Difference between revisions of "Gray dragon"

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{{monster
 
{{monster
  |name=gray dragon |symbol={{monsym|gray_dragon}}
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  |name=gray dragon
|tile=[[Image:Gray dragon.png|Adult gray dragon]]
 
 
  |difficulty=20
 
  |difficulty=20
 
  |level=15
 
  |level=15
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  |reference=[[monst.c#line1161]]
 
  |reference=[[monst.c#line1161]]
 
}}
 
}}
{{monster
 
|name=baby gray dragon |symbol={{monsym|baby_gray_dragon}}
 
|tile=[[Image:Baby gray dragon.png|Baby gray dragon]]
 
|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=[[Magic resistance]]
 
|resistances conveyed=None
 
|attributes={{attributes|A baby gray dragon|fly=1|thick=1|nohands=1|carnivore=1|hostile=1|strong=1|greedy=1|jewels=1}}
 
|reference=[[monst.c#line1085]]
 
}}
 
  
The '''gray dragon''', {{monsym|gray dragon}}, is a [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It has a younger form in the '''baby gray dragon''', {{monsym|baby gray dragon}}. The gray dragon has magic resistance both intrinsically and from [[Gray dragon scales|its scales]], and its breath weapon fires magic missiles; these missiles are not affected by the [[half spell damage]] property. Its corpse does not give any intrinsics.
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A '''gray dragon''', {{monsym|gray dragon}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is an adult [[dragon]] associated with the element of magic. Like all dragons, gray dragons are [[strong]], [[carnivorous]], [[oviparous]], [[thick-skinned]], can [[see invisible]], and are capable of [[flight]] - they will also seek out [[gold]], [[gems]] and [[magical item]]s to pick up.
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Gray dragons have a [[magic missile]] [[breath]] weapon, a strong bite attack, and two claw attacks, and possess [[magic resistance]].
  
 
==Generation==
 
==Generation==
{{main|Dragon#Generation}}
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Randomly generated gray dragons are always created hostile. A [[baby gray dragon]] can [[grow up]] into a gray dragon.
Players will not see baby gray dragons through normal random [[monster creation]] outside of [[Monster frequency|aligned branches]] and levels such as the [[Oracle]] and [[Sokoban]], and they can also be hatched from dragon [[egg]]s. Adult gray dragons start appearing around the midway depths of the dungeon; gray dragons can be generated in [[throne room]]s as early as dungeon level 15, and may appear when a [[throne]] at this depth or lower is [[loot]]ed.{{reffunc|mkroom.c|courtmon}} Gray dragons can be created if a lawful spellcaster casts the [[summon nasties]] [[monster spell]].
 
  
Gray dragons have a {{frac|3}} chance of dropping a set of +0 uncursed [[gray dragon scales]] along with their [[corpse]] ({{frac|20}} if the dragon was [[revive]]d).
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Characters and monsters that [[polymorph]] while wearing [[gray dragon scales]] or [[gray dragon scale mail]] will turn into gray dragons.
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Gray dragons may appear among the hostile {{white|D}} 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}}
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Gray dragons have a {{frac|3}} chance of dropping a set of uncursed +0 gray dragon scales upon death unless [[disintegrated]], and the chance is reduced to {{frac|20}} if the dragon was [[revived]].
  
 
==Strategy==
 
==Strategy==
:''See also: [[Dragon#Strategy]]''
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The gray dragon's intrinsic magic resistance compensates for its low [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]] in a few areas, but does not protect it from elemental damage or other forms of magic such as a [[wand of sleep]], preserving most of a [[hero]]'s options when in combat against one. Most characters encountering a gray dragon under normal circumstances will usually not have much to fear from their breath weapon in terms of damage.
Among a monster class of powerful fighters, the gray dragon is the only one with intrinsic [[magic resistance]], which compensates for its low [[monster magic resistance|MR stat]] in a few areas. However, this does not stop elemental damage, nor does it fully protect them from a [[wand of sleep]] [[ray]] - this thankfully leaves the player with quite a few options when dealing with them. Its scales also provide magic resistance, making them desirable targets of [[reverse genocide]] for characters seeking [[gray dragon scale mail]] to complement their [[reflection]] (e.g., from a [[shield of reflection|shield]] or [[amulet of reflection|amulet]]).
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Gray dragons are often sought out by characters looking to procure gray dragon scale mail and complement an existing or future source of [[reflection]]: they are a somewhat common target of [[reverse genocide]] for characters observing [[wishless]] [[conduct]], those that have not yet obtained a [[wish]] or else those looking to save on one.
  
Taming does not factor in player-style magic resistance, and as such the [[spell of charm monster]] is a good way to obtain one as a [[pet]]. Gray dragons compete with [[silver dragons]] as a choice of pet or steed: both possess flight, breath weapons, and immunity to [[wand of death|death]] [[Finger of death|rays]]. The gray dragon's magic resistance additionally stops them being transformed by [[polymorph trap]]s (especially when [[riding]]), and it is somewhat common for the gray dragon or its baby form to be the end result of leading pets onto the trap repeatedly. However, its low speed and lack of elemental resistances can still be a major drawback, and the silver dragon's reflection provides additional immunity to elemental rays. In addition, a gray dragon can still [[polymorph]] if it eats a [[chameleon]] or [[doppelganger]] corpse.
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{{upcoming|3.7.0|Gray dragons are one of the few dragons whose scales do not gain an additional extrinsic property.
  
{{upcoming|3.7.0|Pets will no longer eat corpses that make them polymorph, unless they are starving or on the verge of becoming untame.}}
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Dragons and other large enough monsters can inflict knockback with their melee attacks, making them exceedingly dangerous to fight near [[pool]]s or [[lava]] and capable of forcing characters back into breath weapon range.}}
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===As a pet===
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As pets and steeds, gray dragons sometimes compete with [[silver dragon]]s: both possess flight, breath weapons, and immunity to death rays. The gray dragon is one of the few steeds to have intrinsic magic resistance, and it additionally stops them from being transformed by [[polymorph trap]]s (especially when [[riding]]); it is somewhat common for the gray dragon or its baby form to be the end result of leading pets onto the trap repeatedly. However, its low speed and lack of elemental resistances can still be a major drawback, and the silver dragon's reflection provides additional immunity to elemental rays. In addition, a gray dragon can still [[polymorph]] if it eats a [[chameleon]] or [[doppelganger]] corpse.
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{{upcoming|3.7.0|Pets will no longer eat corpses that make them polymorph, unless they are starving or on the verge of becoming untame.
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 +
Monsters can gain intrinsics from eating corpses, meaning that a silver dragon can be fed in order to gain resistance against common pet-killers such as poison. In particular, silver dragons can gain [[fire resistance]], making it more likely that one brought to the [[Elemental Planes]] can survive through the [[Plane of Fire]].}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
[[NetHack 2.3e]] introduces the gray dragon along with all of the other modern dragon types and their breath weapons, except for silver.
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The gray dragon first appears in [[NetHack 2.3e]].
 
 
[[NetHack 3.0.0]] introduces baby gray dragons alongside the other baby dragons. This version also distinguishes all color dragons, their younger stages and their corpses, and introduces dragon scale mail (including GDSM).
 
  
[[NetHack 3.1.0]] introduces gray dragon scales along with the other colors, as well as the current method of obtaining dragon scale mail.
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From [[NetHack 3.0.0]] to [[NetHack 3.0.10]], including variants based on those versions, polymorphing a gray dragon corpse produces regular [[dragon scale mail]]. [[NetHack 3.1.0]] introduces the current method of obtaining gray dragon scale mail.
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
{{main|Dragon#Variants}}
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Many variants alter the gray dragon and other dragons to make them more varied and/or threatening.
Variants of ''NetHack'' often subject dragons to extensive changes, including the gray dragon.
 
 
 
===Biodiversity patch===
 
In the [[biodiversity patch]], the gray dragon is the only monster in the class that is not renamed.
 
  
 
===SLASH'EM===
 
===SLASH'EM===
 
{{Main|Dragon (SLASH'EM)}}
 
{{Main|Dragon (SLASH'EM)}}
As with all other dragons in [[SLASH'EM]], baby gray dragons have a base level of 4 instead of 12, and can be encountered via random generation in ordinary levels with a [[frequency of 2 - they are also eligible for creation on many levels that generate random {{white|D}} on level creation. Adult gray dragons have a base level of 18 instead of 15.
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As with most other dragons in [[SLASH'EM]], the gray dragon's stats are improved: their [[Monster level|base level]] is raised to 18, their [[Monster difficulty|difficulty]] is raised to 25, their [[AC]] is boosted to -4, their bite and claw attacks are stronger, and they [[Hits creatures as +x weapon|hit as a +3 weapon]].
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Gray dragons can appear in [[dragon lair]]s and [[the Wyrm Caves]].
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===NetHack brass===
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In [[NetHack brass]], the gray dragon's speed is raised to 12.
  
Baby gray dragons hit as a +1 weapon, and adults hit as a +3 weapon. Adult gray dragons will not turn [[traitor]] while tame.
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===GruntHack===
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In [[GruntHack]], the gray dragon's difficulty is slightly lowered to 19, their bite and claw attacks are stronger, and they are given an additional 2d10 engulfing attack that can [[digest]] targets.
  
 
===UnNetHack===
 
===UnNetHack===
In [[UnNetHack]], all dragons have their breaths, resistances, and colors randomized, allowing any non-[[chromatic dragon (UnNetHack)|chromatic dragon]] to appear as gray.
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In [[UnNetHack]] and [[DynaHack]], all dragons have their breath weapons, resistances, and names randomized each game, allowing any non-[[Chromatic dragon (UnNetHack)|chromatic dragon]] to appear as gray - the default type of '''magic dragon''' is the tatzelworm.
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===dNetHack===
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In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]], and [[notnotdNetHack]], gray dragons have their difficulty slightly raised to 21, and their effective AC is boosted to -4. The gray dragon's attacks are made stronger, with an additional 4d10 tailslap attack that they will use once every global turn, and their breath attacks also ignore reflection, unless the source is from [[Dragon armor (dNetHack)|dragon armor]] or an artifact that grants dragonbreath reflection.
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===EvilHack===
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In [[EvilHack]], gray dragons are buffed similarly to GruntHack: their attacks are made stronger as in GruntHack and reordered, including the addition of the digestion attack; they are also given [[cancellation resistance]] and a [[passive attack]] that induces [[cancellation]].
  
 
==Encyclopedia entry==
 
==Encyclopedia entry==
Line 92: Line 89:
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
{{nethack-366}}
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{{nethack-367}}
 
[[Category:Monsters]]
 
[[Category:Monsters]]

Latest revision as of 20:28, 27 June 2024

A gray dragon, D, is a type of monster that appears in NetHack. It is an adult dragon associated with the element of magic. Like all dragons, gray dragons are strong, carnivorous, oviparous, thick-skinned, can see invisible, and are capable of flight - they will also seek out gold, gems and magical items to pick up.

Gray dragons have a magic missile breath weapon, a strong bite attack, and two claw attacks, and possess magic resistance.

Generation

Randomly generated gray dragons are always created hostile. A baby gray dragon can grow up into a gray dragon.

Characters and monsters that polymorph while wearing gray dragon scales or gray dragon scale mail will turn into gray dragons.

Gray dragons may appear among the hostile D 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).[1]

Gray dragons have a 13 chance of dropping a set of uncursed +0 gray dragon scales upon death unless disintegrated, and the chance is reduced to 120 if the dragon was revived.

Strategy

The gray dragon's intrinsic magic resistance compensates for its low MR score in a few areas, but does not protect it from elemental damage or other forms of magic such as a wand of sleep, preserving most of a hero's options when in combat against one. Most characters encountering a gray dragon under normal circumstances will usually not have much to fear from their breath weapon in terms of damage.

Gray dragons are often sought out by characters looking to procure gray dragon scale mail and complement an existing or future source of reflection: they are a somewhat common target of reverse genocide for characters observing wishless conduct, those that have not yet obtained a wish or else those looking to save on one.

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.

Gray dragons are one of the few dragons whose scales do not gain an additional extrinsic property.

Dragons and other large enough monsters can inflict knockback with their melee attacks, making them exceedingly dangerous to fight near pools or lava and capable of forcing characters back into breath weapon range.

As a pet

As pets and steeds, gray dragons sometimes compete with silver dragons: both possess flight, breath weapons, and immunity to death rays. The gray dragon is one of the few steeds to have intrinsic magic resistance, and it additionally stops them from being transformed by polymorph traps (especially when riding); it is somewhat common for the gray dragon or its baby form to be the end result of leading pets onto the trap repeatedly. However, its low speed and lack of elemental resistances can still be a major drawback, and the silver dragon's reflection provides additional immunity to elemental rays. In addition, a gray dragon can still polymorph if it eats a chameleon or doppelganger corpse.

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.

Pets will no longer eat corpses that make them polymorph, unless they are starving or on the verge of becoming untame.

Monsters can gain intrinsics from eating corpses, meaning that a silver dragon can be fed in order to gain resistance against common pet-killers such as poison. In particular, silver dragons can gain fire resistance, making it more likely that one brought to the Elemental Planes can survive through the Plane of Fire.

History

The gray dragon first appears in NetHack 2.3e.

From NetHack 3.0.0 to NetHack 3.0.10, including variants based on those versions, polymorphing a gray dragon corpse produces regular dragon scale mail. NetHack 3.1.0 introduces the current method of obtaining gray dragon scale mail.

Variants

Many variants alter the gray dragon and other dragons to make them more varied and/or threatening.

SLASH'EM

Main article: Dragon (SLASH'EM)

As with most other dragons in SLASH'EM, the gray dragon's stats are improved: their base level is raised to 18, their difficulty is raised to 25, their AC is boosted to -4, their bite and claw attacks are stronger, and they hit as a +3 weapon.

Gray dragons can appear in dragon lairs and the Wyrm Caves.

NetHack brass

In NetHack brass, the gray dragon's speed is raised to 12.

GruntHack

In GruntHack, the gray dragon's difficulty is slightly lowered to 19, their bite and claw attacks are stronger, and they are given an additional 2d10 engulfing attack that can digest targets.

UnNetHack

In UnNetHack and DynaHack, all dragons have their breath weapons, resistances, and names randomized each game, allowing any non-chromatic dragon to appear as gray - the default type of magic dragon is the tatzelworm.

dNetHack

In dNetHack, notdNetHack, and notnotdNetHack, gray dragons have their difficulty slightly raised to 21, and their effective AC is boosted to -4. The gray dragon's attacks are made stronger, with an additional 4d10 tailslap attack that they will use once every global turn, and their breath attacks also ignore reflection, unless the source is from dragon armor or an artifact that grants dragonbreath reflection.

EvilHack

In EvilHack, gray dragons are buffed similarly to GruntHack: their attacks are made stronger as in GruntHack and reordered, including the addition of the digestion attack; they are also given cancellation resistance and a passive attack that induces cancellation.

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