Archon - Revision history

Ray Chason: Include the female tile

2026-05-11T21:58:29Z

Include the female tile

Tomsod: /* As pets */ conflict from any source is treated as the ring (level 5)

2025-11-19T06:40:13Z

‎As pets: conflict from any source is treated as the ring (level 5)

Umbire the Phantom: /* Origin */ touch-up

2025-08-28T05:19:44Z

‎Origin: touch-up

Umbire the Phantom: touch ups

2025-08-28T05:17:53Z

touch ups

Johnmatt3000: Minor typo correction (case -> cast)

2025-08-27T13:39:57Z

Minor typo correction (case -> cast)

Umbire the Phantom: potholes and wordsmithing

2025-03-30T07:09:28Z

potholes and wordsmithing

Umbire the Phantom: some copyedit

2025-03-05T06:18:10Z

some copyedit

Umbire the Phantom: note commit

2024-12-28T16:11:18Z

note commit

Phol ende wodan: /* Generation */ 3.7: archons can also get demonbane because they can receive a mace

2024-12-28T13:05:22Z

‎Generation: 3.7: archons can also get demonbane because they can receive a mace

Umbire the Phantom: copyedit

2024-06-25T12:47:31Z

copyedit

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{monster
   |difficulty=26
   |level=19

@@ Line 53: / Line 53: @@
 Archons are exceedingly popular as pets due to their power: they are inediate, hard-hitting and have far more capabilities compared to a tamed arch-lich. Archons are too large for body armor, but can wear other armor (i.e., [[gloves]], [[helm]]s, [[boots]], and [[shield]]s), and will pick up and use a variety of items. Getting an Archon to drop their starting weapon can be quite hard: applying a [[bullwhip]] towards them can strip them of their current weapon, allowing you to hand them another weapon or enchant their initial one before handing it back.
-Archons move at 22 [[speed]] after they cast [[Haste self (monster spell)|haste self]] and will use their blinding gaze frequently against enemies, though it does not stun them in exactly the same way it would stun you. Additionally, an Archon's [[monster magic resistance|MR score]] of 80 allows it to always ignore [[conflict]] from a ring once it reaches level 25, or level 30 for a weapon; a level 32 or higher Archon will also be immune to [[polymorph trap]]s. However, there is no way to make an Archon immune to [[level teleporter]]s, so beware if an Archon runs into one - unless you begin searching quickly, they will likely be untamed by the time you find them again.
+Archons move at 22 [[speed]] after they cast [[Haste self (monster spell)|haste self]] and will use their blinding gaze frequently against enemies, though it does not stun them in exactly the same way it would stun you. Additionally, an Archon's [[monster magic resistance|MR score]] of 80 allows it to always ignore [[conflict]] once it reaches level 25; a level 32 or higher Archon will also be immune to [[polymorph trap]]s. However, there is no way to make an Archon immune to [[level teleporter]]s, so beware if an Archon runs into one - unless you begin searching quickly, they will likely be untamed by the time you find them again.
 ====Obtaining a pet Archon====

@@ Line 66: / Line 66: @@
 ==Origin==
-In the early literary period of ancient Greece, the word ''Archon'' (Greek: ἄρχων, ''arkhon'') was used to mean "ruler" and frequently occurred in the title of a specific public office, e.g. the chief magistrates of various Greek city states were called ''archontes''. The Archon as a monster is derived from the celestial archons introduced in the 2nd Edition of ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' - these are distinct from "elemental archons", worshipers of an elemental lord who gained the powers of one of the four elements. Celestial Archons came in nine distinct varieties: Hound, Justice, Lantern, Sword, Tome, Throne, Trumpet, Warden, and Word. Throne archons were the second highest in rank of the archons that occupied a hierarchy, and served the higher-ranking Tome archons.
+In the early literary period of ancient Greece, the word ''Archon'' (Greek: ἄρχων, ''arkhon'') was used to mean "ruler" and frequently occurred in the title of a specific public office, e.g. the chief magistrates of various Greek city states were called ''archontes''. The Archon as a monster is derived from the celestial archons introduced in the 2nd Edition of ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]''&mdash;these are distinct from "elemental archons", worshipers of an elemental lord who gained the powers of one of the four elements. Celestial Archons came in nine distinct varieties: Hound, Justice, Lantern, Sword, Tome, Throne, Trumpet, Warden, and Word. Throne Archons were the second-highest in rank of the Archons that occupied a hierarchy, and served the higher-ranking Tome Archons.
-The Archons of ''NetHack'' are most closely modeled after Throne archons, particularly including their high resistance to magic and weapons as well as their "penitentiary gaze" (analogous to the blinding and stunning gaze attack). This gaze overwhelmed any creature that was not lawful good with remorse for their sins; it could even manifest the guilt of evil creatures as painful boils, and produced highly realistic and draining visions in creatures that were more chaotic. A Throne archon that was forced to fight used this gaze to exhaust foes into submission before attempting to decapitate them with their greatswords.
+The Archons of ''NetHack'' are most closely modeled after Throne archons, particularly including their high resistance to magic and weapons as well as their "penitentiary gaze" (analogous to the blinding and stunning gaze attack). In ''Dungeons & Dragons'', this gaze overwhelmed any creature that was not lawful good with remorse for their sins; it could even manifest the guilt of evil creatures as painful boils, and produced highly realistic and draining visions in chaotic creatures. A Throne Archon that was forced to fight used this gaze to exhaust foes into submission before attempting to decapitate them with their greatswords.
 ==Variants==

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
   |frequency=1
   |genocidable=No
-  |attacks=Weapon 2d4 physical, Weapon 2d4 physical, [[Gaze]] 2d6 [[blind]]/[[stun]], Claw 1d8 physical, [[Monster spell|Spell-casting]] 0d0 mage
+  |attacks=Weapon 2d4 [[Physical damage|physical]], Weapon 2d4 physical, [[Gaze]] 2d6 [[blind]]/[[stun]], [[Claw attack|Claw]] 1d8 physical, [[Monster spell|Spell-casting]] 0d0 mage
   |weight=1450
   |nutr=400
@@ Line 40: / Line 40: @@
 ==Strategy==
-Archons are among the most difficult non-unique monsters to take on in a straight fight - they have a stellar base [[AC]] of -6, and Archons with a shield of reflection will deflect any kind of ray-based spell, including [[death ray]]s. They are also capable of wielding nearly the entire arsenal of mage monster spells against you, which spells a quick end if they get within melee range and you lack [[magic resistance]]. Furthermore, they ignore [[Elbereth]], cannot be scared off by standing on a [[scroll of scare monster]], and cannot be blinded by sources such as an [[expensive camera]]. In most cases, it is wiser to avoid them and keep moving, which can be aided by exploiting their inability to unlock doors; peaceful Archons are considered a significant advantage of being lawful.
+Archons are among the most difficult non-unique monsters to take on in a straight fight: they have a stellar base [[AC]] of -6, and Archons with a shield of reflection will deflect any kind of ray-based spell, including [[death ray]]s. They are also capable of wielding nearly the entire arsenal of mage monster spells against you, which spells a quick end if they get within melee range and you lack [[magic resistance]]. Furthermore, they ignore [[Elbereth]], cannot be scared off by standing on a [[scroll of scare monster]], and cannot be blinded by sources such as an [[expensive camera]]. In most cases, it is wiser to avoid them and keep moving, which can be aided by exploiting their inability to unlock doors; peaceful Archons are considered a significant advantage of being lawful.
 For others, the best way to fight an Archon beyond possessing magic resistance is to use a [[footrice]] corpse and [[blind]] yourself to protect against their gaze; wearing [[the Eyes of the Overworld]] if you have them also prevents you from being stunned or blinded by this attack. Another offensive option is to try using [[Vorpal Blade]], which can still decapitate them.
@@ Line 56: / Line 56: @@
 ====Obtaining a pet Archon====
-The easiest way to obtain a pet Archon is to apply a blessed [[figurine]] of an Archon; wishing for this figurine is a common [[pacifist]] goal. However, an Archon from a figurine will not generate with its standard inventory of a longsword and shield of reflection, and without reflection it is vulnerable to death rays and [[disintegration]] breath. The figurine also has a {{frac|10}} chance of generating a hostile Archon, which makes a fearsome fight even without their usual inventory, so try to have an [[escape item]] handy in case.
+The easiest way to obtain a pet Archon is to apply a blessed [[figurine]] of an Archon: wishing for this figurine is a common [[pacifist]] goal. However, an Archon from a figurine will not generate with its standard inventory of a longsword and shield of reflection, and without [[reflection]] it is vulnerable to death rays and [[disintegration]] breath. The figurine also has a {{frac|10}} chance of generating a hostile Archon, which makes a fearsome fight even without their usual inventory, so try to have an [[escape item]] handy in case.
-As an alternative to the figurine, a lawful character might wish for a [[statue]] of an Archon, {{spell of|stone to flesh}} it, and then cast {{spell of|charm monster}}. Although this is much harder and requires a fairly advanced spellcaster, the Archon will never come to life as hostile for a lawful character with positive alignment record, making this a safer option.
+As an alternative to the figurine, a lawful hero might wish for a [[statue]] of an Archon, {{spell of|stone to flesh}} it, and then cast {{spell of|charm monster}}. Although this is much harder and requires a fairly advanced spellcaster, the Archon will never come to life as hostile for a lawful character with positive alignment record, making this a safer option.
-Another alternative for a high-level character is to tame a randomly-generated Archon with a charm monster spell, but this will often require several attempts due to its high monster magic resistance, which can be painful if the Archon is hostile. The most difficult portion of this may well be finding a random Archon: on top of requiring a high experience level, the Castle and Vlad's Tower are the likeliest areas, and the latter has a bias towards generating chaotic monsters. The {{spell of|create monster}} spell can be used to create many monsters quickly, but be sure not to expend so much [[energy]] that you cannot cast charm monster afterward. Once you find an Archon, draining their level will make the spell more reliable - the best tools for this are [[the Staff of Aesculapius]] or [[Stormbringer]], as other level-draining methods will take far longer. If there is a [[magic trap]] nearby, you might consider repeatedly triggering it and hoping for the taming effect, which ignores monster MR.
+Another alternative for a high-level character is to tame a randomly-generated Archon with a charm monster spell, but this will often require several attempts due to its high monster magic resistance, which can be painful if the Archon is hostile. The most difficult portion of this may well be finding a random Archon: on top of requiring a high experience level, the Castle and Vlad's Tower are the likeliest areas, and the latter has a bias towards generating chaotic monsters. The {{+ of|create monster}} spell can be used to create many monsters quickly, but be sure not to expend so much [[energy]] that you cannot cast charm monster afterward. Once you find an Archon, draining their level will make the spell more reliable&mdash;the best tools for this are [[The Staff of Aesculapius]] or [[Stormbringer]], as other level-draining methods will take far longer. If there is a [[magic trap]] nearby, you might consider repeatedly triggering it and hoping for the taming effect, which ignores monster MR.
 ==History==
-The Archon first appears in [[NetHack 3.1.0]]. From this version to [[NetHack 3.4.3]], including some variants based on these versions, a figurine of an Archon would generate the monster with its usual starting inventory, making it easier to indirectly procure artifacts by wishing for such a figurine.
+The Archon first appears in [[NetHack 3.1.0]]. From this version to [[NetHack 3.4.3]], including some variants based on these versions, a figurine of an Archon will generate the monster with its usual starting inventory, making it easier to indirectly procure artifacts by wishing for such a figurine.
 ==Origin==
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 In [[SLASH'EM]], the dungeon is much deeper, resulting in a higher probability of encountering an Archon before the Castle. Archons can also be obtained as tame minions through [[prayer]] and [[sacrifice]] for lawful heroes from experience levels 19 to 25.
-Archons have their base AC boosted to -10, [[Need +x weapon to hit|require a +4 weapon to hit]] and hit as +4 weapons themselves, and have additional [[death resistance|resistance to death rays]]. The [[Planetar]] and [[Solar]] are the only angelic beings that outclass the Archon in terms of sheer power, possessing stronger versions of the same attacks - Archons are still a stellar choice for pets, and due to the above changes to dungeon depth they are somewhat easier to obtain outside of wishing for a figurine (which follows NetHack 3.4.3 rules).
+Archons have their base AC boosted to -10, [[Need +x weapon to hit|require a +4 weapon to hit]] and hit as +4 weapons themselves, and have additional [[death resistance|resistance to death rays]]. The [[Planetar]] and [[Solar]] are the only angelic beings that outclass the Archon in terms of sheer power, possessing stronger versions of the same attacks&mdash;Archons are still a stellar choice for pets, and due to the above changes to dungeon depth and ability to receive tame minions, they are somewhat easier to obtain outside of wishing for a figurine (which follows NetHack 3.4.3 rules).
-Using [[firearms]] to fire +4 or higher [[bullet]]s can bypass the reflection granted by an Archon's shield, and is among the most reliable ways of bringing one down in combat.
+Using [[firearms]] to fire several +4 or higher [[Bullet (SLASH'EM)|bullets]] is among the most reliable ways of bringing one down in combat, since it ignores resistances and reflection.
 ===dNetHack===
 {{main|Archon (dNetHack)}}
-Archons in [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]] are split into 10 varieties: 7 main types, plus 3 types that are not randomly generated and are primarily found as [[statue]]s on the [[Healer quest]]. The counterpart to the Archon of ''NetHack'' is the [[Archon (dNetHack)#Throne Archon|Throne Archon]].
+Archons in [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]] are split into 10 varieties: 7 main types, plus 3 types that are not randomly generated and are primarily found as [[statue]]s on the [[Healer quest]]. The closest counterpart to the Archon of ''NetHack'' is the [[Archon (dNetHack)#Throne Archon|Throne Archon]].
 ===xNetHack===
-In [[xNetHack]], the random {{mcsl|V}} and {{mcsl|L}} generated on the Astral Plane are replaced with random {{white|A}}, making it much likelier to encounter one or more Archons there.
+In [[xNetHack]], the random {{mcsl|V}} and {{mcsl|L}} generated on the Astral Plane are replaced with random {{white|A}}, making it much likelier for a hero to encounter one or more Archons there.
 ===EvilHack===
-In [[EvilHack]], Archons retain the same stat line as in ''NetHack'', but are given magic resistance, making them harder still to fight; conflict may also prove less effective against Archons, since monsters in EvilHack can use their monster spells in combat against other monsters. This does also make tamed Archons even stronger pets, since they can deliver a touch of death to strong hostile threats that are vulnerable, and their magic resistance prevents them from being instantly killed by a [[wand of death]] or the touch of death monster spell.
+In [[EvilHack]], Archons retain the same stat line as in ''NetHack'', but are given magic resistance, making them harder still to fight; conflict may also prove less effective against Archons, since monsters in EvilHack can use their monster spells in combat against other monsters. This does also make tamed Archons even stronger pets, since they can deliver a touch of death to strong hostile threats that are vulnerable, and their magic resistance prevents them from being instantly killed by the spell in return and allows them to survive [[death ray]]s even without a shield.
 ==Encyclopedia entry==

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 An '''Archon''', {{monsym|Archon}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. Archons are the most powerful of the [[angelic being]]s, and act as [[Lord (monster attribute)|lords]] to their kind&mdash;they have the second highest [[monster difficulty]] of all randomly generated monsters after the [[arch-lich]]. Archons are large [[humanoid]]s that are capable of [[flight]], can [[see invisible]], possess [[regeneration]], and can [[follow]] a [[hero]] to other levels.
-An Archon has two weapon attacks, an active [[gaze attack]] that [[blind]]s and [[stun]]s targets, a claw attack, and the ability to case one mage [[monster spell]] during each of their turns.
+An Archon has two weapon attacks, an active [[gaze attack]] that [[blind]]s and [[stun]]s targets, a claw attack, and the ability to cast one mage [[monster spell]] during each of their turns.
 ==Generation==

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
   |frequency=1
   |genocidable=No
-  |attacks=Weapon 2d4, Weapon 2d4, [[gaze attack|Gaze]] 2d6 [[blind]]ing and [[stun]]ning, Claw 1d8, [[monster spell|Spell-casting]]
+  |attacks=Weapon 2d4 physical, Weapon 2d4 physical, [[Gaze]] 2d6 [[blind]]/[[stun]], Claw 1d8 physical, [[Monster spell|Spell-casting]] 0d0 mage
   |weight=1450
   |nutr=400
   |size=Large
-  |resistances=Fire, Cold, Shock, Sleep, Poison
+  |resistances=[[Fire resistance]], [[cold resistance]], [[shock resistance]], [[sleep resistance]], [[poison resistance]]
   |resistances conveyed=None
   |attributes={{attributes|An Archon|nohell=1|nocorpse=1|humanoid=1|fly=1|seeinvis=1|regen=1|nopoly=1|minion=1|stalk=1|strong=1|nasty=1|lord=1|collect=1|magic=1|infravisible=1|infravision=1}}
-  |reference=[[monst.c#line1106]]
+  |reference=[[monst.c#line1026]]
 }}
-The '''Archon''', {{monsym|Archon}}, is a powerful monster that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. Archons are the most powerful of the [[angelic being]]s, and have the second highest [[monster difficulty]] of all randomly generated monsters after the [[arch-lich]]. They are large [[humanoid]]s that are capable of [[flight]], can [[see invisible]], possess [[regeneration]], and can [[follow]] you to other levels.
+An '''Archon''', {{monsym|Archon}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. Archons are the most powerful of the [[angelic being]]s, and act as [[Lord (monster attribute)|lords]] to their kind&mdash;they have the second highest [[monster difficulty]] of all randomly generated monsters after the [[arch-lich]]. Archons are large [[humanoid]]s that are capable of [[flight]], can [[see invisible]], possess [[regeneration]], and can [[follow]] a [[hero]] to other levels.
-An Archon can attack five times per turn: this includes two weapon attacks, an active gaze attack that [[blind]]s and [[stun]]s you, a claw attack, and a set of mage [[monster spell]]s up to and including the [[touch of death]].
+An Archon has two weapon attacks, an active [[gaze attack]] that [[blind]]s and [[stun]]s targets, a claw attack, and the ability to case one mage [[monster spell]] during each of their turns.
 ==Generation==
-Archons will always generate as peaceful for [[lawful]] characters with a non-negative [[alignment record]], and are not a valid target for [[genocide]] or [[polymorph]]. As a [[M2_LORD|lord]] to its kind, a randomly-generated Archon [[Monster starting inventory|will always have]] a [[rustproof]] [[long sword]] and a [[shield of reflection]] - if neither [[Demonbane]] nor [[Sunsword]] have been created in that game, the long sword will be converted to either of the two artifacts.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|332|nethack=3.6.7}} Archons [[corpseless|do not leave corpses]] upon death.
+Archons will always generate as peaceful for [[lawful]] characters with a non-negative [[alignment record]]. They are not a valid target for genocide or polymorph.
-In terms of random generation, Archons have such high difficulty that even for a [[player]] at [[experience level]] 30, they cannot appear before [[dungeon level]] 22. Since the [[Dungeons of Doom]] end around level 29 and Archons cannot be generated in [[Gehennom]], most characters will not see one before finding the [[Amulet of Yendor]], which raises their effective level to at least 45 for purposes of monster generation. There are two particular locations of note that an Archon can appear in:
+In terms of random generation, Archons have such high difficulty that even for a hero at [[experience level]] 30, they cannot appear before [[dungeon level]] 22. Since the [[Dungeons of Doom]] end around level 29 and Archons cannot be generated in [[Gehennom]], most characters will not see one before finding the [[Amulet of Yendor]], which raises their effective level to at least 45 for purposes of monster generation. There are two particular locations of note that an Archon can appear in:
 * The random angelic being generated when using the second version of [[Medusa's Island]] can be an Archon, but the odds are quite low.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1311|nethack=3.6.7}}
 * [[Vlad's Tower]] is not technically part of Gehennom, making it possible for one to generate, though the branch's chaotic bias makes them exceedingly rare.
-Archons are not eligible to be created by the [[summon nasties]] [[monster spell]], but can cast the spell themselves and may appear in place of a summoned nasty that was genocided - this can very rarely result in what is called an "[[Archonstorm]]". Archons can also appear as the minions of lawful [[god]]s, but are almost never seen in this capacity unless you actively set up the required circumstances.
+Archons are not eligible to be created by the [[summon nasties]] [[monster spell]], but can cast the spell themselves and may appear in place of a summoned nasty that was genocided&mdash;this can very rarely result in what is called an "[[Archonstorm]]". Archons can also appear as the minions of lawful [[god]]s, but are almost never seen in this capacity unless a hero actively sets up the required circumstances.
 {{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Demonbane's base item is changed to a [[mace]] per {{commit|b1a5a9c3903a0282f82787d20fd70f13196e2465}}. Archons now have a {{frac|2|3}} chance of receiving a long sword, but the remainder of the time they receive a mace. When they get a long sword, it is Sunsword if it does not already exist; when they get a mace, it becomes Demonbane if it does not already exist.}}

@@ Line 33: / Line 33: @@
 Archons are not eligible to be created by the [[summon nasties]] [[monster spell]], but can cast the spell themselves and may appear in place of a summoned nasty that was genocided - this can very rarely result in what is called an "[[Archonstorm]]". Archons can also appear as the minions of lawful [[god]]s, but are almost never seen in this capacity unless you actively set up the required circumstances.
-{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7|Demonbane is now a [[mace]], but Archons still only receive a long sword, so they can no longer generate with Demonbane.}}
+{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Demonbane is now a [[mace]]. Archons now have a {{frac|2|3}} chance of receiving a long sword, but the remainder of the time they receive a mace. When they get a long sword, it is Sunsword if it does not already exist; when they get a mace, it becomes Demonbane if it does not already exist.}}
 ==Strategy==