. "Certain spells ask \"In what direction?\" As with wands, you can answer with any of the standard directions [hjklyubn], self [.s], up [<], or down [>]. If you provide some other response, the spell is wasted (\"The magical energy is released!\"). Note that a directional spell (or wand) may affect not only the first object or creature it hits, but several others behind it. An example of this is healing your pet and a few hostile monsters as well -- or zapping not only your pet with a wand of speed monster, but also a shopkeeper, angering him. These spells are directional:"@en . "Directional spell"@en . "Certain spells ask \"In what direction?\" As with wands, you can answer with any of the standard directions [hjklyubn], self [.s], up [<], or down [>]. If you provide some other response, the spell is wasted (\"The magical energy is released!\"). Note that a directional spell (or wand) may affect not only the first object or creature it hits, but several others behind it. An example of this is healing your pet and a few hostile monsters as well -- or zapping not only your pet with a wand of speed monster, but also a shopkeeper, angering him. These spells are directional: \n* cancellation \n* cone of cold \n* dig \n* drain life \n* extra healing \n* finger of death \n* fireball \n* force bolt \n* healing \n* knock \n* magic missle \n* sleep \n* slow monster \n* polymorph \n* stone to flesh \n* teleport away \n* turn undead \n* wizard lock Skill has no impact on most of these spells. The exceptions are cone of cold and fireball."@en .