Difference between revisions of "Scare"
m (link humans or elves -> human or elf.) |
(Scared monsters release you; reformat and annotate references.) |
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! Limitations | ! Limitations | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! [[Sanctuary]] in a [[co-aligned]] [[temple]]<ref> | + | ! [[Sanctuary]] in a [[co-aligned]] [[temple]]<ref>{{sourcecode|Monmove.c|267}} Sanctuary</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| 1-10 (6/7)<br/>1-100(1/7) | | 1-10 (6/7)<br/>1-100(1/7) | ||
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| Does not work on minions ( {{white|A}} [[angelic being]]s, {{monsymlink|high priest}}s) or {{magenta|&}} [[Riders]]. Does not work if you have [[alignment record|sinned or worse]]. Affects only [[hostile]] monsters. | | Does not work on minions ( {{white|A}} [[angelic being]]s, {{monsymlink|high priest}}s) or {{magenta|&}} [[Riders]]. Does not work if you have [[alignment record|sinned or worse]]. Affects only [[hostile]] monsters. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Stand on [[Elbereth]]<ref> | + | ! Stand on [[Elbereth]]<ref>{{sourcecode|Monmove.c|142}} Elbereth</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| 1-10 (6/7)<br/>1-100(1/7) | | 1-10 (6/7)<br/>1-100(1/7) | ||
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| Requires suitable [[terrain]]. You cannot [[engrave]] while levitating. Most types of engraving degrade. Does not work on [[blind]]ed creatures with eyes, {{white|@}} [[Human or elf|humans or elves]], {{white|A}} [[angelic being]]s, {{monsymlink|minotaur}}s or {{magenta|&}} [[Riders]]. Breaks [[illiterate]] conduct if you engrave it yourself. Affects only [[hostile]] monsters. May be compiled out on your version. | | Requires suitable [[terrain]]. You cannot [[engrave]] while levitating. Most types of engraving degrade. Does not work on [[blind]]ed creatures with eyes, {{white|@}} [[Human or elf|humans or elves]], {{white|A}} [[angelic being]]s, {{monsymlink|minotaur}}s or {{magenta|&}} [[Riders]]. Breaks [[illiterate]] conduct if you engrave it yourself. Affects only [[hostile]] monsters. May be compiled out on your version. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Stand on a dropped [[scroll of scare monster]]<ref> | + | ! Stand on a dropped [[scroll of scare monster]]<ref>{{sourcecode|Monmove.c|140}} dropped scroll of scare monster</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| 1-10 (6/7)<br/>1-100(1/7) | | 1-10 (6/7)<br/>1-100(1/7) | ||
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| Requires suitable [[terrain]]. Needs to be re-[[blessed]] to be reusable. Can be burned by [[fire]]. Does not work on [[blind]]ed creatures with eyes, {{white|@}} [[Human or elf|humans or elves]], {{white|A}} [[angelic being]]s, {{monsymlink|minotaur}}s or {{magenta|&}} [[Riders]]. Affects only [[hostile]] monsters. | | Requires suitable [[terrain]]. Needs to be re-[[blessed]] to be reusable. Can be burned by [[fire]]. Does not work on [[blind]]ed creatures with eyes, {{white|@}} [[Human or elf|humans or elves]], {{white|A}} [[angelic being]]s, {{monsymlink|minotaur}}s or {{magenta|&}} [[Riders]]. Affects only [[hostile]] monsters. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Read a noncursed [[scroll of scare monster]]<ref> | + | ! Read a noncursed [[scroll of scare monster]]<ref>{{sourcecode|read.c|857}} read scroll of scare monster</ref> |
| align=center|Y | | align=center|Y | ||
| Untimed | | Untimed | ||
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| Uses up scroll. Breaks [[illiterate]] conduct. | | Uses up scroll. Breaks [[illiterate]] conduct. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Cast [[Spellbook of cause fear|cause fear]]<ref> | + | ! Cast [[Spellbook of cause fear|cause fear]]<ref>{{sourcecode|read.c|858}} cast cause fear</ref> |
| align=center|Y | | align=center|Y | ||
| Untimed | | Untimed | ||
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| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Improvise on a [[tooled horn]] or an [[charging|uncharged]] [[frost horn]] or [[fire horn]]<ref> | + | ! Improvise on a [[tooled horn]] or an [[charging|uncharged]] [[frost horn]] or [[fire horn]]<ref>{{sourcecode|Music.c|420}} tooled horn</ref> |
| align=center|Y | | align=center|Y | ||
| Untimed | | Untimed | ||
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| Awakens sleeping monsters. Instruments cannot be used [[underwater]]. | | Awakens sleeping monsters. Instruments cannot be used [[underwater]]. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Apply a [[leather drum]]<ref> | + | ! Apply a [[leather drum]]<ref>{{sourcecode|Music.c|459}} leather drum</ref> |
| align=center|Y | | align=center|Y | ||
| Untimed | | Untimed | ||
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| Awakens sleeping monsters. Instruments cannot be used [[underwater]]. | | Awakens sleeping monsters. Instruments cannot be used [[underwater]]. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Apply a [[drum of earthquake]]<ref> | + | ! Apply a [[drum of earthquake]]<ref>{{sourcecode|Music.c|447}} drum of earthquake</ref> |
| align=center|Y | | align=center|Y | ||
| Untimed | | Untimed | ||
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| Creates an earthquake when charged. Awakens sleeping monsters. Instruments cannot be used [[underwater]]. | | Creates an earthquake when charged. Awakens sleeping monsters. Instruments cannot be used [[underwater]]. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! [[Blind]] a monster by applying an [[expensive camera]] or [[Wand#Breaking wands|breaking]] a [[wand of light]]<ref> | + | ! [[Blind]] a monster by applying an [[expensive camera]] or [[Wand#Breaking wands|breaking]] a [[wand of light]]<ref>{{sourcecode|uhitm.c|2462}} camera or broken wand of light</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| 1-100 (1/4)<br/>Untimed(3/4) | | 1-100 (1/4)<br/>Untimed(3/4) | ||
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| Constant 25% chance of failure. Does not affect [[shopkeeper]]s, {{white|y}} [[lights]], {{monsymlink|archon}}s, monsters that are [[blind]], have no eyes or are protected from blinding by an [[artifact]]. Attack [[blind]]s the affected monster. Cameras cannot be used [[underwater]]. | | Constant 25% chance of failure. Does not affect [[shopkeeper]]s, {{white|y}} [[lights]], {{monsymlink|archon}}s, monsters that are [[blind]], have no eyes or are protected from blinding by an [[artifact]]. Attack [[blind]]s the affected monster. Cameras cannot be used [[underwater]]. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Apply a [[mirror]] at a monster<ref> | + | ! Apply a [[mirror]] at a monster<ref>{{sourcecode|apply.c|728}} mirror</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| [[D notation|2d4]] | | [[D notation|2d4]] | ||
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| Cannot affect [[humanoid]] monsters, blind monsters (with or without eyes), {{white|u}} [[unicorn]]s or monsters that are asleep. Constant 20% chance of failure. Some useless special cases. Mirrors do not work [[underwater]].. | | Cannot affect [[humanoid]] monsters, blind monsters (with or without eyes), {{white|u}} [[unicorn]]s or monsters that are asleep. Constant 20% chance of failure. Some useless special cases. Mirrors do not work [[underwater]].. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Hit the monster with [[Magicbane]]<ref> | + | ! Hit the monster with [[Magicbane]]<ref>{{sourcecode|artifact.c|854}} Magicbane</ref> |
| align=center|Y (1/2)<br/>N (1/2) | | align=center|Y (1/2)<br/>N (1/2) | ||
| 3 | | 3 | ||
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| Occasional effect. | | Occasional effect. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Use [[turn undead]] ability<ref> | + | ! Use [[turn undead]] ability<ref>{{sourcecode|pray.c|1736}} turn undead ability</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| Untimed | | Untimed | ||
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| Available only to [[priest]]s and [[knight]]s. Cannot be done in Gehennom. Works only on {{white|Z}} {{white|M}} {{white|W}} {{white|V}} {{white| }} {{white|L}} [[undead]] or {{white|i}} {{white|&}} [[demon]]s at level 16 or higher. Will destroy undead instead at higher experience levels. | | Available only to [[priest]]s and [[knight]]s. Cannot be done in Gehennom. Works only on {{white|Z}} {{white|M}} {{white|W}} {{white|V}} {{white| }} {{white|L}} [[undead]] or {{white|i}} {{white|&}} [[demon]]s at level 16 or higher. Will destroy undead instead at higher experience levels. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Use [[wand of undead turning]] or [[Spellbook of turn undead|spell of turn undead]]<ref> | + | ! Use [[wand of undead turning]] or [[Spellbook of turn undead|spell of turn undead]]<ref>{{sourcecode|zap.c|157}} spell or wand of turn undead</ref> |
| align=center|Y | | align=center|Y | ||
| Untimed | | Untimed | ||
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| Works only on {{white|Z}} {{white|M}} {{white|W}} {{white|V}} {{white| }} {{white|L}} [[undead]] | | Works only on {{white|Z}} {{white|M}} {{white|W}} {{white|V}} {{white| }} {{white|L}} [[undead]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Hit [[undead]] with a [[clove of garlic]]<ref> | + | ! Hit [[undead]] with a [[clove of garlic]]<ref>{{sourcecode|uhitm.c|805}} clove of garlic</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| [[D notation|2d4]] | | [[D notation|2d4]] | ||
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| Works only on {{white|Z}} {{white|M}} {{white|W}} {{white|V}} {{white| }} {{white|L}} [[undead]] | | Works only on {{white|Z}} {{white|M}} {{white|W}} {{white|V}} {{white| }} {{white|L}} [[undead]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Read the [[blessed]] [[Book of the Dead]] as a non-[[chaotic]]<ref> | + | ! Read the [[blessed]] [[Book of the Dead]] as a non-[[chaotic]]<ref>{{sourcecode|spell.c|297}} blessed book of the dead</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| Untimed | | Untimed | ||
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| Works only on {{white|Z}} {{white|M}} {{white|W}} {{white|V}} {{white| }} {{white|L}} [[undead]] | | Works only on {{white|Z}} {{white|M}} {{white|W}} {{white|V}} {{white| }} {{white|L}} [[undead]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Stand on an [[altar]]<ref> | + | ! Stand on an [[altar]]<ref>{{sourcecode|monmove.c|144}} altar</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| 1-10 (6/7)<br/>1-100(1/7) | | 1-10 (6/7)<br/>1-100(1/7) | ||
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| Works only on {{white|V}} [[vampire]]s | | Works only on {{white|V}} [[vampire]]s | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Get the "This water gives you bad breath!" effect from a [[fountain]]<ref> | + | ! Get the "This water gives you bad breath!" effect from a [[fountain]]<ref>{{sourcecode|fountain.c|326}} fountain</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| Untimed | | Untimed | ||
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| One of several fountain effects; cannot be predicted. | | One of several fountain effects; cannot be predicted. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Reduce a [[monster]] to less than half [[hit points]]<ref> | + | ! Reduce a [[monster]] to less than half [[hit points]]<ref>{{sourcecode|uhitm.c|445}} hit points</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
|1-100 (1/3)<br/>Untimed (2/3) | |1-100 (1/3)<br/>Untimed (2/3) | ||
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|Happens 4% of the time | |Happens 4% of the time | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! [[Shatter]] a [[monster]]'s [[weapon]]<ref> | + | ! [[Shatter]] a [[monster]]'s [[weapon]]<ref>{{sourcecode|uhitm.c|634}} shattered weapon</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| [[D notation|2d3]] | | [[D notation|2d3]] | ||
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|Happens 75% of the time | |Happens 75% of the time | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Cause a monster to use an [[escape item]]<ref> | + | ! Cause a monster to use an [[escape item]]<ref>{{sourcecode|muse.c|539}} monster uses escape item</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| 3-33 (depends on [[hit points]]) | | 3-33 (depends on [[hit points]]) | ||
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| Usually you don't want the monster to use up [[charge]]s in an escape item. | | Usually you don't want the monster to use up [[charge]]s in an escape item. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Have an [[item]] stolen by a [[monster]] with a [[steal item]] attack<ref> | + | ! Have an [[item]] stolen by a [[monster]] with a [[steal item]] attack<ref>{{sourcecode|mhitu.c|1312}} monster stole from you</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| Untimed | | Untimed | ||
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| You must have an item stolen first. | | You must have an item stolen first. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Encounter a {{monsymlink|leprechaun}} with more [[gold]] than you<ref> | + | ! Encounter a {{monsymlink|leprechaun}} with more [[gold]] than you<ref>{{sourcecode|monmove.c|737}} leprechaun moves away from you</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| 2 | | 2 | ||
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| Leprechauns are not technically scared, however the intent and result are similar to the case of stealing an item, and much of the movement code is shared, so the case is included here. It is harder to acquire the leprechaun's gold. | | Leprechauns are not technically scared, however the intent and result are similar to the case of stealing an item, and much of the movement code is shared, so the case is included here. It is harder to acquire the leprechaun's gold. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Encounter a {{white|;}} [[sea monster]] out of water<ref> | + | ! Encounter a {{white|;}} [[sea monster]] out of water<ref>{{sourcecode|mon.c|478}} sea monster</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| 2 | | 2 | ||
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| These creatures are usually encountered ''in'' water. | | These creatures are usually encountered ''in'' water. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Be healed by a {{monsymlink|nurse}}<ref> | + | ! Be healed by a {{monsymlink|nurse}}<ref>{{sourcecode|mhitu.c|1412}} nurse</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| [[D notation|3d6]] | | [[D notation|3d6]] | ||
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| Happens 1/33 of the time. Slows down [[nurse dancing]] | | Happens 1/33 of the time. Slows down [[nurse dancing]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Fail to [[displace]] a [[pet]]<ref> | + | ! Fail to [[displace]] a [[pet]]<ref>{{sourcecode|uhitm.c|333}} displace a pet</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| 1-6 | | 1-6 | ||
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| Only affects pets. | | Only affects pets. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Attack a [[pet]]<ref> | + | ! Attack a [[pet]]<ref>{{sourcecode|uhitm.c|995}} attack a pet</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| 10*(1-damage done) | | 10*(1-damage done) | ||
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| Only affects pets. Attacking a pet reduces [[tameness]] | | Only affects pets. Attacking a pet reduces [[tameness]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! [[Kick]] a [[pet]]<ref> | + | ! [[Kick]] a [[pet]]<ref>{{sourcecode|dokick.c|68}} kick a pet</ref> |
| align=center|N | | align=center|N | ||
| 1-(damage inflicted) | | 1-(damage inflicted) | ||
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==Effect== | ==Effect== | ||
+ | If you are [[grabbing attack|grabbed]] or [[engulf]]ed by a monster, it will release or expel you when you scare it<ref>{{sourcecode|monmove.c|215}} scaring a monster releases you</ref>. | ||
− | + | A fleeing monster will usually try to get further away from you<ref>{{sourcecode|monmove.c|716}} monster runs away</ref> unless it is trapped<ref>{{sourcecode|monmove.c|614}} trapped monsters can't run away</ref>or eating<ref>{{sourcecode|monmove.c|621}} eating monsters don't run away</ref>. | |
− | A fleeing monster will usually try to get further away from you<ref> | ||
The following monsters have special code to handle their movements, and will not always move away from you while scared: | The following monsters have special code to handle their movements, and will not always move away from you while scared: | ||
− | *[[pet]]s<ref> | + | *[[pet]]s<ref>{{sourcecode|monmove.c|644}} pets have special movement</ref> |
− | *[[shopkeeper]]s<ref> | + | *[[shopkeeper]]s<ref>{{sourcecode|monmove.c|644}} shopkeepers have special movement</ref> |
− | *{{monsymlink|guard}}s<ref> | + | *{{monsymlink|guard}}s<ref>{{sourcecode|monmove.c|658}} guards have special movement</ref> |
− | *[[covetous]] monsters<ref> | + | *[[covetous]] monsters<ref>{{sourcecode|monmove.c|665}} covetous monsters have special movement</ref> |
− | *{{monsymlink|aligned priest}}s<ref> | + | *{{monsymlink|aligned priest}}s<ref>{{sourcecode|monmove.c|685}} aligned priests have special movement</ref> |
− | A fleeing monster may attack you in melee if it blunders into you when you are [[invisible]] or [[displacement|displaced]], or it is [[confused]], [[stunned]], [[blind]]ed<ref> | + | A fleeing monster may attack you in melee if it blunders into you when you are [[invisible]] or [[displacement|displaced]], or it is [[confused]], [[stunned]], [[blind]]ed<ref>{{sourcecode|monmove.c|979}} impaired monsters may attack you</ref> or cornered. Monsters will never melee when adjacent to a square they think is protected by sanctuary, Elbereth or a scroll of scare monster (or an altar if a vampire)<ref>{{sourcecode|monmove.c|548}} Sanctuary, Elbereth and scare monster prevent attacks altogether</ref>. |
Monsters will still use [[ranged attack]]s while fleeing. | Monsters will still use [[ranged attack]]s while fleeing. | ||
− | A monster will stop fleeing when any time has expired. If the scaring is untimed, it will stop fleeing 4% of the time on each move it makes, if its [[hit points]] are at maximum<ref> | + | A monster will stop fleeing when any time has expired. If the scaring is untimed, it will stop fleeing 4% of the time on each move it makes, if its [[hit points]] are at maximum<ref>{{sourcecode|monmove.c|356}} ending an untimed scare</ref>. |
Revision as of 13:10, 10 July 2008
Scaring monsters, causing them to flee can be useful in many cirumstances. Scaring a monster will typically cause it to move away from your position. It will not prevent the use of ranged attacks however, including offensive wands and breath weapons.
Contents
Methods
Note this table does not describe every nuance of each method; see the pages of the individual methods for full details.
Scare Method | Monster can Resist? | Turns | Advantages | Limitations |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sanctuary in a co-aligned temple[1] | N | 1-10 (6/7) 1-100(1/7) |
Most comprehensive effect. | Does not work on minions ( A angelic beings, @ high priests) or & Riders. Does not work if you have sinned or worse. Affects only hostile monsters. |
Stand on Elbereth[2] | N | 1-10 (6/7) 1-100(1/7) |
No tools or skills required. | Requires suitable terrain. You cannot engrave while levitating. Most types of engraving degrade. Does not work on blinded creatures with eyes, @ humans or elves, A angelic beings, H minotaurs or & Riders. Breaks illiterate conduct if you engrave it yourself. Affects only hostile monsters. May be compiled out on your version. |
Stand on a dropped scroll of scare monster[3] | N | 1-10 (6/7) 1-100(1/7) |
Fast deployment. Portable. Using it does not break illiterate conduct. | Requires suitable terrain. Needs to be re-blessed to be reusable. Can be burned by fire. Does not work on blinded creatures with eyes, @ humans or elves, A angelic beings, H minotaurs or & Riders. Affects only hostile monsters. |
Read a noncursed scroll of scare monster[4] | Y | Untimed | Can affect any monster. | Uses up scroll. Breaks illiterate conduct. |
Cast cause fear[5] | Y | Untimed | Can affect any monster. | |
Improvise on a tooled horn or an uncharged frost horn or fire horn[6] | Y | Untimed | Always available once acquired. Can affect any monster. Works while engulfed. Tool can be used to play passtune. | Awakens sleeping monsters. Instruments cannot be used underwater. |
Apply a leather drum[7] | Y | Untimed | Always available once acquired. Can affect any monster. Works while engulfed. Larger area of effect than tooled horn. | Awakens sleeping monsters. Instruments cannot be used underwater. |
Apply a drum of earthquake[8] | Y | Untimed | Affects entire level when charged. Works while engulfed. Works as leather drum once charges are used. | Creates an earthquake when charged. Awakens sleeping monsters. Instruments cannot be used underwater. |
Blind a monster by applying an expensive camera or breaking a wand of light[9] | N | 1-100 (1/4) Untimed(3/4) |
Constant 25% chance of failure. Does not affect shopkeepers, y lights, A archons, monsters that are blind, have no eyes or are protected from blinding by an artifact. Attack blinds the affected monster. Cameras cannot be used underwater. | |
Apply a mirror at a monster[10] | N | 2d4 | Always available once acquired. Some useful special cases. | Cannot affect humanoid monsters, blind monsters (with or without eyes), u unicorns or monsters that are asleep. Constant 20% chance of failure. Some useless special cases. Mirrors do not work underwater.. |
Hit the monster with Magicbane[11] | Y (1/2) N (1/2) |
3 | Always available once acquired. Can affect any monster. Works while engulfed. | Occasional effect. |
Use turn undead ability[12] | N | Untimed | Available only to priests and knights. Cannot be done in Gehennom. Works only on Z M W V L undead or i & demons at level 16 or higher. Will destroy undead instead at higher experience levels. | |
Use wand of undead turning or spell of turn undead[13] | Y | Untimed | Works only on Z M W V L undead | |
Hit undead with a clove of garlic[14] | N | 2d4 | Works only on Z M W V L undead | |
Read the blessed Book of the Dead as a non-chaotic[15] | N | Untimed | Always available once acquired. | Works only on Z M W V L undead |
Stand on an altar[16] | N | 1-10 (6/7) 1-100(1/7) |
Works only on V vampires | |
Get the "This water gives you bad breath!" effect from a fountain[17] | N | Untimed | Affects all monsters on the level. | One of several fountain effects; cannot be predicted. |
Reduce a monster to less than half hit points[18] | N | 1-100 (1/3) Untimed (2/3) |
Happens 4% of the time | |
Shatter a monster's weapon[19] | N | 2d3 | Happens 75% of the time | |
Cause a monster to use an escape item[20] | N | 3-33 (depends on hit points) | Usually you don't want the monster to use up charges in an escape item. | |
Have an item stolen by a monster with a steal item attack[21] | N | Untimed | You must have an item stolen first. | |
Encounter a l leprechaun with more gold than you[22] | N | 2 | Leprechauns are not technically scared, however the intent and result are similar to the case of stealing an item, and much of the movement code is shared, so the case is included here. It is harder to acquire the leprechaun's gold. | |
Encounter a ; sea monster out of water[23] | N | 2 | These creatures are vulnerable when out of water and always flee when they are. | These creatures are usually encountered in water. |
Be healed by a @ nurse[24] | N | 3d6 | Happens 1/33 of the time. Slows down nurse dancing | |
Fail to displace a pet[25] | N | 1-6 | Only affects pets. | |
Attack a pet[26] | N | 10*(1-damage done) | Only affects pets. Attacking a pet reduces tameness | |
Kick a pet[27] | N | 1-(damage inflicted) | Only affects pets. Kicking a pet reduces tameness |
Effect
If you are grabbed or engulfed by a monster, it will release or expel you when you scare it[28].
A fleeing monster will usually try to get further away from you[29] unless it is trapped[30]or eating[31].
The following monsters have special code to handle their movements, and will not always move away from you while scared:
- pets[32]
- shopkeepers[33]
- @ guards[34]
- covetous monsters[35]
- @ aligned priests[36]
A fleeing monster may attack you in melee if it blunders into you when you are invisible or displaced, or it is confused, stunned, blinded[37] or cornered. Monsters will never melee when adjacent to a square they think is protected by sanctuary, Elbereth or a scroll of scare monster (or an altar if a vampire)[38].
Monsters will still use ranged attacks while fleeing.
A monster will stop fleeing when any time has expired. If the scaring is untimed, it will stop fleeing 4% of the time on each move it makes, if its hit points are at maximum[39].
Strategy
There is no single perfect method of scaring enemies; all methods either allow monsters to resist or have significant exceptions. Thus it pays to keep multiple methods available. For example, Sanctuary, Elbereth or a tooled horn will not scare a ki-rin, but because this angelic being is not humanoid, applying a mirror will scare it 4/5ths of the time. A high level player might scare it with a spell of cause fear, but this will be successful less frequently than the humble mirror.
Typically, in the early game, you can rely upon Elbereth, until you start meeting hostile @ humans or elves. Lower difficulty monsters in this group typically have little or no magic resistance and can be scared by an instrument, spell or wand. Later in the game, higher difficulty A angelic beings and @ humans or elves have higher resistance and are thus harder to scare.
The utility of scaring a monster depends on its behaviour. If you want to avoid a monster's melee attack, scaring is is very useful. This makes it ideal for creatures such as c cockatrices and h master mind flayers. Once you have magic resistance and cold resistance however, scaring an L arch-lich is of dubious benefit.
Because monsters with an untimed flee will flee until their hit points recover, it is worth considering attacking an enemy briefly in these cases to ensure it leaves you alone for as long as possible.
References
- ↑ Monmove.c, line 267 Sanctuary
- ↑ Monmove.c, line 142 Elbereth
- ↑ Monmove.c, line 140 dropped scroll of scare monster
- ↑ read.c, line 857 read scroll of scare monster
- ↑ read.c, line 858 cast cause fear
- ↑ Music.c, line 420 tooled horn
- ↑ Music.c, line 459 leather drum
- ↑ Music.c, line 447 drum of earthquake
- ↑ uhitm.c, line 2462 camera or broken wand of light
- ↑ apply.c, line 728 mirror
- ↑ artifact.c, line 854 Magicbane
- ↑ pray.c, line 1736 turn undead ability
- ↑ zap.c, line 157 spell or wand of turn undead
- ↑ uhitm.c, line 805 clove of garlic
- ↑ spell.c, line 297 blessed book of the dead
- ↑ monmove.c, line 144 altar
- ↑ fountain.c, line 326 fountain
- ↑ uhitm.c, line 445 hit points
- ↑ uhitm.c, line 634 shattered weapon
- ↑ muse.c, line 539 monster uses escape item
- ↑ mhitu.c, line 1312 monster stole from you
- ↑ monmove.c, line 737 leprechaun moves away from you
- ↑ mon.c, line 478 sea monster
- ↑ mhitu.c, line 1412 nurse
- ↑ uhitm.c, line 333 displace a pet
- ↑ uhitm.c, line 995 attack a pet
- ↑ dokick.c, line 68 kick a pet
- ↑ monmove.c, line 215 scaring a monster releases you
- ↑ monmove.c, line 716 monster runs away
- ↑ monmove.c, line 614 trapped monsters can't run away
- ↑ monmove.c, line 621 eating monsters don't run away
- ↑ monmove.c, line 644 pets have special movement
- ↑ monmove.c, line 644 shopkeepers have special movement
- ↑ monmove.c, line 658 guards have special movement
- ↑ monmove.c, line 665 covetous monsters have special movement
- ↑ monmove.c, line 685 aligned priests have special movement
- ↑ monmove.c, line 979 impaired monsters may attack you
- ↑ monmove.c, line 548 Sanctuary, Elbereth and scare monster prevent attacks altogether
- ↑ monmove.c, line 356 ending an untimed scare
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It may contain text specific to NetHack 3.4.3. Information on this page may be out of date.
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