Ghost - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: some touching up

2026-04-23T20:46:46Z

some touching up

Umbire the Phantom: /* xNetHack */ copyedit

2026-04-23T20:00:05Z

‎xNetHack: copyedit

Umbire the Phantom: /* EvilHack */ ditto

2026-04-23T13:21:37Z

‎EvilHack: ditto

Umbire the Phantom: /* xNetHack */ oop

2026-04-23T13:20:22Z

‎xNetHack: oop

Umbire the Phantom: /* xNetHack */ word choice

2026-04-23T13:20:11Z

‎xNetHack: word choice

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack / dnh, court

2025-04-05T14:24:07Z

‎dNetHack: *dnh, court

Umbire the Phantom: copyedit pass

2025-04-05T14:21:26Z

copyedit pass

Umbire the Phantom: /* History */ word choice

2025-01-07T03:03:44Z

‎History: word choice

Loggers: minorest of nitpicking

2024-08-03T05:20:28Z

minorest of nitpicking

Umbire the Phantom: follow up

2024-07-04T07:11:47Z

follow up

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
   |experience=238
   |speed=3
-  |AC=&minus;5
+  |AC=-5
   |MR=50
-  |align=&minus;5
+  |align=-5
   |frequency=0
   |genocidable=No
-  |attacks=Touch 1d1 [[Physical damage|physical]]
+  |attacks=[[Touch attack|touch]] 1d1 [[Physical damage|physical]]
   |weight=1450
   |nutr=0
@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
   |reference=[[monst.c#line2515]]
 }}
 A '''ghost''', {{monsym|ghost}}, is a type of [[monster]] in that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. The ghost is the namesake monster of the [[ghost (monster class)|ghost]] [[monster class]], and is the only other monster in that group besides the [[shade]]. A ghost is an [[undead]], [[noncorporeal]] [[humanoid]] being that is capable of [[flight]] and [[phasing]] through walls, and can [[follow]] the [[hero]] to other levels if they are adjacent.
@@ Line 32: / Line 31: @@
 A hero stepping into an abandoned [[temple]] may cause a ghost to generate adjacent to them, immobilizing the hero for 3 turns and ignoring free action.
-[[Graveyard]]s have a {{frac|5}} chance of generating a ghost on each square at level creation.{{refsrc|src/mkroom.c|478|nethack=3.6.7}}
+[[Graveyard]]s have a {{frac|5}} chance of generating a ghost on each square during level creation.{{refsrc|src/mkroom.c|478|nethack=3.6.7}}
-A ghost is generated on the [[Rogue level]], in [[Asmodeus' Lair]], and in [[Baalzebub's Lair]] at level creation.
+A ghost is generated on the [[Rogue level]], in [[Asmodeus' Lair]], and in [[Baalzebub's Lair]] during level creation.
 A ghost naturally [[Corpseless|does not leave a corpse]] when killed.
-{{upcoming|3.7.0|One of the [[themed room]]s contains the ghost of an adventurer, which may be generated atop a fake bones pile of one or more items.}}
+{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|One of the [[themed room]]s contains the ghost of an adventurer, which may be generated atop a fake bones pile of one or more items.}}
 ===Bones===
 {{main|Bones}}
-Ghosts often appear in [[bones]] levels, which are copies of levels where previous heroes died. Most standard causes of death for a hero will leave a ghost behind&mdash;see the article on bones files for more information and exceptions.
+Ghosts often appear in [[bones]] levels, which are copies of [[dungeon level]]s where previous heroes died. Most standard causes of death for a hero will leave a ghost behind&mdash;see the article on bones files for more information and exceptions.
-Player ghosts in bones files are generated asleep on top of their original inventories: they have the name and experience level of the former hero, and depending on the circumstances may also be hostile.
+Player ghosts in bones files are generated asleep on top of their original inventories: they are given the name of the former hero and a [[monster level]] equal to that hero's [[experience level]], and will usually be hostile.
 ===Ghost names===
-Ghosts in bones files are named after the dead adventurer they represent. The ghost generated on the [[Rogue level]] is named ''Michael Toy'', ''Kenneth Arnold'', or ''Glenn Wichman''. Ghosts created on other special levels have a {{frac|7}} chance of being given the name of your character, or else of another character from the score list. Otherwise, they are given a random name from the following list:{{refsrc|src/do_name.c|1603|nethack=3.6.7}}
+Ghosts in bones files are named after the dead adventurer they represent. The ghost that is always generated on the [[Rogue level]] (with the possible exception of bones files) is named one of ''Michael Toy'', ''Kenneth Arnold'', or ''Glenn Wichman'' with equal probability.{{refsrc|src/do_name.c|2099|nethack=3.6.7}} Ghosts created on other special levels have a {{frac|7}} chance of being given the name of the player's current character, or else one from the score list for that system or server&mdash;otherwise, they are given a random name from the following list:{{refsrc|src/do_name.c|1603|nethack=3.6.7}}
 {|
@@ Line 91: / Line 90: @@
 ==Strategy==
-Ghosts are ''very'' slow and do very little damage, but they possess a very low AC, and will likely evade most attacks unless you have a decently enchanted weapon. Their [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]] of 50 also makes using certain kinds of magic against them somewhat difficult. If you meet one in the early game and cannot reliably dispatch them via regular attacks, using ray-type wands and spells can do the job - if all else fails, [[kicking]] the ghost will eventually bring them down.
+Ghosts are ''very'' slow and do very little damage, but they possess a very low AC, and will likely evade most attacks unless you have a decently enchanted weapon. Their [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]] of 50 also makes using certain kinds of magic against them somewhat difficult. If you meet one in the early game and cannot reliably dispatch them via regular attacks, using ray-type wands and spells can do the job&mdash;if all else fails, [[kicking]] the ghost repeatedly will eventually bring them down.
-In most scenarios involving a bones pile, the player ghost can be led away with little trouble, especially if you plan to use certain wands such as a [[wand of fire]] to destroy the ghost. Be sure not to forget about their original killer or their pets, or you may well [[YASD|become a ghost yourself]].
+In most scenarios involving a bones pile, the player ghost can be lured away with little trouble, especially if you plan to use certain wands such as a [[wand of fire]] to destroy the ghost. The monster(s) that killed the hero and even their former pets are often likely to be much bigger threats in comparison&mdash;be sure not to forget about them while approaching the ghost and their pile, or you may well [[YASD|become a ghost yourself]].
-===Turning===
+===Turning ghosts===
-Ghosts are affected by the [[wand of undead turning]] {{+ of|turn undead}} spell and [[Turn undead|#turn]] [[extended command]] like other undead. However, if you use turn undead successfully [[revive]] the corpse of a dead hero while their ghost is on or next to its square, the ghost will be pulled into the corpse on the item pile, leaving behind a [[confused]] monster. This also works if the corpse is not of a standard playable race, provided the target was killed while [[polymorph]]ed into that form (e.g., wearing an [[amulet of unchanging]]). If the ghost is [[tame]], then the resulting monster will be tame, and they are otherwise generated peaceful or hostile as normal based on your hero's [[alignment]] and race.
+Ghosts are affected by the [[wand of undead turning]], the {{+ of|turn undead}} spell and the [[Turn undead|#turn]] [[extended command]] like other undead. However, if you successfully [[revive]] the corpse of a dead hero using the former two methods the while their ghost is on its square or adjacent to them, the ghost will be pulled into the corpse on the item pile, leaving behind a [[confused]] monster. This also works if the corpse is not of a standard playable race, provided the target was killed while [[polymorph]]ed into that form (e.g., wearing an [[amulet of unchanging]]). If the ghost is [[tame]], then the resulting monster will be tame, and they are otherwise generated peaceful or hostile as normal based on your hero's [[alignment]] and race.
 ==History==
-The ghost first appears in Hack 1.21 and Hack for PDP-11, which are based on [[Jay Fenlason's Hack]]: In Hack 1.21, the ghost uses the [[apostrophe]] glyph, {{white|'}}, while in Hack for PDP-11, they are somehow coded to use a tab-key character. The ghost is also included in the initial bestiary for [[Hack 1.0]], where it is given its current glyph.
+The ghost first appears in Hack 1.21 and Hack for PDP-11, which are based on [[Jay Fenlason's Hack]]: in Hack 1.21, the ghost uses the [[apostrophe]] glyph, {{white|'}}, while in Hack for PDP-11, they are somehow coded to use a tab-key character. The ghost is also included in the initial bestiary for [[Hack 1.0]], where it is given its current glyph.
 ==Origin==
@@ Line 111: / Line 110: @@
 ==Variants==
-In variants that include the [[Convict]] role, 1-3 ghosts are generated at level creation for each of the upper filler levels in the [[Convict quest]]. In variants that include the [[Pirate]] role, several appear on the [[Pirate quest]] upon the creation of certain levels: three on the home level, one in each upper filler level, four in the locate level, and three in each lower filler level.
+In ''NetHack'' [[variant]]s that include the [[Convict]] role, up to 3 ghosts are generated for each of the upper filler levels in the [[Convict quest]] during level creation. In variants that include the [[Pirate]] role, several appear on the [[Pirate quest]] upon the creation of certain levels: three on the home level, one in each upper filler level, four in the locate level, and three in each lower filler level.
 ===SLASH'EM===

@@ Line 122: / Line 122: @@
 ===xNetHack===
-In [[xNetHack]], ghosts are now part of the {{monclass|W}} monster class.
+In [[xNetHack]], ghosts are part of the {{monclass|W}} monster class: their base level is also reduced to 4, their speed is increased to 5, their AC is increased to 5, and their magic resistance score is increased to 80. Similar to shades, ghosts can only be hit by magic, blessed or sufficiently-enchanted weapons, [[artifact weapon]]s, or objects made of silver or bone; unlike shades, ghosts are not silver-haters. {{frac|3}} of ghosts will generate as [[invisible]].
 Instead of solely relying on a touch attack, a ghost will also fade from view every so often (or turn more transparent if they are already invisible) and try to frighten their target by reappearing next to them, which paralyzes that target for three turns. This cannot prevented by free action, but fails if the player is able to [[see invisible]] or otherwise sense the invisible ghost.

@@ Line 134: / Line 134: @@
 In [[EvilHack]], ghosts have their behavior and properties altered similar to xNetHack, though their glyph and monster class are not changed.
-The ghost's base level is increased to 7, their speed is increased to 5, their AC is improved to 0, and their magic resistance score is increased to 80. Ghosts can only be hit by magic, weapon that are blessed or else sufficiently-enchanted (i.e. at least +2), artifact weapons, or objects made of silver or bone.
+The ghost's base level is increased to 7, their speed is increased to 5, their AC is improved to 0, and their magic resistance score is increased to 80. Ghosts can only be hit by magic, blessed weapons, non-blessed weapons that are at least +2, artifact weapons, or objects made of silver or bone.
-As in xNetHack, instead of solely relying on a touch attack, a ghost will also turn invisible every so often and try to frighten their target by reappearing next to them, which paralyzes that monster for three turns. This is not prevented by free action, but fails if the player is can see invisible or otherwise senses the invisible ghost.
+As in xNetHack, instead of solely relying on a touch attack, a ghost will also turn invisible every so often and try to frighten their target by reappearing next to them, which paralyzes the victim for three turns. This is not prevented by free action, but fails if the hero can see invisible or otherwise sense the ghost.
 ===SlashTHEM===

@@ Line 126: / Line 126: @@
 The ghost's base level is reduced to 4, their speed is increased to 5, their AC is increased to 5, and their magic resistance score is increased to 80. Similar to shades, ghosts can only be hit by magic, blessed or sufficiently-enchanted weapons, [[artifact weapon]]s, or objects made of silver or bone; unlike shades, ghosts are not silver-haters. {{frac|3}} of ghosts will generate as [[invisible]].
-Instead of solely relying on a touch attack, a ghost will fade from view every so often (or turn more transparent if they are already invisible) and try to frighten their target by reappearing next to them, which paralyzes that target for three turns. This cannot prevented by free action, but fails if the player is able to [[see invisible]] or otherwise sense the invisible ghost.
+Instead of solely relying on a touch attack, a ghost will also fade from view every so often (or turn more transparent if they are already invisible) and try to frighten their target by reappearing next to them, which paralyzes that target for three turns. This cannot prevented by free action, but fails if the player is able to [[see invisible]] or otherwise sense the invisible ghost.
 ===SpliceHack===

@@ Line 124: / Line 124: @@
 In [[xNetHack]], ghosts are now part of the {{monclass|W}} monster class.
-The ghost's base level is reduced to 4, their speed is increased to 5, their AC is increased to 5, and their magic resistance score is increased to 80. Similar to shades, ghosts can only be hit by magic, blessed or sufficiently-enchanted weapons, [[artifact weapon]]s, or objects made of silver or bone; unlike shades, ghosts are not silver-haters.
+The ghost's base level is reduced to 4, their speed is increased to 5, their AC is increased to 5, and their magic resistance score is increased to 80. Similar to shades, ghosts can only be hit by magic, blessed or sufficiently-enchanted weapons, [[artifact weapon]]s, or objects made of silver or bone; unlike shades, ghosts are not silver-haters. {{frac|3}} of ghosts will generate as [[invisible]].
-{{frac|3}} of ghosts will generate [[invisible]]. Instead of solely relying on a touch attack, a ghost will also turn invisible every so often and try to frighten their target by reappearing next to them, which paralyzes that monster for three turns. This cannot prevented by free action, but fails if the player is able to [[see invisible]] or otherwise sense the invisible ghost.
+Instead of solely relying on a touch attack, a ghost will fade from view every so often (or turn more transparent if they are already invisible) and try to frighten their target by reappearing next to them, which paralyzes that target for three turns. This cannot prevented by free action, but fails if the player is able to [[see invisible]] or otherwise sense the invisible ghost.
 ===SpliceHack===

@@ Line 117: / Line 117: @@
 ===dNetHack===
-In [[dNetHack]], ghosts use {{gray|.}} as a glyph, making them slightly more visible normally and easier to spot via [[telepathy]].
+In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], ghosts use {{gray|.}} as a glyph, making them slightly more visible normally and easier to spot via [[telepathy]].
-Ghosts may appear in the audience of a [[Throne room#dNetHack|throne room]] ruled by a [[vampire lord]].
+Ghosts may appear in the court of a [[Throne room#dNetHack|throne room]] ruled by a [[vampire lord]] or [[Vampire lady (dNetHack)|vampire lady]].
 ===xNetHack===

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
   |frequency=0
   |genocidable=No
-  |attacks=Touch 1d1
+  |attacks=Touch 1d1 [[Physical damage|physical]]
   |weight=1450
   |nutr=0
   |size=Medium
-  |resistances=Cold, Disintegration, Sleep, Poison, Stoning
+  |resistances=[[cold resistance]], [[disintegration resistance]], [[sleep resistance]], [[poison resistance]], [[stoning resistance]]
   |resistances conveyed=None
   |attributes={{attributes|A ghost|nocorpse=1|fly=1|breathless=1|wallwalk=1|humanoid=1|unsolid=1|nopoly=1|undead=1|stalk=1|hostile=1|infravision=1}}
@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 }}
-A '''ghost''', {{monsym|ghost}}, is a type of [[monster]] in that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is one of two members of the [[ghost (monster class)|ghost]] [[monster class]], along with the [[shade]].
+A '''ghost''', {{monsym|ghost}}, is a type of [[monster]] in that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. The ghost is the namesake monster of the [[ghost (monster class)|ghost]] [[monster class]], and is the only other monster in that group besides the [[shade]]. A ghost is an [[undead]], [[noncorporeal]] [[humanoid]] being that is capable of [[flight]] and [[phasing]] through walls, and can [[follow]] the [[hero]] to other levels if they are adjacent.
-Ghosts are [[undead]], incorporeal humanoid beings that are capable of [[flight]] and [[phasing]] through walls, and will [[follow]] you to other levels if adjacent. A ghost resists [[Cold resistance|cold]], [[Sleep resistance|sleep]], [[Poison resistance|poison]], [[Stoning resistance|stoning]], and [[Disintegration resistance|disintegration]]; as undead, they also have [[drain resistance]] and [[death resistance]].
+The ghost's default glyph makes them difficult to see and locate properly, e.g. via [[telepathy]]&mdash;some players use the [[Option#symset|SYMBOLS]] option to give ghosts and shades a different appearance, such as {{white|X}} or {{white|8}}.
-A ghost's default glyph makes them difficult to see and locate properly, e.g. via [[telepathy]] - some players use the [[Option#symset|SYMBOLS]] option to give ghosts and shades a different appearance, such as {{white|X}} or {{white|8}}.
+Ghosts have a weak [[touch attack]], and possess [[cold resistance]], [[disintegration resistance]], [[sleep resistance]], [[poison resistance]], and [[stoning resistance]], along with [[drain resistance]] and [[death resistance]] like all undead.
 ==Generation==
-Ghosts are not randomly generated, but appear in [[graveyard]]s, including the [[Valley of the Dead]]'s three large graveyards and the graveyard in [[Orcus Town]]. A ghost is also generated at level creation on the [[Rogue level]], in [[Asmodeus' Lair]], and in [[Baalzebub's Lair]].
+Ghosts are not randomly generated, and normally created ghosts are always hostile. They are not a valid genocide target or polymorph form, and notably cannot be made [[extinct]].
-In addition, a ghost will occasionally generate when you step into a haunted [[temple]], and [[quaff]]ing a [[milky potion]] may also cause a ghost to appear. Both instances will cause you to be paralyzed by fear for 3 turns, which is not blocked by [[free action]].
+[[Quaffing]] a [[milky potion]] may cause a ghost to appear next to the hero instead of the potion taking effect, immobilizing the hero for 3 turns and ignoring [[free action]].
-Ghosts are not a valid target for [[genocide]], cannot go [[extinct]], and naturally [[Corpseless|do not leave a corpse]] when killed. They are also not a valid form for [[polymorph]].
+A hero stepping into an abandoned [[temple]] may cause a ghost to generate adjacent to them, immobilizing the hero for 3 turns and ignoring free action.
 {{upcoming|3.7.0|One of the [[themed room]]s contains the ghost of an adventurer, which may be generated atop a fake bones pile of one or more items.}}
@@ Line 36: / Line 42: @@
 ===Bones===
 {{main|Bones}}
-Ghosts often appear in [[bones]] levels, which are copies of levels where previous players died. Most standard causes of death for a player character will leave a ghost behind - see the article on bones files for more information and exceptions.
+Ghosts often appear in [[bones]] levels, which are copies of levels where previous heroes died. Most standard causes of death for a hero will leave a ghost behind&mdash;see the article on bones files for more information and exceptions.
-Player ghosts in bones files are generated asleep on top of their original inventories, and has the same name and experience level of that character; their pet(s) may be nearby, and depending on the circumstances may also be hostile. Any objects that were carried in the deceased player's main inventory have a {{frac|4|5}} chance of becoming cursed, even if they were originally blessed. Other objects on the level and the contents of containers in the player's inventory maintain their beatitude.
+Player ghosts in bones files are generated asleep on top of their original inventories: they have the name and experience level of the former hero, and depending on the circumstances may also be hostile.
 ===Ghost names===
-Ghosts in bones files are named after the dead adventurer they represent. The ghost generated on the [[Rogue level]] is named ''Michael Toy'', ''Kenneth Arnold'', or ''Glenn Wichman''. Ghosts created on other special levels have a {{frac|7}} chance of being given the name of your character, or else of another character from the score list. Otherwise, they are given a random name from the following list:{{reffunc|do_name.c|rndghostname}}{{refsrc|src/do_name.c|1603|nethack=3.6.7}}
+Ghosts in bones files are named after the dead adventurer they represent. The ghost generated on the [[Rogue level]] is named ''Michael Toy'', ''Kenneth Arnold'', or ''Glenn Wichman''. Ghosts created on other special levels have a {{frac|7}} chance of being given the name of your character, or else of another character from the score list. Otherwise, they are given a random name from the following list:{{refsrc|src/do_name.c|1603|nethack=3.6.7}}
 {|
@@ Line 90: / Line 96: @@
 ===Turning===
-Ghosts are affected by the [[turn undead]] spell and [[extended command]] like other undead. However, if you successfully [[revive]] the corpse of a dead player character while their ghost is on or next to its square, the ghost will be pulled into the corpse on the item pile, leaving behind a [[confused]] monster. This also works if the corpse is not of a standard playable race, provided the target was killed while [[polymorph]]ed into that form (e.g., wearing an [[amulet of unchanging]]). If the ghost is [[tame]], then the resulting monster will be tame, and is otherwise generated peaceful or hostile as normal based on your [[alignment]] and race.
+Ghosts are affected by the [[wand of undead turning]] {{+ of|turn undead}} spell and [[Turn undead|#turn]] [[extended command]] like other undead. However, if you use turn undead successfully [[revive]] the corpse of a dead hero while their ghost is on or next to its square, the ghost will be pulled into the corpse on the item pile, leaving behind a [[confused]] monster. This also works if the corpse is not of a standard playable race, provided the target was killed while [[polymorph]]ed into that form (e.g., wearing an [[amulet of unchanging]]). If the ghost is [[tame]], then the resulting monster will be tame, and they are otherwise generated peaceful or hostile as normal based on your hero's [[alignment]] and race.
 ==History==
-The ghost first appears in Hack 1.21 and Hack for PDP-11, which are based on [[Jay Fenlason's Hack]]: In Hack 1.21, the ghost uses the [[apostrophe]] glyph, {{white|'}}, while in Hack for PDP-11, they are somehow coded to use a tab-key character. The ghost is included in the initial bestiary for [[Hack 1.0]], where it is given its current glyph.
+The ghost first appears in Hack 1.21 and Hack for PDP-11, which are based on [[Jay Fenlason's Hack]]: In Hack 1.21, the ghost uses the [[apostrophe]] glyph, {{white|'}}, while in Hack for PDP-11, they are somehow coded to use a tab-key character. The ghost is also included in the initial bestiary for [[Hack 1.0]], where it is given its current glyph.
 ==Origin==
@@ Line 113: / Line 119: @@
 In [[dNetHack]], ghosts use {{gray|.}} as a glyph, making them slightly more visible normally and easier to spot via [[telepathy]].
-Ghosts may appear in the audience of a [[throne room]] [[Special room (dNetHack)#Throne room (throne occupied)|ruled by a]] [[vampire lord]].
+Ghosts may appear in the audience of a [[Throne room#dNetHack|throne room]] ruled by a [[vampire lord]].
 ===xNetHack===
@@ Line 133: / Line 139: @@
 ===SlashTHEM===
-In [[SlashTHEM]], in addition to SLASH'EM details, ghosts now use {{gray|8}} as their glyph.
+In [[SlashTHEM]], in addition to SLASH'EM details, ghosts use {{gray|8}} as their glyph.
 ==Encyclopedia entry==

@@ Line 82: / Line 82: @@
 |}
-Named ghosts are special-cased to be referred to as ''<name>'s ghost'' rather than ''<name>'', but their names are otherwise ordinary names given by the [[call|#call]] command, and can in fact be removed using that same command; an unnamed ghost will simply be referred to as ''the ghost''.
+Named ghosts are special-cased to be referred to as ''<name>'s ghost'' rather than ''<name>'', but their names are otherwise treated as ordinary names given by the #[[call]] command, and they can be renamed like other monsters.
 ==Strategy==