Add giant crystal geodes (#35)

The mantle and geode skys were working correctly, but not the sky in the main nether area - it would always switch back to stars.
Issue was found by process of elimination, so I don't know why climate_api doesn't accept "nether:nether" as a unique weather name identifier, or how this issue wasn't noticed earlier (did something change?).

climate_api's api_doc.md file says the name "should be prefixed with the mod's name in a way that could look like ``mymod:awesome_weather``. This name should only be used once."

so perhaps names of the form "mymod:mymod" cause issues? (I don't plan on figuring this climate_api behavior out though)

.luacheckrc

@@ -30,5 +30,6 @@ read_globals = {
 	"vector",
 	"VoxelArea",
 	"VoxelManip",
+	xpanes = { fields = { "register_pane" } },
 }
 

README.md

@@ -16,6 +16,8 @@ right-click/used on the frame to activate it.
 
 See portal_api.txt for how to create custom portals to your own realms.
 
+Nether Portals can allow surface fast-travel.
+
 This mod provides Nether basalts (natural, hewn, and chiseled) as nodes which
 require a player to journey to the magma ocean to obtain, so these can be used
 for gating progression through a game. For example, a portal to another realm
@@ -24,8 +26,7 @@ the nether first, or basalt might be a crafting ingredient required to reach
 a particular branch of the tech-tree.
 
 Netherbrick tools are provided (pick, shovel, axe, & sword), see tools.lua
-
-Nether Portals can allow surface fast-travel.
+The Nether pickaxe has a 10x bonus against wear when mining netherrack.
 
 
 ## License of source code:
@@ -50,9 +51,11 @@ SOFTWARE.
 ### [Public Domain Dedication (CC0 1.0)](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)
 
  * `nether_portal_teleport.ogg` is a timing adjusted version of "teleport" by [outroelison](https://freesound.org/people/outroelison), used under CC0 1.0
+ * `nether_rack_destroy.ogg` is from "Rock destroy" by [Bertsz](https://freesound.org/people/Bertsz/), used under CC0 1.0
 
 ### [Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)
 
+ * `nether_lightstaff.ogg` is "Fire Burst" by [SilverIllusionist](https://freesound.org/people/SilverIllusionist/), 2019
  * `nether_portal_ambient.ogg` & `nether_portal_ambient.0.ogg` are extractions from "Deep Cinematic Rumble Stereo" by [Patrick Lieberkind](http://www.lieberkindvisuals.dk), used under CC BY 3.0
  * `nether_portal_extinguish.ogg` is an extraction from "Tight Laser Weapon Hit Scifi" by [damjancd](https://freesound.org/people/damjancd), used under CC BY 3.0
  * `nether_portal_ignite.ogg` is a derivative of "Flame Ignition" by [hykenfreak](https://freesound.org/people/hykenfreak), used under CC BY 3.0. "Nether Portal ignite" is licensed under CC BY 3.0 by Treer.
@@ -62,8 +65,11 @@ SOFTWARE.
  * `nether_book_`* (files starting with "nether_book"): Treer, 2019-2020
  * `nether_brick_deep.png`: Treer, 2021
  * `nether_fumarole.ogg`: Treer, 2020
+ * `nether_geode.png`: Treer, 2021
+ * `nether_geode_glass.png`: Treer, 2021
  * `nether_lava_bubble`* (files starting with "nether_lava_bubble"): Treer, 2020
  * `nether_lava_crust_animated.png`: Treer, 2019-2020
+ * `nether_lightstaff.png`: Treer, 2021
  * `nether_particle_anim`* (files starting with "nether_particle_anim"): Treer, 2019
  * `nether_portal_ignition_failure.ogg`: Treer, 2019
  * `nether_smoke_puff.png`: Treer, 2020

depends.txt

@@ -7,3 +7,4 @@ loot?
 mesecons?
 moreblocks?
 climate_api?
+xpanes?

init.lua

@@ -312,7 +312,7 @@ The expedition parties have found no diamonds or gold, and after an experienced
 		geodeSky.sky_data.base_color  = nether.fogColor.geodes
 
 		climate_api.register_weather(
-			"nether:nether",
+			"nether:caverns",
 			{ nether_biome = "nether" },
 			{ ["climate_api:skybox"] = netherSky }
 		)

locale/nether.fr.tr

@@ -32,6 +32,8 @@ Unknown player position=
 
 ### nodes.lua ###
 
+A Deep Netherrack wall=
+A Netherrack wall=
 A finely finished block of solid Nether Basalt.=
 A rough cut solid block of Nether Basalt.=
 A thin crust of cooled lava with liquid lava beneath=
@@ -44,26 +46,42 @@ Columns of dark basalt found only in magma oceans deep within the Nether.=
 Compressed Netherbrick=
 Cracked Nether Brick=
 Deep Glowstone=
+Deep Nether Brick=
+Deep Nether Slab=
+Deep Nether Stair=
 Deep Netherrack=
+Deep Netherrack slab=
+Deep Netherrack stair=
 Fumarolic Chimney=
 Fumarolic Chimney Corner=
 Fumarolic Chimney Slab=
 Glowstone=Pierre lumineuse
 Hewn Basalt=
+Inner Deep Nether Stair=
 Inner Nether Stair=Escalier intérieur du Nether
 Lava Crust=
 
 Lava crust is strong enough to walk on, but still hot enough to inflict burns.=
 
 Nether Basalt=
+Nether Beryl=
+Nether Berylite=
 Nether Brick=Brique du Nether
 Nether Brick Fence=Barrière en briques du Nether
+Nether Brick Fence Rail=Clôture en briques du Nether
+Nether Crystal Pane=
 Nether Slab=Dalle du Nether
 Nether Stair=Escalier du Nether
+
+Nether geode crystal, found lining the interior walls of Nether geodes=
+
+Nether geode crystal. A crystalline structure with faint glow found inside large Nether geodes=
+
 Netherrack=Roche du Nether
 Netherrack from deep in the mantle=
 Netherrack stair=
 Nethersand=Sable du Nether
+Outer Deep Nether Stair=
 Outer Nether Stair=Escalier extérieur du Nether
 Portal=
 
@@ -110,6 +128,13 @@ There is a floating land of hills and forests up there, over the edges of which
 Nether Axe=
 Nether Ingot=
 Nether Lump=
-Nether Pickaxe=
+Nether Pickaxe@nWell suited for mining netherrack=
 Nether Shovel=
 Nether Sword=
+
+Nether staff of Eternal Light@nCreates glowstone from netherrack=
+
+Nether staff of Light@nTemporarily transforms the netherrack into glowstone=
+
+Uniquely suited for mining netherrack, with minimal wear when doing so. Blunts quickly on other materials.=
+

locale/template.txt

@@ -31,6 +31,8 @@ Unknown player position=
 
 ### nodes.lua ###
 
+A Deep Netherrack wall=
+A Netherrack wall=
 A finely finished block of solid Nether Basalt.=
 A rough cut solid block of Nether Basalt.=
 A thin crust of cooled lava with liquid lava beneath=
@@ -43,26 +45,42 @@ Columns of dark basalt found only in magma oceans deep within the Nether.=
 Compressed Netherbrick=
 Cracked Nether Brick=
 Deep Glowstone=
+Deep Nether Brick=
+Deep Nether Slab=
+Deep Nether Stair=
 Deep Netherrack=
+Deep Netherrack slab=
+Deep Netherrack stair=
 Fumarolic Chimney=
 Fumarolic Chimney Corner=
 Fumarolic Chimney Slab=
 Glowstone=
 Hewn Basalt=
+Inner Deep Nether Stair=
 Inner Nether Stair=
 Lava Crust=
 
 Lava crust is strong enough to walk on, but still hot enough to inflict burns.=
 
 Nether Basalt=
+Nether Beryl=
+Nether Berylite=
 Nether Brick=
 Nether Brick Fence=
+Nether Brick Fence Rail=
+Nether Crystal Pane=
 Nether Slab=
 Nether Stair=
+
+Nether geode crystal, found lining the interior walls of Nether geodes=
+
+Nether geode crystal. A crystalline structure with faint glow found inside large Nether geodes=
+
 Netherrack=
 Netherrack from deep in the mantle=
 Netherrack stair=
 Nethersand=
+Outer Deep Nether Stair=
 Outer Nether Stair=
 Portal=
 
@@ -109,6 +127,13 @@ There is a floating land of hills and forests up there, over the edges of which
 Nether Axe=
 Nether Ingot=
 Nether Lump=
-Nether Pickaxe=
+Nether Pickaxe@nWell suited for mining netherrack=
 Nether Shovel=
 Nether Sword=
+
+Nether staff of Eternal Light@nCreates glowstone from netherrack=
+
+Nether staff of Light@nTemporarily transforms the netherrack into glowstone=
+
+Uniquely suited for mining netherrack, with minimal wear when doing so. Blunts quickly on other materials.=
+

mapgen.lua

@@ -71,6 +71,7 @@ end
 -- Load specialty helper functions
 dofile(nether.path .. "/mapgen_dungeons.lua")
 dofile(nether.path .. "/mapgen_mantle.lua")
+dofile(nether.path .. "/mapgen_geodes.lua")
 
 
 -- Misc math functions
@@ -283,6 +284,7 @@ local dbuf = {}
 local c_air              = minetest.get_content_id("air")
 local c_netherrack       = minetest.get_content_id("nether:rack")
 local c_netherrack_deep  = minetest.get_content_id("nether:rack_deep")
+local c_crystaldark      = minetest.get_content_id("nether:geode")
 local c_lavasea_source   = minetest.get_content_id("nether:lava_source") -- same as lava but with staggered animation to look better as an ocean
 local c_lava_crust       = minetest.get_content_id("nether:lava_crust")
 local c_native_mapgen    = minetest.get_content_id("nether:native_mapgen")
@@ -382,7 +384,8 @@ local function on_generated(minp, maxp, seed)
 				if cave_noise > tcave then
 					-- Prime region
 					-- This was the only region in initial versions of the Nether mod.
-					-- It is the only region which portals from the surface will open into.
+					-- It is the only region which portals from the surface will open into,
+					-- getting to any other regions in the Nether will require Shanks' Pony.
 					data[vi] = c_air
 					contains_nether = true
 
@@ -392,12 +395,11 @@ local function on_generated(minp, maxp, seed)
 					-- Reaching here would require the player to first find and journey through the central region,
 					-- as it's always separated from the Prime region by the central region.
 
-					data[vi] = c_netherrack -- For now I've just left this region as solid netherrack instead of air.
+					data[vi] = mapgen.getGeodeInteriorNodeId(x, y, z)-- function from mapgen_geodes.lua
 
 					-- Only set contains_nether to true here if you want tunnels created between the secondary region
 					-- and the central region.
-					--contains_nether = true
-					--data[vi] = c_air
+					contains_nether = true
 				else
 					-- netherrack walls and/or center region/mantle
 					abs_cave_noise = math_abs(cave_noise)
@@ -414,7 +416,11 @@ local function on_generated(minp, maxp, seed)
 								data[vi] = c_netherrack_deep
 							else
 								-- the shell seperating the mantle from the rest of the nether...
-								data[vi] = c_netherrack -- excavate_dungeons() will mostly reverse this inside dungeons
+								if cave_noise > 0 then
+									data[vi] = c_netherrack -- excavate_dungeons() will mostly reverse this inside dungeons
+								else
+									data[vi] = c_crystaldark
+								end
 							end
 						end
 

mapgen_dungeons.lua

@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ minetest.set_gen_notify({dungeon = true})
 local c_air              = minetest.get_content_id("air")
 local c_netherrack       = minetest.get_content_id("nether:rack")
 local c_netherrack_deep  = minetest.get_content_id("nether:rack_deep")
+local c_crystaldark      = minetest.get_content_id("nether:geode")
 local c_dungeonbrick     = minetest.get_content_id("nether:brick")
 local c_dungeonbrick_alt = minetest.get_content_id("nether:brick_cracked")
 local c_netherbrick_slab = minetest.get_content_id("stairs:slab_nether_brick")
@@ -164,7 +165,7 @@ nether.mapgen.excavate_dungeons = function(data, area, rooms)
 				vi = area:index(room_min.x, y, z)
 				for x = room_min.x, room_max.x do
 					node_id = data[vi]
-					if node_id == c_netherrack or node_id == c_netherrack_deep then data[vi] = c_air end
+					if node_id == c_netherrack or node_id == c_netherrack_deep or node_id == c_crystaldark then data[vi] = c_air end
 					vi = vi + 1
 				end
 			end
@@ -181,7 +182,7 @@ nether.mapgen.excavate_dungeons = function(data, area, rooms)
 				vi = vi + area.ystride
 				node_id = data[vi]
 				-- searching forward of the stairs could also be done
-				if node_id == c_netherrack or node_id == c_netherrack_deep then data[vi] = c_air end
+				if node_id == c_netherrack or node_id == c_netherrack_deep or node_id == c_crystaldark then data[vi] = c_air end
 			end
 		end
 	end
@@ -231,11 +232,11 @@ nether.mapgen.decorate_dungeons = function(data, area, rooms)
 			   and room_min.z > minEdge.z and room_max.z < maxEdge.z then
 				--data[area:indexp(roomInfo)] = minetest.get_content_id("default:mese_post_light") -- debug
 
-				-- Can't use glass panes because they need the param data set.
-				-- Until whisper glass is added, every window will be made of netherbrick fence (rather
-				-- than material depending on room_seed)
+				-- Glass panes can't go in the windows because we aren't setting param data.
+				-- Until a Nether glass is added, every window will be made of netherbrick fence rather
+				-- than material depending on room_seed.
 				local window_node = c_netherfence
-				--if c_netherglass ~= nil and room_seed % 20 >= 12 then window_node = c_crystallight end
+				--if c_netherglass ~= nil and room_seed % 20 >= 12 then window_node = c_netherglass end
 
 				local function placeWindow(vi, viOutsideOffset, windowNo)
 					if is_dungeon_brick(data[vi]) and is_dungeon_brick(data[vi + yStride]) then

mapgen_geodes.lua

@@ -0,0 +1,221 @@
+--[[
+
+  Nether mod for minetest
+
+  This file contains helper functions for generating geode interiors,
+  a proof-of-concept to demonstrate how the secondary/spare region
+  in the nether might be put to use by someone.
+
+
+  Copyright (C) 2021 Treer
+
+  Permission to use, copy, modify, and/or distribute this software for
+  any purpose with or without fee is hereby granted, provided that the
+  above copyright notice and this permission notice appear in all copies.
+
+  THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND THE AUTHOR DISCLAIMS ALL
+  WARRANTIES WITH REGARD TO THIS SOFTWARE INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED
+  WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR
+  BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
+  OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS,
+  WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTIOUS ACTION,
+  ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS
+  SOFTWARE.
+
+]]--
+
+
+local debugf = nether.debug
+local mapgen = nether.mapgen
+
+
+-- Content ids
+
+local c_air              = minetest.get_content_id("air")
+local c_crystal          = minetest.get_content_id("nether:geodelite") -- geodelite has a faint glow
+local c_netherrack       = minetest.get_content_id("nether:rack")
+local c_glowstone        = minetest.get_content_id("nether:glowstone")
+
+-- Math funcs
+local math_max, math_min, math_abs, math_floor, math_pi = math.max, math.min, math.abs, math.floor, math.pi -- avoid needing table lookups each time a common math function is invoked
+
+
+-- Create a tiling space of close-packed spheres, using Hexagonal close packing
+-- of spheres with radius 0.5.
+-- With a layer of spheres on a flat surface, if the pack-z distance is 1 due to 0.5
+-- radius then the pack-x distance will be the height of an equilateral triangle: sqrt(3) / 2,
+-- and the pack-y distance between each layer will be sqrt(6) / 3,
+-- The tessellating space will be a rectangular box of 2*pack-x by 1*pack-z by 3*pack-y
+
+local xPack = math.sqrt(3)/2      -- 0.866, height of an equalateral triangle
+local xPack2 = xPack * 2          -- 1.732
+local yPack = math.sqrt(6) / 3    -- 0.816, y height of each layer
+local yPack2 = yPack * 2
+local yPack3 = yPack * 3
+local layer2offsetx = xPack / 3   -- 0.289, height to center of equalateral triangle
+local layer3offsetx = xPack2 / 3  -- 0.577
+local structureSize = 50 -- magic numbers may need retuning if this changes too much
+
+local layer1 = {
+    {0,      0,  0},
+    {0,      0,  1},
+    {xPack,  0, -0.5},
+    {xPack,  0,  0.5},
+    {xPack,  0,  1.5},
+    {xPack2, 0,  0},
+    {xPack2, 0,  1},
+}
+local layer2 = {
+    {layer2offsetx - xPack,  yPack,  0},
+    {layer2offsetx - xPack,  yPack,  1},
+    {layer2offsetx,          yPack, -0.5},
+    {layer2offsetx,          yPack,  0.5},
+    {layer2offsetx,          yPack,  1.5},
+    {layer2offsetx + xPack,  yPack,  0},
+    {layer2offsetx + xPack,  yPack,  1},
+    {layer2offsetx + xPack2, yPack, -0.5},
+    {layer2offsetx + xPack2, yPack,  0.5},
+    {layer2offsetx + xPack2, yPack,  1.5},
+}
+local layer3 = {
+    {layer3offsetx - xPack,  yPack2, -0.5},
+    {layer3offsetx - xPack,  yPack2,  0.5},
+    {layer3offsetx - xPack,  yPack2,  1.5},
+    {layer3offsetx,          yPack2,  0},
+    {layer3offsetx,          yPack2,  1},
+    {layer3offsetx + xPack,  yPack2, -0.5},
+    {layer3offsetx + xPack,  yPack2,  0.5},
+    {layer3offsetx + xPack,  yPack2,  1.5},
+    {layer3offsetx + xPack2, yPack2,  0},
+    {layer3offsetx + xPack2, yPack2,  1},
+}
+local layer4 = {
+    {0,      yPack3,  0},
+    {0,      yPack3,  1},
+    {xPack,  yPack3, -0.5},
+    {xPack,  yPack3,  0.5},
+    {xPack,  yPack3,  1.5},
+    {xPack2, yPack3,  0},
+    {xPack2, yPack3,  1},
+}
+local layers = {
+    {y = layer1[1][2], points = layer1}, -- layer1[1][2] is the y value of the first point in layer1, and all spheres in a layer have the same y
+    {y = layer2[1][2], points = layer2},
+    {y = layer3[1][2], points = layer3},
+    {y = layer4[1][2], points = layer4},
+}
+
+
+-- Geode mapgen functions (AKA proof of secondary/spare region concept)
+
+
+-- fast for small lists
+function insertionSort(array)
+    local i
+    for i = 2, #array do
+        local key = array[i]
+        local j = i - 1
+        while j > 0 and array[j] > key do
+            array[j + 1] = array[j]
+            j = j - 1
+        end
+        array[j + 1] = key
+    end
+    return array
+end
+
+
+local distSquaredList = {}
+local adj_x = 0
+local adj_y = 0
+local adj_z = 0
+local lasty, lastz
+local warpx, warpz
+
+
+-- It's quite a lot to calculate for each air node, but its not terribly slow and
+-- it'll be pretty darn rare for chunks in the secondary region to ever get emerged.
+mapgen.getGeodeInteriorNodeId = function(x, y, z)
+
+	if z ~= lastz then
+		lastz = z
+		-- Calculate structure warping
+		-- To avoid calculating this for each node there's no warping as you look along the x axis :(
+		adj_y = math.sin(math_pi / 222 * y) * 30
+
+		if y ~= lasty then
+			lasty = y
+			warpx = math.sin(math_pi / 100 * y) * 10
+			warpz = math.sin(math_pi /  43 * y) * 15
+		end
+		local twistRadians = math_pi / 73 * y
+		local sinTwist, cosTwist = math.sin(twistRadians), math.cos(twistRadians)
+		adj_x = cosTwist * warpx - sinTwist * warpz
+		adj_z = sinTwist * warpx + cosTwist * warpz
+	end
+
+	-- convert x, y, z into a position in the tessellating space
+	local cell_x = (((x + adj_x) / xPack2 + 0.5) % structureSize) / structureSize * xPack2
+	local cell_y = (((y + adj_y) / yPack3 + 0.5) % structureSize) / structureSize * yPack3
+	local cell_z = (((z + adj_z) + 0.5) % structureSize) / structureSize -- zPack = 1, so can be omitted
+
+	local iOut = 1
+	local i, j
+	local canSkip = false
+
+	for i = 1, #layers do
+
+		local layer = layers[i]
+		local dy = cell_y - layer.y
+
+		if dy > -0.71 and dy < 0.71 then -- optimization - don't include points to far away to make a difference. (0.71 comes from sin(45°))
+			local points = layer.points
+
+			for j = 1, #points do
+
+				local point = points[j]
+				local dx = cell_x - point[1]
+				local dz = cell_z - point[3]
+				local distSquared = dx*dx + dy*dy + dz*dz
+
+				if distSquared < 0.25 then
+					-- optimization - point is inside a sphere, so cannot be a wall edge. (0.25 comes from radius of 0.5 squared)
+					return c_air
+				end
+
+				distSquaredList[iOut] = distSquared
+				iOut = iOut + 1
+			end
+		end
+	end
+
+	-- clear the rest of the array instead of creating a new one to hopefully reduce luajit mem leaks.
+	while distSquaredList[iOut] ~= nil do
+		rawset(distSquaredList, iOut, nil)
+		iOut = iOut + 1
+	end
+
+	insertionSort(distSquaredList)
+
+	local d3_1 = distSquaredList[3] - distSquaredList[1]
+	local d3_2 = distSquaredList[3] - distSquaredList[2]
+	--local d4_1 = distSquaredList[4] - distSquaredList[1]
+	--local d4_3 = distSquaredList[4] - distSquaredList[3]
+
+	-- Some shape formulas (tuned for a structureSize of 50)
+	--   (d3_1 < 0.05) gives connective lines
+	--   (d3_1 < 0.05 or d3_2 < .02) give fancy elven bridges - prob doesn't need the d3_1 part
+	--  ((d3_1 < 0.05 or d3_2 < .02) and distSquaredList[1] > .3) tapers the fancy connections in the middle
+	--   (d4_3 < 0.03 and d3_2 < 0.03) produces caltrops at intersections
+	--   (d4_1 < 0.1) produces spherish balls at intersections
+	-- The idea is voronoi based - edges in a voronoi diagram are where each nearby point is at equal distance.
+	-- In this case we use squared distances to avoid calculating square roots.
+
+	if (d3_1 < 0.05 or d3_2 < .02) and distSquaredList[1] > .3 then
+		return c_crystal
+	elseif (distSquaredList[4] - distSquaredList[1]) < 0.08 then
+		return c_glowstone
+	else
+		return c_air
+	end
+end

mod.conf

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 name = nether
 description = Adds a deep underground realm with different mapgen that you can reach with obsidian portals.
 depends = stairs, default
-optional_depends = moreblocks, mesecons, loot, dungeon_loot, doc_basics, fire, climate_api, ethereal
+optional_depends = moreblocks, mesecons, loot, dungeon_loot, doc_basics, fire, climate_api, ethereal, xpanes, walls

nodes.lua

@@ -65,23 +65,186 @@ nether.register_wormhole_node("nether:portal_alt", {
 })
 
 
+--== Transmogrification functions ==--
+-- Functions enabling selected nodes to be temporarily transformed into other nodes.
+-- (so the light staff can temporarily turn netherrack into glowstone)
+
+-- Swaps the node at `nodePos` with `newNode`, unless `newNode` is nil in which
+-- case the node is swapped back to its original type.
+-- `monoSimpleSoundSpec` is optional.
+-- returns true if a node was transmogrified
+nether.magicallyTransmogrify_node = function(nodePos, playerName, newNode, monoSimpleSoundSpec, isPermanent)
+
+	local meta         = minetest.get_meta(nodePos)
+	local playerEyePos = nodePos -- fallback value in case the player no longer exists
+	local player       = minetest.get_player_by_name(playerName)
+	if player ~= nil then
+		local playerPos = player:get_pos()
+		playerEyePos = vector.add(playerPos, {x = 0, y = 1.5, z = 0}) -- not always the cameraPos, e.g. 3rd person mode.
+	end
+
+	local oldNode = minetest.get_node(nodePos)
+	if oldNode.name == "air" then
+		-- the node has been mined or otherwise destroyed, abort the operation
+		return false
+	end
+	local oldNodeDef = minetest.registered_nodes[oldNode.name] or minetest.registered_nodes["air"]
+
+	local specialFXSize = 1 -- a specialFXSize of 1 is for full SFX, 0.5 is half-sized
+	local returningToNormal = newNode == nil
+	if returningToNormal then
+		-- This is the transmogrified node returning back to normal - a more subdued animation
+		specialFXSize = 0.5
+		-- read what the node used to be from the metadata
+		newNode = {
+			name   = meta:get_string("transmogrified_name"),
+			param1 = meta:get_string("transmogrified_param1"),
+			param2 = meta:get_string("transmogrified_param2")
+		}
+		if newNode.name == "" then
+			minetest.log("warning", "nether.magicallyTransmogrify_node() invoked to restore node which wasn't transmogrified")
+			return false
+		end
+	end
+
+	local soundSpec  = monoSimpleSoundSpec
+	if soundSpec == nil and oldNodeDef.sounds ~= nil then
+		soundSpec = oldNodeDef.sounds.dug or oldNodeDef.sounds.dig
+		if soundSpec == "__group" then soundSpec = "default_dig_cracky" end
+	end
+	if soundSpec ~= nil then
+		minetest.sound_play(soundSpec, {pos = nodePos, max_hear_distance = 50})
+	end
+
+	-- Start the particlespawner nearer the player's side of the node to create
+	-- more initial occlusion for an illusion of the old node breaking apart / falling away.
+	local dirToPlayer = vector.normalize(vector.subtract(playerEyePos, nodePos))
+	local impactPos = vector.add(nodePos, vector.multiply(dirToPlayer, 0.5))
+	local velocity = 1 + specialFXSize
+	minetest.add_particlespawner({
+		amount     = 50 * specialFXSize,
+		time       = 0.1,
+		minpos     = vector.add(impactPos, -0.3),
+		maxpos     = vector.add(impactPos,  0.3),
+		minvel     = {x = -velocity, y = -velocity,    z = -velocity},
+		maxvel     = {x =  velocity, y = 3 * velocity, z =  velocity}, -- biased upward to counter gravity in the initial stages
+		minacc     = {x=0, y=-10, z=0},
+		maxacc     = {x=0, y=-10, z=0},
+		minexptime = 1.5 * specialFXSize,
+		maxexptime = 3   * specialFXSize,
+		minsize    = 0.5,
+		maxsize    = 5,
+		node = {name = oldNodeDef.name},
+		glow = oldNodeDef.light_source
+	})
+
+	if returningToNormal or isPermanent then
+		-- clear the metadata that indicates the node is transformed
+		meta:set_string("transmogrified_name", "")
+		meta:set_int("transmogrified_param1", 0)
+		meta:set_int("transmogrified_param2", 0)
+	else
+		-- save the original node so it can be restored
+		meta:set_string("transmogrified_name", oldNode.name)
+		meta:set_int("transmogrified_param1", oldNode.param1)
+		meta:set_int("transmogrified_param2", oldNode.param2)
+	end
+
+	minetest.swap_node(nodePos, newNode)
+	return true
+end
+
+
+local function transmogrified_can_dig (pos, player)
+	if minetest.get_meta(pos):get_string("transmogrified_name") ~= "" then
+		-- This node was temporarily transformed into its current form
+		-- revert it back, rather than allow the player to mine transmogrified nodes.
+		local playerName = ""
+		if player ~= nil then playerName = player:get_player_name() end
+		nether.magicallyTransmogrify_node(pos, playerName)
+		return false
+	end
+	return true
+end
+
+
+
 -- Nether nodes
 
 minetest.register_node("nether:rack", {
 	description = S("Netherrack"),
 	tiles = {"nether_rack.png"},
 	is_ground_content = true,
-	groups = {cracky = 3, level = 2},
+	-- setting workable_with_nether_tools reduces the wear on nether:pick_nether when mining this node
+	groups = {cracky = 3, level = 2, workable_with_nether_tools = 3},
 	sounds = default.node_sound_stone_defaults(),
 })
 
+-- Geode crystals can only be introduced by the biomes-based mapgen, since it requires the
+-- MT 5.0 world-align texture features.
+minetest.register_node("nether:geode", {
+	description = S("Nether Beryl"),
+	_doc_items_longdesc = S("Nether geode crystal, found lining the interior walls of Nether geodes"),
+	tiles = {{
+		name        = "nether_geode.png",
+		align_style = "world",
+		scale       = 4
+	}},
+	is_ground_content = true,
+	groups = {cracky = 3, oddly_breakable_by_hand = 3, nether_crystal = 1},
+	sounds = default.node_sound_glass_defaults(),
+})
+
+-- Nether Berylite is a Beryl that can seen in the dark, used to light up the internal structure
+-- of the geode, so to avoid player confusion we'll just have it drop plain Beryl, and have only
+-- plain Beryl in the creative inventory.
+minetest.register_node("nether:geodelite", {
+	description = S("Nether Berylite"),
+	_doc_items_longdesc = S("Nether geode crystal. A crystalline structure with faint glow found inside large Nether geodes"),
+	tiles = {{
+		name        = "nether_geode.png",
+		align_style = "world",
+		scale       = 4
+	}},
+	light_source = 2,
+	drop = "nether:geode",
+	is_ground_content = true,
+	groups = {cracky = 3, oddly_breakable_by_hand = 3, nether_crystal = 1, not_in_creative_inventory = 1},
+	sounds = default.node_sound_glass_defaults(),
+})
+
+if minetest.get_modpath("xpanes") and minetest.global_exists("xpanes") and xpanes.register_pane ~= nil then
+	xpanes.register_pane("nether_crystal_pane", {
+		description = S("Nether Crystal Pane"),
+		textures = {
+			{
+				name        = "nether_geode_glass.png",
+				align_style = "world",
+				scale       = 2
+			},
+			"",
+			"xpanes_edge_obsidian.png"
+		},
+		inventory_image = "([combine:32x32:-8,-8=nether_geode_glass.png:24,-8=nether_geode_glass.png:-8,24=nether_geode_glass.png:24,24=nether_geode_glass.png)^[resize:16x16^[multiply:#922^default_obsidian_glass.png",
+		wield_image     = "([combine:32x32:-8,-8=nether_geode_glass.png:24,-8=nether_geode_glass.png:-8,24=nether_geode_glass.png:24,24=nether_geode_glass.png)^[resize:16x16^[multiply:#922^default_obsidian_glass.png",		use_texture_alpha = true,
+		sounds = default.node_sound_glass_defaults(),
+		groups = {snappy=2, cracky=3, oddly_breakable_by_hand=3},
+		recipe = {
+			{"group:nether_crystal", "group:nether_crystal", "group:nether_crystal"},
+			{"group:nether_crystal", "group:nether_crystal", "group:nether_crystal"}
+		}
+	})
+end
+
+
 -- Deep Netherrack, found in the mantle / central magma layers
 minetest.register_node("nether:rack_deep", {
 	description = S("Deep Netherrack"),
 	_doc_items_longdesc = S("Netherrack from deep in the mantle"),
 	tiles = {"nether_rack_deep.png"},
 	is_ground_content = true,
-	groups = {cracky = 3, level = 2},
+	-- setting workable_with_nether_tools reduces the wear on nether:pick_nether when mining this node
+	groups = {cracky = 3, level = 2, workable_with_nether_tools = 3},
 	sounds = default.node_sound_stone_defaults(),
 })
 
@@ -103,6 +266,7 @@ minetest.register_node("nether:glowstone", {
 	paramtype = "light",
 	groups = {cracky = 3, oddly_breakable_by_hand = 3},
 	sounds = default.node_sound_glass_defaults(),
+	can_dig = transmogrified_can_dig, -- to ensure glowstone temporarily created by the lightstaff can't be kept
 })
 
 -- Deep glowstone, found in the mantle / central magma layers
@@ -114,6 +278,7 @@ minetest.register_node("nether:glowstone_deep", {
 	paramtype = "light",
 	groups = {cracky = 3, oddly_breakable_by_hand = 3},
 	sounds = default.node_sound_glass_defaults(),
+	can_dig = transmogrified_can_dig, -- to ensure glowstone temporarily created by the lightstaff can't be kept
 })
 
 minetest.register_node("nether:brick", {
@@ -141,26 +306,6 @@ minetest.register_node("nether:brick_cracked", {
 	sounds = default.node_sound_stone_defaults(),
 })
 
-local fence_texture =
-	"default_fence_overlay.png^nether_brick.png^default_fence_overlay.png^[makealpha:255,126,126"
-
-minetest.register_node("nether:fence_nether_brick", {
-	description = S("Nether Brick Fence"),
-	drawtype = "fencelike",
-	tiles = {"nether_brick.png"},
-	inventory_image = fence_texture,
-	wield_image = fence_texture,
-	paramtype = "light",
-	sunlight_propagates = true,
-	is_ground_content = false,
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = {-1/7, -1/2, -1/7, 1/7, 1/2, 1/7},
-	},
-	groups = {cracky = 2, level = 2},
-	sounds = default.node_sound_stone_defaults(),
-})
-
 minetest.register_node("nether:brick_deep", {
 	description = S("Deep Nether Brick"),
 	tiles = {{
@@ -173,39 +318,119 @@ minetest.register_node("nether:brick_deep", {
 	sounds = default.node_sound_stone_defaults()
 })
 
+-- Register fence and rails
+
+local fence_texture =
+	"default_fence_overlay.png^nether_brick.png^default_fence_overlay.png^[makealpha:255,126,126"
+
+local rail_texture =
+	"default_fence_rail_overlay.png^nether_brick.png^default_fence_rail_overlay.png^[makealpha:255,126,126"
+
+default.register_fence("nether:fence_nether_brick", {
+	description = S("Nether Brick Fence"),
+	texture = "nether_brick.png",
+	inventory_image = fence_texture,
+	wield_image = fence_texture,
+	material = "nether:brick",
+	groups = {cracky = 2, level = 2},
+	sounds = default.node_sound_stone_defaults()
+})
+
+default.register_fence_rail("nether:fence_rail_nether_brick", {
+	description = S("Nether Brick Fence Rail"),
+	texture = "nether_brick.png",
+	inventory_image = rail_texture,
+	wield_image = rail_texture,
+	material = "nether:brick",
+	groups = {cracky = 2, level = 2},
+	sounds = default.node_sound_stone_defaults()
+})
+
 -- Register stair and slab
 
-stairs.register_stair_and_slab(
-	"nether_brick",
-	"nether:brick",
-	{cracky = 2, level = 2},
-	{"nether_brick.png"},
-	S("Nether Stair"),
-	S("Nether Slab"),
-	default.node_sound_stone_defaults(),
-	nil,
-	S("Inner Nether Stair"),
-	S("Outer Nether Stair")
+-- Nether bricks can be made into stairs, slabs, inner stairs, and outer stairs
+
+stairs.register_stair_and_slab( -- this function also registers inner and outer stairs
+	"nether_brick",                                    -- subname
+	"nether:brick",                                    -- recipeitem
+	{cracky = 2, level = 2},                           -- groups
+	{"nether_brick.png"},                              -- images
+	S("Nether Stair"),                                 -- desc_stair
+	S("Nether Slab"),                                  -- desc_slab
+	minetest.registered_nodes["nether:brick"].sounds,  -- sounds
+	false,                                             -- worldaligntex
+	S("Inner Nether Stair"),                           -- desc_stair_inner
+	S("Outer Nether Stair")                            -- desc_stair_outer
 )
 
+stairs.register_stair_and_slab( -- this function also registers inner and outer stairs
+	"nether_brick_deep",                                    -- subname
+	"nether:brick_deep",                                    -- recipeitem
+	{cracky = 2, level = 2},                                -- groups
+	{"nether_brick_deep.png"},                              -- images
+	S("Deep Nether Stair"),                                 -- desc_stair
+	S("Deep Nether Slab"),                                  -- desc_slab
+	minetest.registered_nodes["nether:brick_deep"].sounds,  -- sounds
+	false,                                                  -- worldaligntex
+	S("Inner Deep Nether Stair"),                           -- desc_stair_inner
+	S("Outer Deep Nether Stair")                            -- desc_stair_outer
+)
+
+-- Netherrack can be shaped into stairs, slabs and walls
+
 stairs.register_stair(
 	"netherrack",
 	"nether:rack",
 	{cracky = 2, level = 2},
 	{"nether_rack.png"},
 	S("Netherrack stair"),
-	default.node_sound_stone_defaults()
+	minetest.registered_nodes["nether:rack"].sounds
 )
+stairs.register_slab( -- register a slab without adding inner and outer stairs
+	"netherrack",
+	"nether:rack",
+	{cracky = 2, level = 2},
+	{"nether_rack.png"},
+	S("Deep Netherrack slab"),
+	minetest.registered_nodes["nether:rack"].sounds
+)
+
+stairs.register_stair(
+	"netherrack_deep",
+	"nether:rack_deep",
+	{cracky = 2, level = 2},
+	{"nether_rack_deep.png"},
+	S("Deep Netherrack stair"),
+	minetest.registered_nodes["nether:rack_deep"].sounds
+)
+stairs.register_slab( -- register a slab without adding inner and outer stairs
+	"netherrack_deep",
+	"nether:rack_deep",
+	{cracky = 2, level = 2},
+	{"nether_rack_deep.png"},
+	S("Deep Netherrack slab"),
+	minetest.registered_nodes["nether:rack_deep"].sounds
+)
+
+-- Connecting walls
+if minetest.get_modpath("walls") and minetest.global_exists("walls") and walls.register ~= nil then
+	walls.register("nether:rack_wall",      S("A Netherrack wall"),      "nether_rack.png",      "nether:rack",      minetest.registered_nodes["nether:rack"].sounds)
+	walls.register("nether:rack_deep_wall", S("A Deep Netherrack wall"), "nether_rack_deep.png", "nether:rack_deep", minetest.registered_nodes["nether:rack_deep"].sounds)
+end
 
 -- StairsPlus
 
 if minetest.get_modpath("moreblocks") then
+	-- Registers about 49 different shapes of nether brick, replacing the stairs & slabs registered above.
+	-- (This could also be done for deep nether brick, but I've left that out to avoid a precedent of 49 new
+	-- nodes every time the nether gets a new material. Nether structures won't be able to use them because
+	-- they can't depend on moreblocks)
 	stairsplus:register_all(
 		"nether", "brick", "nether:brick", {
 			description = S("Nether Brick"),
 			groups = {cracky = 2, level = 2},
 			tiles = {"nether_brick.png"},
-			sounds = default.node_sound_stone_defaults(),
+			sounds = minetest.registered_nodes["nether:brick"].sounds,
 	})
 end
 
@@ -553,6 +778,7 @@ minetest.register_node("nether:lava_crust", {
 	--liquid_viscosity = 7,
 	damage_per_second = 2,
 	groups = {oddly_breakable_by_hand = 3, cracky = 3, explody = 1, igniter = 1},
+	sounds = default.node_sound_gravel_defaults(),
 })
 
 
@@ -615,7 +841,7 @@ local function fumarole_onTimer(pos, elapsed)
 	local smoke_time_adj = 1
 
 	local posAbove = {x = pos.x, y = pos.y + 1, z = pos.z}
-	local extinguish = minetest.get_node(posAbove).name ~= "air"
+	local extinguish = inNether and minetest.get_node(posAbove).name ~= "air"
 
 	if extinguish or (canCatchFire and math.floor(elapsed) % 7 == 0) then
 

tools.lua

@@ -20,18 +20,33 @@
 local S = nether.get_translator
 
 minetest.register_tool("nether:pick_nether", {
-	description = S("Nether Pickaxe"),
+	description = S("Nether Pickaxe\nWell suited for mining netherrack"),
+	_doc_items_longdesc = S("Uniquely suited for mining netherrack, with minimal wear when doing so. Blunts quickly on other materials."),
 	inventory_image = "nether_tool_netherpick.png",
 	tool_capabilities = {
 		full_punch_interval = 0.8,
 		max_drop_level=3,
 		groupcaps={
-			cracky = {times={[1]=1.90, [2]=0.9, [3]=0.4}, uses=35, maxlevel=3},
+			cracky = {times={[1]=1.90, [2]=0.9, [3]=0.3}, uses=35, maxlevel=2},
 		},
 		damage_groups = {fleshy=4},
 	},
 	sound = {breaks = "default_tool_breaks"},
-	groups = {pickaxe = 1}
+	groups = {pickaxe = 1},
+
+	after_use = function(itemstack, user, node, digparams)
+		local wearDivisor = 1
+		local nodeDef = minetest.registered_nodes[node.name]
+		if nodeDef ~= nil and nodeDef.groups ~= nil then
+			-- The nether pick hardly wears out when mining netherrack
+			local workable = nodeDef.groups.workable_with_nether_tools or 0
+			wearDivisor =  1 + (3 * workable) -- 10 for netherrack, 1 otherwise. Making it able to mine 350 netherrack nodes, instead of 35.
+		end
+
+		local wear = math.floor(digparams.wear / wearDivisor)
+		itemstack:add_wear(wear)  -- apply the adjusted wear as usual
+		return itemstack
+	end
 })
 
 minetest.register_tool("nether:shovel_nether", {
@@ -136,3 +151,212 @@ minetest.register_craft({
 		{"group:stick"}
 	}
 })
+
+
+
+
+--===========================--
+--== Nether Staff of Light ==--
+--===========================--
+
+nether.lightstaff_recipes = {
+	["nether:rack"]                 = "nether:glowstone",
+	["nether:brick"]                = "nether:glowstone",
+	["nether:brick_cracked"]        = "nether:glowstone",
+	["nether:brick_compressed"]     = "nether:glowstone",
+	["stairs:slab_netherrack"]      = "nether:glowstone",
+	["nether:rack_deep"]            = "nether:glowstone_deep",
+	["nether:brick_deep"]           = "nether:glowstone_deep",
+	["stairs:slab_netherrack_deep"] = "nether:glowstone_deep"
+}
+nether.lightstaff_range    = 100
+nether.lightstaff_velocity = 60
+nether.lightstaff_gravity  = 0  -- using 0 instead of 10 because projectile arcs look less magical - magic isn't affected by gravity ;) (but set this to 10 if you're making a crossbow etc.)
+nether.lightstaff_uses     = 60 -- number of times the Eternal Lightstaff can be used before wearing out
+nether.lightstaff_duration = 40 -- lifespan of glowstone created by the termporay Lightstaff
+
+-- 'serverLag' is a rough amount to reduce the projected impact-time the server must wait before initiating the
+-- impact events (i.e. node changing to glowstone with explosion particle effect).
+-- In tests using https://github.com/jagt/clumsy to simulate network lag I've found this value to not noticeably
+-- matter. A large network lag is noticeable in the time between clicking fire and when the shooting-particleEffect
+-- begins, as well as the time between when the impact sound/particleEffect start and when the netherrack turns
+-- into glowstone. The synchronization that 'serverLag' adjusts seems to already tolerate network lag well enough (at
+-- least when lag is consistent, as I have not simulated random lag)
+local serverLag = 0.05 -- in seconds. Larger values makes impact events more premature/early.
+
+-- returns a pointed_thing, or nil if no solid node intersected the ray
+local function raycastForSolidNode(rayStartPos, rayEndPos)
+
+	local raycast = minetest.raycast(
+		rayStartPos,
+		rayEndPos,
+		false, -- objects - if false, only nodes will be returned. Default is `true`
+		true   -- liquids - if false, liquid nodes won't be returned. Default is `false`
+	)
+	local next_pointed = raycast:next()
+	while next_pointed do
+		local under_node = minetest.get_node(next_pointed.under)
+		local under_def = minetest.registered_nodes[under_node.name]
+
+		if (under_def and not under_def.buildable_to) or not under_def then
+			return next_pointed
+		end
+
+		next_pointed  = raycast:next(next_pointed)
+	end
+	return nil
+end
+
+-- Turns a node into a light source
+-- `lightDuration` 0 is considered permanent, lightDuration is in seconds
+-- returns true if a node is transmogrified into a glowstone
+local function light_node(pos, playerName, lightDuration)
+
+	local result = false
+	if minetest.is_protected(pos, playerName) then
+		minetest.record_protection_violation(pos, playerName)
+		return false
+	end
+
+	local oldNode = minetest.get_node(pos)
+	local litNodeName = nether.lightstaff_recipes[oldNode.name]
+
+	if litNodeName ~= nil then
+		result = nether.magicallyTransmogrify_node(
+			pos,
+			playerName,
+			{name=litNodeName},
+			{name = "nether_rack_destroy", gain = 0.8},
+			lightDuration == 0 -- isPermanent
+		)
+
+		if lightDuration > 0 then
+			minetest.after(lightDuration,
+				function()
+					-- Restore the node to its original type.
+					--
+					-- If the server crashes or shuts down before this is invoked, the node
+					-- will remain in its transmogrified state. These could be cleaned up
+					-- with an LBM, but I don't think that's necessary: if this functionality
+					-- is only being used for the Nether Lightstaff then I don't think it
+					-- matters if there's occasionally an extra glowstone left in the
+					-- netherrack.
+					nether.magicallyTransmogrify_node(pos, playerName)
+				end
+			)
+		end
+	end
+	return result
+end
+
+-- a lightDuration of 0 is considered permanent, lightDuration is in seconds
+-- returns true if a node is transmogrified into a glowstone
+local function lightstaff_on_use(user, boltColorString, lightDuration)
+
+	if not user then return false end
+	local playerName    = user:get_player_name()
+	local playerlookDir = user:get_look_dir()
+	local playerPos     = user:get_pos()
+	local playerEyePos  = vector.add(playerPos, {x = 0, y = 1.5, z = 0}) -- not always the cameraPos, e.g. 3rd person mode.
+	local target        = vector.add(playerEyePos, vector.multiply(playerlookDir, nether.lightstaff_range))
+
+	local targetHitPos  = nil
+	local targetNodePos = nil
+	local target_pointed = raycastForSolidNode(playerEyePos, target)
+	if target_pointed then
+		targetNodePos = target_pointed.under
+		targetHitPos = vector.divide(vector.add(target_pointed.under, target_pointed.above), 2)
+	end
+
+	local wieldOffset = {x= 0.5, y = -0.2, z= 0.8}
+	local lookRotation =  ({x = -user:get_look_vertical(), y = user:get_look_horizontal(), z = 0})
+	local wieldPos = vector.add(playerEyePos, vector.rotate(wieldOffset, lookRotation))
+	local aimPos = targetHitPos or target
+	local distance = math.abs(vector.length(vector.subtract(aimPos, wieldPos)))
+	local flightTime = distance / nether.lightstaff_velocity
+	local dropDistance = nether.lightstaff_gravity * 0.5 * (flightTime * flightTime)
+	aimPos.y = aimPos.y + dropDistance
+	local boltDir = vector.normalize(vector.subtract(aimPos, wieldPos))
+
+	minetest.sound_play("nether_lightstaff", {to_player = playerName, gain = 0.8}, true)
+
+	-- animate a "magic bolt" from wieldPos to aimPos
+	local particleSpawnDef = {
+		amount = 20,
+		time = 0.4,
+		minpos = vector.add(wieldPos, -0.13),
+		maxpos = vector.add(wieldPos,  0.13),
+		minvel = vector.multiply(boltDir, nether.lightstaff_velocity - 0.3),
+		maxvel = vector.multiply(boltDir, nether.lightstaff_velocity + 0.3),
+		minacc = {x=0, y=-nether.lightstaff_gravity, z=0},
+		maxacc = {x=0, y=-nether.lightstaff_gravity, z=0},
+		minexptime = 1,
+		maxexptime = 2,
+		minsize = 4,
+		maxsize = 5,
+		collisiondetection = true,
+		collision_removal = true,
+		texture = "nether_particle_anim3.png",
+		animation = { type = "vertical_frames", aspect_w = 7, aspect_h = 7, length = 0.8 },
+		glow = 15
+	}
+	minetest.add_particlespawner(particleSpawnDef)
+	particleSpawnDef.texture = "nether_particle_anim3.png^[colorize:" .. boltColorString .. ":alpha"
+	particleSpawnDef.amount  = 12
+	particleSpawnDef.time    = 0.2
+	particleSpawnDef.minsize = 6
+	particleSpawnDef.maxsize = 7
+	particleSpawnDef.minpos  = vector.add(wieldPos, -0.35)
+	particleSpawnDef.maxpos  = vector.add(wieldPos,  0.35)
+	minetest.add_particlespawner(particleSpawnDef)
+
+	local result = false
+	if targetNodePos then
+		-- delay the impact until roughly when the particle effects will have reached the target
+		minetest.after(
+			math.max(0, (distance / nether.lightstaff_velocity) - serverLag),
+			function()
+				light_node(targetNodePos, playerName, lightDuration)
+			end
+		)
+
+		if lightDuration ~= 0 then
+			-- we don't need to care whether the transmogrify will be successful
+			result = true
+		else
+			-- check whether the transmogrify will be successful
+			local targetNode = minetest.get_node(targetNodePos)
+			result = nether.lightstaff_recipes[targetNode.name] ~= nil
+		end
+	end
+	return result
+end
+
+-- Inspired by FaceDeer's torch crossbow and Xanthin's Staff of Light
+minetest.register_tool("nether:lightstaff", {
+	description = S("Nether staff of Light\nTemporarily transforms the netherrack into glowstone"),
+	inventory_image = "nether_lightstaff.png",
+	wield_image     = "nether_lightstaff.png",
+	light_source = 11, -- used by wielded_light mod etc.
+	stack_max = 1,
+	on_use = function(itemstack, user, pointed_thing)
+		lightstaff_on_use(user, "#F70", nether.lightstaff_duration)
+	end
+})
+
+minetest.register_tool("nether:lightstaff_eternal", {
+	description = S("Nether staff of Eternal Light\nCreates glowstone from netherrack"),
+	inventory_image = "nether_lightstaff.png^[colorize:#55F:90",
+	wield_image     = "nether_lightstaff.png^[colorize:#55F:90",
+	light_source = 11, -- used by wielded_light mod etc.
+	sound = {breaks = "default_tool_breaks"},
+	stack_max = 1,
+	on_use = function(itemstack, user, pointed_thing)
+		if lightstaff_on_use(user, "#23F", 0) then -- was "#8088FF" or "#13F"
+			-- The staff of Eternal Light wears out, to limit how much
+			-- a player can alter the nether with it.
+			itemstack:add_wear(65535 / (nether.lightstaff_uses - 1))
+		end
+		return itemstack
+	end
+})