Cave dweller (player monster) - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: pasto

2026-05-05T04:20:07Z

pasto

Umbire the Phantom: tweak

2026-05-05T04:13:41Z

tweak

Umbire the Phantom: resolve the upcoming

2026-05-05T02:38:44Z

resolve the upcoming

Umbire the Phantom: typo

2026-05-05T02:30:49Z

typo

Umbire the Phantom: get a head start on this too

2026-05-05T02:29:25Z

get a head start on this too

Umbire the Phantom: Umbire the Phantom moved page Caveman (player monster) to Cave dweller (player monster) over redirect: Reflect NetHack 5 release

2026-05-05T02:16:28Z

Umbire the Phantom moved page Caveman (player monster) to Cave dweller (player monster) over redirect: Reflect NetHack 5 release

Umbire the Phantom: /* Generation */ word choice

2026-04-04T11:00:03Z

‎Generation: word choice

Umbire the Phantom: copyedit

2026-04-04T10:56:51Z

copyedit

Umbire the Phantom: citations + SLASH'EM

2025-02-06T06:31:33Z

citations + SLASH'EM

Umbire the Phantom: /* Generation */ and here...

2025-02-04T19:59:24Z

‎Generation: and here...

@@ Line 54: / Line 54: @@
 ==History==
-The cave dweller player monster is introduced in [[NetHack 3.0.0]]. From this version to [[NetHack 3.6.7]], including some variants based on those versions, both separate caveman and cavewoman player monsters exist. They are replaced with a singular monster using gendered role names in [[NetHack 5.0.0]] via {{commit|0c3b9642e4207ed3c0b756585b83477f59116305}}.}}
+The cave dweller player monster is introduced in [[NetHack 3.0.0]]. From this version to [[NetHack 3.6.7]], including some variants based on those versions, both separate caveman and cavewoman player monsters exist. They are replaced with a singular monster using gendered role names in [[NetHack 5.0.0]] via {{commit|0c3b9642e4207ed3c0b756585b83477f59116305}}.
 ==Messages==

@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
   |reference=[https://github.com/NetHack/NetHack/blob/NetHack-3.6.7_Released/src/monst.c#L2739 NetHack 3.6.7 - src/monst.c, line 2739]<br>[https://github.com/NetHack/NetHack/blob/NetHack-3.6.7_Released/src/monst.c#L2746 NetHack 3.6.7 - src/monst.c, line 2746]
 }}
-A '''cave dweller''', {{monsym|cave dweller}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. The cave dweller is a [[lawful]] [[player monster]] corresponding to a [[Cave Dweller]] [[hero]], and will have the [[role]]'s appropriate [[rank]] title for their [[monster level]]. Male and female cave dwellers are known as '''cavemen''' and '''cavewomen'''.
+A '''cave dweller''', {{monsym|cave dweller}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. The cave dweller is a [[lawful]] [[player monster]] corresponding to a [[Cave Dweller]] [[hero]], and will have the [[role]]'s appropriate [[rank]] title for their [[monster level]]. Male and female cave dwellers are known as '''cavemen''' and '''cavewomen''', respectively.
 Cave dwellers have a single weapon attack.

@@ Line 24: / Line 24: @@
 Cave dwellers have a single weapon attack.
 ==Generation==
@@ Line 31: / Line 29: @@
 Cave dwellers are not generated randomly, and are normally created as peaceful towards lawful heroes before specific adjustments are made. They are only valid forms for [[doppelganger]]s to normally [[polymorph]] into, and can only be targeted for [[genocide]] if a Cave Dweller hero [[read]]s a [[scroll of genocide]].{{refsrc|src/mon.c|3493|nethack=3.6.7|comment=<tt>select_newcham_form</tt> function governs random polymorph for shapechangers}}
-Cave dwellers [[corpse]]s can generate in [[graveyard]]s and within the [[Valley of the Dead]].{{refsrc|src/mkobj.c|1667|version=NetHack 3.6.7|name="mk_tt_object"|comment=<tt>mk_tt_object</tt>function}}{{refsrc|dat/gehennom.des|75|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Cave dwellers [[statue]]s can generate in [[cockatrice nest]]s and on [[Medusa's Island]].<ref name="mk_tt_object"/>{{refsrc|src/mkroom.c|385|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/sp_lev.c|1985|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=The code is very cryptic but fortunately has comments}} A Cave Dweller hero killed by HP damage from a [[cockatrice]] or [[chickatrice]], or else killed by any form of [[stoning]], will leave a named player monster statue of the appropriate gender behind instead of a named ghost and named corpse if a [[bones]] file is created.
+Cave dwellers [[corpse]]s can generate in [[graveyard]]s and within the [[Valley of the Dead]].{{refsrc|src/mkobj.c|1667|version=NetHack 3.6.7|name="mk_tt_object"|comment=<tt>mk_tt_object</tt>function}}{{refsrc|dat/gehennom.des|75|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Cave dweller [[statue]]s can generate in [[cockatrice nest]]s and on [[Medusa's Island]].<ref name="mk_tt_object"/>{{refsrc|src/mkroom.c|385|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/sp_lev.c|1985|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=The code is very cryptic but fortunately has comments}} A Cave Dweller hero killed by HP damage from a [[cockatrice]] or [[chickatrice]], or else killed by any form of [[stoning]], will leave a named player monster statue of the appropriate gender behind instead of a named ghost and named corpse if a [[bones]] file is created.
-Hostile Cave dwellers can appear among the various player monsters placed on the [[Astral Plane]] during level creation.
+Hostile cave dwellers can appear among the various player monsters placed on the [[Astral Plane]] during level creation.
 ===Inventory===
@@ Line 53: / Line 51: @@
 ==Strategy==
-Like other player monsters on the Astral Plane, Cave dwellers have a chance of generating with a long sword that is turned into [[Vorpal Blade]] if it has not yet generated, which can result in an unexpected and [[YASD|unceremonious]] end to your run.
+Like other player monsters on the Astral Plane, cave dwellers have a chance of generating with a long sword that is turned into [[Vorpal Blade]] if it has not yet generated, which can result in an unexpected and [[YASD|unceremonious]] end to your run.
 ==History==
-The caveman and cavewoman player monsters are introduced in [[NetHack 3.0.0]].
+The cave dweller player monster is introduced in [[NetHack 3.0.0]]. From this version to [[NetHack 3.6.7]], including some variants based on those versions, both separate caveman and cavewoman player monsters exist. They are replaced with a singular monster using gendered role names in [[NetHack 5.0.0]] via {{commit|0c3b9642e4207ed3c0b756585b83477f59116305}}.}}
 ==Messages==
@@ Line 62: / Line 60: @@
 ==Variants==
 ===SLASH'EM===
 In [[SLASH'EM]], [[The Guild of Disgruntled Adventurers]] generates a hostile caveman and cavewoman in the main room at level creation.

@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
   |reference=[https://github.com/NetHack/NetHack/blob/NetHack-3.6.7_Released/src/monst.c#L2739 NetHack 3.6.7 - src/monst.c, line 2739]<br>[https://github.com/NetHack/NetHack/blob/NetHack-3.6.7_Released/src/monst.c#L2746 NetHack 3.6.7 - src/monst.c, line 2746]
 }}
-A '''cave dweller''', {{monsym|cave dweller}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. The cave dweller is a [[lawful]] [[player monster]]s corresponding to a [[Cave Dweller]] [[hero]], and will have the [[role]]'s appropriate [[rank]] title for their [[monster level]]. Male and female cave dwellers are known as '''cavemen''' and '''cavewomen'''.
+A '''cave dweller''', {{monsym|cave dweller}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. The cave dweller is a [[lawful]] [[player monster]] corresponding to a [[Cave Dweller]] [[hero]], and will have the [[role]]'s appropriate [[rank]] title for their [[monster level]]. Male and female cave dwellers are known as '''cavemen''' and '''cavewomen'''.
 Cave dwellers have a single weapon attack.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{monster
-  |symbol={{monsym|caveman}}
+  |symbol={{monsym|cave dweller}}
-  |name=caveman / cavewoman
+  |name=cave dweller / caveman / cavewoman
   |tile=[[File:Caveman.png]][[File:Cavewoman.png]]
   |difficulty=12
@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
   |align=1
   |frequency=0
-  |genocidable=Only if [[hero]] is a Caveperson
+  |genocidable=Only if [[hero]] is a Cave Dweller
   |attacks=Weapon 2d4 [[Physical damage|physical]]
   |weight=1450
@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
   |resistances=None
   |resistances conveyed=None
-  |attributes={{attributes|A caveman or cavewoman|humanoid=1|omnivore=1|nopoly=1|human=1|strong=1|collect=1|infravisible=1}}{{attributes|A caveman also|male=1|does_too_eat=1}}{{attributes|A cavewoman also|female=1|does_too_eat=1}}
+  |attributes={{attributes|A cave dweller|humanoid=1|omnivore=1|nopoly=1|human=1|strong=1|collect=1|infravisible=1}}
   |reference=[https://github.com/NetHack/NetHack/blob/NetHack-3.6.7_Released/src/monst.c#L2739 NetHack 3.6.7 - src/monst.c, line 2739]<br>[https://github.com/NetHack/NetHack/blob/NetHack-3.6.7_Released/src/monst.c#L2746 NetHack 3.6.7 - src/monst.c, line 2746]
 }}
-A '''caveman''' or '''cavewoman''', {{monsym|caveman}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. The caveman and cavewoman are [[lawful]] [[player monster]]s corresponding to each gender of a [[Caveperson]] [[hero]], and will have the [[role]]'s appropriate [[rank]] title for their [[monster level]].
+A '''cave dweller''', {{monsym|cave dweller}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. The cave dweller is a [[lawful]] [[player monster]]s corresponding to a [[Cave Dweller]] [[hero]], and will have the [[role]]'s appropriate [[rank]] title for their [[monster level]]. Male and female cave dwellers are known as '''cavemen''' and '''cavewomen'''.
-Cavepeople have a single weapon attack.
+Cave dwellers have a single weapon attack.
 {{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Per {{commit|0c3b9642e4207ed3c0b756585b83477f59116305}}, the player monster is known as the '''cave dweller''', with "caveman" and "cavewoman" as gendered role names.}}
@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 ==Generation==
 {{main|Player monster#Locations|l1=Player monster locations}}
-Cavepeople are not generated randomly, and are normally created as peaceful towards lawful heroes before specific adjustments are made. They are only valid forms for [[doppelganger]]s to normally [[polymorph]] into, and can only be targeted for [[genocide]] if a Caveperson hero [[read]]s a [[scroll of genocide]].{{refsrc|src/mon.c|3493|nethack=3.6.7|comment=<tt>select_newcham_form</tt> function governs random polymorph for shapechangers}}
+Cave dwellers are not generated randomly, and are normally created as peaceful towards lawful heroes before specific adjustments are made. They are only valid forms for [[doppelganger]]s to normally [[polymorph]] into, and can only be targeted for [[genocide]] if a Cave Dweller hero [[read]]s a [[scroll of genocide]].{{refsrc|src/mon.c|3493|nethack=3.6.7|comment=<tt>select_newcham_form</tt> function governs random polymorph for shapechangers}}
-Cavepeople [[corpse]]s can generate in [[graveyard]]s and within the [[Valley of the Dead]].{{refsrc|src/mkobj.c|1667|version=NetHack 3.6.7|name="mk_tt_object"|comment=<tt>mk_tt_object</tt>function}}{{refsrc|dat/gehennom.des|75|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Cavepeople [[statue]]s can generate in [[cockatrice nest]]s and on [[Medusa's Island]].<ref name="mk_tt_object"/>{{refsrc|src/mkroom.c|385|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/sp_lev.c|1985|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=The code is very cryptic but fortunately has comments}} A Caveperson hero killed by HP damage from a [[cockatrice]] or [[chickatrice]], or else killed by any form of [[stoning]], will leave a named player monster statue of the appropriate gender behind instead of a named ghost and named corpse if a [[bones]] file is created.
+Cave dwellers [[corpse]]s can generate in [[graveyard]]s and within the [[Valley of the Dead]].{{refsrc|src/mkobj.c|1667|version=NetHack 3.6.7|name="mk_tt_object"|comment=<tt>mk_tt_object</tt>function}}{{refsrc|dat/gehennom.des|75|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Cave dwellers [[statue]]s can generate in [[cockatrice nest]]s and on [[Medusa's Island]].<ref name="mk_tt_object"/>{{refsrc|src/mkroom.c|385|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/sp_lev.c|1985|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=The code is very cryptic but fortunately has comments}} A Cave Dweller hero killed by HP damage from a [[cockatrice]] or [[chickatrice]], or else killed by any form of [[stoning]], will leave a named player monster statue of the appropriate gender behind instead of a named ghost and named corpse if a [[bones]] file is created.
-Hostile cavepeople can appear among the various player monsters placed on the [[Astral Plane]] during level creation.
+Hostile Cave dwellers can appear among the various player monsters placed on the [[Astral Plane]] during level creation.
 ===Inventory===
@@ Line 39: / Line 39: @@
 A caveperson is [[always generated with]] 1-3 random [[offensive item]]s, 1-3 random [[defensive item]]s, and 1-3 random [[miscellaneous item]]s, and is eligible for the normal chance of an item of each type.{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|309|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|312|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|315|nethack=3.6.7}} If generated on the Astral Plane, they are also given a [[cheap plastic imitation of the Amulet of Yendor]], 0-999 [[gold piece]]s, 0-9 random items, a {{frac|15}} chance of a [[luckstone]], a {{frac|30}} chance of a [[loadstone]] if they are not given a luckstone, and some valuable [[gem]]s.{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|149|nethack=3.6.7|comment=per a comment above this line: "that's why they are "stuck" in the endgame :-)"}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|282|nethack=3.6.7|comment=<tt>special</tt> boolean is true for Astral Plane generation}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|283|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|299|nethack=3.6.7|comment={{frac|3}} chance of 0-15 gems or 0-2 gems otherwise}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|304|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|305|nethack=3.6.7}}
-Cavepeople always generate with a [[weapon]], which can be a [[mace]] ({{frac|3|4}} chance), a [[club]] ({{frac|8}} chance), a [[long sword]] ({{frac|16}} chance), or a randomly chosen [[melee]] weapon ({{frac|16}} chance):{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|155|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=Default weapons are chosen from range of spear to bullwhip, using standard random generation probabilities{{refsrc|src/objects.c|138-L292|nethack=3.6.7}}}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|181|nethack=3.6.7}} the [[enchantment]] ranges from a random value between +4 and +8 if the monster is generated on the [[Astral Plane]], and otherwise ranges from a random value between +0 and +3;{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|265|nethack=3.6.7}} if generated on the Astral Plane, the weapon has a {{frac|2}} chance of being made into any applicable [[artifact]];{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|270|nethack=3.6.7}} and finally, there is a {{frac|3}} chance of the weapon(s) being [[erosion]]-proofed, and a {{frac|2}} chance (effectively {{frac|3}} total) of the weapon(s) being [[greased]] if they are not erosion-proofed.{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|266|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|268|nethack=3.6.7}}
+Cave dwellers always generate with a [[weapon]], which can be a [[mace]] ({{frac|3|4}} chance), a [[club]] ({{frac|8}} chance), a [[long sword]] ({{frac|16}} chance), or a randomly chosen [[melee]] weapon ({{frac|16}} chance):{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|155|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=Default weapons are chosen from range of spear to bullwhip, using standard random generation probabilities{{refsrc|src/objects.c|138-L292|nethack=3.6.7}}}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|181|nethack=3.6.7}} the [[enchantment]] ranges from a random value between +4 and +8 if the monster is generated on the [[Astral Plane]], and otherwise ranges from a random value between +0 and +3;{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|265|nethack=3.6.7}} if generated on the Astral Plane, the weapon has a {{frac|2}} chance of being made into any applicable [[artifact]];{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|270|nethack=3.6.7}} and finally, there is a {{frac|3}} chance of the weapon(s) being [[erosion]]-proofed, and a {{frac|2}} chance (effectively {{frac|3}} total) of the weapon(s) being [[greased]] if they are not erosion-proofed.{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|266|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|268|nethack=3.6.7}}
-Cavepeople generated on the Astral Plane will have the following [[armor]]:
+Cave dwellers generated on the Astral Plane will have the following [[armor]]:
 * a random color of [[dragon scale mail]];{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|156|nethack=3.6.7|comment=DSM is chosen from all available colors with equal probability of each{{refsrc|src/objects.c|378-L389|nethack=3.6.7}}}}{{refsrc|src/mplayer.c|285|nethack=3.6.7}}
@@ Line 53: / Line 53: @@
 ==Strategy==
-Like other player monsters on the Astral Plane, cavepeople have a chance of generating with a long sword that is turned into [[Vorpal Blade]] if it has not yet generated, which can result in an unexpected and [[YASD|unceremonious]] end to your run.
+Like other player monsters on the Astral Plane, Cave dwellers have a chance of generating with a long sword that is turned into [[Vorpal Blade]] if it has not yet generated, which can result in an unexpected and [[YASD|unceremonious]] end to your run.
 ==History==

← Older revision	Revision as of 02:16, 5 May 2026
(No difference)

@@ Line 32: / Line 32: @@
 Cavepeople are not generated randomly, and are normally created as peaceful towards lawful heroes before specific adjustments are made. They are only valid forms for [[doppelganger]]s to normally [[polymorph]] into, and can only be targeted for [[genocide]] if a Caveperson hero reads a [[scroll of genocide]].{{refsrc|src/mon.c|3493|nethack=3.6.7|comment=<tt>select_newcham_form</tt> function governs random polymorph for shapechangers}}
-Cavepeople [[corpse]]s can generate in [[graveyard]]s and within the [[Valley of the Dead]].{{refsrc|dat/gehennom.des|75|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Cavepeople [[statue]]s can generate in [[cockatrice nest]]s and on [[Medusa's Island]].{{refsrc|src/sp_lev.c|1985|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=The code is very cryptic but fortunately has comments}} A Caveperson hero killed by HP damage from a [[cockatrice]] or [[chickatrice]], or else killed by any form of [[stoning]], will leave a named player monster statue of the appropriate gender behind instead of a named ghost and named corpse if a [[bones]] file is created.
+Cavepeople [[corpse]]s can generate in [[graveyard]]s and within the [[Valley of the Dead]].{{refsrc|src/mkobj.c|1667|version=NetHack 3.6.7|name="mk_tt_object"|comment=<tt>mk_tt_object</tt>function}}{{refsrc|dat/gehennom.des|75|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Cavepeople [[statue]]s can generate in [[cockatrice nest]]s and on [[Medusa's Island]].<ref name="mk_tt_object"/>{{refsrc|src/mkroom.c|385|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/sp_lev.c|1985|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=The code is very cryptic but fortunately has comments}} A Caveperson hero killed by HP damage from a [[cockatrice]] or [[chickatrice]], or else killed by any form of [[stoning]], will leave a named player monster statue of the appropriate gender behind instead of a named ghost and named corpse if a [[bones]] file is created.
 ===Inventory===
@@ Line 59: / Line 59: @@
 ==Messages==
 {{main|Player monster#Messages}}
 ==References==