Difference between revisions of "Dragon"

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The '''dragon''', represented by the overall glyph {{white|D}}, is a [[monster class|class]] of very powerful mid-game [[monster]] in ''[[NetHack]]''. Dragons are coveted for the [[dragon scales]] they sometimes drop, which can be made into [[dragon scale mail]].
+
The '''dragon''' is a [[monster class]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]'', and is represented by the uppercase [[D]] glyph ({{white|D}}). Dragons are designated internally by the macro '''S_DRAGON'''.{{refsrc|include/monsym.h|44|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
  
−
Members of the dragon monster class include:
+
The class contains the following monsters:{{refsrc|src/monst.c|1086|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
  
 
* Adult dragons
 
* Adult dragons
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** {{monsymlink|baby shimmering dragon}}
 
** {{monsymlink|baby shimmering dragon}}
  
−
{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Gold (and baby gold) dragons are added. They emit light and breathe fire. Main details should go on [[Gold dragon]].}}
+
{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|[[Gold dragon]]s and [[baby gold dragon]]s are introduced - they emit light and breathe fire.}}
  
 
==Common characteristics==
 
==Common characteristics==
−
All dragons are carnivorous monsters that are thick-skinned, capable of [[flight]], and are eligible [[steed]]s. They are generally slower than an unburdened, unhasted [[hero]]. Dragons generated randomly and at level creation will always be hostile, and are eligible polyforms for [[polymorph trap]]s and other sources of [[polymorph]].
+
All dragons are [[carnivorous]] monsters that are thick-skinned, capable of [[flight]], and eligible for [[riding]]. They are generally slower than an unburdened, unhasted [[hero]]. Dragons generated randomly and at level creation will always be hostile. Dragons are [[kebabable]], granting a +2 [[to-hit]] bonus when attacking them with weapons that use the [[spear]] [[skill]] - [[Dragonbane]] deals double damage to all dragons.
  
−
Dragons are [[intelligent]] and [[gold lover|can pick up gold]] and gems, but lack defined hands (the default tiles depict them as quadrupedal), and thus cannot use any items they come across or happen to be carrying, e.g. after transformation via [[polymorph trap]].
+
Dragons are [[intelligent]] [[gold lover]]s that will seek out [[gold]] and [[gem]]s to pick up, but lack defined hands (the default tiles depict them as quadrupedal), and thus cannot use any items they come across or happen to be carrying, e.g. after transformation via [[polymorph trap]].
 +
 
 +
[[Chatting]] to any dragon that is not a quest nemesis causes them to snarl.
  
 
===Adult dragons===
 
===Adult dragons===
−
All adult dragons are either lawful or chaotic, with an [[AC]] of -1 and an MR of 20. They are [[strong]], gigantic, [[oviparous]], can [[see invisible]], and have the <code>[[M2_NASTY]]</code> flag; an associated bit of code in trap.c allows them to instantly tear through webs where their baby forms cannot.{{refsrc|trap.c|2543|comment=extra_nasty() discerns adult dragons from baby dragons to let them tear through webs|version=NetHack 3.6.6}} All adult dragons possess a breath weapon of [[#Elemental affinities|an element]] corresponding to their color. In addition to [[zorkmids|gold]] and gems, dragons will pick up magical items such as [[wand]]s and [[scroll]]s, but the aforementioned lack of hands and their inability to speak prevents them from using any of their spoils.
+
All adult dragons are either lawful or chaotic, with an [[AC]] of -1 and an [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]] of 20. They are [[strong]], gigantic, [[oviparous]], can [[see invisible]], and have the <code>[[M2_NASTY]]</code> flag; an associated bit of code in trap.c allows them to instantly tear through webs where their baby forms cannot.{{refsrc|trap.c|2543|comment=extra_nasty() discerns adult dragons from baby dragons to let them tear through webs|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} All adult dragons possess a breath weapon of [[#Elemental affinities|an element]] corresponding to their color. In addition to gold and gems, dragons will pick up magical items such as [[wand]]s and [[scroll]]s, but the aforementioned lack of hands and their inability to speak prevents them from using any of their spoils.
  
 
===Baby dragons===
 
===Baby dragons===
−
All baby dragons are of neutral alignment, with an AC of 2 and an MR of 10. They are strong and huge, but lack the adult dragon's ability to use breath weapons, tear through webs, and see invisible. Baby dragons can [[grow up]] into their adult forms, which causes their scales to grow in (hence the AC difference of 3 between their forms).
+
{{monster
−
 
+
|name=baby dragon
−
===Death drops===
+
|symbol={{monsym|baby_gray_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_silver_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_shimmering_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_red_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_white_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_orange_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_black_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_blue_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_green_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_yellow_dragon}}
−
Dragons will always leave a [[corpse]] if killed in a way that leaves it intact, and adults have a 1 in 3 chance of also dropping a set of their uncursed +0 scales (1 in 20 if the dragon was [[revive]]d); baby dragons do not drop scales, nor do their corpses grant intrinsics. Adult dragon corpses that grant intrinsics are guaranteed to do so.
+
|tile=[[Image:Baby dragons.png|Baby dragons]]
 +
|difficulty=13
 +
|level=12
 +
|experience=200
 +
|speed=9
 +
|AC=2
 +
|MR=10
 +
|align=0
 +
|frequency=0
 +
|genocidable=Yes
 +
|attacks=Bite 2d6
 +
|weight=1500
 +
|nutr=500
 +
|size=Huge
 +
|resistances=''(see article)''
 +
|resistances conveyed=None
 +
|attributes={{attributes|A baby dragon|fly=1|thick=1|nohands=1|carnivore=1|hostile=1|strong=1|greedy=1|jewels=1}}
 +
{{attributes|A baby red dragon also|infravisible=1|does_too_eat=1}}
 +
{{attributes|A baby green dragon also|pois=1|does_too_eat=1}}
 +
{{attributes|A baby yellow dragon also|acid=1|does_too_eat=1}}
 +
|reference=[[monst.c#line1085]]
 +
}}
 +
All baby dragons are of neutral alignment, with an AC of 2 and an MR of 10. They are strong and huge, but lack the adult dragon's ability to use breath weapons, tear through webs, and see invisible. Baby dragons can [[grow up]] into their adult forms, which causes their scales to grow in (hence the 3 AC difference between their forms). Baby dragons generally possess the resistances of their adult forms, minus those conferred by scales (e.g. baby silver dragons do not have [[reflection]]){{refsrc|muse.c|2156|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Baby dragons do not have breath attacks.
  
 
===Generation===
 
===Generation===
−
Baby dragons, like all baby monsters, are randomly generated only on aligned branches such as the neutral-biased [[Oracle (level)|Oracle]] and [[Sokoban]] levels. Thus they are usually excluded from monster generation on level creation that calls for a {{white|D}} unless it specifically generates a baby dragon. Baby dragons can also be hatched from dragon [[egg]]s.
+
Baby dragons, like all baby monsters, are only generated randomly and/or at level creation on aligned branches such as the neutral-biased [[Oracle (level)|Oracle]] and [[Sokoban]] levels, and can also be hatched from dragon [[egg]]s. Baby dragons will [[grow up]] into their respective adult forms.
  
−
Adult dragons are first eligible to be generated through normal random [[monster creation]] around the midway depths of the dungeon. They are also considered [[throne room]] monsters, and can be generated in throne rooms on level creation or when a [[throne]] is [[loot]]ed as early as dungeon level 15.{{reffunc|mkroom.c|courtmon}} Adult dragons are all eligible for creation via the [[summon nasties]] [[monster spell]] when cast by a spellcaster of the same alignment.
+
Adult dragons are often randomly generated around the midway depths of the dungeon. They may appear among the hostile monsters generated in [[throne room]]s at dungeon levels 15 and below, and can also appear among the monsters randomly generated by [[looting]] a [[throne]] while [[confused]] and carrying gold (provided there is no [[chest]] on the level).{{refsrc|src/mkroom.c|741|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Several colors of adult dragon can be created by the [[summon nasties]] [[monster spell]].
  
−
Where most monsters roll (ML)d8 for their HP - with ML being the monster's level - an adult dragon instead rolls (ML)d4 and adds 4 times its monster level to that result, e.g., a level 15 dragon will always have at least 75 HP. Dragons generated in the [[End Game]] use a flat 8*(ML), and so will always have the maximum amount of HP possible for their level (e.g., the level 15 dragon from before would always have 120 HP if generated there).{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|969|version=NetHack 3.6.6}}
+
Where most monsters roll (ML)d8 for their HP - with ML being the [[Monster level|monster's level]] - an adult dragon instead rolls (ML)d4 and adds 4 times its monster level to that result, e.g., a level 15 dragon will always have at least 75 HP. Dragons generated in the [[End Game]] use a flat 8*(ML), and so will always have the maximum amount of HP possible for their level, e.g. the level 15 dragon from before would always have 120 HP if generated in an End Game level.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|969|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
  
 
In addition to random generation, adult dragons are generated on level creation for the following areas:
 
In addition to random generation, adult dragons are generated on level creation for the following areas:
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* Three random dragons will be generated upon reaching the [[Astral Plane]].
 
* Three random dragons will be generated upon reaching the [[Astral Plane]].
 +
 +
Dragons will always leave a [[corpse]] if killed in a way that leaves it intact, and adult dragons have a {{frac|3}} chance of also dropping a set of their uncursed +0 scales, which is reduced to {{frac|20}} if the dragon was [[revive]]d; if a dragon is turned to stone, the scales can also be retrieved from the [[statue]] with the same probability. Adult dragon corpses that grant intrinsics are guaranteed to do so. Baby dragons do not drop scales, nor do their corpses grant intrinsics.
  
 
===Quest nemeses===
 
===Quest nemeses===
−
Two dragons serve as [[quest nemeses]] in the game: the {{monsymlink|Chromatic Dragon}}, the [[Caveman]] [[quest nemesis]], and {{monsymlink|Ixoth}}, the [[Knight]] quest nemesis. Neither of them leave behind any scales upon death.
+
Two dragons serve as [[quest nemeses]] in the game:
  
−
Ixoth is a powerful red dragon and thus possesses the standard fire breath alongside many other abilities - eating him conveys [[fire resistance]].
+
* The {{monsymlink|Chromatic Dragon}}, the [[Caveman]] quest nemesis, possesses the resistances of every single dragon in the game, and can randomly use any of their breath weapons along with the ability to sting and cast monster spells. Her corpse is [[poisonous]] to eat, but consuming her corpse or [[tin]] grants one of several resistances available from eating the meat of adult dragons, with an equal probability of each.
−
 
+
* {{monsymlink|Ixoth}}, the [[Knight]] quest nemesis, is a powerful red dragon with a stronger breath weapon, stronger physical attacks and the ability to thus possesses the standard fire breath alongside the ability to cast spell - eating his corpse or tin always grants [[fire resistance]].
−
The Chromatic Dragon is a special kind of dragon - she possesses the breath weapon of every single dragon in the game, and eating her corpse conveys a random resistance from the ones availble via adult dragon meat. Her corpse is [[poison]]ous to eat, however.
 
  
 
==Elemental affinities==
 
==Elemental affinities==
−
Each adult dragon has a specific element-and-resistance set of characteristic associated with it, including a [[breath]] attack. Eating a given dragon's [[corpse]] can give you the associated [[intrinsics]] if possible, while the scales (and any mail made from them) will grant the extrinsic characteristic.
+
Each adult dragon has a specific element-and-resistance set of characteristics associated with it, including a [[breath]] attack. Eating a given dragon's corpse often grants intrinsic resistance to the appropriate element, while the scales (and any dragon scale mail made from them) will grant extrinsic resistance to that element.
  
 
{| class="prettytable striped"
 
{| class="prettytable striped"
 
!Dragon
 
!Dragon
 
!Breath ''(4d6 unless otherwise noted)''
 
!Breath ''(4d6 unless otherwise noted)''
−
!Intrinsics/scales
+
!Intrinsics
−
!Corpse conveys...
+
!Scale properties
 +
!Corpse properties
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Black
 
|Black
 
|[[disintegration]]
 
|[[disintegration]]
 
|[[disintegration resistance]]
 
|[[disintegration resistance]]
−
|same (100%)
+
|[[disintegration resistance]]
 +
|[[disintegration resistance]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Blue
 
|Blue
 
|[[lightning]]
 
|[[lightning]]
 
|[[shock resistance]]
 
|[[shock resistance]]
−
|same (100%)
+
|[[shock resistance]]
 +
|[[shock resistance]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Gray
 
|Gray
 
|[[magic missile]]
 
|[[magic missile]]
 
|[[magic resistance]]
 
|[[magic resistance]]
−
|nothing (magic resistance cannot be gained intrinsically)
+
|[[magic resistance]]
 +
|none
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Green
 
|Green
 
|[[poison]]
 
|[[poison]]
 
|[[poison resistance]]
 
|[[poison resistance]]
−
|same (100%)
+
|[[poison resistance]]
 +
|[[poison resistance]] (poisonous to eat)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Orange
 
|Orange
−
|[[sleep]], 4d25 turns
+
|[[sleep]] (4d25 turns)
 +
|[[sleep resistance]]
 +
|[[sleep resistance]]
 
|[[sleep resistance]]
 
|[[sleep resistance]]
−
|same  (100%)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Red
 
|Red
 
|[[fire]] 6d6
 
|[[fire]] 6d6
 
|[[fire resistance]]
 
|[[fire resistance]]
−
|same (100%)
+
|[[fire resistance]]
 +
|[[fire resistance]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Silver
 
|Silver
 
|[[cold]]
 
|[[cold]]
−
|[[reflection]] and [[cold resistance]]; only reflection is provided by scales
+
|[[reflection]] and [[cold resistance]]
−
|nothing (reflection cannot be gained intrinsically)
+
|[[reflection]]
 +
|none
 
|-
 
|-
 
|White
 
|White
 
|[[cold]]
 
|[[cold]]
 
|[[cold resistance]]
 
|[[cold resistance]]
−
|same (100%)
+
|[[cold resistance]]
 +
|[[cold resistance]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Yellow
 
|Yellow
 
|[[acid]]
 
|[[acid]]
−
|[[acid resistance]] and [[petrification resistance]]; only acid resistance is provided by scales
+
|[[acid resistance]] and [[petrification resistance]]
−
|nothing (neither resistance can be gained intrinsically)
+
|[[acid resistance]]
 +
|none
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Deferred dragons==
 
==Deferred dragons==
−
The shimmering dragon, whose scales grant [[displacement]], appears in the code along with its baby form, but is commented out by default - monster displacement has [[deferred features|not yet been implemented]] in vanilla ''NetHack''. However, variants make used of them, such as [[shimmering dragon (SLASH'EM)|SLASH'EM]].
+
The shimmering dragon, whose scales grant [[displacement]], appears in the code along with its baby form, but is commented out by default - monster displacement has [[deferred features|not yet been implemented]] in vanilla ''NetHack''.
  
−
{{upcoming|3.7.0|Displacer beasts have been successfully added to the latest in-development version, indicating that monster displacement is now possible.}}
+
{{upcoming|3.7.0|Displacer beasts have been successfully added to the latest in-development version, indicating that monster displacement is at least possible, though the [[Devteam]] has stated that shimmering dragons and their scales would require a different implementation from them.}}
−
 
 
−
==Baby dragons==
 
−
{{monster
 
−
|name=baby dragon
 
−
|symbol={{monsym|baby_gray_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_silver_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_shimmering_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_red_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_white_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_orange_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_black_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_blue_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_green_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_yellow_dragon}}
 
−
|tile=[[Image:Baby dragons.png|Baby dragons]]
 
−
|difficulty=13
 
−
|level=12
 
−
|experience=200
 
−
|speed=9
 
−
|AC=2
 
−
|MR=10
 
−
|align=0
 
−
|frequency=0
 
−
|genocidable=Yes
 
−
|attacks=Bite 2d6
 
−
|weight=1500
 
−
|nutr=500
 
−
|size=Huge
 
−
|resistances=''(see article)''
 
−
|resistances conveyed=None
 
−
|attributes={{attributes|A baby dragon|fly=1|thick=1|nohands=1|carnivore=1|hostile=1|strong=1|greedy=1|jewels=1}}
 
−
{{attributes|A baby red dragon also|infravisible=1|does_too_eat=1}}
 
−
{{attributes|A baby green dragon also|pois=1|does_too_eat=1}}
 
−
{{attributes|A baby yellow dragon also|acid=1|does_too_eat=1}}
 
−
|reference=[[monst.c#line1085]]
 
−
}}
 
−
Baby dragons generally possess the resistances of their adult forms. However, baby silver dragons do not possess reflection, which is provided by the adult's scales.{{refsrc|muse.c|2156|version=NetHack 3.6.6}} They grant no intrinsics when eaten, they do not drop scales, and they do not have breath attacks.
 
  
 
==Strategy==
 
==Strategy==
−
While baby dragons may not be especially difficult due to being held back by their lesser defenses and only having a single bite attack, adult dragons are somewhat fearsome foes - the value of their scales and the frequency at which they start appearing from the midgame on make them threats that every player must eventually prepare for.
+
While baby dragons may not be especially difficult due to their lesser defenses and singular melee attack, adult dragons are somewhat fearsome foes that all characters must prepare for during the mid-game - they are also coveted for the [[dragon scales]] they sometimes drop, which can be made into [[dragon scale mail]]. Players that are skilled enough or else fortunate early on may come to see dragons as pushovers compared to other mid-game and late-game hostiles.
  
 
===Combat===
 
===Combat===
−
Dragons will use their breath weapons only at range (i.e., more than one square from the character) - players that get within melee distance can avoid the breath attacks, but will have to contend with their powerful bite and subsequent claw attacks. Characters without magic cancellation, magic resistance, or reflection to avoid or negate the breath's rays may prefer this option, and good AC is almost a must in any case.
+
Baby dragons are generally pushovers for the point they are encountered at, unless a character is exceedingly weak or unlucky. Adult dragons will use their breath weapons only at range, i.e. more than one square from the character - players that get within melee distance can avoid the breath attacks, but will have to contend with their strong bite and subsequent claw attacks. Characters without magic cancellation, magic resistance, or reflection to avoid or negate the breath's rays may prefer this option, and good AC is always worthwhile in any case.
  
−
Dragons are considered [[kebabable]], granting a +2 [[to-hit]] bonus when attacking them with weapons that use the [[spear]] skill. In addition, [[Dragonbane]] deals double damage to all dragons, and the reflection it grants when wielded is perfect for dealing with their breath attacks - thus it is especially useful when farming for scales. Those looking to make dragon scale mail may opt to use a [[cursed]] [[scroll of genocide]] to generate dragons of their desired color, which is best done in conjunction with an engraved [[Elbereth]] or [[scroll of scare monster]]; it is wisest to attempt this in a smaller room to reduce the chances of breath attacks occurring.
+
For characters that opt to use Dragonbane, the reflection it grants when wielded is perfect for dealing with the adults' breath attacks, and also makes it an ideal aid when farming for scales. Those looking to make dragon scale mail may opt to use a [[cursed]] [[scroll of genocide]] to generate dragons of their desired color, which is best done in conjunction with an engraved [[Elbereth]] or [[scroll of scare monster]] - this is best done in a small room to reduce the odds of breath attacks occurring.
  
 
===As pets===
 
===As pets===
−
Dragons are excellent pets in the early game if you obtain one. The easiest way to get a dragon pet is through a dragon [[egg]]; the egg may be obtained by polymorphing into any of the dragons and then [[sit]]ting if your character is female. If you repeatedly displace your pet onto a [[polymorph trap]] you will occasionally end up with a gray dragon, since they are magic-resistant and will not polymorph further.
+
Dragons are solid pets in the early game for those who obtain them. The easiest means of obtaining one is to hatch a dragon [[egg]]: eggs laid by [[sitting]] while in the form of a female dragon will always hatch into tame babies, making it trivial for a female character; for male characters, an [[amulet of change]] can be used to swap genders, and repeated polymorphing also has a {{frac|10}} chance of causing a gender swap with each polymorph.{{refsrc|polyself.c|292|version=NetHack 3.6.6}}{{refsrc|polyself.c|467|version=NetHack 3.6.6}} Repeatedly displacing a pet onto a [[polymorph trap]] can also be used to produce a dragon - a baby or adult gray dragon will not polymorph further due to their magic resistance, making it a common form for pets to be "stuck" in.
−
 
 
−
The most recommendable colors for adult dragons are silver and gray, as both are immune to [[death ray]]s; silver dragons are also immune to [[disintegration]] breath, while gray ones are immune to [[polymorph trap]]s. Yellow is a good option too, due to [[stoning]] resistance.
 
  
−
Pet dragons can be used as steeds with the advantages of flight, fighting strength, and preference for meaty corpses, which makes them easy to feed. However, their lack of speed ensures they will spend most of their time either catching up with you or eating said corpses; even after making them [[fast]] (e.g., by zapping a [[wand of speed monster]] at them), their movement speed still pales in comparison to many other available steeds, though the flight and breath weapon may still make them a worthwhile choice. Players making use of dragon pets or steeds may want to carry a [[magic whistle]].
+
The most recommendable colors for adult dragons are silver and gray, as both are immune to [[death ray]]s; silver dragons are also immune to [[disintegration]] breath and rays in general, while gray ones are immune to [[polymorph trap]]s. Yellow dragons are a good option as well for their resistance to [[stoning]].
  
−
While baby dragons lack scales and intrinsic resistances, one can still use tame baby dragons to obtain scales and/or resistances. Pet baby dragons will eventually [[grow up]] into their adult forms, which can then be killed (possibly via [[conflict]] or by rendering them non-tame through [[abuse]]) for their scales and intrinsics.
+
As steeds, pet dragons have the advantages of flight, fighting strength, and preference for meaty corpses, which makes them easy to feed. However, their lack of speed ensures they will spend most of their time either catching up with the hero or eating said corpses; even after making them fast (e.g., by zapping a [[wand of speed monster]] at them), their movement speed still pales in comparison to many other available steeds, though the flight and breath weapon may still compensate. Players making use of dragon pets or steeds may want to carry a [[magic whistle]] or a stack of blessed [[eucalyptus leaves]].
  
−
Obtaining pet baby dragons can be accomplished via controlled [[polymorph]] for a female character fairly easily: all dragons are [[oviparous]], and baby dragons coming from laid eggs will be tame. A male character can use an [[amulet of change]] to swap genders - if one is not available, he can also repeatedly polymorph into a dragon using the [[spellbook of polymorph|spell]] or the [[ring of polymorph|ring]] until he changes sex. This has a {{frac|10}} chance of occurring with each polymorph.{{refsrc|polyself.c|292|version=NetHack 3.6.6}}{{refsrc|polyself.c|467|version=NetHack 3.6.6}}
+
While baby dragons lack scales and intrinsic resistances, characters can still use tame baby dragons to obtain scales and/or resistances by raising them to adulthood, then killing them (e.g. indirectly via [[conflict]], or else by rendering them non-tame through [[abuse]]) for their scales and intrinsics.
  
 
===Intrinsics and food sources===
 
===Intrinsics and food sources===
−
Dragon corpses are very high-[[nutrition]] and filling, and eating after being satiated abuses your [[wisdom]] if you are lawful. Using a [[tinning kit]] is preferred if you plan to chew through several servings of dragon in a short time. Most dragons are also among the relatively few monsters in ''NetHack'' that are guaranteed to confer an intrinsic, so they are also worth tinning as backup sources of those intrinsics in case they are lost (e.g., to a [[gremlin]] [[Intrinsic theft|attack]] at [[night]]).
+
Dragon corpses are very high-[[nutrition]] and filling, and adult dragon corpses often leave a character well above satiated levels; eating after being satiated abuses a character's [[wisdom]] if they are lawful. Using a [[tinning kit]] is ideal for characters that plan to chew through several servings of dragon in a short time; many dragons are among the relatively few guaranteed sources of intrinsics, making them worth tinning as backup sources of in case the character loses them (e.g., to a [[gremlin]] [[Intrinsic theft|attack]] at [[night]]).
  
 
==Origin==
 
==Origin==
Line 209: Line 214:
 
The dragon is a large, serpentine, legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons and dragon-like beings vary considerably through regions, but dragons in European cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as winged, horned, four-legged, and capable of breathing fire. Dragons and similar creatures in various Asiatic cultures - such as the Chinese ''lung'' (traditional 龍, simplified 龙, Japanese simplified 竜, Pinyin lóng) associated with good fortune and thought to have power over rain - are usually depicted as wingless, four-legged, serpentine creatures with above-average intelligence; they are also typically more benevolent compared to the European dragon, and many East Asian deities and demigods have such creatures as their personal mounts or companions. Other common traits of dragons often include: snakelike features, reptilian scaly skin, four legs with three or four toes on each, spinal nodes running down the back, a tail, and a serrated jaw with rows of teeth.  
 
The dragon is a large, serpentine, legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons and dragon-like beings vary considerably through regions, but dragons in European cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as winged, horned, four-legged, and capable of breathing fire. Dragons and similar creatures in various Asiatic cultures - such as the Chinese ''lung'' (traditional 龍, simplified 龙, Japanese simplified 竜, Pinyin lóng) associated with good fortune and thought to have power over rain - are usually depicted as wingless, four-legged, serpentine creatures with above-average intelligence; they are also typically more benevolent compared to the European dragon, and many East Asian deities and demigods have such creatures as their personal mounts or companions. Other common traits of dragons often include: snakelike features, reptilian scaly skin, four legs with three or four toes on each, spinal nodes running down the back, a tail, and a serrated jaw with rows of teeth.  
  
−
The earliest attested reports of draconic creatures occur in the mythologies of the ancient Near East, particularly in ancient Mesopotamian art and literature; stories about storm-gods slaying giant serpents occur throughout nearly all Indo-European and Near Eastern mythologies, such as that of [[Marduk]] and [[Tiamat]]. Other famous prototypical draconic creatures include the Leviathan in the Hebrew Bible; the Grand'Goule in the Poitou region of France; and Python, Wyvern, and the Lernaean Hydra in Greek mythology. [[#Variants|Variants]] such as [[SLASH'EM]] and [[UnNetHack]] along with some patches have made use of these and other names for draconian creatures, as explored in detail below.
+
The earliest attested reports of draconic creatures occur in the mythologies of the ancient Near East, particularly in ancient Mesopotamian art and literature; stories about storm-gods slaying giant serpents occur throughout nearly all Indo-European and Near Eastern mythologies, such as that of [[Marduk]] and [[Tiamat]]. Other famous prototypical draconic creatures include the Leviathan in the Hebrew Bible; the Grand'Goule in the Poitou region of France; and Python, Wyvern, and the Lernaean Hydra in Greek mythology. [[#Variants|Variants]] such as [[SLASH'EM]] and [[UnNetHack]] along with some patches make use of these and other names for draconian creatures, as explored in some detail below.
  
−
The Western dragon's image is based on a conflation of earlier dragons and giant serpents from different traditions, mixed with inaccurate scribal drawings of snakes; according to several modern scholars, huge extinct or migrating crocodiles bear that lived in forested or swampy areas were likely a template for modern dragon imagery. These dragons are generally depicted as cave-dwellers and [[Gold lover|treasure-hoarders]] with ravenous appetites, and are a frequent fixture of Western fantasy literature where they are portrayed as monsters to be tamed or overcome by saints or culture heroes, such as [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s ''The Hobbit'' and the popular legend of Saint George and the Dragon.
+
The Western dragon's image is based on a conflation of earlier dragons and giant serpents from different traditions, mixed with inaccurate scribal drawings of snakes; according to several modern scholars, huge extinct or migrating crocodiles bear that lived in forested or swampy areas were likely a template for modern dragon imagery. These dragons are generally depicted as cave-dwellers and treasure-hoarders with ravenous appetites, and are a frequent fixture of Western fantasy literature where they are portrayed as monsters to be tamed or overcome by saints or culture heroes, such as [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s ''The Hobbit'' and the popular legend of Saint George and the Dragon.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
−
[[Hack 1.0]] has the standard '''dragon''', which does not have an explicit color. This early dragon breathes fire and its corpse confers [[fire resistance]], making it equivalent to the modern red dragon. A dead dragon is the only way to get intrinsic fire resistance in ''Hack'', so it was quite likely that the player wouldn't have acquired it yet by the time they would see one. This, combined with the ability to use their breath attack in melee ''on top'' of their normal melee attacks, made them significantly more dangerous; furthermore, reflection would not be introduced until much later. Such would remain true for thee earlier versions of NetHack.
+
The standard [[Dragon (monster)|dragon monster]] first appears in Hack 1.21 and Hack for PDP-11, which are based on [[Jay Fenlason's Hack]], and is included in the initial bestiary for [[Hack 1.0]]. This early dragon does not have a specific color, but it breathes fire and its corpse is poisonous and always confers [[fire resistance]], making it an "ancestor" to the modern red dragon. A dead dragon is the only way to get intrinsic fire resistance in ''Hack'', so it is quite likely that the player will not have the resistance before encountering one, and reflection is not yet available; dragons can also use their breath attack in melee ''on top'' of their normal melee attacks, making them significantly more dangerous than in later versions.
  
−
[[NetHack 2.3e]] introduces all of the modern dragon types and their associated breath weapons, except for silver. The corpse is still referred to as a "dead dragon" regardless of type, and eating it always confers fire resistance. Black dragon breath causes [[instadeath]], and there is no reflection, [[disintegration resistance]], or [[amulet of life saving]], making genocide tempting - but fire resistance is necessary to traverse [[Hell]], and there is no method of genociding only black dragons.
+
[[NetHack 2.3e]] introduces all of the modern dragon types and their associated breath weapons, except for silver. The corpse is still referred to as a "dead dragon" regardless of type, and eating it always confers fire resistance. Black dragon breath causes [[instadeath]], and there is no reflection, [[disintegration resistance]], or [[amulet of life saving]], making genocide tempting; this must be counterbalanced with fire resistance being necessary to traverse [[Hell]], and there is no means of genociding only black dragons.
  
−
[[NetHack 3.0.0]] introduces baby dragons, distinguishes the dragons and their corpses by type, and also introduces dragon scale mail; in this series, dragon scale mail is obtained by [[polymorph]]ing a dragon corpse. Reflection is introduced in this version, and black dragon breath is toned down a bit. The changes to how dragons are distinguished also makes it possible to genocide only black dragons.
+
[[NetHack 3.0.0]] introduces baby dragons, distinguishes the dragons and their corpses by type and color, and also introduces dragon scale mail; from this version to [[NetHack 3.0.10]], dragon scale mail is obtained by [[polymorph]]ing a dragon corpse. Reflection is introduced in this version, and black dragon breath is toned down a bit; the distinctions made between dragons also makes it possible for a character to genocide only black dragons.
  
−
[[NetHack 3.1.0]] introduces dragon scales as a death drop and the current method of obtaining dragon scale mail. This version also adds the [[Quest]]s, and with them the Chromatic Dragon and Ixoth. Hell is replaced by [[Gehennom]] in this version, and fire resistance is no longer necessary to enter (though it is still heavily recommended).
+
[[NetHack 3.1.0]] introduces dragon scales as a death drop and the current method of obtaining dragon scale mail. This version also adds the [[Quest]]s, and with them the Chromatic Dragon and Ixoth. Hell is replaced by [[Gehennom]] in this version, and fire resistance is no longer necessary to enter, though it is still heavily recommended.
  
−
[[NetHack 3.3.0]] adds the silver dragon along with its corresponding baby form and scales from [[3.1.3]] variant [[SLASH 6]].
+
[[NetHack 3.3.0]] adds the silver dragon along with its corresponding baby form and scales from [[SLASH 6]], which is a [[NetHack 3.1.3]] variant .
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
−
Variants of ''NetHack'' often subject dragons to extensive changes, as well as adding new monsters to the class. The deferred shimmering dragon is one such frequent addition.
+
Many variants alter dragons to make them more varied and/or threatening, and often add new monsters to the class - the deferred shimmering dragon is a frequent addition.
  
−
===UnNetHack===
+
===Biodiversity patch===
−
Dragons have been substantially modified in [[UnNetHack]]. All dragons have been given new names and have their breaths, resistances, and colors randomized - with the exception of [[chromatic dragons]], which possess the resistances and breath weapons of all dragons. As a result, it is impossible to predict breath type based on name or color.
+
The [[biodiversity patch]] [[Biodiversity patch#Changes to existing monsters|renames the dragons from ''NetHack'']] minus the gray dragon.
 +
 
 +
===SLASH'EM===
 +
{{main|Dragon (SLASH'EM)}}
  
−
This randomization happens at the start of the game, but all dragons of the same name or color within a game are of the same type - dragons are auto-identified upon witnessing their breath attack, and identifying one dragon also identifies all dragons of that type. In addition, a new type of breath attack has been added - lava breath that does heavy fire damage and melts walls instead of bouncing.
+
[[SLASH'EM]] adds a few new dragons to the monster class:
  
−
[[Glowing dragon]] scales and scale mail function as an infinite light source, in addition to providing the resistance that glowing dragons possess in that individual game. [[Chromatic dragon scales (UnNetHack)|Chromatic dragon scales]] and [[Chromatic dragon scale mail (UnNetHack)|scale mail]] provide all dragons' resistances, including reflection.
+
* {{cyan|D}} [[Shimmering dragon (SLASH'EM)|shimmering dragon]], whose scales and scale mail grant [[displacement]]
 +
* {{magenta|D}} [[Deep dragon (SLASH'EM)|deep dragon]], whose scales give [[drain resistance]]
 +
* {{monsymlink|hydra}}
 +
* {{monsymlink|wyvern}}
  
−
The following are the names given to random dragons in UnNetHack:
+
SLASH'EM also applies several buffs to the dragons retained from vanilla ''NetHack'': their melee attacks are stronger, their frequency is usually raised to 3, and their level, [[difficulty]] and [[AC]] are raised. Baby dragons have several of their stats lowered, but in exchange they can generate randomly and at level creation, making them a significant obstacle in the early game. Many dragons are generated in [[dragon lair]]s and [[the Wyrm Caves]].
  
−
* leviathan
+
===UnNetHack===
−
* tatzelworm
+
{{main|Dragon (UnNetHack)}}
−
* lindworm
 
−
* guivre
 
−
* sarkany
 
−
* amphitere
 
−
* wyvern
 
−
* draken
 
−
* sirrush
 
−
* glowing dragon
 
  
−
===SLASH'EM===
+
[[UnNetHack]] adds the following two dragons to the monster class:
−
{{main|Dragon (SLASH'EM)}}
 
−
SLASH'EM adds two new colored dragons: the formerly deferred shimmering dragon {{cyan|D}} and the deep dragon {{magenta|D}}, whose scales give [[displacement]] and [[drain resistance]], respectively. The [[hydra]] and [[wyvern]] are two other new additions to the monster class, and SLASH'EM dragons in general undergo a few additional changes that distinguish them from the dragons of ''NetHack''.
 
  
−
===SlashTHEM===
+
* {{magenta|D}} [[Chromatic dragon (UnNetHack)|chromatic dragon]]
−
SlashTHEM adds two new colored dragons: the golden dragon {{yellow|D}} and the stone dragon {{gray|D}}, whose scales give [[sickness resistance]] and [[petrification resistance]] respectively. Additionally, SlashTHEM adds a new unique dragon called the [[Dragon Lord]] located in [[The Wyrm Caves]], who drops the artifact [[Scales of the Dragon Lord]] on death.
+
* {{brown|D}} [[glowing dragon]]
  
−
===Biodiversity patch===
+
UnNetHack also modifies baby and adult dragons so that they are randomized: with the exception of the chromatic dragon, a breath weapon, elemental resistance(s) and color is randomly assigned to each dragon at the start of a game, making it impossible to predict breath type based on name or color. All dragons of the same name or color within a game are of the same type, and appear as {{brown|D}} until identified - dragons are auto-identified upon witnessing their breath attack, and identifying one dragon also identifies all dragons of that type, as well as their scales and scale mail; the reverse also applies. The stats of the dragons themselves are identical to the dragons of ''NetHack'', again with the exception of the chromatic dragon.
−
The [[biodiversity patch]] [[Biodiversity patch#Changes to existing monsters|renames the vanilla dragons]] (minus the gray dragon) in a manner similar to UnNetHack, but does not randomize their traits.
 
  
 
===FIQHack===
 
===FIQHack===
Line 270: Line 270:
 
===EvilHack===
 
===EvilHack===
 
[[EvilHack]] dragons have been significantly enhanced – they spawn with much more hit points (especially in the End Game), can [[engulf]] and [[digest]] creatures smaller than them, and their scales each have some form of a secondary passive attack (which is passed on to the scales and any mail made out of them).
 
[[EvilHack]] dragons have been significantly enhanced – they spawn with much more hit points (especially in the End Game), can [[engulf]] and [[digest]] creatures smaller than them, and their scales each have some form of a secondary passive attack (which is passed on to the scales and any mail made out of them).
 +
 +
===SlashTHEM===
 +
SlashTHEM adds two new colored dragons: the golden dragon {{yellow|D}} and the stone dragon {{gray|D}}, whose scales give [[sickness resistance]] and [[petrification resistance]] respectively. Additionally, SlashTHEM adds a new unique dragon called the [[Dragon Lord]] located in [[The Wyrm Caves]], who drops the artifact [[Scales of the Dragon Lord]] on death.
  
 
==Encyclopedia entry==
 
==Encyclopedia entry==

Revision as of 20:56, 27 June 2024

DDDDDDDDDD dragon Adult dragons
Difficulty 20
Attacks

Breath (see article), bite 3d8, claw 1d4, claw 1d4

Base level 15
Base experience 460
Speed 9
Base AC -1
Base MR 20
Alignment -7 (blue)
-6 (black)
-5 (white)
-4 (red)
4 (gray, silver)
5 (orange)
6 (green)
7 (yellow)
Frequency (by normal means) 1 (Very rare)
Genocidable Yes
Weight 4500
Nutritional value 1500
Size Gigantic
Resistances (see article)
Resistances conveyed

(see article)

A dragon:

A red dragon also:

A green dragon also:

A yellow dragon also:

Reference monst.c#line1161

The dragon is a monster class that appears in NetHack, and is represented by the uppercase D glyph (D). Dragons are designated internally by the macro S_DRAGON.[1]

The class contains the following monsters:[2]

The following information pertains to an upcoming version (NetHack 3.7.0). If this version is now released, please verify that it is still accurate, then update the page to incorporate this information.

Gold dragons and baby gold dragons are introduced - they emit light and breathe fire.

Common characteristics

All dragons are carnivorous monsters that are thick-skinned, capable of flight, and eligible for riding. They are generally slower than an unburdened, unhasted hero. Dragons generated randomly and at level creation will always be hostile. Dragons are kebabable, granting a +2 to-hit bonus when attacking them with weapons that use the spear skill - Dragonbane deals double damage to all dragons.

Dragons are intelligent gold lovers that will seek out gold and gems to pick up, but lack defined hands (the default tiles depict them as quadrupedal), and thus cannot use any items they come across or happen to be carrying, e.g. after transformation via polymorph trap.

Chatting to any dragon that is not a quest nemesis causes them to snarl.

Adult dragons

All adult dragons are either lawful or chaotic, with an AC of -1 and an MR score of 20. They are strong, gigantic, oviparous, can see invisible, and have the M2_NASTY flag; an associated bit of code in trap.c allows them to instantly tear through webs where their baby forms cannot.[3] All adult dragons possess a breath weapon of an element corresponding to their color. In addition to gold and gems, dragons will pick up magical items such as wands and scrolls, but the aforementioned lack of hands and their inability to speak prevents them from using any of their spoils.

Baby dragons

DDDDDDDDDD baby dragon Baby dragons
Difficulty 13
Attacks

Bite 2d6

Base level 12
Base experience 200
Speed 9
Base AC 2
Base MR 10
Alignment 0 (neutral)
Frequency (by normal means) 0 (Not randomly generated)
Genocidable Yes
Weight 1500
Nutritional value 500
Size Huge
Resistances (see article)
Resistances conveyed

None

A baby dragon:

A baby red dragon also:

A baby green dragon also:

A baby yellow dragon also:

Reference monst.c#line1085

All baby dragons are of neutral alignment, with an AC of 2 and an MR of 10. They are strong and huge, but lack the adult dragon's ability to use breath weapons, tear through webs, and see invisible. Baby dragons can grow up into their adult forms, which causes their scales to grow in (hence the 3 AC difference between their forms). Baby dragons generally possess the resistances of their adult forms, minus those conferred by scales (e.g. baby silver dragons do not have reflection)[4] Baby dragons do not have breath attacks.

Generation

Baby dragons, like all baby monsters, are only generated randomly and/or at level creation on aligned branches such as the neutral-biased Oracle and Sokoban levels, and can also be hatched from dragon eggs. Baby dragons will grow up into their respective adult forms.

Adult dragons are often randomly generated around the midway depths of the dungeon. They may appear among the hostile monsters generated in throne rooms at dungeon levels 15 and below, and can also appear among the monsters randomly generated by looting a throne while confused and carrying gold (provided there is no chest on the level).[5] Several colors of adult dragon can be created by the summon nasties monster spell.

Where most monsters roll (ML)d8 for their HP - with ML being the monster's level - an adult dragon instead rolls (ML)d4 and adds 4 times its monster level to that result, e.g., a level 15 dragon will always have at least 75 HP. Dragons generated in the End Game use a flat 8*(ML), and so will always have the maximum amount of HP possible for their level, e.g. the level 15 dragon from before would always have 120 HP if generated in an End Game level.[6]

In addition to random generation, adult dragons are generated on level creation for the following areas:

  • Four dragons are generated around the moat of Fort Ludios, with one random dragon placed at each cardinal direction.
  • Many dragons appear on the Healer quest - five random dragons are generated for the home, locate and goal levels, and four random dragons are generated in the filler levels between them.
  • Four dragons are guaranteed to appear in the Castle, with two random dragons occupying each of the alcoves between the storerooms.
  • Three random dragons will be generated upon reaching the Astral Plane.

Dragons will always leave a corpse if killed in a way that leaves it intact, and adult dragons have a 1⁄3 chance of also dropping a set of their uncursed +0 scales, which is reduced to 1⁄20 if the dragon was revived; if a dragon is turned to stone, the scales can also be retrieved from the statue with the same probability. Adult dragon corpses that grant intrinsics are guaranteed to do so. Baby dragons do not drop scales, nor do their corpses grant intrinsics.

Quest nemeses

Two dragons serve as quest nemeses in the game:

  • The D Chromatic Dragon, the Caveman quest nemesis, possesses the resistances of every single dragon in the game, and can randomly use any of their breath weapons along with the ability to sting and cast monster spells. Her corpse is poisonous to eat, but consuming her corpse or tin grants one of several resistances available from eating the meat of adult dragons, with an equal probability of each.
  • D Ixoth, the Knight quest nemesis, is a powerful red dragon with a stronger breath weapon, stronger physical attacks and the ability to thus possesses the standard fire breath alongside the ability to cast spell - eating his corpse or tin always grants fire resistance.

Elemental affinities

Each adult dragon has a specific element-and-resistance set of characteristics associated with it, including a breath attack. Eating a given dragon's corpse often grants intrinsic resistance to the appropriate element, while the scales (and any dragon scale mail made from them) will grant extrinsic resistance to that element.

Dragon Breath (4d6 unless otherwise noted) Intrinsics Scale properties Corpse properties
Black disintegration disintegration resistance disintegration resistance disintegration resistance
Blue lightning shock resistance shock resistance shock resistance
Gray magic missile magic resistance magic resistance none
Green poison poison resistance poison resistance poison resistance (poisonous to eat)
Orange sleep (4d25 turns) sleep resistance sleep resistance sleep resistance
Red fire 6d6 fire resistance fire resistance fire resistance
Silver cold reflection and cold resistance reflection none
White cold cold resistance cold resistance cold resistance
Yellow acid acid resistance and petrification resistance acid resistance none

Deferred dragons

The shimmering dragon, whose scales grant displacement, appears in the code along with its baby form, but is commented out by default - monster displacement has not yet been implemented in vanilla NetHack.

The following information pertains to an upcoming version (3.7.0). If this version is now released, please verify that it is still accurate, then update the page to incorporate this information.

Displacer beasts have been successfully added to the latest in-development version, indicating that monster displacement is at least possible, though the Devteam has stated that shimmering dragons and their scales would require a different implementation from them.

Strategy

While baby dragons may not be especially difficult due to their lesser defenses and singular melee attack, adult dragons are somewhat fearsome foes that all characters must prepare for during the mid-game - they are also coveted for the dragon scales they sometimes drop, which can be made into dragon scale mail. Players that are skilled enough or else fortunate early on may come to see dragons as pushovers compared to other mid-game and late-game hostiles.

Combat

Baby dragons are generally pushovers for the point they are encountered at, unless a character is exceedingly weak or unlucky. Adult dragons will use their breath weapons only at range, i.e. more than one square from the character - players that get within melee distance can avoid the breath attacks, but will have to contend with their strong bite and subsequent claw attacks. Characters without magic cancellation, magic resistance, or reflection to avoid or negate the breath's rays may prefer this option, and good AC is always worthwhile in any case.

For characters that opt to use Dragonbane, the reflection it grants when wielded is perfect for dealing with the adults' breath attacks, and also makes it an ideal aid when farming for scales. Those looking to make dragon scale mail may opt to use a cursed scroll of genocide to generate dragons of their desired color, which is best done in conjunction with an engraved Elbereth or scroll of scare monster - this is best done in a small room to reduce the odds of breath attacks occurring.

As pets

Dragons are solid pets in the early game for those who obtain them. The easiest means of obtaining one is to hatch a dragon egg: eggs laid by sitting while in the form of a female dragon will always hatch into tame babies, making it trivial for a female character; for male characters, an amulet of change can be used to swap genders, and repeated polymorphing also has a 1⁄10 chance of causing a gender swap with each polymorph.[7][8] Repeatedly displacing a pet onto a polymorph trap can also be used to produce a dragon - a baby or adult gray dragon will not polymorph further due to their magic resistance, making it a common form for pets to be "stuck" in.

The most recommendable colors for adult dragons are silver and gray, as both are immune to death rays; silver dragons are also immune to disintegration breath and rays in general, while gray ones are immune to polymorph traps. Yellow dragons are a good option as well for their resistance to stoning.

As steeds, pet dragons have the advantages of flight, fighting strength, and preference for meaty corpses, which makes them easy to feed. However, their lack of speed ensures they will spend most of their time either catching up with the hero or eating said corpses; even after making them fast (e.g., by zapping a wand of speed monster at them), their movement speed still pales in comparison to many other available steeds, though the flight and breath weapon may still compensate. Players making use of dragon pets or steeds may want to carry a magic whistle or a stack of blessed eucalyptus leaves.

While baby dragons lack scales and intrinsic resistances, characters can still use tame baby dragons to obtain scales and/or resistances by raising them to adulthood, then killing them (e.g. indirectly via conflict, or else by rendering them non-tame through abuse) for their scales and intrinsics.

Intrinsics and food sources

Dragon corpses are very high-nutrition and filling, and adult dragon corpses often leave a character well above satiated levels; eating after being satiated abuses a character's wisdom if they are lawful. Using a tinning kit is ideal for characters that plan to chew through several servings of dragon in a short time; many dragons are among the relatively few guaranteed sources of intrinsics, making them worth tinning as backup sources of in case the character loses them (e.g., to a gremlin attack at night).

Origin

Wikipedia
Wikipedia has an article about:

The dragon is a large, serpentine, legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons and dragon-like beings vary considerably through regions, but dragons in European cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as winged, horned, four-legged, and capable of breathing fire. Dragons and similar creatures in various Asiatic cultures - such as the Chinese lung (traditional 龍, simplified 龙, Japanese simplified 竜, Pinyin lóng) associated with good fortune and thought to have power over rain - are usually depicted as wingless, four-legged, serpentine creatures with above-average intelligence; they are also typically more benevolent compared to the European dragon, and many East Asian deities and demigods have such creatures as their personal mounts or companions. Other common traits of dragons often include: snakelike features, reptilian scaly skin, four legs with three or four toes on each, spinal nodes running down the back, a tail, and a serrated jaw with rows of teeth.

The earliest attested reports of draconic creatures occur in the mythologies of the ancient Near East, particularly in ancient Mesopotamian art and literature; stories about storm-gods slaying giant serpents occur throughout nearly all Indo-European and Near Eastern mythologies, such as that of Marduk and Tiamat. Other famous prototypical draconic creatures include the Leviathan in the Hebrew Bible; the Grand'Goule in the Poitou region of France; and Python, Wyvern, and the Lernaean Hydra in Greek mythology. Variants such as SLASH'EM and UnNetHack along with some patches make use of these and other names for draconian creatures, as explored in some detail below.

The Western dragon's image is based on a conflation of earlier dragons and giant serpents from different traditions, mixed with inaccurate scribal drawings of snakes; according to several modern scholars, huge extinct or migrating crocodiles bear that lived in forested or swampy areas were likely a template for modern dragon imagery. These dragons are generally depicted as cave-dwellers and treasure-hoarders with ravenous appetites, and are a frequent fixture of Western fantasy literature where they are portrayed as monsters to be tamed or overcome by saints or culture heroes, such as J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and the popular legend of Saint George and the Dragon.

History

The standard dragon monster first appears in Hack 1.21 and Hack for PDP-11, which are based on Jay Fenlason's Hack, and is included in the initial bestiary for Hack 1.0. This early dragon does not have a specific color, but it breathes fire and its corpse is poisonous and always confers fire resistance, making it an "ancestor" to the modern red dragon. A dead dragon is the only way to get intrinsic fire resistance in Hack, so it is quite likely that the player will not have the resistance before encountering one, and reflection is not yet available; dragons can also use their breath attack in melee on top of their normal melee attacks, making them significantly more dangerous than in later versions.

NetHack 2.3e introduces all of the modern dragon types and their associated breath weapons, except for silver. The corpse is still referred to as a "dead dragon" regardless of type, and eating it always confers fire resistance. Black dragon breath causes instadeath, and there is no reflection, disintegration resistance, or amulet of life saving, making genocide tempting; this must be counterbalanced with fire resistance being necessary to traverse Hell, and there is no means of genociding only black dragons.

NetHack 3.0.0 introduces baby dragons, distinguishes the dragons and their corpses by type and color, and also introduces dragon scale mail; from this version to NetHack 3.0.10, dragon scale mail is obtained by polymorphing a dragon corpse. Reflection is introduced in this version, and black dragon breath is toned down a bit; the distinctions made between dragons also makes it possible for a character to genocide only black dragons.

NetHack 3.1.0 introduces dragon scales as a death drop and the current method of obtaining dragon scale mail. This version also adds the Quests, and with them the Chromatic Dragon and Ixoth. Hell is replaced by Gehennom in this version, and fire resistance is no longer necessary to enter, though it is still heavily recommended.

NetHack 3.3.0 adds the silver dragon along with its corresponding baby form and scales from SLASH 6, which is a NetHack 3.1.3 variant .

Variants

Many variants alter dragons to make them more varied and/or threatening, and often add new monsters to the class - the deferred shimmering dragon is a frequent addition.

Biodiversity patch

The biodiversity patch renames the dragons from NetHack minus the gray dragon.

SLASH'EM

Main article: Dragon (SLASH'EM)

SLASH'EM adds a few new dragons to the monster class:

SLASH'EM also applies several buffs to the dragons retained from vanilla NetHack: their melee attacks are stronger, their frequency is usually raised to 3, and their level, difficulty and AC are raised. Baby dragons have several of their stats lowered, but in exchange they can generate randomly and at level creation, making them a significant obstacle in the early game. Many dragons are generated in dragon lairs and the Wyrm Caves.

UnNetHack

Main article: Dragon (UnNetHack)

UnNetHack adds the following two dragons to the monster class:

UnNetHack also modifies baby and adult dragons so that they are randomized: with the exception of the chromatic dragon, a breath weapon, elemental resistance(s) and color is randomly assigned to each dragon at the start of a game, making it impossible to predict breath type based on name or color. All dragons of the same name or color within a game are of the same type, and appear as D until identified - dragons are auto-identified upon witnessing their breath attack, and identifying one dragon also identifies all dragons of that type, as well as their scales and scale mail; the reverse also applies. The stats of the dragons themselves are identical to the dragons of NetHack, again with the exception of the chromatic dragon.

FIQHack

FIQHack dragons are significantly faster (speed 20 instead of 9), and their claw attacks are 1d8 instead of 1d4. In addition, they have special AI that allows them to use their breath weapon in melee range, and they will try to move more intelligently in general: they will keep you in their line of fire when possible, or move out of that line when they can't use their breath, and will flee to preserve survival.

FIQHack also includes the deferred shimmering dragons from vanilla, which have innate displacement and stunning breath, and whose scales confer displacement when worn.

Dragon breaths operate as skilled ray-type wands: there is a chance per breath attack that it will bypass reflection. Disintegration breath never does this.

SpliceHack

Main article: Dragon (SpliceHack)

SpliceHack adds several new dragon flavours and new dragon special abilities. Older dragons gain increasingly powerful breath weapons.

EvilHack

EvilHack dragons have been significantly enhanced – they spawn with much more hit points (especially in the End Game), can engulf and digest creatures smaller than them, and their scales each have some form of a secondary passive attack (which is passed on to the scales and any mail made out of them).

SlashTHEM

SlashTHEM adds two new colored dragons: the golden dragon D and the stone dragon D, whose scales give sickness resistance and petrification resistance respectively. Additionally, SlashTHEM adds a new unique dragon called the Dragon Lord located in The Wyrm Caves, who drops the artifact Scales of the Dragon Lord on death.

Encyclopedia entry

In the West the dragon was the natural enemy of man. Although preferring to live in bleak and desolate regions, whenever it was seen among men it left in its wake a trail of destruction and disease. Yet any attempt to slay this beast was a perilous undertaking. For the dragon's assailant had to contend not only with clouds of sulphurous fumes pouring from its fire breathing nostrils, but also with the thrashings of its tail, the most deadly part of its serpent-like body.

[ Mythical Beasts by Deirdre Headon (The Leprechaun Library) ]


"One whom the dragons will speak with," he said, "that is a dragonlord, or at least that is the center of the matter. It's not a trick of mastering the dragons, as most people think. Dragons have no masters. The question is always the same, with a dragon: will he talk to you or will he eat you? If you can count upon his doing the former, and not doing the latter, why then you're a dragonlord."

[ The Tombs of Atuan, by Ursula K. Le Guin ]

References

  1. ↑ include/monsym.h in NetHack 3.6.7, line 44
  2. ↑ src/monst.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 1086
  3. ↑ trap.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 2543: extra_nasty() discerns adult dragons from baby dragons to let them tear through webs
  4. ↑ muse.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 2156
  5. ↑ src/mkroom.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 741
  6. ↑ src/makemon.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 969
  7. ↑ polyself.c in NetHack 3.6.6, line 292
  8. ↑ polyself.c in NetHack 3.6.6, line 467
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