Illiterate - Revision history

Tomsod: /* Object identification */ actually it's definitely not worth it to id gems through a throne

2026-02-07T01:52:03Z

‎Object identification: actually it's definitely not worth it to id gems through a throne

Tomsod: /* Object identification */ upcoming

2026-02-07T01:46:23Z

‎Object identification: upcoming

Tomsod: /* Permitted actions */ upcoming

2026-02-07T01:36:26Z

‎Permitted actions: upcoming

Umbire the Phantom: typo

2024-12-16T07:14:26Z

typo

Umbire the Phantom: potholes et. al.

2024-06-07T09:02:16Z

potholes et. al.

Umbire the Phantom: change stat

2024-02-18T16:23:47Z

change stat

Umbire the Phantom: languages + lede + spacing + etc.

2024-02-18T16:17:50Z

languages + lede + spacing + etc.

Ion frigate: Added that players can keep their starting spells through the whole game

2022-10-07T08:04:03Z

Added that players can keep their starting spells through the whole game

Darth l33t: update for 3.6.6

2022-10-05T22:53:31Z

update for 3.6.6

Tomsod: /* Accepted actions */ healers also start with spells

2019-12-02T12:27:53Z

‎Accepted actions: healers also start with spells

@@ Line 51: / Line 51: @@
 {{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|It's now possible (if tedious) to learn spells through prayer, and the spell of identify in particular makes the conduct much easier.  Roles that can advance in [[divination spells]] thus gain a major advantage in this respect, as their gods will prioritize the spell if it's unknown or <!-- nb: this is a change from 3.6 which just checked if the spell's in the menu --> forgotten.}}
-Since you can engrave "x" without breaking conduct, you can still engrave-test wands (including the ones that require an existing engraving -- write one "x" with your fingers, then a second with the wand). You can distinguish hard gems from soft ones by aborting at the writing prompt after you discover what type of writing you're going to make; however, it's probably not worth spending precious throne identifications on gems.
+Since you can engrave "x" without breaking conduct, you can still engrave-test wands (including the ones that require an existing engraving -- write one "x" with your fingers, then a second with the wand). You can distinguish hard gems from soft ones by aborting at the writing prompt after you discover what type of writing you're going to make; gems can also be formally type-identified with a blessed [[touchstone]], so don't spend precious throne identifications on them.
 ===Item enchantment===

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:46, 7 February 2026
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	You will not be able to use [[scroll of identify\|scrolls of identify]] or [[spellbook of identify\|spellbooks of identify]] (unless you are lucky enough to start with the spell as a [[Wizard]]). Formal identification is only possible (sometimes) by [[sit]]ting on a [[throne]]. The use of [[Identify#Indirect_identification\|indirect identification]] is crucial in an illiterate game. [[Enlightenment]] is very helpful for identifying [[ring]]s and [[amulet]]s.		You will not be able to use [[scroll of identify\|scrolls of identify]] or [[spellbook of identify\|spellbooks of identify]] (unless you are lucky enough to start with the spell as a [[Wizard]]). Formal identification is only possible (sometimes) by [[sit]]ting on a [[throne]]. The use of [[Identify#Indirect_identification\|indirect identification]] is crucial in an illiterate game. [[Enlightenment]] is very helpful for identifying [[ring]]s and [[amulet]]s.
		+
		+	{{upcoming\|NetHack 3.7.0\|It's now possible (if tedious) to learn spells through prayer, and the spell of identify in particular makes the conduct much easier. Roles that can advance in [[divination spells]] thus gain a major advantage in this respect, as their gods will prioritize the spell if it's unknown or <!-- nb: this is a change from 3.6 which just checked if the spell's in the menu --> forgotten.}}

	Since you can engrave "x" without breaking conduct, you can still engrave-test wands (including the ones that require an existing engraving -- write one "x" with your fingers, then a second with the wand). You can distinguish hard gems from soft ones by aborting at the writing prompt after you discover what type of writing you're going to make; however, it's probably not worth spending precious throne identifications on gems.		Since you can engrave "x" without breaking conduct, you can still engrave-test wands (including the ones that require an existing engraving -- write one "x" with your fingers, then a second with the wand). You can distinguish hard gems from soft ones by aborting at the writing prompt after you discover what type of writing you're going to make; however, it's probably not worth spending precious throne identifications on gems.

@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
 * "Reading" a [[scroll of blank paper]] or [[spellbook of blank paper]].
 * Casting spells you already know at the start of the game ([[Healer]], [[Monk]], [[Priest]], [[Wizard]]).
 ===SLASH'EM===

@@ Line 77: / Line 77: @@
 * Turn off the [[mail]] option, lest someone decide to have a chat with you. (You don't have to do this on [[NAO]], where [[bug#C343-320|bug C343-320]] is fixed.)
-==Variants===
+==Variants==
 ===SLASH'EM===
 In [[SLASH'EM]], shopkeeper services and the [[Black market (SLASH'EM)|black market]] make illiterate conduct somewhat less of a challenge. Shopkeepers can identify, enchant, rustproof, charge, or uncurse items for you.  One-Eyed Sam is guaranteed to have identify and uncursing, and it is possible for any player to build up huge amounts of credit in his shop through [[credit cloning]] with a hostile baby dragon and a [[wand of undead turning]].

@@ Line 52: / Line 52: @@
 ===Item enchantment===
-Without scrolls, there is no way to [[enchant]] or [[erosion|erodeproof]] [[weapon]]s or [[armor]] items. It is also not possible to create [[DSM]] from dragon scales or a [[crysknife]] from a worm tooth. Enchanted erodeproof items can nevertheless be obtained by [[wish]]ing for them, or sometimes (if you're lucky) from a [[bones]] level. Erodeproof [[artifact]] weapons can be obtained by [[sacrifice|sacrificing]] or [[crowning]]. Weapon erosion (only) can be fixed using a [[potion of oil]] or (sometimes) through [[prayer]], but this will not make the weapon erodeproof. [[Grease]] can also help provide a temporary block against erosion.
+Without scrolls, there is no way to [[enchant]] or [[erosion]]-proof [[weapon]]s or [[armor]] items. It is also not possible to create [[DSM]] from dragon scales or a [[crysknife]] from a worm tooth. Enchanted erodeproof items can nevertheless be obtained by [[wish]]ing for them, or sometimes (if you're lucky) from a [[bones]] level. Erodeproof [[artifact]] weapons can be obtained by [[sacrifice|sacrificing]] or [[crowning]]. Weapon erosion (only) can be fixed using a [[potion of oil]] or (sometimes) through [[prayer]], but this will not make the weapon erodeproof. [[Grease]] can also help provide a temporary block against erosion.
 One way to lower [[armor class]] without armor enchantment is to obtain [[intrinsic protection]]. [[Half physical damage]] can also help make up for a poor armor class. Similarly, lack of weapon enchantment can be offset by [[increase damage]], high [[strength]], or a weapon with high base damage (such as [[Mjollnir]]).
@@ Line 59: / Line 59: @@
 ===Recharging wands===
 The only way to [[charging|recharge]] [[wand]]s (e.g. the [[wand of wishing]] from the [[Castle]]) without reading a scroll is to obtain the [[Platinum Yendorian Express Card]].
 ===Genocide===
+A limited number of [[genocide]]s can sometimes be obtained by [[sit]]ting on a [[throne]]. [[Reverse genocide]] is not possible, but some alternatives exist: [[wish]] for a [[figurine]], or wish for the item directly if it is one obtained by killing a certain type of monster, e.g. a [[cockatrice]] [[corpse]].
 ===Trap detection===
 To [[trap|detect traps]] such as the [[endgame]] [[portal]]s without reading a [[scroll of gold detection]], [[apply]] a [[crystal ball]]. Inside some [[vortex]] other than a [[dust vortex]] could be a safe place. Especially in the mines, two [[leash]]ed [[pet]]s can alert you to the traps.

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 In ''[[NetHack]]'', the '''illiterate''' [[conduct]] entails going without reading, writing or [[engrave|engraving]] during the game. The main effect of this is the lack of reading [[scroll]]s, no engraving [[Elbereth]] to protect yourself, and spellcasters being unable to learn from [[spellbook]]s.
-Illiteracy is difficult: Only 1.6% of all winning accounts on [[NAO]] have an illiterate ascension.
+Illiteracy is difficult: Less than 1% of ascensions on [[NAO]] maintained illiterate conduct.
 ==Rules of conduct==

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-The '''illiterate''' conduct means going without reading, writing or [[engrave|engraving]] during the game. The main effect of this is the lack of reading [[scroll]]s, no engraving [[Elbereth]] to protect yourself, and spellcasters being unable to learn from [[spellbook]]s.
+{{languages}}
 ==Rules of conduct==
 ===Literate actions===
 * Reading a non-blank scroll or spellbook, [[novel]], [[t-shirt]], [[alchemy smock]], [[credit card]], [[magic marker]], [[candy bar]], [[gold piece]], or [[the Orb of Fate]].
 ** "Reading" a scroll while [[blind]] does break the conduct, as you must have understood the magic words to recite or cogitate them.
@@ Line 16: / Line 17: @@
 ===Permitted actions===
 * Reading gravestones or engravings on the ground.
 ** You may also take advantage of pre-existing Elbereth engravings in [[Sokoban]], the [[Castle]], or [[bones]] levels.
@@ Line 71: / Line 71: @@
 ===Book of the Dead loophole===
 The blessed [[Book of the Dead]] can be used as defense against [[lich]]es and other undead.
 ===Stone to flesh===
 A [[statue trap]] will {{spell of|stone to flesh}} the topmost statue on its square when you activate it. If you need a petrified pet restored, you can throw its statue on the trap before triggering it.
 ==Accidental loss of conduct==
 * If you must eat a fortune cookie, do it blind, so you don't read the message.
 * Turn off the [[mail]] option, lest someone decide to have a chat with you. (You don't have to do this on [[NAO]], where [[bug#C343-320|bug C343-320]] is fixed.)
-Illiteracy is difficult: Only 1.6% of all winning accounts on [[NAO]] have an illiterate ascension.
+==Variants===
 ==References==
 <references/>
 [[Category:Conducts]]

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 ===Literate actions===
-The following all break illiterate conduct.
+* Reading a non-blank scroll or spellbook, [[novel]], [[t-shirt]], [[alchemy smock]], [[credit card]], [[magic marker]], [[candy bar]], [[gold piece]], or [[the Orb of Fate]].
-* Reading scrolls, spellbooks, T-shirts, and fortune cookies; scrolls even if blind. This includes [[scrolls of mail]], though this is [[bug#C343-320|bug C343-320]].
+===Permitted actions===
-===Accepted actions===
+* Reading gravestones or engravings on the ground.
+** You may also take advantage of pre-existing Elbereth engravings in [[Sokoban]], the [[Castle]], or [[bones]] levels.
-The following are all accepted, and do not break conduct:
+* Eating a fortune cookie while blind.
+* Standing on a [[scroll of scare monster]].
-* Reading gravestones or engravings - that would be a bit ''too'' harsh.
+* Transforming an existing engraving by writing over it with a [[wand of polymorph]].
-* Naming or calling items names (except as noted above).
+* Naming or calling items names (except when creating an artifact).
-* Reading the [[Book of the Dead]], which is necessary to ascend.
+* Reading the [[Book of the Dead]], whether or not you're performing the [[Invocation]].
 * "Reading" a [[scroll of blank paper]] or [[spellbook of blank paper]].
-* Casting spells you already know at the start of the game ([[Healer]], [[Monk]], [[Priest]], [[Wizard]])
+* Casting spells you already know at the start of the game ([[Healer]], [[Monk]], [[Priest]], [[Wizard]]).
 ===SLASH'EM===
@@ Line 43: / Line 47: @@
 You will not be able to use [[scroll of identify|scrolls of identify]] or [[spellbook of identify|spellbooks of identify]] (unless you are lucky enough to start with the spell as a [[Wizard]]). Formal identification is only possible (sometimes) by [[sit]]ting on a [[throne]]. The use of [[Identify#Indirect_identification|indirect identification]] is crucial in an illiterate game. [[Enlightenment]] is very helpful for identifying [[ring]]s and [[amulet]]s.
 ===Item enchantment===
@@ Line 66: / Line 72: @@
 ===Book of the Dead loophole===
-The [[Book of the Dead]] can be used as defense against [[lich]]es and other undead.
+The blessed [[Book of the Dead]] can be used as defense against [[lich]]es and other undead.
 ===Stone to flesh===
@@ Line 84: / Line 90: @@
 <references/>
 [[Category:Conducts]]
-{{nethack-343}}
+{{nethack-366}}