Player monster (dNetHack) - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: potholes - work to be done here later...

2026-07-20T05:42:19Z

potholes - work to be done here later...

Umbire the Phantom: pothole propogation...

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pothole propogation...

Umbire the Phantom: word choice

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word choice

Umbire the Phantom: pothole

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pothole

Umbire the Phantom: /* Generation rules */ more detailing

2026-05-12T15:59:34Z

‎Generation rules: more detailing

Umbire the Phantom: pothole

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pothole

Umbire the Phantom: corrections

2026-04-14T17:28:05Z

corrections

Umbire the Phantom: tweak todo link

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tweak todo link

Umbire the Phantom: pothole

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Umbire the Phantom: /* Locations */ word choice

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‎Locations: word choice

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 A player monster is referred to by their name (if they have one) and their role's appropriate [[rank]] title for the monster's current [[monster level]], and each player monster will also have certain characteristics based on their corresponding role&mdash;in dNetHack and its variants, this is extended so that player monsters of a particular role (and certain other related monsters) will share the same [[experience level]]-based [[intrinsic]] properties as a hero of that role, and will gain and lose the appropriate intrinsics as their level is increased or deceased. For instance, a player monster valkyrie will have [[cold resistance]] and [[stealth]] as a starting [[Valkyrie/dNetHack|Valkyrie]] hero does, and that player monster will also have intrinsic [[speed]] if they are at least level 7.
-Player monsters usually have one or two weapon attacks, based on their role's ability to perform [[two weapon combat]] (or lack thereof), and the second attack will always use an offhand weapon if possible. These attacks will also be tailored to reflect their individual abilities: for example, cavepeople have stronger damage dice for their individual weapon attacks compared to other player monsters; monks and kensei will use [[Claw attack|"claw" attacks]] and [[kick]] attacks that reflects their [[martial arts]] prowess; healers and wizards can [[dNetHack monster spells|cast monster spells]], using a different spell suite than ''NetHack''; and bards and rangers have the weakest damage dice per attack, since they are not roles focused on melee combat.
+Player monsters usually have one or two weapon attacks, based on their role's ability to perform [[two weapon combat]] (or lack thereof), and the second attack will always use an offhand weapon if possible. These attacks will also be tailored to reflect their individual abilities: for example, cavepeople have stronger damage dice for their individual weapon attacks compared to other player monsters; monks and kensei will use [[Claw attack|"claw" attacks]] and [[kick attack]]s that reflects their [[martial arts]] prowess; healers and wizards can [[dNetHack monster spells|cast monster spells]], using a different spell suite than ''NetHack''; and bards and rangers have the weakest damage dice per attack, since they are not roles focused on melee combat.
 ==Generation rules==
 By default, each player monster has a chance of being created as peaceful towards a hero of the same alignment, although most live player monsters outside the [[Astral Plane]] are generated in specific areas and will be peaceful or hostile depending on that area&mdash;player monsters ''on'' the Astral Plane will always be hostile (which is explained in detail [[#Astral Plane|below]]). Player monsters are also subject to role-specific rules on whether they are created as peaceful or hostile towards particular heroes. Some [[quest guardian]]s can [[grow up]] into player monsters as in ''NetHack'', and some player monsters can grow up into stronger forms themselves.
-Player monsters cannot be directly targeted for [[genocide]], and are only subject to genocide when a hero of that role [[read]]s a [[scroll of genocide]]. They are also invalid forms for [[polymorph]] with the exception of the [[doppelganger]]: doppelgangers are [[shapeshifter]]s that can become a random player monster or another similar monster {{frac|4|7}} of the time when they polymorph (which occurs either [[Polymorphitis|at random]] or by outside means while they are ''not'' subject to [[protection from shape changers]]). Finally, [[figurine]]s and [[statue]]s of player monsters cannot be [[wish]]ed for by any means.
+Player monsters cannot be directly targeted for [[genocide]], and are only subject to genocide when a hero of that role [[read]]s a [[scroll of genocide]]. They are also invalid forms for [[polymorph]] with the exception of the [[doppelganger]]: doppelgangers are [[shapeshifter]]s that can become a random player monster or another similar monster {{frac|4|7}} of the time when they polymorph (which occurs either [[Polymorphitis|at random]] or by outside means while they are ''not'' subject to [[protection from shape changers]]). Finally, [[figurine]]s and [[statue]]s of player monsters cannot be [[wished]] for by any means.
 Live player monsters are subject to different generation rules dependent on whether or not they are being placed on the Astral Plane&mdash;as in ''NetHack'', the creation of living player monsters is primarily handed in <tt>mplayer.c</tt> and some other files within the variant's source code. A player monster is generated with a monster level from 1-16 and given an amount of [[HP]] equal to (ML)d10 + 30, with player monsters on the Astral Plane being given a monster level ranging from {{rn1|16|15}} and an additional +d30 HP applied to the previous amount.

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 In addition to all of the above, a player monster generated on the Astral Plane will be given further equipment to make them suitably tough opponents for an end-stage hero, which may also replace some of their existing equipment if they have any in that item's slot.
-* Their weapon has a roughly {{frac|2}} chance of being replaced by one of the following, with an equal probability of each: a [[crysknife]], a [[moon axe]], a [[battle-axe]], a [[high-elven warsword]], a saber, a [[crystal sword]], a [[two-handed sword]], a katana, a [[dwarvish mattock]], or a [[runesword]]. Otherwise, they will retain their previous weapon, and will be given a long sword if they had no previous weapon.
+* Their weapon has a roughly {{frac|2}} chance of being replaced by one of the following, with an equal probability of each: a [[crysknife]], a [[moon axe]], a [[battle-axe]], a [[high-elven warsword]], a saber, a [[crystal sword]], a [[two-handed sword]], a katana, a [[dwarvish mattock]], or a [[Runesword (dNetHack)|runesword]]. Otherwise, they will retain their previous weapon, and will be given a long sword if they had no previous weapon.
 * Their suit of [[body armor]] will be replaced by a random color of [[Dragon armor (dNetHack)|dragon scale mail]].
 * Their [[cloak]] has a {{frac|7|8}} chance of being replaced by one of the following, with normal object generation odds being used for the range of items: an [[oilskin cloak]] ({{frac|8|59}} chance), a [[robe]] ({{frac|3|59}} chance), an alchemy smock ({{frac|9|59}} chance), a standard cloak ({{frac|8|59}} chance), a [[cloak of protection]] ({{frac|9|59}} chance), a [[cloak of invisibility]] ({{frac|10|59}} chance), a cloak of magic resistance ({{frac|2|59}} chance), or a [[cloak of displacement]] ({{frac|10|59}} chance).

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 * Archeologists will always be given a [[jacket]], a [[fedora]] and [[high boots]].
-* Anachrononauts slated for "good" equipment will be given a [[crystal shield]], [[crystal plate mail]], a [[bodyglove]], a [[Crystal helm (dNetHack)|crystal helm]], [[crystal gauntlets]], [[crystal boots]], and a [[cloak of magic resistance]]. Other anachrononauts will be given a crystal shield, [[Plasteel armor (dNetHack)|plasteel body armor]], a [[flack helmet]], [[plasteel gauntlets]], and high boots.
+* Anachrononauts slated for "good" equipment will be given a [[Crystal shield (dNetHack)|crystal shield]], [[crystal plate mail]], a [[bodyglove]], a [[Crystal helm (dNetHack)|crystal helm]], [[crystal gauntlets]], [[crystal boots]], and a [[cloak of magic resistance]]. Other anachrononauts will be given a crystal shield, [[Plasteel armor (dNetHack)|plasteel body armor]], a [[flack helmet]], [[plasteel gauntlets]], and high boots.
 * Barbarians will always be given a [[helmet]], [[chain mail]], a [[pair of gloves]], and high boots.
 * Bards are given either an [[elven mithril-coat]] or an [[elven toga]] with roughly equal probability.
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 * Wizards slated for "good" equipment will be given a cloak of magic resistance, and have a roughly {{frac|2}} chance of being given [[black dragon scale mail]] or [[silver dragon scale mail]] (with roughly equal probability and [[Dragon armor (dNetHack)|notably different functionality]] from dragon scale mail in ''NetHack''), as well as a {{frac|3|4}} chance of being given either a [[cornuthaum]] or a helm of brilliance (with roughly equal probability). Otherwise, a wizard will only be generated with a standard cloak.
-Armor generated this way has a {{frac|3}} chance of being erosion-proofed, and otherwise there is a {{frac|2}} chance (effectively {{frac|3}} total) of the armor being [[greased]]. The armor has a {{frac|3}} chance of being cursed followed by a {{frac|3}} chance of being blessed, and it will otherwise be uncursed. The armor's enchantment has a {{frac|3|5}} chance of ranging from +0 to +4, a {{frac|3|10}} chance of ranging +4 to +7, and will otherwise range from -1 to -3.
+Armor generated this way has a {{frac|3}} chance of being erosion-proofed, and otherwise there is a {{frac|2}} chance (effectively {{frac|3}} total) of the armor being [[greased]]. The armor has a {{frac|3}} chance of being cursed followed by a {{frac|3}} chance of it being blessed, and it will otherwise be uncursed. The armor's enchantment has a {{frac|3|5}} chance of ranging from +0 to +4, a {{frac|3|10}} chance of ranging from +4 to +7, and will otherwise range from -1 to -3.
 ===Other items===
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 * Priests and priestesses will always be given a [[potion of water]].
 * Samurai will always be given a [[Mask (dNetHack)|mask]].
-* Tourists will always be given a [[credit card]], and an expensive camera (as mentioned further above) that is generated in their weapon slot.
+* Tourists will always be given a [[credit card]], along with an expensive camera (as mentioned further above) that is generated in their weapon slot.
 Player monsters are further given 1-3 random [[offensive item]]s, 1-3 random [[defensive item]]s, and 1-3 random [[miscellaneous item]]s, in addition to the normal chance for monsters of being given an item of each type. They are also given the following items:

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 * Madmen slated for "good" equipment are given a [[rakuyo]], while other madmen will have a {{frac|3|4}} chance of being given a [[knife]], a {{frac|6}} chance of being given an [[axe]], and will otherwise be given a bullwhip.
 * Madwomen slated for "good" equipment have a {{frac|4}} chance of being given a rakuyo-saber and rakuyo-dagger (the rakuyo's component weapons) as their primary and secondary weapons, and will otherwise be given [[Blade of mercy|a blade of grace and a blade of pity]]. Other madwomen will have a {{frac|3|4}} chance of being given a knife, a {{frac|6}} chance of being given an axe, and will otherwise be given a bullwhip.
-* Noblemen slated for "good" equipment are given a long sword, and otherwise they will be given a [[rapier]].
+* Noblemen slated for "good" equipment are given a long sword, and otherwise they will be given a [[Rapier (dNetHack)|rapier]].
 * Noblewomen slated for "good" equipment are given a rakuyo, and otherwise they will be given a rapier.
 * Priests and priestesses will always receive a mace.

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 Player monsters are not randomly generated in the main dungeon normally, but can be generated during level creation in the main dungeon and other branches under certain conditions&mdash;many of these player monsters are encountered on the [[Quest]] branch for specific roles, and some [[quest guardian]]s can [[grow up]] into player monsters. Player monster [[corpse]]s and statues are also placed in various locations during level creation: these behave like other corpses and statues, and many of them generally use the names of other players on the system or server, particularly those on the high score list.
-Below is a non-exhaustive list of instances where a hero can find either player monsters, their corpses, their statues, or other similar items:
+The [[Drow Healer]] is notable for starting with a [[tame]] player monster, specifically a knight&mdash;this knight also has their own inventory that is distinct from other player monster knights, and can be viewed on the Drow Healer's article.
-* The [[bones]] of a player whose hero died from [[stoning]] by any means, or else was killed by HP damage from a [[cockatrice]] or a [[chickatrice]], will leave behind a statue of a player monster with the hero's role and name instead of a named [[ghost]] and named corpse.
+Below is a non-exhaustive list of other instances where a hero can find either player monsters, their corpses, their statues, or other similar items:
 * As explained above, disguised doppelgangers account for at least a few of the player monsters that are encountered in normal play.
-* Some player monsters<!--probable bug in kensei exclusion--> can appear among the default pool of random [[Prisoner (dNetHack)|prisoners]] (i.e. before ruler-specific rules are applied) that are kept in [[Throne room#dNetHack|throne rooms]]&mdash;player monsters that do not have a monster representing each gender will have twice the chance compared to other prisoners in that pool (intended to represent both genders).
+* Some player monsters<!--probable bug in kensei exclusion--> can appear among the default pool of random [[Prisoner (dNetHack)|prisoners]] (i.e. before ruler-specific rules are applied) that are kept in [[Throne room#dNetHack|throne rooms]]&mdash;some prisoner pools will include a player monster of each gender if possible, meaning that player monsters who lack a separate monster representing each gender will have twice the chance of appearing compared to other prisoners in that pool.
 * Hostile player monsters are collectively included as part of the second [[quest]] monster slot for [[Binder]]s, and make up {{frac|18|175}} of the monsters that are randomly generated on the [[Binder quest]] (with the remaining {{frac|6|175}} of that slot consisting of [[lich]]es).
 * A [[graveyard]] has a {{frac|5}} chance of generating the corpse of a named player monster on each square.
 * A [[cockatrice nest]] has a {{frac|3}} chance of generating a named player monster statue on each square, which can contain random items.
-* Several empty statues of named player monsters are generated on [[Medusa's Island]]&mdash;a statue of a knight named [[Perseus]] is always generated in specific locations, with a chance of his statue containing special contents; see his article for more information.
+* Several empty statues of named player monsters are generated on [[Medusa's Island]]. A statue of a knight named [[Perseus]] is always generated in specific locations on Medusa's Island, with a chance of special contents inside&mdash;see his article for more information.
-* Several player monster corpses are generated in the [[Valley of the Dead]] during normal level creation with the exception of anachrononauts, priests, priestesses and monks, although the graveyards can contain player monster corpses from all roles as normal.
+* Several player monster corpses are generated in the [[Valley of the Dead]] during normal level creation with the exception of anachrononauts, priests, priestesses and monks, although the graveyards on the level can contain player monster corpses from all roles as normal.
 * A hero that reads a cursed scroll of genocide while [[confused]] will "reverse genocide" themselves, creating several player monsters of that hero's role.
 ===Astral Plane===
-On the [[Astral Plane]], a number of tough and hostile player monsters are generated as part of the final challenge for any hero that reaches the level. These player monsters are special and considered distinct from the above instances: their names are randomly selected from a pool of first names that includes various members of the [[DevTeam]] from the NetHack 3.4.3 era, and the names of other players on the high score list are also included when playing on a server.
+On the [[Astral Plane]], a number of tough and hostile player monsters are generated as part of the final challenge for any hero that reaches the level. These player monsters are special and considered distinct from the above instances: their names are randomly selected from a pool of first names that includes various members of the [[DevTeam]] from the [[NetHack 3.4.3]] era, and when playing on a server the names of other players on the high score list are also included.
 Each player monster is given an [[ascension kit]]-like inventory as well, which is elaborated on {{sa|Endgame equipment|further below}}: this inventory will always include a [[cheap plastic imitation of the Amulet of Yendor]], implied to be the reason those player monsters are stuck on the Astral Plane.

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 * Monks will always receive a [[sedge hat]], a pair of gloves, low boots, and a [[robe]].
 * Madmen will always receive a [[straitjacket]] ''unless'' they are slated for "good" equipment&mdash;such madmen will instead be given a [[roundshield]], a [[gentleman's suit]], a [[ruffled shirt]], an [[opera cloak]], a pair of gloves, and armored boots.
-* Madwomen will always receive a straitjacket ''unless'' they are slated for "good" equipment&mdash;such madwomen will instead be given a [[gentlewoman's dress]], [[Victorian underwear]], an [[alchemy smock]], a pair of gloves, and a [[pair of stilettos]].
+* Madwomen will always receive a straitjacket ''unless'' they are slated for "good" equipment&mdash;such madwomen will instead be given a [[gentlewoman's dress]], [[Victorian underwear (dNetHack)|Victorian underwear]], an [[alchemy smock]], a pair of gloves, and a [[pair of stilettos]].
 * Noblemen are given a ruffled shirt that is paired with their set of armor&mdash;those slated for "good" equipment are given crystal plate mail, an opera cloak, crystal gauntlets, and crystal boots, while other noblemen will be given a gentleman's suit, a standard cloak, a pair of gloves, and high boots.
 * Noblewomen are given a pair of gloves and pair of stilettos that are paired with their set of armor&mdash;those slated for "good" equipment are given a [[noble's dress]], a [[plain dress]] and an opera cloak, while other noblewomen will be given a gentlewoman's dress, Victorian underwear and a standard cloak.

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 </div>
-{{todo|Account for [https://github.com/Chris-plus-alphanumericgibberish/dNAO/blob/907a457a729027a900dce43a655844094bde5e7a/src/botl.c#L317C1-L335C1 the treatment of non-role racial monsters] as being of specific roles in some instances.}}
+{{todo|Account for [https://github.com/Chris-plus-alphanumericgibberish/dNAO/blob/compat-3.25.0/src/botl.c#L317-L335 the treatment of non-role racial monsters] as being of specific roles in some instances.}}
 ==Common characteristics==

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 * {{monsymlink|kensei|variant=player monster}}
 * {{monsymlink|monk|variant=dNetHack monster}}
-* {{monsymlink|madman|variant=dNetHack monster}}
+* {{monsymlink|madman|variant=player monster}}
-* {{monsymlink|madwoman|variant=dNetHack monster}}
+* {{monsymlink|madwoman|variant=player monster}}
 * {{monsymlink|nobleman|variant=dNetHack monster}}
 * {{monsymlink|noblewoman|variant=dNetHack monster}}