Scream (attack)

This article is about the attack type. For the term in other contexts, see scream.

A scream attack, or simply a scream, is a ranged attack type that appears in some variants of NetHack, and is primarily used by monsters. Nazgul are commonly given a screaming or shrieking attack across variants.

The attack type is frequently defined by the AT_SCRE flag within monattk.h or the equivalent file in that variant's source code.

Description

A monster that has a screaming attack will generally use it if their desired target is within a certain range: this range varies depending on the variant in question and whether or not the scream attack is meant to target the hero or another monster, and the attack will often wake sleeping monsters (including the hero) as well. Scream attacks are typically sonic-based, and may be able to destroy glass and crystal items and fracture glass armor in the target's open inventory; depending on the variant they can be blocked (partially or completely) by either possessing sonic resistance or being deaf.

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SporkHack

In SporkHack, scream attacks use the AT_SCRE attack type flag.

The Nazgul is the sole monster with a scream attack, and will use it to stun the hero if they are at a significant distance—they will not use the scream if the hero is close enough to them.

xNetHack

In xNetHack, Nazgul are given their shrieking ability similar to other variants, but it is not coded as an attack and occurs at semi-regular intervals, with those intervals occurring faster if a Nazgul is aware that the hero is nearby. A Nazgul's shriek will stun the hero if they hear it, and can awaken sleeping monsters (including the hero)—the shriek will also affect elves and has a ¹⁄₆ chance of affecting other humanoid monsters.

Hack'EM

In Hack'EM, scream attacks use the AT_SCRE attack type flag and can wake up a sleeping hero and/or sleeping monsters—many of these attacks are restricted to use at melee range. External sources of sonic resistance or half of intrinsic sonic resistance can prevent inventory destruction caused from some of these attacks.

The following monsters have scream attacks:

• s monstrous spider (fear)
• B mobat (piercing)
• B harpy (paralyzing song)
• F screamer (loud)
• W banshee (fear)
• W Nazgul (loud)
• @ gibberling (random status)
• u Nightmare (fear)

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