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{{version034}}{{spell info}}{{AttackSpell
|name=Borgnjor's Vile Clutch
|formula = 2d(4 + power/20) per turn
|maxdmg = 2d(14) per turn
|maxsp = 200
|tohit = Infinite
|range = 6
|target = Beam
|special = [[Constrict]]}}
'''Borgnjor's Vile Clutch''', also known as '''BVC''' and '''zombie hands''', is a level 5 Necromancy/Earth spell that affects all enemies in a beam-targeted line with the [[constriction]] status (displayed as "constricted by zombie hands").

Constriction deals damage over time until the affected monster(s) die, escape constriction (which they must waste turns to do), or the effect runs out. In most cases, the monster will die or escape before the status runs out. If you leave [[line of sight]] of any affected enemies, they are immediately released.

==Resistant Enemies==
Only a small number of monsters are not affected by BVC, all of which are also immune to regular types of constriction. They include:
*[[Amorphous]] creatures, such as [[List of jellies|slimes and jellies]].
*[[:Category:insubstantial monsters|Insubstantial]] enemies, including [[wraith]]-type [[undead]], many monsters in [[the Abyss]], and [[orbs of fire]].
*[[Spiny]] enemies

In addition, enemies over [[deep water]] or [[lava]] are unaffected.

==Strategy==
BVC is a very versatile spell: You basically now have access to an unlimited [[wand of roots]] that can pin enemies while dealing significant damage. It has the following benefits:
*BVC itself cannot be dodged, and few enemies are immune to it.
*It greatly lowers EV, increasing the accuracy of both you and your allies. This combos well with other [[Earth Magic]] spells, like [[Bombard]] or [[Lehudib's Crystal Spear]], which have poor accuracy, as well as your undead allies.
*It pins the target in place, allowing the player to move away from enemies (even fast ones) without [[attacks of opportunity]].
*It is especially effective in corridors since it affects the whole beam path. Other piercing attacks, like [[javelin]]s, work well in conjunction.

Note that BVC does not allow [[stab]]s, nor does it prevent enemies from making melee attacks. Also, unlike the wand of roots, BVC isn't [[noise|loud]].

===Tips & Tricks===
*Most monsters will not attempt to escape constriction if they can melee attack you (exceptions: [[batty]] enemies, enemies with movement abilities like [[Blink]]). So by staying adjacent to an enemy, you'll get the most out of the damage and EV penalty.

==Monster Version==
The monster version is functionally identical to the player version.

{{monsters with spell}}

[[Grasping Roots]] is a functionally similar spell used by more monsters.

==History==
*Prior to [[0.32]], [[constriction]] as a whole worked differently:
**BVC's base damage was <code>2d(2 + pow/25)</code> per turn, but damage increased over time.
**The EV penalty was a multiplier that depended on monster size (instead of a flat penalty). It halved EV at the absolute minimum - overall, it was more effective against high EV foes.
**Escape chance for monsters did not care about HD.
*Prior to [[0.31]], BVC's base damage was <code>2d(3.5 + pow/20)</code> per turn. Also, you couldn't constrict [[invisible]] enemies if you didn't have [[see invisible]].
*Prior to [[0.26]], a few more monsters were spiny - [[porcupine]]s, [[torturous demonspawn]], and [[hell sentinel]]s - and thus immune to constriction.
*Prior to [[0.25]], BVC affected a smite-targeted 3x3 area instead of a beam path.
*Prior to [[0.22]], [[Necromancer]]s started with BVC, and it did 33% more damage.
*The spell was added in [[0.21]].

Borgnjor's Vile Clutch - Revision history

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