Lightning (monster spell)
- This article is about the monster spell. For other similarly-named pages, see Lightning.
Lightning is a monster spell in NetHack that is used by some of the stronger clerical spell casters.
Description
Lightning can be used by any monster that can cast clerical spells and is at least level 12. When cast, a bolt of lightning strikes the player character from above and deals 8d6 shock damage, destroying wands and rings in open inventory, and blinds you for up to 100 turns regardless of damage.[1][2] The bolt's damage can be reduced by half spell damage, and shock resistance and reflection prevent damage completely.[3][4]
The following information pertains to an upcoming version (3.7.0). If this version is now released, please verify that it is still accurate, then update the page to incorporate this information.
Per commit 6b8079a1, the lightning spell will destroy any iron bars if the character is targeted while occupying their square.Messages
- A bolt of lightning strikes down at you from above!
- A monster cast lightning at you.
- It bounces off your <amulet/armor/scales/weapon>.
- A source of reflection deflected the spell.
History
In NetHack 3.4.3 and earlier versions, including some variants based on those versions, the lightning monster spell does not cause blindness like other lightning effects; this is C342-46, which is corrected in NetHack 3.6.0 via commit 7de00a45.
Variants
EvilHack
In EvilHack, clerical spellcasting monsters can use the lightning monster spell at level 11, and the spell can be used against other monsters. Kathryn the Ice Queen and Asmodeus will cast this spell instead of fire pillar.
Reflection no longer provides complete protection against the spell.
References
- ↑ src/mcastu.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 571: damage
- ↑ src/mcastu.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 576: blindness
- ↑ src/mcastu.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 565: damage prevention
- ↑ src/mcastu.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 576: half spell damage reduction
