Vrock

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The vrock, &, is a type of demon that appears in NetHack. As implied by its encyclopedia entry, it appears as a sort of human-vulture hybrid.

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.

Per commit 4b52537: vrocks can now emit a plume of poison clouds when fleeing, similar to the scroll of stinking cloud.

Generation

Vrocks are randomly generated only in Gehennom, and may be created in small groups of 2-4 12 of the time; they may also be among the demons generated when a graveyard is created. The vrock is also a valid polymorph form, and so may appear in other branches of the dungeon due to polymorph traps.

Vrocks are eligible for gating by other major demons, and may appear as the minion of a chaotic god or Moloch.

Strategy

Vrocks have a decent AC of 0, move at the same speed as an un-hasted, unburdened hero and possess five attacks per turn. Despite their relative weakness compared to other demons, these make vrocks potentially deadly to a player facing them early due to polymorph traps: they are notorious for gating in even more vrocks, potentially filling the area and cornering you. Though a decently enchanted weapon and solid AC can be enough, the quicker you can eliminate an unexpected vrock, the better; they are much easier to deal with in Gehennom, by which point you will have much more AC and a highly enchanted blessed and/or silver weapon.

History

The vrock first appears with many other demons in NetHack 3.0.0.

Origin

Vrocks (pronounced: /vrɑːkz/, vrahkz) originate from Dungeons & Dragons, where they were also known as "type I demons"; they are described as bestial and appear as crosses between humanoids and vultures, as indicated by their tile and encyclopedia entry. Vrocks are brutish demons that enjoy fighting and are capricious and selfish even by the standards of other demons - despite this, small flocks are more than capable of coordination and group tactics.[1]

Vrocks are capable of bloodcurdling screeches loud enough to daze nearby victims from the physical pain they caused; this is employed as a means of securing escape rather than an offensive tool. Vrocks can also release clouds of tiny poisonous spores from their wings that grew into thick vine-like structures after burrowing under the skin of those nearby.

Variants

In the Lethe patch, the revised Gehennom has a vrock appear in Yeenoghu's fortress.

In SLASH'EM, vrocks are considered traitors like many other demons, and may turn against you while tame.

A vrock is among the many demons generated in The Temple of Moloch upon level creation.

In dNetHack, vrocks are described with a more animal-like anatomy to reflect their vulture-like features; their base experience is increased, and they have three damage dice instead of five, though the dice themselves are stronger and include a weapon attack. Vrocks are strong and capable of using polearms in melee, have 10 points of natural damage reduction, and emit a stun-inducing shriek while retreating.

Generation

Vrock are more widespread throughout Gehennom and other levels:

  • A vrock generates in The Temple of Moloch's main area on level creation, as in SLASH'EM.
  • A vrock is generated on the Mordor Fortress floor of the Mordor Ruins Chaos Quest.
  • Many are generated on the third variant map of Brine Flats's third floor within Gehennom.
  • The vaults of Lolth have four vrocks within the "upstairs" portal room.

Vrocks are one of the demons that can be summoned by reading the Necronomicon, with a 215 chance.

Shalosh tannah have a 19 chance of producing strange larvae each turn that can quickly grow into vrocks and other major demons with organic equipment.

Encyclopaedia entry

The vrock is one of the weaker forms of demon. It resembles
a cross between a human being and a vulture and does physical
damage by biting and by using the claws on both its arms and
feet.

References