Dip
#dip is an extended command used to dip one object into another. It is usually used to dip something (for example unicorn horn) into a potion, although you can also dip objects into fountains and pools of water. The most general purpose for dipping into fountains and pools is to turn scrolls and spellbooks into blank scrolls and blank spellbooks, and to dilute potions (by dipping once) or create potions of water (by dipping a diluted potion again).
The player will be prompted, first, for an object to be dipped, then an object to be dipped into. Generally, though with notable exceptions, dipping causes the dipped object to be affected by the into object and will consume one into object, or risk its destruction if a fountain. Order is important.
When performing alchemy, only 2–9 of the dipped potions (determined randomly) will actually be affected. Other forms of dipping, e.g. blessing items with holy water (even stacks of potions), will work on the entire stack.
The following information pertains to an upcoming version (NetHack 3.7.0). If this version is now released, please verify that the information below is still accurate, then update the page to incorporate it.
Per commit 3fac6374, it is possible to dip an object into a sink or wash your hands in a sink.Fountains and pools
In the early game, dipping into fountains is the most common method of diluting potions and blanking scrolls and spellbooks. However, unlike pools, fountains eventually dry out. To dip into a pool, you generally must be flying, riding a flying mount, or wearing water walking boots. Levitation won't let you reach the pool. While generally safer than quaffing from a fountain, dipping can still cause adverse effects. The safest way is to dig down on a fountain and take a bath in the resulting pools. The fountains in Minetown should not be used unless all of the watchmen are either dead or locked up in rooms. If a watchman sees you use a fountain, you will usually be warned. See wet for more information on effects.
Dipping examples
Dipping an object into a potion of holy water is the most common method of blessing an uncursed object (and dipping a cursed object into holy water will remove the curse, although a scroll of remove curse is usually more efficient). Likewise, dipping an object into a potion of unholy water will make a blessed object uncursed, and will curse an uncursed object.
Dipping a stack of projectiles (darts, arrows, or crossbow bolts) into a potion of sickness will poison the stack.
Dipping a unicorn horn into a potion of sickness will turn it into a potion of fruit juice, and dipping the horn into a potion of confusion, potion of blindness, or a potion of hallucination will turn the potion into a potion of water.
Dipping an amethyst stone into a potion of booze will turn it into a potion of fruit juice.
Dipping an object into a potion of polymorph will polymorph the object (including unicorn horns, so use caution).
Dipping an object into an uncursed potion of water will affect the item the same as would dipping it into a fountain or pool. This is usually a waste, however, as potions of water can be turned to holy water.
Dipping a long sword into a fountain as a lawful character at experience level 5 or higher is a common way of receiving Excalibur.
Dipping a potion into another potion performs alchemy.
Messages
- That is a silly thing to dip into.
- You can't dip the object into the one you selected.
- That is a potion bottle, not a Klein bottle!
- You tried to dip a potion into itself.
- Interesting...
- You dipped something into a potion to no effect.
- A coating wears off the <item>.
- You dipped a poisoned item into a potion of healing, extra healing, or full healing.[1]
See also
This page may need to be updated for the current version of NetHack.
It may contain text specific to NetHack 3.4.3. Information on this page may be out of date.
Editors: After reviewing this page and making necessary edits, please change the {{nethack-343}} tag to the current version's tag or {{noversion}} as appropriate.
