former scimitar skill.

Strategy

Scimitars deal respectable damage, but are not often used since most roles with the skill prefer the upgrade paths afforded by the long sword or silver saber, the versatility of daggers, or the sheer power of the unicorn horn or dwarvish mattock.

Roles with poor starting weapons, such as the Tourist, might consider using a scimitar early on; illiterate and wishless conduct players might consider making use of a scimitar until they gain access to an altar or other means of obtaining artifact weapons. Especially unlucky players might find Perseus' scimitar to be the best non-artifact one-handed weapon available.

History

The scimitar first appears in NetHack 1.3d.

Origin

A scimitar (/ˈsɪmɪtər/ or /ˈsɪmɪtɑːr/) is a type of single-edged sword with a convex curved blade that is often used for mounted combat. The term is European in origin, and covers an assortment of different "Eastern" curved swords inspired by sword types introduced to regions in western Asia by Central Asian ghilman (early Islamic slave-soldiers and/or mercenaries). These swords were originally derived from earlier curved swords developed in Turkic Central Asia (Turkestan), and the earliest evidence of their use dates back to the 9th century CE; among them is the Persian shamshir, from which the term "scimitar" is derived.

Though commonly associated with West Asian, South Asian, and North African cultures, various types of curved saber have seen use in various other cultures, including several "Western" ones; more modern sabers are often distinguished from 'scimitar'-type curved swords by the cross-guard connecting to the pommel (end of the hilt). The scimitar serves a symbolic role in many cultures, both "Eastern" and otherwise - Akkadians and other Old Babylonian peoples viewed the the scimitar as a symbol of royalty or godhood; the scimitar also appears as a symbol of the Russians in the coat of arms of Finland, which depicts a lion brandishing a sword and trampling a scimitar.

In the works of Shakespeare and other classic literature (such as The Count of Monte Cristo, which provides the encyclopedia entry), the scimitar was a symbol for the East and the Islamic world. This association has since gained connotations of "Muslim barbarity", with a possible root in Crusades-era religious propaganda: though the Muslims of the Crusades used straight-edge swords for the first two centuries, European Christians may have tied the cross-like shape of those swords more closely to their own cause.

Variants

Pirate patch

In variants that incorporate the Pirate role, Pirates know the scimitar as a cutlass. Mayor Cummerbund, the Pirate quest leader, has a 13 chance of generating with a rustproof cutlass, and quest guardian pirate brothers each generate with a cutlass. Reaver is an artifact cutlass that serves as the Pirate crowning gift. Skeletal pirates are generated with rusted cutlasses.

NetHack brass

In NetHack brass, the skill system consolidates scimitars into the saber skill group.

dNetHack

In dNetHack, the high-elven warsword is a weapon that uses the scimitar skill, and appears as a "runed curved sword" when unidentified.

Pirates know the scimitar as a cutlass.

SpliceHack

In SpliceHack pre-Rewrite, the Dancer role starts with a blessed +1 scimitar.

The falchion is a weapon in SpliceHack and SpliceHack-Rewrite that uses the scimitar skill. Barbarians may start the game with a falchion and scimitar as their weapons.

EvilHack

In EvilHack, orcs generate with orcish scimitars instead of the standard scimitar.

A scimitar can be created at a forge by combining a short sword and a knife. Scimitars can be used at a forge to create various weapons:

SlashTHEM

In SlashTHEM, Corsairs start the game with a +1 cutlass, and use the same alternate item names as Pirates do.

Hack'EM

In Hack'EM, the scimitar skill is merged into the saber skill, and Barbarians can start with a falchion and scimitar as in SpliceHack.

A falchion can be created at a forge by combining two scimitars.

Encyclopedia entry

Oh, how handsome, how noble was the Vizier Ali Tebelin,
my father, as he stood there in the midst of the shot, his
scimitar in his hand, his face black with powder! How his
enemies fled before him!

[ The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas ]

References