Dispater - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: pothole

2026-05-18T22:43:41Z

pothole

Umbire the Phantom: pothole

2026-01-15T00:41:22Z

pothole

Umbire the Phantom: origin + var + etc.

2024-12-03T17:55:35Z

origin + var + etc.

Umbire the Phantom: spacing

2024-12-03T17:28:55Z

spacing

Umbire the Phantom: FCU pass

2024-12-03T17:28:36Z

FCU pass

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ copyedit + move to article

2024-12-03T14:10:32Z

‎dNetHack: copyedit + move to article

Umbire the Phantom: /* Origin */ word choice, etc.

2023-07-14T09:24:03Z

‎Origin: word choice, etc.

Umbire the Phantom: update pass

2023-07-14T09:21:19Z

update pass

Ion frigate: A reason he's slightly less dangerous in SLASH'EM

2022-11-02T23:59:19Z

A reason he's slightly less dangerous in SLASH'EM

Umbire the Phantom: /* Strategy */

2022-05-16T23:56:48Z

‎Strategy

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 '''Dispater''', {{monsym|dispater}}, is a [[unique]] [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. He is a [[humanoid]] [[demon prince]] that has the fourth-highest [[monster difficulty]] and [[experience point]] yield in the game behind [[Baalzebub]]. Dispater possesses [[infravision]], can [[see invisible]], can be seen via infravision, is capable of [[flight]], will pick up weapons and other items he comes across, and will [[follow]] a [[hero]] to other levels if he is adjacent&mdash;like all demon lords and princes, he is [[covetous]] and capable of warping, and desires the [[Amulet of Yendor]].
-When first generated, Dispater will attempt to [[bribe]] the hero: if they are wielding [[Excalibur]] at the time of his appearance, refuse him when he asks, or else he cannot see where they are due to [[displacement]], he will become hostile.{{refsrc|src/monmove.c|469|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1329|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/minion.c|230|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+When first generated, Dispater will attempt to [[bribe]] the hero: if they are wielding [[Excalibur]] at the time of his appearance, refuse him when he asks, or else he cannot see where they are due to [[Displacement (property)|displacement]], he will become hostile.{{refsrc|src/monmove.c|469|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1329|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/minion.c|230|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
 Dispater has a weapon attack and the ability to cast one mage [[monster spell]] during each of his turns. Dispater possesses [[fire resistance]], [[poison resistance]], [[drain resistance]], and [[death resistance]].

@@ Line 75: / Line 75: @@
 ===EvilHack===
-In [[EvilHack]], Dispater is "demoted" to demon lord, and may appear as the occupant of the second-tier demon lair in Gehennom. He is also given more HP and a second weapon attack, and always generates with a wand of striking and a cursed [[rod]] that is made of [[Gold (material)|gold]] and has an enchantment from +3 to +5.
+In [[EvilHack]], Dispater is "demoted" to demon lord, and may appear as the occupant of the second-tier demon lair in Gehennom. He is also given more HP and a second weapon attack, and always generates with a wand of striking and a cursed [[Rod (EvilHack)|rod]] that is made of [[Gold (material)|gold]] and has an enchantment from +3 to +5.
 ==Encyclopaedia entry==

@@ Line 45: / Line 45: @@
 Dispater has relatively poor [[AC]] that is surpassed by [[water demon]]s and [[horned devil]]s, but is also a rather dangerous spellcaster with access to spells such as [[curse items]], summon nasties, and the [[touch of death]]. He also has a high [[hit point]] pool, a high [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]] of 80, and 15 [[speed]].
-Dispater will elect to use his wand of striking when possible, which should be no danger to any hero encountering him unless they are deliberately foregoing [[magic resistance]], or else observing a [[conduct]] that limits their ability to bring their AC around -10; some [[speedrun]]s may also be relatively light on AC in comparison to standard play, depending on the circumstances. A hero that has magic resistance is still better off killing Dispater as quickly as possible if he appears: his magic is far more annoying to contend with once his wand is spent, and using weapons or items that deal [[shock]] damage may prematurely destroy the wand. Players that are going for speed ascensions and want to avoid Dispater should bribe Asmodeus and Baalzebub or else deal with them quickly before he can be gated, although it is still possible for the [[Wizard of Yendor]] to summon him if he gets a chance.
+Dispater will elect to [[zap]] his wand of striking when possible, which should be no danger to any hero encountering him unless they are deliberately foregoing [[magic resistance]], or else observing a [[conduct]] that limits their ability to bring their AC around -10; some [[speedrun]]s may also be relatively light on AC in comparison to standard play, depending on the circumstances. A hero that has magic resistance is still better off killing Dispater as quickly as possible if he appears: his magic is far more annoying to contend with once his wand is spent, and using weapons or items that deal [[shock]] damage may prematurely destroy the wand. Players that are going for speed ascensions and want to avoid Dispater should bribe Asmodeus and Baalzebub or else deal with them quickly before he can be gated, although it is still possible for the [[Wizard of Yendor]] to summon him if he gets a chance.
 Some [[extinctionist]] players may want to have a hasted Asmodeus or Baalzebub gate Dispater in if they plan to eradicate all unique monsters.
@@ Line 58: / Line 58: @@
 The ''NetHack'' incarnation of Dispater is derived from his portrayal in ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' source books, where he is a unique archdevil—this is in turn based on Dīs Pater, a Roman god of the underworld later subsumed by Pluto or the Greek Hades. Originally a chthonic god of riches, fertile agricultural land, and underground mineral wealth, he was later commonly equated with the Roman underworld deities Pluto and [[Orcus]].
-In ''Dungeons & Dragons'', Dispater's appearance is that of a handsome human about 2 meters (ca. 7 feet) tall, with two small horns, a tail and a cloven left hoof—this is partially reflected in ''[[NetHack]]'', where he is human-sized and the default [[tileset]] portrays him with his horns and tail.{{refsrc|src/monst.c|2529|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=Dispater has size <code>MZ_HUMAN</code>}}{{reffunc|mondata.c|num_horns}}{{reffunc|polyself.c|mbodypart|comment=Dispater does not have a hoof}} He is also known to carry a powerful rod that symbolizes his authority, and also acts as a staff of striking—this is why he always generates with a wand of striking.
+In ''Dungeons & Dragons'', Dispater's appearance is that of a handsome human about 2 meters (ca. 7 feet) tall, with two small horns, a tail and a cloven left hoof. He is also known to carry a powerful rod that symbolizes his authority, and also acts as a staff of striking. This is partially reflected in ''[[NetHack]]'': while he is medium-sized and humanoid, and the default [[tileset]] portrays him with his horns and tail, he is not considered to have horns or any cloven hooves.{{refsrc|src/mondata.c|452|nethack=3.6.7|comment=Dispater is absent from monster cases listed in <tt>num_horns</tt>}}{{refsrc|src/polyself.c|1603|nethack=3.6.7|comment=Dispater is absent from special cases listed in <tt>mbodypart</tt>}} The wand of striking he always generates with is based on his trademark rod.
-The "City of Dis" mentioned in the encyclopedia entry is derived from Dispater's appearance in the ''Inferno'', where the infernal city under his rule made up the entire sixth circle of Hell. Some [[variant]]s of ''NetHack'' add a lair inspired by the City.
+The "City of Dis" mentioned in the encyclopedia entry is derived from Dispater's appearance in the ''Inferno'', where the infernal city under his rule made up the entire sixth circle of Hell.
 ==Variants==
-Many variants give Dispater his own lair in Gehennom.
+Some [[variant]]s give Dispater his own lair in Gehennom, which is often inspired by the aforementioned City of Dis.
 In the [[Lethe patch]], Dispater has his own lair, and sits on a throne at the eastern end of the level past a river of Lethe water.
@@ Line 72: / Line 72: @@
 ===dNetHack===
 {{main|Dispater (dNetHack)}}
-In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], Dispater is a much stronger opponent.
+In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], Dispater is a much stronger opponent with an artifact known as the Rod of Dis.
 ==Encyclopaedia entry==

@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 }}
-'''Dispater''', {{monsym|dispater}}, is a [[unique]] [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. He is a [[humanoid]] [[demon prince]] that has the fourth-highest [[monster difficulty]] and [[experience point]] yield in the game behind [[Baalzebub]]. Dispater possesses [[infravision]], can [[see invisible]], can be seen via infravision, is capable of [[flight]], will pick up weapons and other items he comes across, and will [[follow]] a [[hero]] to other levels if he is adjacent&mdash;like all demon lords and princes, he is [[covetous]] and capable of warping, and desires the [[Amulet of Yendor]]. When first generated, Dispater will attempt to [[bribe]] the hero: if they are wielding [[Excalibur]] at the time of his appearance, refuse him when he asks, or else he cannot see where they are due to [[displacement]], he will become hostile.{{refsrc|src/monmove.c|469|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1329|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/minion.c|230|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+'''Dispater''', {{monsym|dispater}}, is a [[unique]] [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. He is a [[humanoid]] [[demon prince]] that has the fourth-highest [[monster difficulty]] and [[experience point]] yield in the game behind [[Baalzebub]]. Dispater possesses [[infravision]], can [[see invisible]], can be seen via infravision, is capable of [[flight]], will pick up weapons and other items he comes across, and will [[follow]] a [[hero]] to other levels if he is adjacent&mdash;like all demon lords and princes, he is [[covetous]] and capable of warping, and desires the [[Amulet of Yendor]].
 Dispater has a weapon attack and the ability to cast one mage [[monster spell]] during each of his turns. Dispater possesses [[fire resistance]], [[poison resistance]], [[drain resistance]], and [[death resistance]].

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
   |frequency=Unique
   |genocidable=No
-  |attacks=Weapon 4d6, [[monster spell|spell-casting]]
+  |attacks=Weapon 4d6 physical, [[monster spell|spell-casting]] 0d0 mage
   |weight=1500
   |nutr=500
@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
   |resistances=Fire, poison
   |resistances conveyed=None
-  |attributes={{attributes|Dispater|nocorpse=1|hell=1|fly=1|seeinvis=1|pois=1|humanoid=1|nopoly=1|demon=1|stalk=1|hostile=1|nasty=1|prince=1|male=1|collect=1|wantsamul=1|
+  |attributes={{attributes|Dispater|nocorpse=1|hell=1|fly=1|seeinvis=1|pois=1|humanoid=1|nopoly=1|demon=1|stalk=1|hostile=1|nasty=1|prince=1|male=1|collect=1|wantsamul=1|infravisible=1|infravision=1}}
   |reference=[[monst.c#line2704]]
 }}
-'''Dispater''', {{monsym|dispater}}, is one of the many [[demon prince]]s that can appear in ''[[NetHack]]''. Like all demon princes and lords, he is [[covetous]] and capable of [[flying]], and will attempt to steal the [[Amulet of Yendor]] if you possess it.
+'''Dispater''', {{monsym|dispater}}, is a [[unique]] [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. He is a [[humanoid]] [[demon prince]] that has the fourth-highest [[monster difficulty]] and [[experience point]] yield in the game behind [[Baalzebub]]. Dispater possesses [[infravision]], can [[see invisible]], can be seen via infravision, is capable of [[flight]], will pick up weapons and other items he comes across, and will [[follow]] a [[hero]] to other levels if he is adjacent&mdash;like all demon lords and princes, he is [[covetous]] and capable of warping, and desires the [[Amulet of Yendor]]. When first generated, Dispater will attempt to [[bribe]] the hero: if they are wielding [[Excalibur]] at the time of his appearance, refuse him when he asks, or else he cannot see where they are due to [[displacement]], he will become hostile.{{refsrc|src/monmove.c|469|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1329|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/minion.c|230|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
-In addition to the standard demon ruler traits of [[fire resistance|fire]] and [[poison resistance]], Dispater has a decently strong weapon attack and powerful mage [[monster spell]]s—up to and including [[curse items]], summon nasties, and the [[touch of death]].
+Dispater has a weapon attack and the ability to cast one mage [[monster spell]] during each of his turns. Dispater possesses [[fire resistance]], [[poison resistance]], [[drain resistance]], and [[death resistance]].
-Dispater has the fourth-highest [[monster difficulty]] and [[experience point]] yield in the game behind [[Baalzebub]].
+Dispater is [[poisonous]] to consume, which primarily comes up if he is [[digested]] by another monster.
 ==Generation==
-Dispater is one of three demon princes without his own lair in [[Gehennom]], with the other two being [[Geryon]] and [[Demogorgon]]. Under normal circumstances, Dispater will only appear if summoned via the [[summon nasties]] [[monster spell]] being cast in Gehennom, or being gated in by another demon prince (e.g., [[Asmodeus]], Baalzebub or Geryon). It is also possible for him to appear in a [[bones]] file.
+Dispater is always generated hostile, and is not a valid form for [[polymorph]].
 Dispater is [[Monster starting inventory|always generated with]] a [[wand of striking]].{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|499|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
 ==Strategy==
-Being [[lawful]], Dispater can be [[bribe]]d for safe passage with a portion of your visible [[gold]] - if you are wielding [[Excalibur]] at the time of his appearance, refuse him when he asks, or else he cannot see where you are due to [[displacement]], he will become hostile.{{refsrc|src/monmove.c|469|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1329|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/minion.c|230|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+Dispater has relatively poor [[AC]] that is surpassed by [[water demon]]s and [[horned devil]]s, but is also a rather dangerous spellcaster with access to spells such as [[curse items]], summon nasties, and the [[touch of death]]. He also has a high [[hit point]] pool, a high [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]] of 80, and 15 [[speed]].
-Dispater is a rather dangerous spellcaster in spite of his relatively poor [[AC]] (surpassed by [[water demon]]s and [[horned devil]]s). He has a lot of [[hit point]]s, a high [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]] of 80, and 15 [[speed]]. However, he will always use his wand of striking first, which should be no danger to any player at that point.
+Dispater will elect to use his wand of striking when possible, which should be no danger to any hero encountering him unless they are deliberately foregoing [[magic resistance]], or else observing a [[conduct]] that limits their ability to bring their AC around -10; some [[speedrun]]s may also be relatively light on AC in comparison to standard play, depending on the circumstances. A hero that has magic resistance is still better off killing Dispater as quickly as possible if he appears: his magic is far more annoying to contend with once his wand is spent, and using weapons or items that deal [[shock]] damage may prematurely destroy the wand. Players that are going for speed ascensions and want to avoid Dispater should bribe Asmodeus and Baalzebub or else deal with them quickly before he can be gated, although it is still possible for the [[Wizard of Yendor]] to summon him if he gets a chance.
-With that in mind, even if you possess [[magic resistance]], it is still best to kill Dispater as quickly as possible if he appears—his magic is far more annoying to contend with once his wand is spent, and using [[shock]] damage against him may prematurely destroy the wand. Players going for [[speed ascension]]s should bribe Asmodeus and Baalzebub or else deal with them quickly before he can be gated, although it is still possible for the [[Wizard of Yendor]] to summon him if he gets a chance.
+Some [[extinctionist]] players may want to have a hasted Asmodeus or Baalzebub gate Dispater in if they plan to eradicate all unique monsters.
-Some [[extinctionist]] players may want to have a hasted Asmodeus or Baalzebub gate him in if they plan to eradicate all unique monsters.
+{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Per {{commit|2288452278ecc1ba7a12fe66f775cd4d7b759f34}}, monsters will remember players resistances and reflection and adjust their attacks accordingly - if Dispater sees that his wand of striking is rendered ineffective by your magic resistance, he will stop using it and become a nuisance far quicker than he would otherwise.}}
-{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Wielding Demonbane prevents bribery as Excalibur does.
+==History==
+Dispater is introduced along with the other named demons in [[NetHack 3.0.0]]. From this version to [[NetHack 3.0.10]], Dispater can generate if the <tt>HARD</tt> compile-time option is defined; the option is changed to <tt>INFERNO</tt> in [[NetHack 3.0.6]].
 ==Origin==
@@ Line 52: / Line 59: @@
 The "City of Dis" mentioned in the encyclopedia entry is derived from Dispater's appearance in the ''Inferno'', where the infernal city under his rule made up the entire sixth circle of Hell. Some [[variant]]s of ''NetHack'' add a lair inspired by the City.
 ==Variants==
@@ Line 62: / Line 66: @@
 ===SLASH'EM===
-In [[SLASH'EM]], all [[demon prince]]s have lairs. [[Dispater's lair (SLASH'EM)|Dispater's lair]] is located between levels 10 and 15 of [[Gehennom]], and Dispater himself waits near the center of the long winding hallway contained within the maze. Since wands in SLASH'EM start with more charges, it will take him longer to exhaust his wand of striking, giving the player more time to kill him before he starts casting spells.
+In [[SLASH'EM]], all demon rulers have their own lair: [[Dispater's lair (SLASH'EM)|Dispater's lair]] is located between levels 10 and 15 of [[Gehennom]], and Dispater himself waits near the center of the long winding hallway contained within the maze. Since wands in SLASH'EM start with more charges, it will take him longer to exhaust his wand of striking, giving the player more time to kill him before he starts casting spells.
 ===dNetHack===
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 {{nethack-367}}
 [[Category:Unique monsters]]

@@ Line 35: / Line 35: @@
 Dispater is a rather dangerous spellcaster in spite of his relatively poor [[AC]] (surpassed by [[water demon]]s and [[horned devil]]s). He has a lot of [[hit point]]s, great [[magic resistance (monster)|monster magic resistance]], and can move almost as quickly as a [[fast]] player. In addition to the standard demon prince traits of [[fire resistance|fire]] and [[poison resistance]], he has a decently strong weapon attack and powerful mage spells—up to and including [[curse items]], summon nasties, and the [[touch of death]]. However, he will always use his wand of striking first, which should be no danger to any player at that point.
-Even if you possess [[magic resistance]], it is still best to kill Dispater as quickly as possible if he appears—while not a Demogorgon-level threat that requires a specialized kit, his magic is far more annoying to contend with once his wand is spent. Beware using shock damage against him, as he will cast spells much sooner if his wand is destroyed prematurely. Players going for [[speed ascension]]s should bribe Asmodeus and Baalzebub or else deal with them quickly before he can be gated, although it is still possible for the [[Wizard of Yendor]] to summon him if he gets a chance.
+With that in mind, even if you possess [[magic resistance]], it is still best to kill Dispater as quickly as possible if he appears—his magic is far more annoying to contend with once his wand is spent; beware using shock damage against him, as it may prematurely destroy his wand. Players going for [[speed ascension]]s should bribe Asmodeus and Baalzebub or else deal with them quickly before he can be gated, although it is still possible for the [[Wizard of Yendor]] to summon him if he gets a chance.
 Some [[extinctionist]] players may want to have a hasted Asmodeus or Baalzebub gate him in if they plan to eradicate all unique monsters.