Soldier ant
a soldier ant 
| |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | 6 |
| Attacks |
Bite 2d4 poison |
| Base level | 3 |
| Base experience | 39 |
| Speed | 18 |
| Base AC | 3 |
| Base MR | 0 |
| Alignment | 0 (neutral) |
| Frequency (by normal means) | Rare |
| Genocidable | Yes |
| Weight | 20 |
| Nutritional value | 5 |
| Size | Tiny |
| Resistances | Poison |
| Resistances conveyed |
Poison |
|
A soldier ant: | |
| Reference | monst.c#line111 |
A soldier ant is a fast, very deadly ant.
Soldier ants are a major cause of early death. This is because of their high intrinsic speed, and tendency to appear in packs. (Some players die to giant ants, but those deaths occur less often as soldier ants can do significantly more damage.)
There are two strategies for players who encounter soldier ants early in the game.
- Run to the stairway (hopefully, the stairway up) as soon as the ant is spotted. If possible, disable the ant (with a wand of sleep) before fleeing. Soldier ants are very fast, so use any escape items or spells that will help you get to the stairs more quickly. Close doors to block the ant, if you are strong. Weak characters might not be able to close the door in time.
- Attack the ant with your best items. Use your best offensive wands against the ant. (A wand of striking is liable to miss the ant; it is a poor choice.)
Origin
Soldier ants are a nickname for army ants in real life. Although it is possible that humans have been killed by army or driver ants, it is extremely unlikely, as they are little bigger than ordinary ants. They do, however, travel in very large groups.
Team Ant
Since soldier ants are the highest single cause of death on nethack.alt.org, it has become something of a cliche to say "Go team a!" or "Go Team Ant!" on #nethack on irc.freenode.net, NAO's channel, whenever Rodney announces a death.
