Penetration

Penetration is a brand which causes ranged attacks to not stop after hitting an enemy, enabling it to attack all monsters within its path. Penetrating weapons cannot be blocked by shields apart from the warlock's mirror.

Sources

Penetration can be found on randart arbalests, hand cannons, and triple crossbows, as well as the unrand storm bow.

Javelins inherently have the penetration property, but if the javelin would mulch, it does not penetrate.

Strategy

To make the best use of penetration, fire at large clusters of enemies, especially ones following you through long hallways. Be sure to aim carefully to make the maximum use of your attacks when fighting enemies that aren't conveniently lined up along a hallway.

If you don't want your projectile to travel the full distance (either because there's an ally behind your target or because it would land in impassable terrain), you can choose a specific tile for the attack to end on by pressing . (period).

History

• Prior to 0.24, javelins did not inherently have the penetration property, but could generate with it as a brand. Additionally, penetration was in the pool of brands available to enchanted crossbows instead of only appearing on artefacts.
• Bolts of penetration were removed in 0.18.
• Prior to 0.14, penetrating projectiles could be blocked by shields.