Difference between revisions of "Blindness"

From NetHackWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (→‎Creamed)
(some copyedit)
 
(7 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
'''Blindness''' is an inability to see. When blind, normal movement will result in you using your hands to feel for items on the ground. Unseen items generally only appear as their object class, without even [[randomized appearance]] - for example, you will only feel "a wand" or "a potion". Items you have seen before becoming blind will continue to be identified with their randomized appearance.
+
'''Blindness''' is a property that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. Blindness occurs when your sight is impaired and blocked, which renders you unable to see most things on a level and omits any and all messages related to actions that you would otherwise see.
  
−
The [[zen]] conduct consists of playing the entire game blinded.
+
The [[zen]] [[conduct]] consists of playing the entire game blinded.
  
−
== Dangers ==
+
==Description==
 +
When moving normally while blind, using [[near look]] via {{kbd|:}} or picking up items via {{kbd|,}}, you will automatically use your hands to feel for items on the ground. Moving onto a seemingly empty square with a monster on it will cost you a move (without attacking), show the monster as {{white|I}} and anger it if [[peaceful]], even while safe-moving via {{kbd|m}}.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|137|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} Moving into a square with an {{white|I}} or warning symbol will cause you to attack that square - safe-moving via {{kbd|m}} will function as normal if a monster is occupying the square, or move into the square normally if it is empty.
  
−
If you move normally while blind, you will attack anything represented by {{white|I}} (or warning symbol) you walk into, as if it were [[invisible]]. Also, moving onto a seemingly empty square with a monster on it, will cost you a move (without attacking), show the monster as {{white|I}} and anger it if [[peaceful]]. This makes it very dangerous to move around while blind, because you could inadvertently kill your [[pet]] or anger a [[shopkeeper]].
+
If you possess intrinsic or extrinsic [[telepathy]] while blind, all non-[[mindless]] monsters on the level are displayed - interactions with these monsters are handled normally, both for normal movement and safe-moving via {{kbd|m}}. [[Monster detection]] granted via a blessed potion or casting of the spell at Skilled lets you see all monsters on the level even while blind, and they are also handled normally for purposes of movement. The [[Eyes of the Overworld]] will not prevent blinding, but the [[astral vision]] conferred by wearing them will allow you to see while blind, and therefore breaks zen conduct. [[Warning]] also functions as normal, as it does not rely on you being able to see the monsters in question.
  
−
To partially avoid this, be sure to move with {{kbd|m}} followed by a direction. This causes you to move without feeling on the ground for items and generally without attacking monsters. But this still angers any peacefuls you bump into that weren't already shown in any way. If a [[stethoscope]] is only used once per turn, it can determine if there is something in the way without giving that monster a chance to move, since the stethoscope can be applied for free once per turn. If you are fairly confident that there are no monsters on the level that could seriously damage you in one hit, you could also wait for them to attack you first. Although if the monsters are faster than you, they can attack you and move away before you have a chance to react to the {{white|I}} that you discovered when they attacked you. In rare cases, #[[chat]]ting is useful to test for non-silent monsters since it does not use a turn if you get no answer.
+
Messages describing actions such as monster-versus-monster-combat that you cannot see are omitted, and gaze attacks will have no effect on you while blind.
  
−
Monsters seen via [[telepathy]] or [[monster detection]] are handled normally, both moving normally and with {{kbd|m}}. You always attack warning symbols, unless you are {{kbd|m}}-moving into one that covers an {{white|I}}. Beware that even [[telepathy]] and [[warning]] put together don't show all types of monsters. (Further corner cases stem from [[hide]]rs, [[mimic]]s, [[Stormbringer]], {{kbd|F}}, and deactivating [[safe_pet]].)
+
====Object appearances====
 +
While blind, most unidentified objects will show up only as their object class (e.g. "a potion", "a ring", "a long sword" etc.), including artifacts - only amulets and food are treated as "seen" while blind. [[Poison]]ing and [[erosion]] status of weapons are still shown; erodeproofing and charges are only shown if formally identified (even if you erodeproofed it yourself while blind). Any [[dilution]] in potions is only displayed if you know that potion's appearance. While blind, you cannot class-name unidentified objects, and any individual names will not be displayed (but will affect [[stack]]ing and artifact naming).
  
−
Special care should be taken on levels with [[cockatrice]]s on them. If there is a cockatrice corpse and you move around normally while blind, you may stumble on to the corpse and feel for it. If your character is not wearing gloves, this will result in instant [[stoning]]. Use the {{kbd|m}} movement prefix (as above) to avoid touching the corpse while moving. Additionally, if you try to {{kbd|:}} (look) or {{kbd|,}} (pick up) on a square with a cockatrice corpse while blind you feel the square and will also be stoned! Even worse, if you are blind and [[warned]], moving with {{kbd|m}} into a cockatrice without a wielding anything or wearing gloves will still stone you in some cases: namely whenever the warning symbol does not cover an undisplayed {{white|I}}.
+
Other objects that you will always know the appearance of are:
  
−
{{message|Pardon me, [[foo]].|You moved with {{kbd|m}} into a pet either displayed as {{white|I}} or properly seen.{{refsrc|src/hack.c|1409|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}}}
+
* [[Egg]]s laid by you.{{refsrc|src/sit.c|305|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
−
{{message|You move right into [[foo]].|You moved with {{kbd|m}} into a non-tame monster either displayed {{white|I}} or properly seen.{{refsrc|src/hack.c|1411|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}}}
+
* The appearance of your starting inventory and that of your pet.{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|1074|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/dog.c|193|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
−
{{message|Wait!  There's something there you can't see!|You moved onto a seemingly empty square. Does not attack, but does anger peacefuls.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|137|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}}}
 
  
−
== Benefits ==
+
You can "hear" the appearance of a [[scroll]] if a monster reads the label, though it will not [[auto-identify]] since you will not be able to see the result of most scrolls. The same is true for [[potion]]s - you can still hear them being quaffed, but cannot see the result. [[polypile|Polymorphing]] any object and [[alchemy|alchemizing]] or fully diluting potions will render it unseen.
  
−
If you have telepathy, though, blindness can be quite useful as it enables you to see all monsters with brains on the level. Intrinsic telepathy is only active when you are blind; extrinsic telepathy will work like intrinsic telepathy when you are blind.
+
As most sources of blindness are generally temporary, you will learn the appearance of any unidentified object you picked up upon the blindness wearing off. However, there are inevitably cases where a cure is not immediately available for long-term blinding, and zen conduct in particular makes it vital to learn how to [[#Discovering object|work around this]].
  
−
Being blind has the beneficial "side effects" of protecting against [[Medusa]] and [[pyrolisk]]s, as well as any other monster with a gaze attack (including the passive [[floating eye]] gaze).
+
===Monsters===
 +
Blindness works somewhat differently for you than it does for other monsters in the game - a blind monster will move and attack erratically, and suffers a [[to-hit]] penalty. Blinded monsters do not respect [[Elbereth]] if they would have normally, and cannot use any gaze attacks they possess.
  
−
==Ways to be blinded==
+
==Sources==
−
In addition to this list, most of the methods to blind monsters also work on yourself.
+
Blindness can occur through various methods:
  
−
*Drink a [[potion of blindness]]; this is not recommended
+
* A [[quaff]]ed, [[wield]]ed or [[thrown]] [[potion of blindness]]
−
*Wear a [[blindfold]] or a [[towel]]
+
* A [[ray]] of [[lightning]], e.g. from a [[wand of lightning|wand]] or the [[breath]] of a [[blue dragon]]
−
*Be attacked by a [[yellow light]] (preventable by wearing a blindfold or towel)
+
* [[Engraving]] with a wand of lightning
−
*Be attacked by a [[raven]] (preventable by wearing a blindfold, towel, visored helmet or lenses)
+
* [[Breaking wands|Breaking]] a [[wand of light]]
−
*Eat rotten food (one possible outcome)
+
* The flash of an [[expensive camera]]
−
*Be hit by a wielded or thrown [[cream pie]] (you can also [[apply]] one to yourself to cause the same effect)
+
* A thrown, wielded or applied [[cream pie]]
−
*Apply an [[expensive camera]] at yourself
+
* [[Polymorph]]ing into a monster with no eyes.
−
*Be zapped by (a [[wand of lightning|wand of) lightning]]
+
* Being hit by any blinding attack, such as [[blinding venom]], the blast of a [[yellow light]] or the melee attack of a raven
−
*[[engrave|Engraving]] with a [[wand of lightning]], unless you cancel at the prompt what text to engrave
+
* Being hit by the [[Blind (monster spell)|blind]] or [[Lightning (monster spell)|lightning]] [[monster spell]]s{{refsrc|src/mcastu.c|559|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
−
*Be hit by the monster spells [[Blind (monster spell)|Blind]] or (as of [[NetHack 3.6.0]]{{refsrc|src/mcastu.c|559|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}) [[Lightning (monster spell)|Lightning]]
+
* One of the many effects of a [[magic trap]], which will also [[deaf]]en you
−
*Apply a cursed towel (one possible outcome)
+
* [[Sit]]ting on a [[throne]]
−
*Be hit by blinding [[venom]]
+
* Wearing a blindfold or [[towel]]
−
*[[Polymorph]] into a creature that has no eyes
+
* Applying a cursed towel with 50% chance
−
*Read a cursed or difficult spellbook
+
* Applying a cursed [[unicorn horn]]{{refsrc|src/apply.c|1885|version=NetHack 3.6.1}}
−
*Apply a cursed unicorn horn (one outcome, not recommended)
+
* Eating [[food]] that turns out to be rotten with a 3/16 chance, unless you are already blind{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1547|version=NetHack 3.6.6}}
−
*Be inside a [[scroll of stinking cloud|gas cloud]]{{refsrc|src/region.c|929|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
+
* Reading a cursed or difficult [[spellbook]]
 +
* Walking inside a [[poison cloud]]{{refsrc|src/region.c|929|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
  
−
==Inflicting blindness==
+
==Internals==
 +
In the game's code, three forms of blindness are recognized:
  
−
A blind enemy will move and attack erratically, suffer a [[to-hit]] penalty and generally be much less dangerous, especially if you can keep moving. There are six main ways to inflict blindness.
+
===Blinded===
 +
"Blinded"{{refsrc|include/youprop.h|85|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} refers to all forms of blindness that are intrinsic - that is, you would be blind if you were not wearing or wielding anything and polymorphed into a monster form with eyes. The game records the number of turns you are blinded.
  
−
*[[Apply]] an [[expensive camera]]. The [[tourist]] relies on this to survive early levels. Other adventurers tend to find them in the [[Gnomish Mines]], where they may appear either in a cavern level or the [[Minetown]] [[hardware store]]. This will also cause enemies to [[flee]].
+
====Creamed====
−
*[[Throw]] a [[potion of blindness]]. This effect is much briefer than when [[quaffing]].
+
Being "creamed" is the result of a substance over your eyes physically restricting your vision.{{refsrc|include/you.h|320|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} The game also records the number of turns you are creamed. It is a subset of being "blinded", and stacks with blindness - items causing or curing creaming increment the number of turns you creamed and blinded by the same amount, so it is always less than or equal to the number of turns you are blinded.
−
*[[Zap]] a wand of lightning. Blinding is a secondary effect.
 
−
*Break (apply) a wand of [[wand of light|light]]. This will also cause enemies to [[flee]].
 
−
*Throw a [[cream pie]]. A run in with [[Keystone Kop]]s allows you to really stock up.
 
−
*[[Polymorph]] yourself or your pet into a creature with a blinding attack.
 
  
−
Beware, blinded creatures do not respect [[Elbereth]].
+
"Creamed" status will always time out first - e.g., if you are blinded for 100 turns, and 50 turns later you become creamed for a duration of 20 turns, you will be blinded for a total of 70 more turns; during the ''first'' 20 of those turns, you are considered creamed.
  
−
==Curing blindness==
+
"Creaming" actions include:
 +
* Being hit by or applying a cream pie
 +
* Being hit by blinding venom
 +
* Applying a cursed towel
  
−
There are a few ways to cure [[intrinsic]] blindness - that is, blindness not from being blindfolded, cream pies, venom or applying cursed towels.
+
Creaming can be undone if you [[wipe]] your face; using a noncursed towel will always remove creaming. With the exception of prayer, which cures both, all other actions and cures affect blindness only if it cures either of the ailments.
  
−
*You can wait for it to heal - this can take a few turns if the blindness was caused by eating rotten food or being hit by a potion of blindness, but will take many hundreds of turns if you quaffed a [[potion of blindness]]. Having read  cursed/difficult spellbook takes quite a lot of turns too. If you do have to wait it out, make sure you have a good amount of food.
+
===Blind===
−
*Apply a [[unicorn horn]]
+
"Blind" means you currently cannot see.{{refsrc|include/youprop.h|88|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} You can be "blind" without being "blinded", if your eyes are covered by a blindfold or a towel, or you polymorph into a monster with no eyes. You can be "blinded" without being "blind" if you have astral vision.
−
*[[Invoke]] [[the Staff of Aesculapius]]
 
−
*Eat a [[carrot]].
 
−
*Cast a spell of {{spell of|cure blindness}} or {{spell of|extra healing}}.
 
−
*Drink a [[potion of extra healing]], [[potion of full healing]] or non-cursed [[potion of healing]].
 
−
*[[prayer|Praying]] to your god may help, but be aware that blindness is only considered a minor problem.
 
−
*[[Astral vision]] does not cure blindness, but allows you to see despite it.
 
−
[[Extrinsic]] blindness, from cream pies, venom or applying cursed towels, can be cured by waiting, wiping your face using the [[wipe|#wipe]] command, applying a noncursed towel, or prayer.
 
−
 
 
−
Otherwise, you can remove whatever it is that is blindfolding you. Having a cursed blindfold or towel stuck to your face is considered a ''major problem'', so if it is safe to [[pray]], your [[god]] is likely to help you out of this predicament.
 
−
 
 
−
==Resisting blindness==
 
−
A few items allow you to resist blindness. While this can be useful in the early game, you usually have a [[unicorn horn]] by the time you have one of these (except for the [[potion of blindness]], which is probably a bug).
 
−
 
 
−
While you are wielding [[Sunsword]], you will be protected from some "visual" sources of blindness;{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|153|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|include/artilist.h|153|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} this includes [[yellow light]]s,{{refsrc|src/mhitu.c|1929|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} [[magic trap]]s,{{refsrc|src/trap.c|3051|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} and [[wand of lightning|wands of lightning]].{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2157|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3978|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
 
−
 
 
−
Wielding (or otherwise equipping, including [[quiver]]ing) a [[potion of blindness]] will also protect you the same way [[Sunsword]] does.{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|164|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/objects.c|796|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} This is likely a bug.
 
−
 
 
−
The [[Eyes of the Overworld]] will not prevent blinding, but you will still be able to see while wearing them.
 
  
−
==Object appearances==
+
==Strategy==
−
Until you have seen them, objects show up only as "a potion", "a ring", "a long sword" etc. A gray stones or rock is a "stone", glass or gem is a "gem". Only amulets and food are treated as seen.
+
===Curing blindness===
 +
In addition to allowing any inflicted blindness to time out, there are many ways to cure blindness. You can cure being "blinded" by doing any of the following:
  
−
An elven or orcish shield is just a "shield", and a [[shield of reflection]] is a "smooth shield". Even an [[artifact]] is "a long sword".
+
* Apply a non-cursed unicorn horn{{refsrc|src/apply.c|1997|version=NetHack 3.6.1}}
 +
* [[Invoke]] [[the Staff of Aesculapius]]
 +
* Eat a [[carrot]]
 +
* Cast a spell of {{spell of|cure blindness}} or {{spell of|extra healing}}
 +
* Drink a non-cursed [[potion of healing]], any [[potion of extra healing]], or any [[potion of full healing]].
 +
* [[Prayer]] can cure you of being "blinded", though this form of blindness is considered a minor trouble.
  
−
You cannot class-name such objects, and any individual name will not be displayed (but will affect [[stack]]ing and artifact naming). You can [[dip]] items in holy/unholy water when blind, thus "a cursed scroll". Poisoning and erosion status is shown. [[Dilution]] is only displayed if you know the appearance. [[Erodeproof]]ing and charges are only shown if formally identified (even if you erodeproofed it yourself while blind).
+
"Creamed" blindness can be cured by using the #[[wipe]] command, apply a noncursed towel, or prayer. If you are rendered blind from a worn towel or blindfold and it is not cursed, you can simply remove it - having a cursed blindfold or towel stuck to your face is considered a major problem, and thus a safe prayer is likely to solve it. You can also uncurse them by using a [[scroll of remove curse]], the [[spell of remove curse]], or dipping them in a [[potion of holy water]].
  
−
A full list of ''ways to make an object "seen"'' while still being blind, e.g. for [[zen]] conduct:
+
If polymorphed into an eyeless form, you can polymorph to a different form with eyes or return to normal.
  
−
* Formal [[identification]] from a scroll, throne, or spell. Also, your [[quest leader]] will identify your own [[quest artifact]] and the real [[Amulet of Yendor]].{{refsrc|src/quest.c|213|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/quest.c|227|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
+
===Resisting blindness===
−
* A blessed potion of [[potion of object detection|object detection]] makes the appearance of all objects on the current dungeon level known. This includes your and monsters' inventories, buried objects, and recursively the contents of containers.{{reffunc|detect.c|object_detect|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
+
There are a few items that allow you to resist blindness as well.
−
* Buying or selling something at a [[shop]]. Contents of [[container]]s, [[stealing from shops|stolen]] merchandise, and items covered by your [[credit]] when you [[teleport]] out are not made known.{{refsrc|src/shk.c|2323|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
 
−
* A [[wand of probing]] non-recursively makes any objects it is zapped at, containers' contents, and monsters' possessions seen. You can zap yourself.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|434|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|1811|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2369|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
 
−
* The appearance of your and your pet's starting inventories{{refsrc|src/u_init.c|1074|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/dog.c|193|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
 
−
* Eating one of a stack will make the remaining [[tin]]s "seen".
 
−
* Eggs laid by you{{refsrc|src/sit.c|305|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
 
−
* The special attacks of the [[Tsurugi of Muramasa]] and [[Vorpal Blade]] always tell you the artifacts's appearance.{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|1261|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|1278|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|1308|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|1324|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} The gift you would receive on [[crowning]] as neutral or chaotic are made "seen" if you are already holding it.
 
−
* Viewing an item through [[astral vision]].
 
  
−
You hear the appearance of a [[scroll]] a monster is reading, so you can name another one later. Since you cannot generally "see" the result of the scroll directly, scrolls will not usually auto-identify. The same is true for potions, you will hear the potion being quaffed, but will not see the result.
+
* While you are wielding [[Sunsword]], you will be protected from light-based sources of blindness.{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|153|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|include/artilist.h|153|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} This includes yellow lights, magic traps, and wands of lightning.{{refsrc|src/mhitu.c|1929|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/trap.c|3051|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} {{refsrc|src/zap.c|2157|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|3978|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
 +
* Wearing a blindfold or towel can protect from blinding gazes and some other sources, such as blinding attacks - it will not prevent blindness from quaffed or thrown potions, however.
 +
* Astral vision granted from The Eyes of the Overworld does not cure or resist blindness, but allows you to see despite it.
  
−
[[polypile|Polymorphing]] any object, [[alchemy]], and #dip-cancelling a [[potion]] will render it unseen.
+
===Navigating while blind===
 +
Moving normally while blind means you may bump into or even attack unseen monsters - you could inadvertently kill your [[pet]] or anger a [[shopkeeper]], making it incredibly dangerous to do so without telepathy or monster detection. Being blinded in [[Minetown]] or other similar areas may get you on the wrong side of the [[watch]] as well. Stormbringer in particular is made even more risky to wield than it [[Bloodthirsty|already is]].
  
−
== Internals ==
+
Very special care should be taken on levels with [[cockatrice]]s - if there is a cockatrice corpse on the ground, feeling around for objects while blind may resulting in an instant [[stoning]] unless you are wearing [[gloves]]. Even worse, if you are blind and warned, moving with {{kbd|m}} into a cockatrice without wielding anything or wearing gloves will still stone you if the warning symbol does not cover an undisplayed {{white|I}}.
  
−
It is worthwhile considering the internals of blindness, which are quite complex, but their details shed light on the actions and exceptions described above.
+
Moving with {{kbd|m}} followed by a direction allows you to ignore items on the ground and avoid attacking monsters, though you will still angers any peacefuls you bump into if you could not see them. A [[stethoscope]] can be applied for free once per turn to determine if something is in your path and it is unsafe to move there. Allowing unseen hostile monsters to attack you first is risky, even if you attack the specific square you were hit from - some may be fast enough to move away after attacking, resulting in a wasted turn attacking the {{white|I}} where they previously were. Nearby peacefuls and pets add to the danger, since you cannot see if they stepped into any square previously occupied by a hostile (or worse, killed the hostile themselves in the pet's case). In rare cases, #[[chat]]ting is useful to test for non-silent monsters since it does not use a turn if you get no answer.
  
−
The source recognises three forms of blindness:
+
Telepathy and warning are the best properties to have in case you are blinded, since warning complements telepathy by revealing the positions of most mindless monsters - while even these properties combined will not reveal all possible monsters, the few mindless monsters not revealed by warning are generally not a threat at most points where you have access to both. (Further corner cases stem from [[hide]]rs, [[mimic]]s, Stormbringer, {{kbd|F}}, and deactivating [[safe_pet]].)
  
−
===Blinded===
+
===Discovering objects===
 +
You can make an object "seen" and gain knowledge of its appearance and type via formal [[identification]], as well as through various other methods.
  
−
"Blinded"{{refsrc|include/youprop.h|85|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} refers to all forms of blindness that are intrinsic; that is, you would be blind if you were not wearing or wielding anything and polymorphed into a monster form with eyes.
+
A blessed [[potion of object detection]] reveals the appearance of all objects on the current dungeon level, recursively including the contents of [[container]]s.{{reffunc|detect.c|object_detect|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} A [[wand of probing]] will grant non-recursive knowledge of any objects it is zapped at, including the contents of containers and the inventory of any monsters in its path; you can also zap it at yourself in order to see your inventory.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|434|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|1811|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2369|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
  
−
The number of turns for which you are blinded is recorded.
+
You can [[dip]] items in holy/unholy water when blind, allowing you to learn their beatitude. Buying or selling something at a [[shop]] will have the shopkeeper identify its appearance for you, with the exception of items in containers, [[stealing from shops|stolen]] merchandise, or items covered by your [[credit]] when you [[teleport]] out.{{refsrc|src/shk.c|2323|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}
  
−
===Creamed===
+
Your [[quest leader]] will identify your own [[quest artifact]] and the real [[Amulet of Yendor]] for you.{{refsrc|src/quest.c|213|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/quest.c|227|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} Additionally, the [[crowning]] gift you would receive if neutral or chaotic is made "seen" if you are already holding it. The special attacks of the [[Tsurugi of Muramasa]] and [[Vorpal Blade]] will always reveal their appearance upon activating.{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|1261|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|1278|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|1308|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|1324|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}.
  
−
Being "creamed"{{refsrc|include/you.h|320|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} means you have a substance over your eyes physically restricting your vision. It is a subset of being "blinded", and stacks with blindness.
+
Other methods of object identification include:
−
 
+
* Eating one of a stack of [[tins]] will make the remaining ones known.
−
The number of turns you are creamed is recorded. It is always less than or equal to the number of turns you are blinded.
+
* Astral vision allows you to see objects while blinded - but remember that this will break zen conduct.
−
 
 
−
Items causing or curing creaming affect both the number of turns creamed and blinded by the same amount.
 
−
 
 
−
Actions that cream are:
 
−
*Being hit by or applying a cream pie
 
−
*Being hit by blinding venom
 
−
*Applying a cursed towel
 
−
Actions that cure creaming are:
 
−
*[[Wipe|Wiping]] your face
 
−
*Applying a noncursed towel
 
−
 
 
−
All other actions and cures affect blindness only if it cures either, except prayer, which will cure both creaming and blinding.
 
−
 
 
−
The "creamed" status times out first. To understand how this works, consider the following hypothetical scenario wherein you are blinded for 100 turns. After 50 turns have elapsed, you will still be blind for 50 more turns. If, however, on that turn, you become creamed for a duration of 20 turns, you will be blinded for a total of 70 more turns - the ''first'' 20 of which you are considered creamed.
 
−
 
 
−
===Blind===
 
  
−
"Blind"{{refsrc|include/youprop.h|88|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} means you currently cannot see. You can be "blind" without being "blinded", if your eyes are covered by a blindfold or a towel, or you polymorph into a monster with no eyes. You can be "blinded" without being "blind" if you have [[astral vision]].
+
==Messages==
 +
{{message|Pardon me, <foo>.|You moved with {{kbd|m}} into a pet either displayed as {{white|I}} or properly seen.{{refsrc|src/hack.c|1409|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}}}
 +
{{message|You move right into [<foo>.|You moved with {{kbd|m}} into a non-tame monster that was either either displayed as {{white|I}} or properly seen.{{refsrc|src/hack.c|1411|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}}}
 +
{{message|Wait! There's something there you can't see!|You moved onto a seemingly empty square. This does not attack whatever was on that square, but does anger them if they were peaceful.}}
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
−
{{nethack-343}}
+
{{nethack-361}}
 
[[Category:Properties]]
 
[[Category:Properties]]
 
[[Category:Monster damage types]]
 
[[Category:Monster damage types]]

Latest revision as of 12:38, 22 April 2023

Blindness is a property that appears in NetHack. Blindness occurs when your sight is impaired and blocked, which renders you unable to see most things on a level and omits any and all messages related to actions that you would otherwise see.

The zen conduct consists of playing the entire game blinded.

Description

When moving normally while blind, using near look via : or picking up items via ,, you will automatically use your hands to feel for items on the ground. Moving onto a seemingly empty square with a monster on it will cost you a move (without attacking), show the monster as I and anger it if peaceful, even while safe-moving via m.[1] Moving into a square with an I or warning symbol will cause you to attack that square - safe-moving via m will function as normal if a monster is occupying the square, or move into the square normally if it is empty.

If you possess intrinsic or extrinsic telepathy while blind, all non-mindless monsters on the level are displayed - interactions with these monsters are handled normally, both for normal movement and safe-moving via m. Monster detection granted via a blessed potion or casting of the spell at Skilled lets you see all monsters on the level even while blind, and they are also handled normally for purposes of movement. The Eyes of the Overworld will not prevent blinding, but the astral vision conferred by wearing them will allow you to see while blind, and therefore breaks zen conduct. Warning also functions as normal, as it does not rely on you being able to see the monsters in question.

Messages describing actions such as monster-versus-monster-combat that you cannot see are omitted, and gaze attacks will have no effect on you while blind.

Object appearances

While blind, most unidentified objects will show up only as their object class (e.g. "a potion", "a ring", "a long sword" etc.), including artifacts - only amulets and food are treated as "seen" while blind. Poisoning and erosion status of weapons are still shown; erodeproofing and charges are only shown if formally identified (even if you erodeproofed it yourself while blind). Any dilution in potions is only displayed if you know that potion's appearance. While blind, you cannot class-name unidentified objects, and any individual names will not be displayed (but will affect stacking and artifact naming).

Other objects that you will always know the appearance of are:

  • Eggs laid by you.[2]
  • The appearance of your starting inventory and that of your pet.[3][4]

You can "hear" the appearance of a scroll if a monster reads the label, though it will not auto-identify since you will not be able to see the result of most scrolls. The same is true for potions - you can still hear them being quaffed, but cannot see the result. Polymorphing any object and alchemizing or fully diluting potions will render it unseen.

As most sources of blindness are generally temporary, you will learn the appearance of any unidentified object you picked up upon the blindness wearing off. However, there are inevitably cases where a cure is not immediately available for long-term blinding, and zen conduct in particular makes it vital to learn how to work around this.

Monsters

Blindness works somewhat differently for you than it does for other monsters in the game - a blind monster will move and attack erratically, and suffers a to-hit penalty. Blinded monsters do not respect Elbereth if they would have normally, and cannot use any gaze attacks they possess.

Sources

Blindness can occur through various methods:

Internals

In the game's code, three forms of blindness are recognized:

Blinded

"Blinded"[9] refers to all forms of blindness that are intrinsic - that is, you would be blind if you were not wearing or wielding anything and polymorphed into a monster form with eyes. The game records the number of turns you are blinded.

Creamed

Being "creamed" is the result of a substance over your eyes physically restricting your vision.[10] The game also records the number of turns you are creamed. It is a subset of being "blinded", and stacks with blindness - items causing or curing creaming increment the number of turns you creamed and blinded by the same amount, so it is always less than or equal to the number of turns you are blinded.

"Creamed" status will always time out first - e.g., if you are blinded for 100 turns, and 50 turns later you become creamed for a duration of 20 turns, you will be blinded for a total of 70 more turns; during the first 20 of those turns, you are considered creamed.

"Creaming" actions include:

  • Being hit by or applying a cream pie
  • Being hit by blinding venom
  • Applying a cursed towel

Creaming can be undone if you wipe your face; using a noncursed towel will always remove creaming. With the exception of prayer, which cures both, all other actions and cures affect blindness only if it cures either of the ailments.

Blind

"Blind" means you currently cannot see.[11] You can be "blind" without being "blinded", if your eyes are covered by a blindfold or a towel, or you polymorph into a monster with no eyes. You can be "blinded" without being "blind" if you have astral vision.

Strategy

Curing blindness

In addition to allowing any inflicted blindness to time out, there are many ways to cure blindness. You can cure being "blinded" by doing any of the following:

"Creamed" blindness can be cured by using the #wipe command, apply a noncursed towel, or prayer. If you are rendered blind from a worn towel or blindfold and it is not cursed, you can simply remove it - having a cursed blindfold or towel stuck to your face is considered a major problem, and thus a safe prayer is likely to solve it. You can also uncurse them by using a scroll of remove curse, the spell of remove curse, or dipping them in a potion of holy water.

If polymorphed into an eyeless form, you can polymorph to a different form with eyes or return to normal.

Resisting blindness

There are a few items that allow you to resist blindness as well.

  • While you are wielding Sunsword, you will be protected from light-based sources of blindness.[13][14] This includes yellow lights, magic traps, and wands of lightning.[15][16] [17][18]
  • Wearing a blindfold or towel can protect from blinding gazes and some other sources, such as blinding attacks - it will not prevent blindness from quaffed or thrown potions, however.
  • Astral vision granted from The Eyes of the Overworld does not cure or resist blindness, but allows you to see despite it.

Navigating while blind

Moving normally while blind means you may bump into or even attack unseen monsters - you could inadvertently kill your pet or anger a shopkeeper, making it incredibly dangerous to do so without telepathy or monster detection. Being blinded in Minetown or other similar areas may get you on the wrong side of the watch as well. Stormbringer in particular is made even more risky to wield than it already is.

Very special care should be taken on levels with cockatrices - if there is a cockatrice corpse on the ground, feeling around for objects while blind may resulting in an instant stoning unless you are wearing gloves. Even worse, if you are blind and warned, moving with m into a cockatrice without wielding anything or wearing gloves will still stone you if the warning symbol does not cover an undisplayed I.

Moving with m followed by a direction allows you to ignore items on the ground and avoid attacking monsters, though you will still angers any peacefuls you bump into if you could not see them. A stethoscope can be applied for free once per turn to determine if something is in your path and it is unsafe to move there. Allowing unseen hostile monsters to attack you first is risky, even if you attack the specific square you were hit from - some may be fast enough to move away after attacking, resulting in a wasted turn attacking the I where they previously were. Nearby peacefuls and pets add to the danger, since you cannot see if they stepped into any square previously occupied by a hostile (or worse, killed the hostile themselves in the pet's case). In rare cases, #chatting is useful to test for non-silent monsters since it does not use a turn if you get no answer.

Telepathy and warning are the best properties to have in case you are blinded, since warning complements telepathy by revealing the positions of most mindless monsters - while even these properties combined will not reveal all possible monsters, the few mindless monsters not revealed by warning are generally not a threat at most points where you have access to both. (Further corner cases stem from hiders, mimics, Stormbringer, F, and deactivating safe_pet.)

Discovering objects

You can make an object "seen" and gain knowledge of its appearance and type via formal identification, as well as through various other methods.

A blessed potion of object detection reveals the appearance of all objects on the current dungeon level, recursively including the contents of containers.[19] A wand of probing will grant non-recursive knowledge of any objects it is zapped at, including the contents of containers and the inventory of any monsters in its path; you can also zap it at yourself in order to see your inventory.[20][21][22]

You can dip items in holy/unholy water when blind, allowing you to learn their beatitude. Buying or selling something at a shop will have the shopkeeper identify its appearance for you, with the exception of items in containers, stolen merchandise, or items covered by your credit when you teleport out.[23]

Your quest leader will identify your own quest artifact and the real Amulet of Yendor for you.[24][25] Additionally, the crowning gift you would receive if neutral or chaotic is made "seen" if you are already holding it. The special attacks of the Tsurugi of Muramasa and Vorpal Blade will always reveal their appearance upon activating.[26][27][28][29].

Other methods of object identification include:

  • Eating one of a stack of tins will make the remaining ones known.
  • Astral vision allows you to see objects while blinded - but remember that this will break zen conduct.

Messages

Pardon me, <foo>.
You moved with m into a pet either displayed as I or properly seen.[30]
You move right into [<foo>.
You moved with m into a non-tame monster that was either either displayed as I or properly seen.[31]
Wait! There's something there you can't see!
You moved onto a seemingly empty square. This does not attack whatever was on that square, but does anger them if they were peaceful.

References

  1. ↑ src/uhitm.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 137
  2. ↑ src/sit.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 305
  3. ↑ src/u_init.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 1074
  4. ↑ src/dog.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 193
  5. ↑ src/mcastu.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 559
  6. ↑ src/apply.c in NetHack 3.6.1, line 1885
  7. ↑ src/eat.c in NetHack 3.6.6, line 1547
  8. ↑ src/region.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 929
  9. ↑ include/youprop.h in NetHack 3.6.0, line 85
  10. ↑ include/you.h in NetHack 3.6.0, line 320
  11. ↑ include/youprop.h in NetHack 3.6.0, line 88
  12. ↑ src/apply.c in NetHack 3.6.1, line 1997
  13. ↑ src/mondata.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 153
  14. ↑ include/artilist.h in NetHack 3.6.0, line 153
  15. ↑ src/mhitu.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 1929
  16. ↑ src/trap.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 3051
  17. ↑ src/zap.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 2157
  18. ↑ src/zap.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 3978
  19. ↑ object_detect in detect.c in NetHack 3.6.0
  20. ↑ src/zap.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 434
  21. ↑ src/zap.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 1811
  22. ↑ src/zap.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 2369
  23. ↑ src/shk.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 2323
  24. ↑ src/quest.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 213
  25. ↑ src/quest.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 227
  26. ↑ src/artifact.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 1261
  27. ↑ src/artifact.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 1278
  28. ↑ src/artifact.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 1308
  29. ↑ src/artifact.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 1324
  30. ↑ src/hack.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 1409
  31. ↑ src/hack.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 1411

This page may need to be updated for the current version of NetHack.

It may contain text specific to NetHack 3.6.1. Information on this page may be out of date.

Editors: After reviewing this page and making necessary edits, please change the {{nethack-361}} tag to the current version's tag or {{noversion}} as appropriate.

Retrieved from "https://nethackwiki.com/index.php?title=Blindness&oldid=150536"