Difference between revisions of "Spellbook of dig"

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{{spellbook|name=dig|level=5|type=matter|turns=30|direction=ray|equiv=[[wand of digging]]|abundance=2.03%|role=caveman}}
 
{{spellbook|name=dig|level=5|type=matter|turns=30|direction=ray|equiv=[[wand of digging]]|abundance=2.03%|role=caveman}}
  
The '''spellbook of dig''' allows you to learn the '''spell of dig'''. It is the [[special spell]] for [[Cavemen]].
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In ''[[NetHack]]'', the '''spellbook of dig''' allows you to learn the '''spell of dig'''. It is a level 5 [[matter spell]], and the [[spellbook]] takes 32 actions to read. It is the [[special spell]] for [[Cavemen]].
  
 
==Generation==
 
==Generation==
The [[Wizard of Yendor]] will have a spellbook of dig when he makes his guaranteed reappearance on the [[Plane of Earth]].
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2.03% of all randomly-generated spellbooks will be a spellbook of dig.
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The [[Wizard of Yendor]] will have a spellbook of dig with him when he makes his guaranteed reappearance on the [[Plane of Earth]].
  
 
==Effect==
 
==Effect==
When cast, it has the same effect as [[zap]]ping a [[wand of digging]], which is used to dig through walls and create holes in floors.
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When cast, it has a similar effect to [[zap]]ping a [[wand of digging]] - it fires a ray in a selected direction that digs through walls and can create holes in the floor.
  
 
==Strategy==
 
==Strategy==
While an obviously useful [[matter spell]], it is also quite high-level compared to its effect. A wand of digging provides the same benefits, including digging shortcuts through maze levels and functioning as an emergency escape (e.g. by digging downward to escape non-[[follower]] monsters), without the immense power cost. By the time you reach [[Gehennom]], you should typically have a large supply of such wands and can obtain more from the various enemies - especially [[minotaurs]] - so it is typically not worth learning at that point, much less specifically for that area. As a spell, it is likely most useful for grinding out the 180 skill uses required to raise the matter skill to Expert, for early use of the much more useful (though even more expensive) [[polymorph]]. As dig is a 5th level spell, only 36 casts of dig are required.
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While sharing most of the same uses as the wand of digging, the spell is quite high-level and [[power]]-intensive for the utility it provides - especially when the more-common wand grants the same benefits and the ability to engrave [[Elbereth]] in exchange for limited charges per wand. For training matter spells to eventually cast the [[spell of polymorph]], the {{spell of|knock|and=1|wizard lock}} spells are better due to their lower power cost and comparatively wider use cases. By the time you reach [[Gehennom]], you should typically have a large supply of digging wands and can obtain more from [[minotaur]]s and other hostiles, so it is typically not worth learning at that point unless you need a forgettable spell for quick [[confusion]].
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The spell is almost guaranteed to be useless to Cavemen, especially considering the availability of wands of digging - even with the special spell bonus and a robe, Cavemen have the second-highest spellcasting penalty among all vanilla roles, which compounds the above already-existing issues with the spell.
  
Despite being the special spell for Cavemen, it is almost guaranteed to be useless to them, especially considering the availability of wands mentioned above. Even with a robe and the ability to actually train levels in matter spells as of [[3.6.2]], Cavemen have the second-highest spellcasting penalty among all vanilla roles, and the spell is too-high level to be practical for even the most outside use by them.
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The guaranteed spellbook of dig you can obtain from the Wizard of Yendor on the Plane of Earth is intended to be a backup in the event you have no other sources of digging—this is also the case for the accompanying minotaur and [[Elvenking]], who provide the faster wand of digging and a chance for a [[pick-axe]], respectively. Even so, you should still have plenty of your own wands at this point, along with a means of [[charging]] them if needed.
  
The guaranteed spellbook of dig you obtain from killing the Wizard of Yendor on the Plane of Earth is all but intended to be a backup in the event you have no other sources of digging—this is also the case for the minotaur and [[Elvenking]] that will also be generated nearby, and provide a wand of digging and a chance for a [[pick-axe]] respectively. Even so, it is much more preferable to bring your own wands of digging, along with a means of [[charging]] for them if needed.
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==History==
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All spellbooks are introduced in [[NetHack 1.3d]].
  
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==xNetHack==
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In [[xNetHack]], the spell of dig is lowered to a level 3 spell. Both this and overall changes to the casting system make it much less unwieldy to cast, though the wand of digging may still be preferable in many scenarios.
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{{nethack-367}}
 
[[Category:Spellbooks|Dig]]
 
[[Category:Spellbooks|Dig]]
{{nethack-364}}
 

Latest revision as of 03:29, 3 June 2023

spellbook of
+   dig   Light green spellbook.png
Appearance random
Abundance 2.03%
Base price 500 zm
Weight 50
Turns to read 30
Ink to write 25–49
Spell type matter
Level 5
Power cost 25 Pw
Direction ray
Equivalent wand of digging
Special for caveman

In NetHack, the spellbook of dig allows you to learn the spell of dig. It is a level 5 matter spell, and the spellbook takes 32 actions to read. It is the special spell for Cavemen.

Generation

2.03% of all randomly-generated spellbooks will be a spellbook of dig.

The Wizard of Yendor will have a spellbook of dig with him when he makes his guaranteed reappearance on the Plane of Earth.

Effect

When cast, it has a similar effect to zapping a wand of digging - it fires a ray in a selected direction that digs through walls and can create holes in the floor.

Strategy

While sharing most of the same uses as the wand of digging, the spell is quite high-level and power-intensive for the utility it provides - especially when the more-common wand grants the same benefits and the ability to engrave Elbereth in exchange for limited charges per wand. For training matter spells to eventually cast the spell of polymorph, the knock and wizard lock spells are better due to their lower power cost and comparatively wider use cases. By the time you reach Gehennom, you should typically have a large supply of digging wands and can obtain more from minotaurs and other hostiles, so it is typically not worth learning at that point unless you need a forgettable spell for quick confusion.

The spell is almost guaranteed to be useless to Cavemen, especially considering the availability of wands of digging - even with the special spell bonus and a robe, Cavemen have the second-highest spellcasting penalty among all vanilla roles, which compounds the above already-existing issues with the spell.

The guaranteed spellbook of dig you can obtain from the Wizard of Yendor on the Plane of Earth is intended to be a backup in the event you have no other sources of digging—this is also the case for the accompanying minotaur and Elvenking, who provide the faster wand of digging and a chance for a pick-axe, respectively. Even so, you should still have plenty of your own wands at this point, along with a means of charging them if needed.

History

All spellbooks are introduced in NetHack 1.3d.

xNetHack

In xNetHack, the spell of dig is lowered to a level 3 spell. Both this and overall changes to the casting system make it much less unwieldy to cast, though the wand of digging may still be preferable in many scenarios.