Difference between revisions of "Magicbane"

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(Fixed the table because cancellation is absolutely possible up to +5. 3.6.0 - Mb_hit is definitely unchanged, and nothing else seems to be different (except the value of Elbereth))
m (pothole)
 
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{{artifact weapon
 
{{artifact weapon
−
|color = metal color
+
  |color = metal color
−
|name = Magicbane
+
  |name = Magicbane
−
|base = athame
+
  |base = athame
−
|smalldmg = 1d4 + 1d4 + (special) (2-8)
+
  |smalldmg = 1d4 '''+1d4 +(special)''' (2-8)
−
|largedmg = 1d3 + 1d4 + (special) (2-7)
+
  |largedmg = 1d3 '''+1d4 +(special)''' (2-7)
−
|tohit = <nowiki>+</nowiki>2 '''+1d3'''
+
  |tohit = <nowiki>+</nowiki>2 '''+1d3'''
−
|bonusversus = fail [[magic resistance (monster)|monster MR]] check<br/>or player without [[magic resistance|MR]]
+
  |bonusversus = fail [[magic resistance (monster)|monster MR]] check<br/>or player without [[magic resistance|MR]]
−
|skill = dagger
+
  |skill = dagger
−
|affiliation = <ul><li>[[neutral]]</li><li>[[Wizard|(Wizard)]]</li></ul>
+
  |affiliation = <ul><li>[[neutral]]</li><li>[[Wizard]]</li></ul>
−
|whenwielded = <ul><li>[[magic resistance]]</li><li>blocks 95% of [[curse items|curse]]s</li><li>special attacks</li></ul>
+
  |whenwielded = <ul><li>[[magic resistance]]</li><li>blocks 95% of [[Curse items|curses]]</li><li>special attacks</li></ul>
−
|cost = 3500
+
  |cost = 3500
−
|weight = 10
+
  |weight = 10
−
|material = iron
+
  |material = iron
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
'''Magicbane''' is an [[artifact]] [[athame]]. It is considered a [[dagger]] for [[skill]] purposes, and has a 40% chance of having a magical effect on the victim as well as inflicting damage.<ref name="Mb_hit">{{function|artifact.c|Mb_hit}}</ref> Throwing Magicbane can have the same effect on a monster it hits. Care should be taken not to throw at an enemy that can pick it up and wield it, conferring magic resistance to the monster.
+
'''Magicbane''' is an [[artifact weapon|artifact]] [[athame]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is [[neutral]] and is the guaranteed first [[sacrifice gift]] for [[Wizard]]s.
  
−
Like all athames, when blessed or uncursed Magicbane can also engrave [[Elbereth]] without dulling and in one turn, albeit not permanently.
+
==Generation==
 +
[[Arch-lich]]es have a minuscule chance (1/1170, or approximately 0.085%) of being generated with Magicbane.
  
 +
==Description==
 +
Magicbane has a +d3 to-hit bonus, and hitting a monster with it has a 40% chance of inflicting a magical effect and dealing +1d4 damage to the victim in that order, subject to [[Magic resistance (monster)|monster MR]] or player-style magic resistance. When thrown, Magicbane will do the same to a monster it hits, though this is obviously impractical.{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|961|nethack=3.6.7|comment=function <code>Mb_hit()</code>|name=Mb_hit}} The probability of each applicable magical effect is determined by Magicbane's [[enchantment]] - Magicbane will react as follows when enchanted to certain thresholds:
  
−
==Magical effects==
+
{{message|Your right hand itches!|Magicbane's has been enchanted to +0 or +1.}}
 +
{{message|Your right hand flinches.|Magicbane has been enchanted to +2 or above.}}
  
−
The "bonus" effects that Magicbane can produce are:
+
Magicbane also grants [[magic resistance]] while wielded, and will also absorb and negate 95% of of curses directed at its wielder. As its [[base item]] type is an athame, Magicbane can engrave a semi-permanent [[Elbereth]] in one turn without dulling like other athames (unless it is cursed).
  
−
* [[Probing|Probe]] monster
+
===Magical effects===
−
* [[Stun]] monster
+
There are four "bonus" effects that Magicbane can produce upon hitting, with details listed below:
−
* [[Scare]] monster
 
−
* [[Cancellation|Cancel]] monster
 
  
−
Each of these effects produces the following message:
+
{| class="prettytable striped"
−
 
+
!Effect!!Details!!Notes
−
* "The magic-absorbing blade probes/stuns/scares/cancels the <monster>!"
+
|-
−
 
+
|[[Probe]] monster||Reveals the monster's HP, [[AC]] and inventory as if zapped with a [[wand of probing]]||'Replaces' other effects as enchantment increases
−
When [[hallucinating]], the messages corresponding to these bonus effects are changed to "prod", "amaze", "tickle" and "purge" respectively.{{refsrc|artifact.c|942|nethack=3.6.0}}
+
|-
−
 
+
|[[Stun]] monster||Stuns the attacked monster.||Odds drop significantly once Magicbane is enchanted
−
Any bonus effect adds an additional ''1d4'' damage. Though the chance of some type of magical bonus effect is always 40%, Magicbane's level of enchantment affects the probability of each type of effect differently.
+
|-
−
 
+
|[[Scare]] monster||Scares the attacked monster.||Odds drop significantly once enchanted past +2
−
When a [[Monster spell#Spells|spellcasting monster]] is cancelled, some magical [[energy]] is also absorbed, and your current and maximum energy are increased by 1 (“''You absorb magical energy!''”){{refsrc|artifact.c|1040|nethack=3.6.0}}. Cancellation is the only one of Magicbane's effects that can absorb magical energy. This effect happens every time the cancellation attack hits, not just the first time when the monster is actually cancelled.
+
|-
−
 
+
|[[Cancel]] monster||Cancels the attacked monster as if zapped with the [[spellbook of cancellation|spell]] or [[wand of cancellation]]. If the cancelled monster is a [[monster spell|spellcaster]], you will also absorb [[energy]] and increase your current and maximum energy by 1.{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|1051|nethack=3.6.7}}||Odds drop significantly once enchanted past +2<br/>Absorption occurs regardless of if the target is already canceled
−
In addition, Magicbane catches and resists 95% of curses sent to the wielder and gives [[magic resistance]].
+
|}
−
 
 
−
==Enchanting==
 
−
 
 
−
Magicbane has two reactions if it's enchanted to +0 or above:
 
−
 
 
−
* "Your right hand itches!" (+0 or +1)
 
−
* "Your right hand flinches" (+2 or higher)
 
−
 
 
−
Magicbane enchanted to +2 has the best chance of inflicting valuable magical effects. The chance of stunning drops progressively from +0, scaring and cancellation drop progressively after +2, and cancellation is eliminated after +5; probing takes their place. However, the average damage it inflicts increases with each level of enchantment, which is typically desirable for dealing maximum damage as a primary weapon. <ref>http://www.steelypips.org/nethack/343/art2-343.html</ref>.
 
−
 
 
−
Increasing Magicbane's enchantment from +6 to +7 is typically not worth the effort. As with other weapons, you need to lower it to +5 to safely attempt to enchant to +7. But lowering Magicbane's enchantment can be very difficult. Because it's an [[athame]], engraving with it will not dull it. Because it's an [[artifact]], it will resist most attempts at disenchantment from a cursed [[scroll of enchant weapon]]. The [[Spellbook of drain life|drain life spell]] can work, but typically takes many attempts. Hitting a [[disenchanter]] with Magicbane can also work, though note that the disenchanter may be able to disenchant your armor if you stand around hitting it for too long (the attack is subject to [[magic cancellation]], so this is rarely a major issue by the time you're worried about enchanting Magicbane to +7).
 
−
 
 
−
If you have copious amounts amounts of [[holy water]] and [[unholy water]] on hand, it is also possible to lower Magicbane's enchantment by cursing it with unholy water and engraving a single letter with it. Remember to re-bless it afterward.
 
  
−
==Generation==
+
==Strategy==
−
[[Wizard]]s receive Magicbane as their first [[gift]] from their [[god]] after [[sacrifice|sacrificing]] at an [[altar]]. When a chaotic Wizard wishes for Magicbane (early wish), it will come out as chaotic and will not blast him. Wizards finding Magicbane on [[bones|bones levels]] will have Magicbane converted to their alignment{{fact}}.
+
===Enchanting===
 +
The chance of stunning drops progressively from +0, scaring and cancellation drop progressively after +2, and cancellation is eliminated after +5; probing takes their place. However, the average damage it inflicts increases with each level of enchantment, which is typically desirable for dealing maximum damage as a primary weapon.<ref>http://www.steelypips.org/nethack/343/art2-343.html</ref>
  
−
[[Lich|Arch-liches]] have a minuscule (1/1170, or approximately 0.085%) chance of being generated with Magicbane.  Even hunting them until extinction yields only a 9.75% chance of Magicbane appearing.
+
Increasing Magicbane's enchantment from +6 to +7 is typically not worth the effort. As with other weapons, you need to lower it to +5 to safely attempt to enchant to +7, but lowering Magicbane's enchantment can be very difficult: because it's an [[athame]], engraving with it will not dull it, and because it's an [[artifact]], it will resist most attempts at disenchantment from a cursed [[scroll of enchant weapon]]. {{spell of|Drain life}} can work, but typically takes many attempts. Hitting a [[disenchanter]] with Magicbane can also work, though the disenchanter may be able to disenchant your armor if you stand around hitting it for too long (the attack is subject to [[magic cancellation]], so this is rarely a major issue by the time you're worried about enchanting Magicbane to +7).
  
−
==Damage==
+
If you have copious amounts amounts of {{of|potion|holy water|and=1|unholy water}} on hand, it is also possible to lower Magicbane's enchantment by cursing it with unholy water and engraving a single letter with it. Remember to re-bless it afterward.
  
 +
===Damage===
 
[[Strength]], [[skill]] and [[blessed]] damage bonuses are also added.
 
[[Strength]], [[skill]] and [[blessed]] damage bonuses are also added.
  
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===Exact mechanics===
 
===Exact mechanics===
−
 
 
The base damage is 1d4 to small monsters and 1d3 to large monsters.  If the monster fails a [[Magic_resistance_(monster)|magic resistance]] check, an additional 1d4 damage is added to the base damage and the further special attacks are more likely.  This magic resistance check is, however, an unusual one, because it doesn't consider level bonuses.  There is an 8 / 20 (40%) chance of an additional +1d4 damage and possibly more.  Given there is additional damage:
 
The base damage is 1d4 to small monsters and 1d3 to large monsters.  If the monster fails a [[Magic_resistance_(monster)|magic resistance]] check, an additional 1d4 damage is added to the base damage and the further special attacks are more likely.  This magic resistance check is, however, an unusual one, because it doesn't consider level bonuses.  There is an 8 / 20 (40%) chance of an additional +1d4 damage and possibly more.  Given there is additional damage:
 
* There is a chance of an additional +1d4 stun damage.
 
* There is a chance of an additional +1d4 stun damage.
Line 282: Line 272:
 
The monster can resist the [[scare]] and [[cancellation]] effects using a [[Magic resistance (monster)]] check (if you are attacked, you resist if you have [[Magic resistance]] instead), but the extra damage of these effects is dealt even in that case.  The monster cannot resist the [[stun]], [[probe]], or [[confuse]] effects.<ref name="Mb_hit" />
 
The monster can resist the [[scare]] and [[cancellation]] effects using a [[Magic resistance (monster)]] check (if you are attacked, you resist if you have [[Magic resistance]] instead), but the extra damage of these effects is dealt even in that case.  The monster cannot resist the [[stun]], [[probe]], or [[confuse]] effects.<ref name="Mb_hit" />
  
−
==SLASH'EM==
+
==History==
 +
Magicbane is introduced in [[NetHack 3.1.0]].
  
 +
==Messages==
 +
{{message|The magic-absorbing blade probes/stuns/scares/cancels the <monster>!|Magicbane's additional effects were triggered.}}
 +
{{message|The magic-absorbing blade prods/amazes/tickles/purges the <monster>!|As above, while [[hallucinating]].{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|956|nethack=3.6.7}}}}
 +
{{message|You absorb magical energy!|The cancellation effect increased your energy.}}
 +
 +
==Variants==
 +
===SLASH'EM===
 
{{artifact weapon
 
{{artifact weapon
 
|color = metal color
 
|color = metal color
Line 300: Line 298:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
The damage is the same in SLASH'EM, except failing a magic resistance check adds +4, not +1d4.  (In the table above, this is replacing '+ 1d4' with '+ 4' in the base damage column when 'Monster Resisted' is 'No', which adds 1.5 to the mean damage in these cases.)<ref>[[Source:SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2/artifact.c]].</ref>
+
In [[SLASH'EM]], as with other SLASH'EM artifacts, a target that fails a magic resistance check takes a flat bonus of +4 damage, rather than +1d4;<ref>[[Source:SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2/artifact.c]].</ref> this adds 1.5 to the mean damage for such attacks. Additionally, Magicbane can hit through [[Need +x weapon to hit|enchantment resistance]] (requiring an enchanted weapon to hit) and is technically the only such weapon that can do so - [[lightsaber]]s are also capable of this, though they are considered [[tool]]s by the game.
  
−
SLASH'EM gives the option of wielding artifacts as one's secondary weapon, but note that Magicbane will not convey its curse or magic resistance unless it is wielded as a primary weapon.
+
SLASH'EM also gives the option of wielding artifacts in the offhand while [[twoweaponing]] - however, Magicbane will not convey its curse or magic resistance unless it is wielded as a primary weapon.
  
−
Additionally, even a +0 Magicbane hits all monsters, even if they normally [[need +x weapon to hit|require an enchanted weapon to hit]]. Technically, it is the only such weapon in SLASH'EM, although [[Lightsaber]]s (considered tools by the game) can also hit all monsters at +0.
+
===FIQHack===
 +
In [[FIQHack]], the base item for Magicbane is a [[quarterstaff]],<ref>https://github.com/FredrIQ/fiqhack/blob/865c9091803e844b66255e122877ae6c70950e51/libnethack/include/artilist.h#L126</ref> improving Magicbane's base damage but making it a two-handed weapon. All staves, including Magicbane, enhance spellcasting in the same way [[robe]]s do.<ref>https://github.com/FredrIQ/fiqhack/blob/865c9091803e844b66255e122877ae6c70950e51/libnethack/src/spell.c#L2272</ref> Besides these traits, Magicbane retains its usual effects - magic resistance, special attacks, and curse protection.
 +
 
 +
===dNetHack===
 +
In [[dNetHack]], Magicbane is more powerful vs. monsters that resist magic (it requires powerful magic to resist magic, and Magicbane is effective against such magic). Each magical effect that triggers deals an additional 6d6 (6-36) damage to targets that have player-style MR or that have passed their monster MR check. Magicbane also receives a +10% bonus to the chances of the probing, scare monster, and cancellation effects occurring vs. such targets. Wizards in dNetHack are therefore advised to leave Magicbane unenchanted to maximize the chances of the additional magical effects occurring when fighting magic-resistant foes.
 +
 
 +
===EvilHack===
 +
In [[EvilHack]], the base item for Magicbane is a quarterstaff, and placing Magicbane into a [[bag of holding]] has a {{frac|3}} chance of causing the bag to explode, much like a [[wand of cancellation]].
 +
 
 +
Magicbane can be [[Forge (dungeon feature)|forged]] together with [[Secespita]] to create [[EvilHack#Forged Artifacts|The Staff of the Archmagi]], an artifact quarterstaff.
 +
 
 +
===Hack'EM===
 +
In [[Hack'EM]], the base item for Magicbane is a quarterstaff as in EvilHack, but it will not cause an explosion if placed in a bag of holding.
 +
 
 +
==Encyclopedia entry==
 +
{{encyclopedia|
 +
A highly enchanted athame said to hold the power to channel and direct magical energy.}}
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
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==References==
 
==References==
−
<references />
+
<references/>
−
 
+
{{nethack-367}}
−
{{nethack-360}}
 
 
[[Category:Artifact weapons]]
 
[[Category:Artifact weapons]]

Latest revision as of 23:18, 19 February 2024

)   Magicbane   Athame.png
Base item athame
Damage vs. small 1d4 +1d4 +(special) (2-8)
Damage vs. large 1d3 +1d4 +(special) (2-7)
To-hit bonus +2 +1d3
Bonus versus fail monster MR check
or player without MR
Weapon skill dagger
Size one-handed
Affiliation
When carried

(none)

When wielded
When invoked

(none)

Base price 3500 zm
Weight 10
Material iron

Magicbane is an artifact athame that appears in NetHack. It is neutral and is the guaranteed first sacrifice gift for Wizards.

Generation

Arch-liches have a minuscule chance (1/1170, or approximately 0.085%) of being generated with Magicbane.

Description

Magicbane has a +d3 to-hit bonus, and hitting a monster with it has a 40% chance of inflicting a magical effect and dealing +1d4 damage to the victim in that order, subject to monster MR or player-style magic resistance. When thrown, Magicbane will do the same to a monster it hits, though this is obviously impractical.[1] The probability of each applicable magical effect is determined by Magicbane's enchantment - Magicbane will react as follows when enchanted to certain thresholds:

Your right hand itches!
Magicbane's has been enchanted to +0 or +1.
Your right hand flinches.
Magicbane has been enchanted to +2 or above.

Magicbane also grants magic resistance while wielded, and will also absorb and negate 95% of of curses directed at its wielder. As its base item type is an athame, Magicbane can engrave a semi-permanent Elbereth in one turn without dulling like other athames (unless it is cursed).

Magical effects

There are four "bonus" effects that Magicbane can produce upon hitting, with details listed below:

Effect Details Notes
Probe monster Reveals the monster's HP, AC and inventory as if zapped with a wand of probing 'Replaces' other effects as enchantment increases
Stun monster Stuns the attacked monster. Odds drop significantly once Magicbane is enchanted
Scare monster Scares the attacked monster. Odds drop significantly once enchanted past +2
Cancel monster Cancels the attacked monster as if zapped with the spell or wand of cancellation. If the cancelled monster is a spellcaster, you will also absorb energy and increase your current and maximum energy by 1.[2] Odds drop significantly once enchanted past +2
Absorption occurs regardless of if the target is already canceled

Strategy

Enchanting

The chance of stunning drops progressively from +0, scaring and cancellation drop progressively after +2, and cancellation is eliminated after +5; probing takes their place. However, the average damage it inflicts increases with each level of enchantment, which is typically desirable for dealing maximum damage as a primary weapon.[3]

Increasing Magicbane's enchantment from +6 to +7 is typically not worth the effort. As with other weapons, you need to lower it to +5 to safely attempt to enchant to +7, but lowering Magicbane's enchantment can be very difficult: because it's an athame, engraving with it will not dull it, and because it's an artifact, it will resist most attempts at disenchantment from a cursed scroll of enchant weapon. Drain life can work, but typically takes many attempts. Hitting a disenchanter with Magicbane can also work, though the disenchanter may be able to disenchant your armor if you stand around hitting it for too long (the attack is subject to magic cancellation, so this is rarely a major issue by the time you're worried about enchanting Magicbane to +7).

If you have copious amounts amounts of holy water and unholy water on hand, it is also possible to lower Magicbane's enchantment by cursing it with unholy water and engraving a single letter with it. Remember to re-bless it afterward.

Damage

Strength, skill and blessed damage bonuses are also added.

Note the progressive drop of stun from +0, the progressive drop of scare and cancel after +2, and cancel is eliminated after +5 while average damage keeps increasing.

Enchantment Monster Resisted Base Damage Chance of +1d4 Extra Chance of +1d4 Stun Chance of +1d4 Scare Chance of +1d4 Cancel Mean Damage
+0 No (1d4 or 1d3) + 1d4 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 10 / 11 4 / 20 2 / 20 7.66 or 7.16
Yes 1d4 or 1d3 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 6 / 7 3 / 20 1 / 20 4.86 or 4.36
+1 No (1d4 or 1d3) + 1d4 + 1 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 9 / 11 4 / 20 2 / 20 8.57 or 8.07
Yes (1d4 or 1d3) + 1 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 5 / 7 3 / 20 1 / 20 5.71 or 5.21
+2 No (1d4 or 1d3) + 1d4 + 2 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 8 / 11 4 / 20 2 / 20 9.48 or 8.98
Yes (1d4 or 1d3) + 2 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 4 / 7 3 / 20 1 / 20 6.57 or 6.07
+3 No (1d4 or 1d3) + 1d4 + 3 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 7 / 11 2 / 20 1 / 20 10.01 or 9.51
Yes (1d4 or 1d3) + 3 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 3 / 7 1 / 20 0 / 20 7.05 or 6.55
+4 No (1d4 or 1d3) + 1d4 + 4 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 6 / 11 2 / 20 1 / 20 10.92 or 10.42
Yes (1d4 or 1d3) + 4 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 2 / 7 1 / 20 0 / 20 7.91 or 7.41
+5 No (1d4 or 1d3) + 1d4 + 5 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 5 / 11 2 / 20 1 / 20 11.83 or 11.33
Yes (1d4 or 1d3) + 5 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 1 / 7 1 / 20 0 / 20 8.77 or 8.27
+6 No (1d4 or 1d3) + 1d4 + 6 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 4 / 11 1 / 20 0 / 20 12.49 or 11.99
Yes (1d4 or 1d3) + 6 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 0 / 7 0 / 20 0 / 20 9.5 or 9
+7 No (1d4 or 1d3) + 1d4 + 7 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 3 / 11 1 / 20 0 / 20 13.40 or 12.90
Yes (1d4 or 1d3) + 7 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 0 / 7 0 / 20 0 / 20 10.5 or 10
+8 No (1d4 or 1d3) + 1d4 + 8 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 2 / 11 1 / 20 0 / 20 14.31 or 13.81
Yes (1d4 or 1d3) + 8 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 0 / 7 0 / 20 0 / 20 11.5 or 11
+9 No (1d4 or 1d3) + 1d4 + 9 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 1 / 11 0 / 20 0 / 20 15.09 or 14.59
Yes (1d4 or 1d3) + 9 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 0 / 7 0 / 20 0 / 20 12.5 or 12
+10 or more No (1d4 or 1d3) + 1d4 + Enchantment 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 0 / 11 0 / 20 0 / 20 (6 or 5.5) + Enchantment
Yes (1d4 or 1d3) + Enchantment 8 / 20 8 / 20 * 0 / 7 0 / 20 0 / 20 (3.5 or 3) + Enchantment

Exact mechanics

The base damage is 1d4 to small monsters and 1d3 to large monsters. If the monster fails a magic resistance check, an additional 1d4 damage is added to the base damage and the further special attacks are more likely. This magic resistance check is, however, an unusual one, because it doesn't consider level bonuses. There is an 8 / 20 (40%) chance of an additional +1d4 damage and possibly more. Given there is additional damage:

  • There is a chance of an additional +1d4 stun damage.
    • If the monster failed the previous magic resistance check, the probability of this stun damage is \frac{10 - \max(\mathrm{enchantment}, 0)}{11}.
    • If the monster passed the magic resistance check, the probability of this stun damage is \frac{6 - \max(\mathrm{enchantment}, 0)}{7}.
  • There is a chance of an additional +1d4 scare damage or +2d4 scare & cancellation damage.
    • The roll for scare or cancellation damage is scaled by z = 2^{\max(\mathrm{enchantment}, 0) \; \mathrm{div} \;3}, where \mathrm{div} is integer division. The base roll for scare damage is R_{\mathrm{scare}} = 4 \; \mathrm{div} \; z and the base roll for cancellation damage is R_{\mathrm{cancel}} = 2 \; \mathrm{div} \; z. [4]
      • If the monster failed the previous magic resistance check, the probability of scare damage is simply p_{\mathrm{scare}} = \frac{R_{\mathrm{scare}}}{8} and the probability of cancellation damage is simply p_{\mathrm{cancel}} = \frac{R_{\mathrm{cancel}}}{8}.
      • If the monster passed the previous magic resistance check, the probability of scare damage is p_{\mathrm{scare}} = \frac{\max(R_{\mathrm{scare}} - 1, 0)}{8} and the probability of cancellation damage is p_{\mathrm{cancel}} = \frac{\max(R_{\mathrm{cancel}} - 1, 0)}{8}.
    • Exactly one of the following occurs:
      • The probability of +1d4 scare damage is p_{\mathrm{scare}} - p_{\mathrm{cancel}}.
      • The probability of +2d4 scare & cancellation damage is p_{\mathrm{cancel}}. (Note that this means there is a p_{\mathrm{scare}} probability of +1d4 scare and a p_{\mathrm{cancel}} probability of +1d4 cancellation, which is used in the table below.)
      • The probability of no scare or cancellation damage is 1 - p_{\mathrm{scare}} - p_{\mathrm{cancel}}.
        • If there is also no stun damage, the attack probes. The probe has a 1 in (abs(enchantment) * 3) of being insightful and actually probing the monster, otherwise nothing happens. The +0 magicbane will always successfully probe the target.
  • Finally, there is a 1-in-12 chance of confusing the target with any magical attack. This chance is not affected by enchantment.

The monster can resist the scare and cancellation effects using a Magic resistance (monster) check (if you are attacked, you resist if you have Magic resistance instead), but the extra damage of these effects is dealt even in that case. The monster cannot resist the stun, probe, or confuse effects.[1]

History

Magicbane is introduced in NetHack 3.1.0.

Messages

The magic-absorbing blade probes/stuns/scares/cancels the <monster>!
Magicbane's additional effects were triggered.
The magic-absorbing blade prods/amazes/tickles/purges the <monster>!
As above, while hallucinating.[5]
You absorb magical energy!
The cancellation effect increased your energy.

Variants

SLASH'EM

)   Magicbane   Athame.png
Base item athame
Damage vs. small 1d4 + 4 + (special) (2-8)
Damage vs. large 1d3 + 4 + (special) (2-7)
To-hit bonus +2 +3
Bonus versus fail monster MR check
or player without MR
Weapon skill dagger
Size one-handed
Affiliation
When carried

(none)

When wielded
When invoked

(none)

Base price 3500 zm
Weight 10
Material iron

In SLASH'EM, as with other SLASH'EM artifacts, a target that fails a magic resistance check takes a flat bonus of +4 damage, rather than +1d4;[6] this adds 1.5 to the mean damage for such attacks. Additionally, Magicbane can hit through enchantment resistance (requiring an enchanted weapon to hit) and is technically the only such weapon that can do so - lightsabers are also capable of this, though they are considered tools by the game.

SLASH'EM also gives the option of wielding artifacts in the offhand while twoweaponing - however, Magicbane will not convey its curse or magic resistance unless it is wielded as a primary weapon.

FIQHack

In FIQHack, the base item for Magicbane is a quarterstaff,[7] improving Magicbane's base damage but making it a two-handed weapon. All staves, including Magicbane, enhance spellcasting in the same way robes do.[8] Besides these traits, Magicbane retains its usual effects - magic resistance, special attacks, and curse protection.

dNetHack

In dNetHack, Magicbane is more powerful vs. monsters that resist magic (it requires powerful magic to resist magic, and Magicbane is effective against such magic). Each magical effect that triggers deals an additional 6d6 (6-36) damage to targets that have player-style MR or that have passed their monster MR check. Magicbane also receives a +10% bonus to the chances of the probing, scare monster, and cancellation effects occurring vs. such targets. Wizards in dNetHack are therefore advised to leave Magicbane unenchanted to maximize the chances of the additional magical effects occurring when fighting magic-resistant foes.

EvilHack

In EvilHack, the base item for Magicbane is a quarterstaff, and placing Magicbane into a bag of holding has a 1⁄3 chance of causing the bag to explode, much like a wand of cancellation.

Magicbane can be forged together with Secespita to create The Staff of the Archmagi, an artifact quarterstaff.

Hack'EM

In Hack'EM, the base item for Magicbane is a quarterstaff as in EvilHack, but it will not cause an explosion if placed in a bag of holding.

Encyclopedia entry

A highly enchanted athame said to hold the power to channel and direct magical energy.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 src/artifact.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 961: function Mb_hit()
  2. ↑ src/artifact.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 1051
  3. ↑ http://www.steelypips.org/nethack/343/art2-343.html
  4. ↑ (The rolls are out of 20, but require at least an 8 out of 20, which is why 8 is used as the denominator below).
  5. ↑ src/artifact.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 956
  6. ↑ Source:SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2/artifact.c.
  7. ↑ https://github.com/FredrIQ/fiqhack/blob/865c9091803e844b66255e122877ae6c70950e51/libnethack/include/artilist.h#L126
  8. ↑ https://github.com/FredrIQ/fiqhack/blob/865c9091803e844b66255e122877ae6c70950e51/libnethack/src/spell.c#L2272
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