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:

• cancellation
• cone of cold
• dig
• drain life
• extra healing
• finger of death
• fireball
• force bolt
• healing
• knock
• magic missle
• sleep
• slow monster
• polymorph
• stone to flesh
• teleport away
• turn undead
• wizard lock

Skill has no impact on most of these spells. The exceptions are cone of cold and fireball.