Difference between revisions of "Sunsword"

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'''Sunsword''' is an artifact [[long sword]]. It is lawful and does +''1d5'' to hit and [[double damage]] to [[undead]] monsters; [[Lich|L]], [[Mummy|M]], [[Vampire|V]], [[Wraith_(monster_class)|W]], [[Zombie|Z]], [[ghost]]s and [[shade]]s, and prevents [[blindness|blinding]] from lights. It also acts as a [[light]] source with a radius based on beautitude: 3 if blessed, 2 if uncursed, 1 if cursed. It becomes lit when wielded, and unlit when unwielded.  It also repels [[gremlin]]s and deals extra ''1d8'' damage to them when lit.{{refsrc|src/weapon.c|328|nethack=3.6.2}}
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'''Sunsword''' is an [[artifact weapon]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is [[lawful]], and its [[base item]] is a [[long sword]].
  
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== Generation ==
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==Generation==
 +
Sunsword can be received as a [[sacrifice gift]] by lawful characters. [[Angel]]s and [[Aleax]]es have a 5% chance of their [[Monster starting inventory|normal starting]] [[erodeproof]] [[long sword]] being Sunsword; [[Archons]] generated normally have a 50% chance of generating with either Sunsword or [[Demonbane]], with a rustproof long sword replacing either [[artifact]] if it was already generated.
  
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It has a 50% chance of being generated in the initial inventory of an [[Archon]], and a 5% chance of being generated with an [[Angel]] or [[Aleax]].
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==Description==
 +
Sunsword has +1d5 [[to-hit]] and does [[double damage]] against [[undead]], and prevents [[blindness|blinding]] from lights while wielded. It also acts as a [[light]] source when wielded, with a radius centered around the wielder based on its [[beatitude]]: 3 if blessed, 2 if uncursed, and 1 if cursed. It will unlight when unwielded.{{refsrc|src/light.c|676|version=NetHack 3.6.1}} The light from Sunsword repels [[gremlin]]s and adds +1d8 damage when hitting them with Sunsword.{{refsrc|src/weapon.c|328|nethack=3.6.2}}
  
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==Light radius==
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==Strategy==
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Sunsword provides light around the character (or monster) it's being wielded by. The radius depends on BUC; it is 3 if blessed, 2 if uncursed, and 1 if cursed.{{refsrc|src/light.c|676|version=NetHack 3.6.1}}
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Sunsword's use as a light source is generally considered more important than its damage bonus, though it is a viable choice in the absence of a better artifact weapon. Sunsword does hit a far wider range of monsters than most [[Bane]]-style artifacts - [[lich]]es and the later [[Vampire (monster class)|vampires]] are among the strongest (and most relevant) targets, and become much more common when passing through the [[Valley of the Dead]] and into [[Gehennom]]. [[Priests]] face many undead on [[Priest quest|their quest]], making the double damage especially useful for them in theory.
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{{lightradius|r=3}} {{lightradius|r=2}} {{lightradius|r=1}}
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 +
However, since obtaining it as a sacrifice gift unrestricts the long sword skill, [[Excalibur]] becomes available and will almost always supercede Sunsword as the primary weapon. Players attempting the [[genocide]]-less [[conduct]] may still find Sunsword especially useful against liches.
 +
 
 +
===As a light source===  
 +
Blessed{{lightradius|r=3|}} Uncursed{{lightradius|r=2}} Cursed{{lightradius|r=1}}
 
{{yellow|x}} represents the squares lit by Sunsword.
 
{{yellow|x}} represents the squares lit by Sunsword.
 +
 +
==History==
 +
Sunsword first appears in [[NetHack 3.0.0]].
 +
 +
In [[NetHack 3.4.3]] and previous versions, including some variants based on them, the light range does not depend on beatitude and always has a radius of 2; a [[magic lamp]] was often preferred as a light source in these versions. Sunsword was also ineffective against [[shade]]s, who are undead but heavily resist damage from non-silver weapons.
 +
 +
In [[NetHack 3.6.0]], the effects of beatitude on the light radius is introduced, and Sunsword was adjusted so that its bonus damage against undead overrode shades' resistance to non-silver damage. The light's additional effects on gremlins were added in [[NetHack 3.6.2]].
  
 
==Messages==
 
==Messages==
 
{{message|Sunsword begins to shine [dimly/brightly/brilliantly]!|You wielded Sunsword, and it is now giving off light.}}
 
{{message|Sunsword begins to shine [dimly/brightly/brilliantly]!|You wielded Sunsword, and it is now giving off light.}}
 
{{message|Sunsword stops shining.|You unwielded Sunsword.}}
 
{{message|Sunsword stops shining.|You unwielded Sunsword.}}
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{{message|Sunsword shines [brighter/less brightly].|The BUC status of Sunsword changed while being wielded.}}
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{{message|Sunsword shines [brighter/less brightly].|The beatitude status of Sunsword changed while it was wielded.}}
 +
{{message|Light begins shining <nearby/in the distance>.|A monster wielded Sunsword and its light shone within your range of vision, with the range determining which phrase is used.}}
 +
{{message|Suddenly, the only light left comes from Sunsword!|You were wielding Sunsword while either reading a [[scroll of light]] that was cursed, or reading any scroll of light while confused.}}
 +
 
 +
==Variants==
 +
===NetHack: The Next Generation===
 +
In [[NetHack: The Next Generation]], [[Sunsword]] can be requested from [[Duri]] at [[The Forge]] for 7000[[zm]].
  
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== Strategy ==
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===SLASH'EM===
 +
In [[SLASH'EM]], Sunsword is easier to obtain, lawful characters can also receive {{mcsl|A}} [[minion]]s as [[sacrifice gift]]s that are likely to be generated carrying it. Minion gifts are not affected by previous gifts as with artifacts - once a minion with Sunsword generates, it can be easily disarmed with a [[bullwhip]].
  
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Sunsword's use as a light source is generally more important than its damage bonus (although players attempting the genocideless conduct may find it useful against L). By virtue of being a longsword, its base damage numbers are good, making it a reasonable weapon choice in the absence of a better artifact, provided you can get skill in longsword. The double damage versus undead may be of interest to [[Priests]], who face many undead on their quest, and anyone passing through the [[Valley of the Dead]].
+
Furthermore, Sunsword has a much wider use case due to the addition of far more dangerous undead, such as spellcasting [[Vampire mage (SLASH'EM)|vampire mages]] and [[ghoul mage]]s, fast and hard-hitting [[gug]]s, and regenerating [[troll mummies]]. Sunsword competes for its niche with the [[Holy Spear of Light]], an artifact [[silver spear]] that also acts as a light source. The Holy Spear has a smaller bonus against undead, but its silver material grants bonus damage against [[major demon]]s, and it can be [[invoked]] to permanently illuminate an area around the player and damage undead caught in the light burst - it is also always permanently lit, while Sunsword must be wielded to light up.
  
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== History ==
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SLASH'EM also makes it possible to [[twoweapon]] artifacts, though Sunsword will only provide light if wielded in the primary hand.
  
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The effects on gremlins were added in [[3.6.2]].
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===dNetHack===
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Before [[3.6.0]], the light radius did not depend on [[BUC]], always equaling 2.
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In [[dNetHack]], Sunsword is a [[silver]]ed long sword made of [[gold]]. The artifact uses (and trains) the higher of the two between your [[short sword]] and long sword skills, which makes it effective even for roles that are restricted in long swords.
  
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== SLASH'EM ==
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Sunsword has +1 to-hit and deals double damage against demons as well as undead, and confers [[automatic searching]] and [[blindness resistance]] while wielded on top of acting as a light source. Sunsword ignores the target monster's equipped armor when calculating accuracy and [[DR]], and deals full damage to insubstantial monsters such as shade and [[Sharab Kamerel]] - it also has a chance of [[stoning]] [[Troll (monster class)|trolls]] and instakilling [[gremlin]]s on hit.
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In SLASH'EM, the light radius is always 2, and will not change if blessed or cursed. The weapon is otherwise identical, but it becomes a much better option for lawfuls in SLASH'EM. There are two reasons for this. The first is that it is quite easy for most lawfuls to obtain. A high-level lawful who sacrifices at an altar will eventually obtain a minion carrying it, and the chances of obtaining minions do not decrease, as they do for sacrifice gifts. Said minion can be easily and safely disarmed with a [[bullwhip]]. Secondly, undead are far more dangerous in SLASH'EM. Spellcasting [[Vampire mage (SLASH'EM)|vampire]] and [[ghoul mage]]s, fast and hard-hitting [[gug]]s, regenerating troll mummies, and other new undead monsters make Sunsword's comparatively limited range of double damage more useful than in vanilla nethack.
 
  
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Note that if you [[twoweapon]] this sword, it will ''not'' provide light if wielded in your off-hand.
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===FIQHack===
 +
In [[FIQHack]], Sunsword blocks blindness, much like [[The Eyes of the Overworld]]. Its double damage is replaced by a +1d20 damage bonus.
  
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SLASH'EM also adds the [[Holy Spear of Light]], which functions similarly, but also has the ability to permanently illuminate an area around the player, damaging undead in the process.
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===SpliceHack===
 +
In [[SpliceHack]], Sunsword is made of crystal [[gemstone]], and its base item is chosen at random from one-handed swords, including the long sword.
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 +
===EvilHack===
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In [[EvilHack]], Sunsword is also made of crystal, and has a chance of completely destroying any undead that it hits. Additionally, killing [[Zombie (EvilHack)|zombies]] while wielding Sunsword causes their [[corpse]]s to evaporate, preventing their revival.
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 +
Sunsword can be [[Forge (dungeon feature)|forged]] together with [[Demonbane]] to create the [[Hammer of the Gods]], an artifact silver [[heavy war hammer]] that retains Sunsword's bonuses and warning versus undead and its ability to emit light while wielded.
 +
 
 +
===SlashTHEM===
 +
In addition to SLASH'EM details, [[SlashTHEM]] adds The Forge from NetHack: The Next Generation, where Sunsword can be requested from Duri for 7000zm as before.
  
 
==Encyclopedia entry==
 
==Encyclopedia entry==
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{{encyclopedia|quote=
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{{encyclopedia|What you seek is a blade of light, a weapon for vengeance.
−
What you seek is a blade of light,
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|[ Expedition to Castle Ravenloft, by Bruce Cordell and James Wyatt ]}}
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a weapon for vengeance.
 
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|author=[ Expedition to Castle Ravenloft,
 
−
by Bruce Cordell and James Wyatt ]}}
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
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{{nethack-366}}
 
[[Category:Artifact weapons]]
 
[[Category:Artifact weapons]]
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{{nethack-361}}
 

Latest revision as of 15:03, 1 April 2024

)   Sunsword   Long sword.png
Base item long sword
Damage vs. small 1d8 x2
Damage vs. large 1d12 x2
To-hit bonus +1d5
Bonus versus undead
Weapon skill long sword
Size one-handed
Affiliation
When carried

(none)

When wielded
When invoked

(none)

Base price 1500 zm
Weight 40
Material iron

Sunsword is an artifact weapon that appears in NetHack. It is lawful, and its base item is a long sword.

Generation

Sunsword can be received as a sacrifice gift by lawful characters. Angels and Aleaxes have a 5% chance of their normal starting erodeproof long sword being Sunsword; Archons generated normally have a 50% chance of generating with either Sunsword or Demonbane, with a rustproof long sword replacing either artifact if it was already generated.

Description

Sunsword has +1d5 to-hit and does double damage against undead, and prevents blinding from lights while wielded. It also acts as a light source when wielded, with a radius centered around the wielder based on its beatitude: 3 if blessed, 2 if uncursed, and 1 if cursed. It will unlight when unwielded.[1] The light from Sunsword repels gremlins and adds +1d8 damage when hitting them with Sunsword.[2]

Strategy

Sunsword's use as a light source is generally considered more important than its damage bonus, though it is a viable choice in the absence of a better artifact weapon. Sunsword does hit a far wider range of monsters than most Bane-style artifacts - liches and the later vampires are among the strongest (and most relevant) targets, and become much more common when passing through the Valley of the Dead and into Gehennom. Priests face many undead on their quest, making the double damage especially useful for them in theory.

However, since obtaining it as a sacrifice gift unrestricts the long sword skill, Excalibur becomes available and will almost always supercede Sunsword as the primary weapon. Players attempting the genocide-less conduct may still find Sunsword especially useful against liches.

As a light source

Blessed

...........
...........
....xxx....
...xxxxx...
..xxxxxxx..
..xxx@xxx..
..xxxxxxx..
...xxxxx...
....xxx....
...........
...........

Uncursed

...........
...........
...........
....xxx....
...xxxxx...
...xx@xx...
...xxxxx...
....xxx....
...........
...........
...........

Cursed

...........
...........
...........
...........
....xxx....
....x@x....
....xxx....
...........
...........
...........
...........

x represents the squares lit by Sunsword.

History

Sunsword first appears in NetHack 3.0.0.

In NetHack 3.4.3 and previous versions, including some variants based on them, the light range does not depend on beatitude and always has a radius of 2; a magic lamp was often preferred as a light source in these versions. Sunsword was also ineffective against shades, who are undead but heavily resist damage from non-silver weapons.

In NetHack 3.6.0, the effects of beatitude on the light radius is introduced, and Sunsword was adjusted so that its bonus damage against undead overrode shades' resistance to non-silver damage. The light's additional effects on gremlins were added in NetHack 3.6.2.

Messages

Sunsword begins to shine [dimly/brightly/brilliantly]!
You wielded Sunsword, and it is now giving off light.
Sunsword stops shining.
You unwielded Sunsword.
Sunsword shines [brighter/less brightly].
The beatitude status of Sunsword changed while it was wielded.
Light begins shining <nearby/in the distance>.
A monster wielded Sunsword and its light shone within your range of vision, with the range determining which phrase is used.
Suddenly, the only light left comes from Sunsword!
You were wielding Sunsword while either reading a scroll of light that was cursed, or reading any scroll of light while confused.

Variants

NetHack: The Next Generation

In NetHack: The Next Generation, Sunsword can be requested from Duri at The Forge for 7000zm.

SLASH'EM

In SLASH'EM, Sunsword is easier to obtain, lawful characters can also receive A minions as sacrifice gifts that are likely to be generated carrying it. Minion gifts are not affected by previous gifts as with artifacts - once a minion with Sunsword generates, it can be easily disarmed with a bullwhip.

Furthermore, Sunsword has a much wider use case due to the addition of far more dangerous undead, such as spellcasting vampire mages and ghoul mages, fast and hard-hitting gugs, and regenerating troll mummies. Sunsword competes for its niche with the Holy Spear of Light, an artifact silver spear that also acts as a light source. The Holy Spear has a smaller bonus against undead, but its silver material grants bonus damage against major demons, and it can be invoked to permanently illuminate an area around the player and damage undead caught in the light burst - it is also always permanently lit, while Sunsword must be wielded to light up.

SLASH'EM also makes it possible to twoweapon artifacts, though Sunsword will only provide light if wielded in the primary hand.

dNetHack

In dNetHack, Sunsword is a silvered long sword made of gold. The artifact uses (and trains) the higher of the two between your short sword and long sword skills, which makes it effective even for roles that are restricted in long swords.

Sunsword has +1 to-hit and deals double damage against demons as well as undead, and confers automatic searching and blindness resistance while wielded on top of acting as a light source. Sunsword ignores the target monster's equipped armor when calculating accuracy and DR, and deals full damage to insubstantial monsters such as shade and Sharab Kamerel - it also has a chance of stoning trolls and instakilling gremlins on hit.

FIQHack

In FIQHack, Sunsword blocks blindness, much like The Eyes of the Overworld. Its double damage is replaced by a +1d20 damage bonus.

SpliceHack

In SpliceHack, Sunsword is made of crystal gemstone, and its base item is chosen at random from one-handed swords, including the long sword.

EvilHack

In EvilHack, Sunsword is also made of crystal, and has a chance of completely destroying any undead that it hits. Additionally, killing zombies while wielding Sunsword causes their corpses to evaporate, preventing their revival.

Sunsword can be forged together with Demonbane to create the Hammer of the Gods, an artifact silver heavy war hammer that retains Sunsword's bonuses and warning versus undead and its ability to emit light while wielded.

SlashTHEM

In addition to SLASH'EM details, SlashTHEM adds The Forge from NetHack: The Next Generation, where Sunsword can be requested from Duri for 7000zm as before.

Encyclopedia entry

What you seek is a blade of light, a weapon for vengeance.

[ Expedition to Castle Ravenloft, by Bruce Cordell and James Wyatt ]

References

  1. ↑ src/light.c in NetHack 3.6.1, line 676
  2. ↑ src/weapon.c in NetHack 3.6.2, line 328
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