Small mimic - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: oop

2026-01-31T14:39:44Z

oop

Umbire the Phantom: dismounting details

2026-01-31T14:39:06Z

dismounting details

Umbire the Phantom: pothole, lede

2026-01-31T14:03:01Z

pothole, lede

Umbire the Phantom: copyedit pass + *dnh info

2026-01-31T13:45:00Z

copyedit pass + *dnh info

Umbire the Phantom: touch-ups

2026-01-30T20:53:06Z

touch-ups

Umbire the Phantom: touch-ups

2024-09-01T02:02:22Z

touch-ups

Umbire the Phantom: I hope that's the last of it for the moment

2024-08-08T03:57:48Z

I hope that's the last of it for the moment

Umbire the Phantom: more details and citations

2024-08-08T02:40:55Z

more details and citations

Umbire the Phantom: details and word choice

2024-08-07T21:02:02Z

details and word choice

Umbire the Phantom: split these off before too long

2024-08-07T20:42:33Z

split these off before too long

@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 A small mimic has a single [[claw attack]], and possesses [[acid resistance]].
-[[Eating]] a small mimic [[corpse]] or [[tin]] causes the hero to mimic a pile of [[gold]] (or an [[orange]] if [[hallucinating]]) for 20 turns unless they have [[unchanging]], and this polymorph breaks the [[polyselfless]] [[conduct]] and will harmlessly dismount the hero if they are [[riding]].{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1022|nethack=3.6.7|comment=the cases are designed to fall through and add the amount of turns together}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1024|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1027|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1029|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1031|nethack=3.6.7}} A [[pet]] that eats a small mimic corpse will similarly mimic an item or another monster that they are thinking about for the same amount of turns, harmlessly dismounting the hero if they are currently serving as a steed.{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|223|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|350|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1338|nethack=3.6.7}} This does not affect the eater's worn [[armor]] or other equipment in either case, and a hero or monster disguised this way will return to normal prematurely if another monster interacts with whatever they are disguised as.
+[[Eating]] a small mimic [[corpse]] or [[tin]] causes the hero to mimic a pile of [[gold]] (or an [[orange]] if [[hallucinating]]) for 20 turns unless they have [[unchanging]], and this polymorph breaks the [[polyselfless]] [[conduct]] and will harmlessly dismount the hero if they are [[riding]].{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1022|nethack=3.6.7|comment=the cases are designed to fall through and add the amount of turns together}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1024|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1027|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1029|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1031|nethack=3.6.7}} A [[pet]] that eats a small mimic corpse will similarly mimic an item or another monster that they are thinking about for the same amount of turns, harmlessly dismounting the hero if that pet is currently serving as a steed.{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|223|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|350|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1338|nethack=3.6.7}} This does not affect the eater's worn [[armor]] or other equipment in either case, and a hero or monster disguised this way will return to normal prematurely if another monster interacts with whatever they are disguised as.
 ==Generation==

@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 A small mimic has a single [[claw attack]], and possesses [[acid resistance]].
-[[Eating]] a small mimic [[corpse]] or [[tin]] causes the hero to mimic a pile of [[gold]] (or an [[orange]] if [[hallucinating]]) for 20 turns unless they have [[unchanging]], and this polymorph breaks the [[polyselfless]] [[conduct]] and harmlessly dismounts them if they are [[riding]].{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1022|nethack=3.6.7|comment=the cases are designed to fall through and add the amount of turns together}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1024|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1027|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1029|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1031|nethack=3.6.7}} A [[pet]] that eats a small mimic corpse will similarly mimic an item or another monster that they are thinking about for the same amount of turns.{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|223|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|350|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1338|nethack=3.6.7}} This does not affect the eater's worn [[armor]] or other equipment in either case, and a hero or monster disguised this way will return to normal prematurely if another monster interacts with whatever they are disguised as.
+[[Eating]] a small mimic [[corpse]] or [[tin]] causes the hero to mimic a pile of [[gold]] (or an [[orange]] if [[hallucinating]]) for 20 turns unless they have [[unchanging]], and this polymorph breaks the [[polyselfless]] [[conduct]] and will harmlessly dismount the hero if they are [[riding]].{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1022|nethack=3.6.7|comment=the cases are designed to fall through and add the amount of turns together}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1024|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1027|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1029|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1031|nethack=3.6.7}} A [[pet]] that eats a small mimic corpse will similarly mimic an item or another monster that they are thinking about for the same amount of turns, harmlessly dismounting the hero if they are currently serving as a steed.{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|223|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|350|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1338|nethack=3.6.7}} This does not affect the eater's worn [[armor]] or other equipment in either case, and a hero or monster disguised this way will return to normal prematurely if another monster interacts with whatever they are disguised as.
 ==Generation==

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
   |nutr=200
   |size=Medium
-  |resistances=Acid
+  |resistances=[[Acid resistance]]
   |resistances conveyed=None
   |attributes={{attributes|A small mimic|breathless=1|amorphous=1|hide=1|animal=1|noeyes=1|nohead=1|nolimbs=1|thick=1|carnivore=1|hostile=1}}
@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 A small mimic has a single [[claw attack]], and possesses [[acid resistance]].
-[[Eating]] a small mimic [[corpse]] or [[tin]] causes the hero to mimic a pile of [[gold]] (or an [[orange]] if [[hallucinating]]) for 20 turns unless they have [[unchanging]], and this polymorph breaks the [[polyselfless]] [[conduct]] and harmlessly dismounts them if they are [[riding]].{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1022|nethack=3.6.7|comment=the cases are designed to fall through and add the amount of turns together}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1024|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1027|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1029|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1031|nethack=3.6.7}} A [[pet]] that eats a small mimic corpse will similarly mimic an item or another monster that they are thinking about for the same amount of turns.{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|223|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|350|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1338|nethack=3.6.7}} This does not affect the eater's armor or worn items in either case, and a hero or pet disguised this way will return to normal prematurely if another monster interacts with whatever they are disguised as.
+[[Eating]] a small mimic [[corpse]] or [[tin]] causes the hero to mimic a pile of [[gold]] (or an [[orange]] if [[hallucinating]]) for 20 turns unless they have [[unchanging]], and this polymorph breaks the [[polyselfless]] [[conduct]] and harmlessly dismounts them if they are [[riding]].{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1022|nethack=3.6.7|comment=the cases are designed to fall through and add the amount of turns together}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1024|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1027|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1029|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1031|nethack=3.6.7}} A [[pet]] that eats a small mimic corpse will similarly mimic an item or another monster that they are thinking about for the same amount of turns.{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|223|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|350|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1338|nethack=3.6.7}} This does not affect the eater's worn [[armor]] or other equipment in either case, and a hero or monster disguised this way will return to normal prematurely if another monster interacts with whatever they are disguised as.
 ==Generation==

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
   |frequency=2
   |genocidable=Yes
-  |attacks=Claw 3d4
+  |attacks=[[Claw attack|Claw]] 3d4 [[Physical damage|physical]]
   |weight=300
   |nutr=200
@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
   |resistances conveyed=None
   |attributes={{attributes|A small mimic|breathless=1|amorphous=1|hide=1|animal=1|noeyes=1|nohead=1|nolimbs=1|thick=1|carnivore=1|hostile=1}}
-  |reference=[[monst.c#line610]]
+  |reference=[https://github.com/NetHack/NetHack/blob/NetHack-3.6.7_Released/src/monst.c#L568 NetHack 3.6.7 - src/monst.c, line 568]
 }}
-A '''small mimic''', {{monsym|small mimic}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is the weakest of the [[mimic]]s, and lacks the [[sticking attack]] and passive sticking of its larger kin. A small mimic is capable of [[hiding]] by disguising itself as an appropriate item or dungeon feature, and a [[hero]] in the form of a small mimic can cloak themselves this way using the [[Monster (command)|#monster]] [[extended command]].
+A '''small mimic''', {{monsym|small mimic}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is the weakest of the [[mimic]]s, and lacks the [[sticking attack]] and passive sticking of its larger kin. A small mimic is capable of [[hiding]] by disguising itself as an appropriate item or dungeon feature, and a [[hero]] [[polymorph]]ed into a small mimic can cloak themselves this way using the [[Monster (command)|#monster]] [[extended command]].
 A small mimic has a single [[claw attack]], and possesses [[acid resistance]].
-[[Eating]] a small mimic [[corpse]] or [[tin]] causes the hero to mimic a pile of [[gold]] (or an [[orange]] if [[hallucinating]]) for 20 turns unless they have [[unchanging]], which dismounts them if they are [[riding]] and breaks the [[polyselfless]] [[conduct]].{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1022|nethack=3.6.7|comment=the cases are designed to fall through and add the amount of turns together}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1024|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1027|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1029|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1031|nethack=3.6.7}} A [[pet]] that eats a small mimic corpse will similarly mimic an item or another monster that they are thinking about for the same amount of turns.{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|223|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|350|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1338|nethack=3.6.7}} This does not affect armor or worn items in either case, and a hero or pet disguised this way will return to normal prematurely if another monster interacts with whatever they are disguised as.
+[[Eating]] a small mimic [[corpse]] or [[tin]] causes the hero to mimic a pile of [[gold]] (or an [[orange]] if [[hallucinating]]) for 20 turns unless they have [[unchanging]], and this polymorph breaks the [[polyselfless]] [[conduct]] and harmlessly dismounts them if they are [[riding]].{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1022|nethack=3.6.7|comment=the cases are designed to fall through and add the amount of turns together}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1024|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1027|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1029|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1031|nethack=3.6.7}} A [[pet]] that eats a small mimic corpse will similarly mimic an item or another monster that they are thinking about for the same amount of turns.{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|223|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|350|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1338|nethack=3.6.7}} This does not affect the eater's armor or worn items in either case, and a hero or pet disguised this way will return to normal prematurely if another monster interacts with whatever they are disguised as.
 ==Generation==
@@ Line 50: / Line 50: @@
 The small mimic first appears in [[NetHack 3.0.0]].
-In [[NetHack 3.4.3]] and earlier versions, including some variants based on those versions, the speed system functions differently: the hero and monsters all move at a consistent rate, meaning that an unhasted and unburdened hero character always gets four moves to the mimic's one. This allows for '[[hit and run]]' tactics that can consistently and reliably dispose of mimics with enough care: characters with relatively high starting HP and [[AC]] can attack them more safely, and with skilled play even weaker roles can defeat mimics this way while avoiding damage. [[NetHack 3.6.0]] changes the speed system, making hit and run tactics more risky and less consistent.
+From NetHack 3.0.0 to [[NetHack 3.4.3]], including some variants based on these versions, the speed system functions differently: the hero and monsters all move at a consistent rate, meaning that an unhasted and unburdened hero character always gets four moves to the mimic's one. This allows for '[[hit and run]]' tactics that can consistently and reliably dispose of mimics with enough care: characters with relatively high starting HP and [[AC]] can attack them more safely, and with skilled play even weaker roles can defeat mimics this way while avoiding damage. [[NetHack 3.6.0]] changes the speed system, making hit and run tactics more risky and less consistent.
 In those same versions, shapeshifting from eating a small mimic corpse or tin does not break polyselfless conduct&mdash;this is changed in [[NetHack 3.6.0]] via {{commit|0f0a85d0bd0716b6c33921410f7c4b7e1bf55303}} so that eating a mimic corpse or tin breaks the conduct.
-In NetHack 3.6.0 and earlier versions, including some variants based on those versions, an [[umber hulk]]'s [[gaze attack]] will not uncloak small mimics that it targets&mdash;this is fixed in [[NetHack 3.6.1]] via {{commit|b5a027c3fedbfef1c8abad4ffe3dd249ae0d79bb}}.
+From NetHack 3.0.0 to NetHack 3.6.0 and earlier versions, including some variants based on these versions, an [[umber hulk]]'s [[gaze attack]] will not uncloak small mimics that it targets&mdash;this is fixed in [[NetHack 3.6.1]] via {{commit|b5a027c3fedbfef1c8abad4ffe3dd249ae0d79bb}}.
 ==Messages==
-{{main|Mimic#Messages}}
+{{main|Mimic#Messages|l1=Mimic-related messages}}
 ==Encyclopedia entry==

@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
   |reference=[[monst.c#line610]]
 }}
 A '''small mimic''', {{monsym|small mimic}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is the weakest of the [[mimic]]s, and lacks the [[sticking attack]] and passive sticking of its larger kin. A small mimic is capable of [[hiding]] by disguising itself as an appropriate item or dungeon feature, and a [[hero]] in the form of a small mimic can cloak themselves this way using the [[Monster (command)|#monster]] [[extended command]].
-A small mimic has a single claw attack, and possesses [[acid resistance]].
+A small mimic has a single [[claw attack]], and possesses [[acid resistance]].
 [[Eating]] a small mimic [[corpse]] or [[tin]] causes the hero to mimic a pile of [[gold]] (or an [[orange]] if [[hallucinating]]) for 20 turns unless they have [[unchanging]], which dismounts them if they are [[riding]] and breaks the [[polyselfless]] [[conduct]].{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1022|nethack=3.6.7|comment=the cases are designed to fall through and add the amount of turns together}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1024|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1027|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1029|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1031|nethack=3.6.7}} A [[pet]] that eats a small mimic corpse will similarly mimic an item or another monster that they are thinking about for the same amount of turns.{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|223|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|350|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1338|nethack=3.6.7}} This does not affect armor or worn items in either case, and a hero or pet disguised this way will return to normal prematurely if another monster interacts with whatever they are disguised as.
 ==Generation==
-{{main|Mimic#Generation}}
+{{main|Mimic#Generation|l1=Mimic generation}}
 Randomly generated small mimics are always created hostile. A small mimic that is randomly generated will appear disguised as an appropriate item or dungeon feature for that square. A small mimic can [[grow up]] into a [[large mimic]].
@@ Line 36: / Line 35: @@
 * A small mimic is generated on the home floor of the [[Rogue quest]] at level creation, and is placed in one of four random locations where the down [[stair]] can appear, with the small mimic disguised as said down stair.
-{{upcoming|3.7.0|Per {{commit|37f6eee147faf3d530112d2cdbb3fe9e699ad57d}}, the "storeroom" [[themed room]] may contain small mimics disguised as [[chest]]s.}}
+{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Per {{commit|37f6eee147faf3d530112d2cdbb3fe9e699ad57d}}, the "storeroom" [[themed room]] may contain small mimics disguised as [[chest]]s.}}
 ==Strategy==
-{{main|Mimic#Strategy}}
+{{main|Mimic#Strategy|l1=Common mimic strategies}}
-Small mimics are very slow at 3 [[speed]], but hit quite hard for an early-game hero, resulting in death if they carelessly bump into one while shopping or else underestimate the power of their claw attacks. As of August 2024, small mimics rank #7 on the list of [http://alt.org/nethack/topdeaths.html top death causes] on [[NAO]].
+Small mimics are very slow at 3 [[speed]], but hit quite hard for an early-game hero, resulting in death if they carelessly bump into one while shopping or else underestimate the power of their claw attacks. As of January 2026, small mimics rank #7 on the list of [http://alt.org/nethack/topdeaths.html top death causes] on [[NAO]].
 Thankfully, the small mimic's low speed can be exploited with most [[ranged attack]]s, and attentive players can spot shop mimics that are disguised as strange objects or else imitating items that are not normally sold in that type of shop. To safely uncloak a mimic in a shop, a hero can throw a single gold piece (via {{kbd|t|1|$}}) down the row or column where they suspect it to be: the gold will be added to store credit and can be picked up later without any trouble. Be sure not to anger the [[shopkeeper]] by hitting them with the coin! Properties such as [[warning]] and [[telepathy]] can also reliably detect potential mimics&mdash;the article section linked at the top of this section lists other methods of safely uncloaking and fighting mimics.
@@ Line 51: / Line 50: @@
 The small mimic first appears in [[NetHack 3.0.0]].
-In [[NetHack 3.4.3]] and earlier versions, including some variants based on those versions, the speed system functions differently: the hero and monsters all move at a consistent rate, meaning that an unhasted and unburdened hero character always gets four moves to the mimic's one. This allows for '[[hit and run]]' tactics that can consistently and reliably dispose of mimics with enough care: characters with relatively high starting HP and [[AC]] can attack them more safely, and with skilled play even weaker roles can defeat mimics this way while avoiding damage.
+In [[NetHack 3.4.3]] and earlier versions, including some variants based on those versions, the speed system functions differently: the hero and monsters all move at a consistent rate, meaning that an unhasted and unburdened hero character always gets four moves to the mimic's one. This allows for '[[hit and run]]' tactics that can consistently and reliably dispose of mimics with enough care: characters with relatively high starting HP and [[AC]] can attack them more safely, and with skilled play even weaker roles can defeat mimics this way while avoiding damage. [[NetHack 3.6.0]] changes the speed system, making hit and run tactics more risky and less consistent.
 In those same versions, shapeshifting from eating a small mimic corpse or tin does not break polyselfless conduct&mdash;this is changed in [[NetHack 3.6.0]] via {{commit|0f0a85d0bd0716b6c33921410f7c4b7e1bf55303}} so that eating a mimic corpse or tin breaks the conduct.

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 }}
-A '''small mimic''', {{monsym|small mimic}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is the weakest of the [[mimic]]s, and lacks the [[sticking attack]] and passive sticking of its larger kin&mdash;despite this, a [[hero]] in the form of a small mimic can stick to other monsters that make contact with them.{{refsrc|src/mhitu.c|527|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=this applies even in the form of a small mimic, which lacks sticking abilities}} A small mimic is capable of [[hiding]] by disguising itself as an item or dungeon feature, and a hero in the form of a small mimic can cloak themselves this way using the [[Monster (command)|#monster]] [[extended command]].
+A '''small mimic''', {{monsym|small mimic}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is the weakest of the [[mimic]]s, and lacks the [[sticking attack]] and passive sticking of its larger kin. A small mimic is capable of [[hiding]] by disguising itself as an item or dungeon feature, and a hero in the form of a small mimic can cloak themselves this way using the [[Monster (command)|#monster]] [[extended command]].
 A small mimic has a single claw attack, and possesses [[acid resistance]].

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 }}
-A '''small mimic''', {{monsym|small mimic}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is the weakest of the [[mimic]]s, and lacks the [[sticking attack]] and passive sticking of its larger kin. A small mimic is capable of [[hiding]] by disguising itself as an item or dungeon feature.
+A '''small mimic''', {{monsym|small mimic}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is the weakest of the [[mimic]]s, and lacks the [[sticking attack]] and passive sticking of its larger kin&mdash;despite this, a [[hero]] in the form of a small mimic can stick to other monsters that make contact with them.{{refsrc|src/mhitu.c|527|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=this applies even in the form of a small mimic, which lacks sticking abilities}} A small mimic is capable of [[hiding]] by disguising itself as an item or dungeon feature, and a hero in the form of a small mimic can cloak themselves this way using the [[Monster (command)|#monster]] [[extended command]].
 A small mimic has a single claw attack, and possesses [[acid resistance]].
-[[Eating]] a small mimic [[corpse]] or [[tin]] causes the [[hero]] to mimic a pile of [[gold]] (or an [[orange]] if [[hallucinating]]) for 20 turns unless they have [[unchanging]], which dismounts them if they are [[riding]] and breaks the [[polyselfless]] [[conduct]].{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1022|nethack=3.6.7|comment=the cases are designed to fall through and add the amount of turns together}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1024|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1027|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1029|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1031|nethack=3.6.7}} A [[pet]] that eats a small mimic corpse will similarly mimic an item or another monster that they are thinking about for the same amount of turns.{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|223|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|350|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1338|nethack=3.6.7}} This does not affect armor or worn items in either case, and a hero or pet disguised this way will return to normal prematurely if another monster interacts with the item they are disguised as.
+[[Eating]] a small mimic [[corpse]] or [[tin]] causes the hero to mimic a pile of [[gold]] (or an [[orange]] if [[hallucinating]]) for 20 turns unless they have [[unchanging]], which dismounts them if they are [[riding]] and breaks the [[polyselfless]] [[conduct]].{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1022|nethack=3.6.7|comment=the cases are designed to fall through and add the amount of turns together}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1024|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1027|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1029|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1031|nethack=3.6.7}} A [[pet]] that eats a small mimic corpse will similarly mimic an item or another monster that they are thinking about for the same amount of turns.{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|223|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|350|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1338|nethack=3.6.7}} This does not affect armor or worn items in either case, and a hero or pet disguised this way will return to normal prematurely if another monster interacts with the item they are disguised as.
 ==Generation==
 {{main|Mimic#Generation}}
-Randomly generated small mimics are always created hostile. A small mimic that is randomly generated will appear disguised as an appropriate item or dungeon feature.
+Randomly generated small mimics are always created hostile. A small mimic that is randomly generated will appear disguised as an appropriate item or dungeon feature. A small mimic can [[grow up]] into a [[large mimic]].
 In addition to random generation, small mimics can be generated in the following circumstances:
 * Small mimics may be generated in [[shop]]s at level creation.{{refsrc|src/shknam.c|471|nethack=3.6.7}} A small mimic created in a shop on dungeon level 9 or higher has a 10 &times; (10 - DL)% chance of appearing as a [[strange object]], and otherwise has a {{frac|2|17}} chance of appearing as a strange object.
-* When entering a new dungeon floor while the [[level difficulty]] is 9 or higher, there is a chance of a small mimic disguised as a closed door being created in a doorway, rather than an actual door.{{refsrc|src/mklev.c|425|nethack=3.6.7}}
+* When entering a new dungeon floor that is not the [[Rogue level]], if the [[level difficulty]] is 9 or higher there is a chance of a small mimic disguised as a closed door being created in a doorway, rather than an actual door.{{refsrc|src/mklev.c|417|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mklev.c|425|nethack=3.6.7}}
 * A small mimic may appear among the four mimics generated on The Mimic of the Mines map of [[Mines' End]] at level creation.
 * A small mimic is generated on the home floor of the [[Rogue quest]] at level creation, and is placed in one of four random locations where the down [[stair]] can appear, with the small mimic disguised as said down stair.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:42, 7 August 2024
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−	#~~REDIRECT~~ [[Mimic#Small mimic]]	+	{{monster
		+	\|difficulty=8
		+	\|level=7
		+	\|experience=92
		+	\|speed=3
		+	\|AC=7
		+	\|MR=0
		+	\|align=0
		+	\|frequency=2
		+	\|genocidable=Yes
		+	\|attacks=Claw 3d4
		+	\|weight=300
		+	\|nutr=200
		+	\|size=Medium
		+	\|resistances=Acid
		+	\|resistances conveyed=None
		+	\|attributes={{attributes\|A small mimic\|breathless=1\|amorphous=1\|hide=1\|animal=1\|noeyes=1\|nohead=1\|nolimbs=1\|thick=1\|carnivore=1\|hostile=1}}
		+	\|reference=[[monst.c#line610]]
		+	}}
		+
		+	A '''small mimic''', {{monsym\|small mimic}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is the weakest of the [[mimic]]s, and lacks the [[sticking attack]] and passive sticking of its larger kin.
		+
		+	A small mimic has a single claw attack, and possesses [[acid resistance]].
		+
		+	[[Eating]] a small mimic [[corpse]] or [[tin]] causes the [[hero]] to mimic a pile of [[gold]] (or an [[orange]] if [[hallucinating]]) for 20 turns unless they have [[unchanging]], which dismounts them if they are [[riding]] and breaks the [[polyselfless]] [[conduct]].{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|1024\|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|1027\|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|1029\|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|1031\|nethack=3.6.7}} A [[pet]] that eats a small mimic corpse will similarly mimic an item or another monster that they are thinking about for 20 turns.{{refsrc\|src/dogmove.c\|223\|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/dogmove.c\|350\|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/dogmove.c\|1338\|nethack=3.6.7}} This does not affect armor or worn items in either case, and a hero or pet disguised this way will return to normal prematurely if another monster interacts with the item they are disguised as.
		+
		+	==Generation==
		+	{{main\|Mimic#Generation}}
		+	Randomly generated small mimics are always created hostile. A small mimic that is randomly generated will appear disguised as an appropriate item or dungeon feature.
		+
		+	In addition to random generation, small mimics can be generated in the following circumstances:
		+
		+	* Small mimics may be generated in [[shop]]s at level creation.{{refsrc\|src/shknam.c\|471\|nethack=3.6.7}} A small mimic created in a shop on dungeon level 9 or higher has a 10 × (10 - DL)% chance of appearing as a [[strange object]], and otherwise has a {{frac\|2\|17}} chance of appearing as a strange object.
		+	* When entering a new dungeon floor while the [[level difficulty]] is 9 or higher, there is a chance of a small mimic disguised as a closed door being created in a doorway, rather than an actual door.{{refsrc\|src/mklev.c\|425\|nethack=3.6.7}}
		+	* A small mimic may appear among the four mimics generated on The Mimic of the Mines map of [[Mines' End]] at level creation.
		+	* A small mimic is generated on the home floor of the [[Rogue quest]] at level creation, and is placed in one of four random locations where the down [[stair]] can appear, with the small mimic disguised as said down stair.
		+
		+	{{upcoming\|3.7.0\|Per {{commit\|37f6eee147faf3d530112d2cdbb3fe9e699ad57d}}, the "storeroom" [[themed room]] may contain small mimics disguised as [[chest]]s.}}
		+
		+	==Strategy==
		+	{{main\|Mimic#Strategy}}
		+	Small mimics are very slow at 3 [[speed]], but hit quite hard for an early-game hero, resulting in death if they carelessly bump into one while shopping or else underestimating the power of their claw attacks. As of August 2024, small mimics rank #7 on the list of [http://alt.org/nethack/topdeaths.html top death causes] on [[NAO]].
		+
		+	Thankfully, the small mimic's low speed can be exploited with most [[ranged attack]]s, and attentive players can spot shop mimics that are disguised as strange objects or else imitating items that are not normally sold in that type of shop. To safely uncloak a mimic in a shop, a hero can throw a single gold piece (via {{kbd\|t\|1\|$}}) down the row or column where they suspect it to be: the gold will be added to store credit and can be picked up later without any trouble. Be sure not to anger the [[shopkeeper]] by hitting them with the coin! Properties such as [[warning]] and [[telepathy]] can also reliably detect potential mimics—the article section linked at the top of this section lists other methods of safely uncloaking and fighting mimics.
		+
		+	If fighting a small mimic in a shop, certain ranged attacks may not be safe: thrown [[projectile]]s will become the shop's property if the shop buys or sells the weapon in question, and the [[wand of striking]] and {{+ of\|force bolt}} spells can break [[fragile]] items in their path; additionally, using ray-type wands or spells can risk the shopkeeper being hit by the rebound, depending on the shop size.
		+
		+	Due to the high amount of experience that even small mimics can give, it is recommended for a hero to be at [[experience level]] 3 or higher before dispatching one to maximize their experience gain.
		+
		+	==History==
		+	The small mimic first appears in [[NetHack 3.0.0]].
		+
		+	In [[NetHack 3.4.3]] and earlier versions, including some variants based on those versions, the speed system functions differently: the hero and monsters all move at a consistent rate, meaning that an unhasted and unburdened hero character always gets four moves to the mimic's one. This allows for '[[hit and run]]' tactics that can consistently and reliably dispose of mimics with enough care: characters with relatively high starting HP and [[AC]] can attack them more safely, and with skilled play even weaker roles can defeat mimics this way while avoiding damage.
		+
		+	In those same versions, shapeshifting from eating a small mimic corpse or tin does not break polyselfless conduct—this is changed in [[NetHack 3.6.0]] via {{commit\|0f0a85d0bd0716b6c33921410f7c4b7e1bf55303}} so that eating a mimic corpse or tin breaks the conduct.
		+
		+	In NetHack 3.6.0 and earlier versions, including some variants based on those versions, an [[umber hulk]]'s [[gaze attack]] will not uncloak small mimics that it targets—this is fixed in [[NetHack 3.6.1]] via {{commit\|b5a027c3fedbfef1c8abad4ffe3dd249ae0d79bb}}.
		+
		+	==Messages==
		+	{{main\|Mimic#Messages}}
		+
		+	==Encyclopedia entry==
		+	{{encyclopedia-redirect\|mimic}}
		+
		+	==References==
		+	<references/>
		+	{{nethack-367}}
		+	[[Category:Monsters]]