Spellbook of create monster - Revision history

Tomsod: typos

2025-11-01T08:39:56Z

typos

Umbire the Phantom: word choice

2025-10-07T18:56:28Z

word choice

Umbire the Phantom: /* Description */ copyedit

2025-07-10T14:07:37Z

‎Description: copyedit

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ elaborate some

2025-07-04T05:33:37Z

‎dNetHack: elaborate some

Umbire the Phantom: xnh

2025-07-04T05:03:52Z

xnh

Umbire the Phantom: /* Strategy */ lead-in

2025-07-04T02:51:53Z

‎Strategy: lead-in

Umbire the Phantom: grunt

2025-07-04T02:25:14Z

grunt

Umbire the Phantom: word choice

2025-07-04T01:01:16Z

word choice

Umbire the Phantom: *dnh, hackem

2025-07-04T00:40:04Z

*dnh, hackem

Umbire the Phantom: start with SLASH'EM

2025-07-04T00:03:51Z

start with SLASH'EM

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   |level=2
   |type=clerical
-  |turns=3
+  |turns=5
   |direction=non-directional
   |equiv=[[scroll of create monster]]<br/>[[wand of create monster]]
@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 }}
-In ''[[NetHack]]'', the '''spellbook of create monster''' can be [[read]] to learn the '''spell of protection'''. It is a level 2 [[clerical spell]], and the [[spellbook]] takes 5 actions to read.
+In ''[[NetHack]]'', the '''spellbook of create monster''' can be [[read]] to learn the '''spell of create monster'''. It is a level 2 [[clerical spell]], and the [[spellbook]] takes 5 actions to read.
 ==Generation==

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 Unlike the very similar [[wand of create monster]], a casting of the create monster spell that creates multiple monsters has a lower ceiling for the number of monsters generated ''and'' a much lower chance of creating multiple monsters this way in the first place: with groups of monsters counting as 1 instance like previously discussed, the wand can potentially create {{rn1|7|2}} with a {{frac|23}} chance, compared to the {{frac|73}} chance of 2-5 monsters from the spell.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2171|nethack=3.6.7|comment=wand effects}}  This makes the spell much less ideal specifically for generating [[nutrition]], either from the monsters' corpses or their [[death drop]]s, when combined with other factors&mdash;the hero must be able to reliably cast the spell (with 20 nutrition burned for each attempt), randomly create monsters that can leave safely edible and/or filling corpses to begin with, and the monsters must then drop those corpses upon their death. Heroes other than Wizards are unlikely to find the spell to be nutrition-positive before reaching the depths where starvation ceases to be a threat.
-A caster with a well-established supply of food that aims to go [[altar farming]] should pick a location where they can easily prevent generated monsters from escaping, or else easily escape the area themselves (e.g. via [[teleportation]]) if need be. Coaligned [[temple]]s are generally among the best areas since the sanctuary provided will cause most monsters to flee rather than attack in melee, and [[Elbereth]] is a useful resource for areas without sanctuary.  Heroes that are primary casters (who generally have a high pool of energy to cast from) can also make use of the spell in their [[quest]] to more quickly generate and/or [[farm]] monsters with useful corpses: Priests in particular can generate [[wraith]]s on [[Priest quest|their quest's]] home level this way, then lure them out through the [[magic portal]] so they have a higher chance to drop corpses (with the usual [[wraith farming]] precautions applying); Wizards, especially those that obtain their [[quest artifact]] [[The Eye of the Aethiopica]], can take advantage of [[hungerless casting]] to both farm wraiths from [[Wizard quest|their own quest]] and rack up luck and sacrifice gifts along with other resources such as [[holy water]] and [[unholy water]].
+A caster with a well-established supply of food that aims to go [[altar farming]] should pick a location where they can easily prevent generated monsters from escaping, or else easily escape the area themselves (e.g. via [[teleportation]]) if need be. Coaligned [[temple]]s are generally among the best areas since the sanctuary provided will cause most monsters to flee rather than attack in melee, and [[Elbereth]] is a useful resource for areas without sanctuary.  Heroes that are primary casters (who generally have a high pool of energy to cast from) can also make use of the spell in their [[quest]] to more quickly generate and/or [[farm]] monsters with useful corpses: Priests in particular can generate [[wraith]]s on [[Priest quest|their quest's]] home level this way, then lure them out through the [[magic portal]] so they have a higher chance of dropping corpses (with the usual [[wraith farming]] precautions applying); Wizards can take advantage of [[hungerless casting]], especially with their [[quest artifact]] [[The Eye of the Aethiopica]], to both farm wraiths from [[Wizard quest|their own quest]] and rack up luck and sacrifice gifts along with other resources such as [[holy water]] and [[unholy water]].
-{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Pets will no longer eat shapeshifter corpses, unless they are starving or on the verge of untaming.}}
+{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Pets will not eat shapeshifter corpses unless they are starving or on the verge of untaming.}}
 ===Extinction===

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 ==Description==
-At all [[skill]] levels, the spell of create monster behaves identically to reading an uncursed [[scroll of create monster]]:{{refsrc|src/zap.c|1154|nethack=3.6.7|comment=the spell code directly calls the uncursed scroll effects}} When successfully [[cast]], the spell creates one or more [[monster]]s near the [[hero]], with a {{frac|72|73}} chance of creating a single monster and a {{frac|73}} chance of creating 2-5 monsters{{refsrc|src/read.c|1350|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1433|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}&mdash;normal [[monster creation]] is used to generate each monster, meaning that monsters generated in [[group]]s count as a single instance.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1106|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1458|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Creating monsters with the spell in [[wizard mode]] will prompt the player for what kind of monster(s) to create.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1442|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1445|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+When successfully [[cast]] at any [[skill]] level, the spell of create monster behaves identically to reading an uncursed [[scroll of create monster]]:{{refsrc|src/zap.c|1154|nethack=3.6.7|comment=the spell code directly calls the uncursed scroll effects}} one or more [[monster]]s are created adjacent to the [[hero]], with a {{frac|72|73}} chance of creating a single monster and a {{frac|73}} chance of creating 2-5 monsters{{refsrc|src/read.c|1350|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1433|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}&mdash;normal [[monster creation]] is used to generate each monster, meaning that monsters generated in [[group]]s count as a single instance.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1106|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1458|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Creating monsters with the spell in [[wizard mode]] will prompt the player for what kind of monster(s) to create.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1442|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1445|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
 {{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|The spell of create monster and other means of monster creation will provide feedback each time a monster is generated.}}

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 ===dNetHack===
 In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], the spell of create monster is changed to a level 6 clerical spell, and serves as the special spell of the [[Troubadour]] (or Bard).
 The spell of create monster cannot be cast while the effects of a [[dimensional lock]] are active.

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 ===FIQHack===
 In [[FIQHack]], this spellbook and its spell are replaced by the [[spellbook of summoning]].
 ===Hack'EM===

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 ==Strategy==
-The spell of create monster is generally reserved for producing monsters to kill and sacrifice any [[corpse]]s they leave at an [[altar]], generally when a hero is either amassing [[luck]] or else trying for a [[sacrifice gift]] with their spare [[energy]]&mdash;as with other sources of create monster, and depending on the hero's primary form of offense and their spell repertoire, the potential gains must be balanced against the risk of summoning something dangerous like a [[leocrotta]] or swarm of [[soldier ant]]s, especially if you've just expended the last of your energy on this very spell. Outside of obtaining corpses for sacrifice, "farming" monsters from the spell can also be used to obtain spare armor, [[polyfodder]] or other generally-useful items; the monsters can also be used to feed [[pets]] and/or raise their [[Monster level|levels]], though be sure to keep carnivorous pets away from [[shapeshifter]] corpses unless you're fine with allowing them to [[polymorph]], and be mindful of monsters with [[passive]]s.
+The spell of create monster is generally niche early on, and is reserved for when a hero is either amassing [[luck]] or else trying for a [[sacrifice gift]] with their spare [[energy]] by producing monsters to kill and sacrifice any [[corpse]]s an [[altar]]&mdash;as with other sources of create monster, and depending on the hero's primary form of offense and their spell repertoire, the potential gains must be balanced against the risk of summoning something dangerous like a [[leocrotta]] or swarm of [[soldier ant]]s, especially if you've just expended the last of your energy on this very spell. Outside of obtaining corpses for sacrifice, "farming" monsters from the spell can also be used to obtain spare armor, [[polyfodder]] or other generally-useful items; the monsters can also be used to feed [[pets]] and/or raise their [[Monster level|levels]], though be sure to keep carnivorous pets away from [[shapeshifter]] corpses unless you're fine with allowing them to [[polymorph]], and be mindful of monsters with [[passive]]s.
 Unlike the very similar [[wand of create monster]], a casting of the create monster spell that creates multiple monsters has a lower ceiling for the number of monsters generated ''and'' a much lower chance of creating multiple monsters this way in the first place: with groups of monsters counting as 1 instance like previously discussed, the wand can potentially create {{rn1|7|2}} with a {{frac|23}} chance, compared to the {{frac|73}} chance of 2-5 monsters from the spell.{{refsrc|src/zap.c|2171|nethack=3.6.7|comment=wand effects}}  This makes the spell much less ideal specifically for generating [[nutrition]], either from the monsters' corpses or their [[death drop]]s, when combined with other factors&mdash;the hero must be able to reliably cast the spell (with 20 nutrition burned for each attempt), randomly create monsters that can leave safely edible and/or filling corpses to begin with, and the monsters must then drop those corpses upon their death. Heroes other than Wizards are unlikely to find the spell to be nutrition-positive before reaching the depths where starvation ceases to be a threat.

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:25, 4 July 2025
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	[[Grund's Stronghold]] has a {{frac\|3}} chance of generating a spellbook of create monster in a well-hidden chest in the northwestern corner at level creation—the book will always be accompanied by an [[amulet versus stone]].		[[Grund's Stronghold]] has a {{frac\|3}} chance of generating a spellbook of create monster in a well-hidden chest in the northwestern corner at level creation—the book will always be accompanied by an [[amulet versus stone]].
		+
		+	===GruntHack===
		+	In [[GruntHack]], some monsters can use the same set of spells as the hero, including the create monster spell.

	===dNetHack===		===dNetHack===

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 [[Grund's Stronghold]] has a {{frac|3}} chance of generating a spellbook of create monster in a well-hidden chest in the northwestern corner at level creation&mdash;the book will always be accompanied by an [[amulet versus stone]].
 ===FIQHack===
 In [[FIQHack]], this spellbook and its spell are replaced by the [[spellbook of summoning]].
 ==References==