Astral deva (SLASH'EM) - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: /* Strategy */ word choice

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‎Strategy: word choice

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2024-11-27T12:35:14Z

‎Strategy: typo

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Umbire the Phantom: and split 3 - that's the slash stuff done at least

2024-11-27T12:33:41Z

and split 3 - that's the slash stuff done at least

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{{monster
|name=astral deva
|difficulty=27
|level=18
|speed=18
|AC=−6
|MR=90
|align=15
|experience=676
|frequency=1
|genocidable=No
|attacks=Weapon 3d12 physical, Weapon 1d4 [[stun]], [[Monster spell|Spellcasting]] 3d4 clerical
|size=Medium
|weight=1450
|nutr=400
|resistances=[[Death resistance|death magic]]
|resistances conveyed=None
|attributes={{attributes|An astral deva|fly=1|humanoid=1|seeinvis=1|nopoly=1|minion=1|stalk=1|strong=1|nasty=1|infravisible=1|infravision=1|plusone=1|nocorpse=1|nohell=1}}
|reference=[[SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2/monst.c#line1962]]
}}

An '''astral deva''', {{monsym|astral deva}}, is a type of monster that appears in [[SLASH'EM]], [[SpliceHack]] and [[SlashTHEM]]. The astral deva is a [[humanoid]] [[angelic being]] that is the strongest of the devas. Astral devas are [[strong]], capable of [[flight]], have [[infravision]], can [[see invisible]], can be seen via infravision, and can [[follow]] a [[hero]] to other levels if they are adjacent.

An astral deva has a strong weapon attack, a second weapon attack that can [[stun]] targets, and the ability to cast one clerical [[monster spell]] during each of their turns. Astral devas possess [[death resistance]], [[Need +x weapon to hit|require a +1 weapon or better to be hit]] and implicitly [[Hits creatures as +x weapon|hit as +1 weapons]].

==Generation==
Randomly generated astral devas may be created as peaceful towards lawful heroes with a non-negative [[alignment record]], and will not appear in [[Gehennom]].{{refsrc|makemon.c|2038|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}} They are not a valid form for [[polymorph]]. In SpliceHack, astral devas are additionally only generated on the [[Elemental Planes]], and a monadic deva can grow up into an [[astral deva]].

Hostile astral devas can be generated as [[minion]]s of an [[angry]] lawful god, and tame astral devas can be given to lawful heroes by their god via [[prayer]] or [[sacrifice]] from [[experience level]]s 16 to 22.{{refsrc|pray.c|1167|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}{{refsrc|pray.c|1203|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}

Astral devas are [[Monster starting inventory|always generated with]] a blessed erodeproof [[long sword]] that has an [[enchantment]] ranging from +0 to +3, and has a {{frac|20}} chance of being made into either [[Demonbane]] or [[Sunsword]] (with an equal probability of each if neither artifact has been generated).{{refsrc|makemon.c|661|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}} They are also always generated with an uncursed [[erodeproof]] +0 shield, which is a [[shield of reflection]] {{frac|4}} of the time and a [[large shield]] otherwise.{{refsrc|makemon.c|673|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}

An astral deva [[Corpseless|never leaves a corpse]] upon death.

==Strategy==
{{todo|Figure out how to incorporate SpliceHack strategy.}}
As the strongest of the devas, astral devas boast the higher [[monster level]] and the best [[AC]], with even higher damage potential than the monadic devas: they have -6 base AC, along with the same 18 [[speed]], [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]] of 90, and immunity to death magic and unenchanted, non-[[artifact]] weapons as other devas, and can also utilize all clerical monster spells. As with other devas, the dangers of angering a lawful deity into sending one after the hero is a reason to avoid converting lawful [[altar]]s unless that hero is below experience level 4 (which reliably prevents hostile minions of any kind from generating), while lawful heroes that maintain their alignment record will rarely (if ever) encounter hostile ones.{{refsrc|pray.c|1583|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}{{refsrc|pray.c|1606|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}

Astral devas can raise their boost their already-high [[speed]] of 18 with [[Haste self (monster spell)|haste self]], cast [[cure self]] to restore HP, [[curse items]], [[summon insects]], and wield the powerful [[fire pillar]] and [[geyser]] spells. Even if the deva lacks a source of [[reflection]], a hero that cannot quickly defeat a hostile one should evade them wherever possible, using any available [[escape item]]s if necessary. Weapons that are highly-enchanted and/or artifacts work best against astral devas, and {{of|wand|draining|and=1|fireball}} wands can circumvent their resistances; a means of [[stoning]] can immediately dispatch one for a hero fortunate enough to have it.

===As pets===
Astral devas are among the best pet candidates of the three devas: lawful heroes can receive them via prayer or sacrifice at [[altar]]s (the latter of which does not increase prayer timeout), and they have similar speed, self-healing and AC, as well as the ability to reach level 27 before requiring any [[potions of gain level]]. Non-minion astral devas can wear all armor, including any armor that grants [[magic resistance]] to protect against [[polymorph trap]]s and complement a shield or other source of reflection; minion astral devas can still be quite strong in spite of being unable to equip further armor and weapons.

==Origin==
Devas are derived from ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', where they debut in the AD&D ''Monster Manual II'' for the 1st Edition and were previewed in issue #63 of ''[[wikipedia:Dragon (magazine)|Dragon Magazine]]''. These devas are named for the heavenly deities or deity-like figures of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, which were later adopted as nature spirits in New Age belief: though they share some traits of all three types, they also draw on common portrayals of angels from Western tradition and Abrahamic religions. The word ''deva'' (masculine, feminine form ''devi'') is from Sanskrit, and is translated as "deity", "god", "exalted one", or "shining one".

The devas of ''Dungeons & Dragons'', are human-like beings of extraordinary beauty with two magnificent feathered wings emerging from their backs. From their debut up to the 3rd edition, there are three orders of deva, with the astral deva being the strongest of the three orders overseeing the Lower and Astral Planes: they perform services for their sovereigns, recuse lost or stranded mortals of good alignment, come to the aid of planeswalkers, mighty creatures and other good beings who pursued good causes, and battle fiends in the outer Lower Planes. Astral devas were especially tall at 84-90 inches (2.1–2.3 meters), with particularly mighty examples growing to much larger size; their bodies were lithe and supple with long white wings tinted with gold, and they moved with grace and unearthly speed. An astral deva glows with an inner power bright enough that it can be hard to look directly upon one; they also possess golden-hued skin, fair or golden hair, and amber-colored eyes. All devas are averse to clothing and don simple loincloths or other coverings in humanoid form.

Astral devas possess all the powers, protections and traits common to devas and other angels, along with many more of their own. Like other devas, they sometimes dealt with neutral beings and would not knowingly deal peacefully with any evil being. While astral devas do not enjoy battle the way monadic devas are known to do, they are ferocious and swift to react; they still take joy in fighting evil creatures, entering melee without hesitation or fear to powerfully cleave through enemy ranks. Each astral deva wields a large celestial mace equivalent to a +3 standard or heavy mace of disruption, and has a tendency to carry useful items where other devas often forego non-weapon possessions—they wield their maces with finesse, such that two blows in quick succession could leave a foe stunned senseless for a brief period. Astral devas are always alert to danger and can always react to defend themselves, even from unexpected attacks.

==Encyclopedia entry==
{{encyclopedia|Devas are the descendants of plane-touched aasimon. They have
feathery wings that may be vestigial or functional.
Movanic devas are the most frequently seen by mortals. Their
milky skin and slender build distinguishes them from the
dark and muscular monadic devas. The latter are rarely encountered
except in the inner planes. It is said they are able to breathe
elements other than air.
[ adapted from Aasimar, by David Roberts and Brynn ]
}}

==References==
<references/>
{{slashem-7E7|offset=1}}
{{variant-343}}
[[Category:SLASH'EM monsters]]
[[Category:SpliceHack monsters]]
[[Category:SlashTHEM monsters]]

@@ Line 35: / Line 35: @@
 ==Strategy==
 {{todo|Figure out how to incorporate SpliceHack strategy.}}
-As the strongest of the devas, astral devas boast the highest [[monster level]] and the best [[AC]], with even higher damage potential than the monadic devas: they have -6 base AC, along with the same 18 [[speed]], [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]] of 90, and immunity to death magic and unenchanted, non-[[artifact]] weapons as other devas, and can also utilize all clerical monster spells. As with other devas, the dangers of angering a lawful deity into sending one after the hero is a reason to avoid converting lawful [[altar]]s unless that hero is below experience level 4 (which reliably prevents hostile minions of any kind from generating), while lawful heroes that maintain their alignment record will rarely (if ever) encounter hostile ones.{{refsrc|pray.c|1583|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}{{refsrc|pray.c|1606|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}
+As the strongest of the devas, astral devas boast the highest [[monster level]] and the best [[AC]], with even higher damage potential than the monadic devas: they have -6 base AC, along with the same 18 [[speed]], [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]] of 90, and immunity to death magic and unenchanted, non-[[artifact]] weapons as other devas, and can also utilize all clerical monster spells. As with other devas, the dangers of a lawful deity sending one upon converting lawful [[altar]]s is a reason for a non-lawful hero to avoid doing so unless they are prepared or below experience level 4 (which reliably prevents hostile minions of any kind from generating).{{refsrc|pray.c|1583|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}{{refsrc|pray.c|1606|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}} Lawful heroes that maintain their alignment record and keep their god happy will rarely (if ever) encounter hostile ones.
 Astral devas can raise their boost their already-high [[speed]] of 18 with [[Haste self (monster spell)|haste self]], cast [[cure self]] to restore HP, [[curse items]], [[summon insects]], and wield the powerful [[fire pillar]] and [[geyser]] spells. They are roughly comparable to [[Archon]]s in power, even if they lack a source of [[reflection]]: a hero that cannot quickly defeat a hostile one should evade them wherever possible, using any available [[escape item]]s if necessary. Weapons that are highly-enchanted and/or artifacts work best against astral devas, and {{of|wand|draining|and=1|fireball}} wands can circumvent their resistances; a means of [[stoning]] can immediately dispatch one for a hero fortunate enough to have it.

@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 As the strongest of the devas, astral devas boast the highest [[monster level]] and the best [[AC]], with even higher damage potential than the monadic devas: they have -6 base AC, along with the same 18 [[speed]], [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]] of 90, and immunity to death magic and unenchanted, non-[[artifact]] weapons as other devas, and can also utilize all clerical monster spells. As with other devas, the dangers of angering a lawful deity into sending one after the hero is a reason to avoid converting lawful [[altar]]s unless that hero is below experience level 4 (which reliably prevents hostile minions of any kind from generating), while lawful heroes that maintain their alignment record will rarely (if ever) encounter hostile ones.{{refsrc|pray.c|1583|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}{{refsrc|pray.c|1606|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}
-Astral devas can raise their boost their already-high [[speed]] of 18 with [[Haste self (monster spell)|haste self]], cast [[cure self]] to restore HP, [[curse items]], [[summon insects]], and wield the powerful [[fire pillar]] and [[geyser]] spells. They are roughly comparable to [[Archon]]s in power, even if they lacks a source of [[reflection]]: a hero that cannot quickly defeat a hostile one should evade them wherever possible, using any available [[escape item]]s if necessary. Weapons that are highly-enchanted and/or artifacts work best against astral devas, and {{of|wand|draining|and=1|fireball}} wands can circumvent their resistances; a means of [[stoning]] can immediately dispatch one for a hero fortunate enough to have it.
+Astral devas can raise their boost their already-high [[speed]] of 18 with [[Haste self (monster spell)|haste self]], cast [[cure self]] to restore HP, [[curse items]], [[summon insects]], and wield the powerful [[fire pillar]] and [[geyser]] spells. They are roughly comparable to [[Archon]]s in power, even if they lack a source of [[reflection]]: a hero that cannot quickly defeat a hostile one should evade them wherever possible, using any available [[escape item]]s if necessary. Weapons that are highly-enchanted and/or artifacts work best against astral devas, and {{of|wand|draining|and=1|fireball}} wands can circumvent their resistances; a means of [[stoning]] can immediately dispatch one for a hero fortunate enough to have it.
 ===As pets===