Difference between revisions of "Cornuthaum"

From NetHackWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Strategy)
(copyedit)
(24 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
{{languages}}
 
{{armor
 
{{armor
 
   |color=blue
 
   |color=blue
Line 11: Line 12:
 
   |material=cloth
 
   |material=cloth
 
}}
 
}}
The '''cornuthaum''' is a type of [[helm]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. When unidentified, it appears as a [[conical hat]], an appearance it shares with the [[dunce cap]].
 
  
==Effects==
+
A '''cornuthaum''' is a type of [[Magical item|magical]] [[helm]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is made of [[cloth]], and appears as a [[conical hat]] when unidentified, an appearance that it shares with the [[dunce cap]].
When worn, a cornuthaum provides [[magic cancellation|MC1]]. [[Wizard]]s wearing a cornuthaum gain 1 point of [[charisma]] and extrinsic [[clairvoyance]]; non-Wizards lose 1 point of charisma and have all instances of clairvoyance blocked (whether by intrinsic or by [[spellbook of clairvoyance|spell]]). Wizards can enchant cornuthaums to +7, but others can only enchant them to +5.
+
 
 +
==Generation==
 +
In addition to random generation, general [[store]]s and used armor dealerships can sell cornuthaums.
 +
 
 +
==Description==
 +
While worn, a cornuthaum provides [[magic cancellation|MC1]] but no base [[AC]]. [[Wizard]]s wearing a cornuthaum gain 1 point of [[charisma]] and extrinsic [[clairvoyance]]; non-Wizards lose 1 point of charisma and have all sources of clairvoyance blocked (whether from the intrinsic or the [[spellbook of clairvoyance|spell]]). Wizards alone can safely enchant a cornuthaum from +5 or lower, while other roles risk destroying one if it is enchanted while above +3.
  
 
==Strategy==
 
==Strategy==
Since the cornuthaum and the [[autocursing]] dunce cap share the same appearance, it is dangerous to blindly wear-test for one; the cornuthaum can easily be distinguished in [[shop]]s using its [[price identification|base price]] of 80 zm (compare to 1 zm for dunce caps).
+
Cornuthaums are among the best helms for Wizards, being the only permanent source of clairvoyance outside of the [[Amulet of Yendor]]. They are are often overlooked in favor of the [[helm of brilliance]], since a potential +4 or +5 bonus to [[intelligence]] and [[wisdom]] has far more applications in most situations than the cornuthaum's +1 charisma bonus. Wizards finding a cornuthaum close to the start of the game may even prefer an [[orcish helm]] for protection from [[falling rock trap]]s, at least until they can gain a few levels and raise their HP.
 +
 
 +
From the point that most Wizards are prepared to delve deeper into the dungeon, a cornuthaum is generally preferable by far for navigating the [[Gnomish Mines]] and other dark areas, even for races with [[infravision]] - most Wizards start with more than enough innate intelligence to cast low-level spells often (especially [[elf (starting race)|elven]] Wizards), and can raise their intelligence via [[alchemy|alchemized]] [[potion of gain ability|potions of gain ability]] if necessary. [[Orc (starting race)|Orcish]] Wizards may occasionally prefer the helm of brilliance for fully [[hungerless casting]], but their normal cap of 16 Int will suffice for a majority of standard scenarios.
  
Cornuthaums are among the best helms for a Wizard to use, but are often overlooked in favor of the [[helm of brilliance]], since a potential +4 or +5 bonus to [[intelligence]] and [[wisdom]] has far more applications in most situations than the cornuthaum's +1 charisma bonus. As a cornuthaum is made of cloth and does not protect rom [[falling rock trap]]s, Wizards finding one close to the start of the game may even prefer an [[orcish]] helm until they can gain a few levels and raise their HP.
+
While Wizards can safely enchant a cornuthaum to +7 similar to an [[elven leather helm]], the [[scroll of enchant armor|scrolls of enchant armor]] required are better spent elsewhere in their mid-to-late game, especially once they obtain [[The Eye of the Aethiopica]] and gain the [[power]] regeneration necessary to make frequent use of higher-level spells. A +5 helm of brilliance can provide the benefits of boosted intelligence and wisdom at only 1 less point of AC than a +7 cornuthaum; patient Wizards can also [[polypile]] their way to a +6 or +7 helm of brilliance using the aforementioned scrolls and readily-available elven armor.
  
However, from that point on and up to the mid-game, a cornuthaum may be much more preferable over a helm of brilliance, since the clairvoyance property is quite useful for navigating the [[Gnomish Mines]] and difficult to obtain elsewhere; the only other permanent source of clairvoyance is the [[Amulet of Yendor]]. Most early game Wizards also already have enough innate intelligence to cast low-level spells often (especially [[elf (starting race)|elven]] Wizards), and will lack the [[power]] regeneration to make much higher-level spells viable for frequent use before obtaining [[The Eye of the Aethiopica]]; they may also be able to raise their intelligence via [[alchemy|alchemized]] [[potion of gain ability|potions of gain ability]] if necessary.
+
The cornuthaum is the only MC-granting armor that is not worn on the torso, and is the only source of MC for an intelligent [[humanoid]] [[pet]] that is [[Physical size|too large]] to wear body armor, e.g. a [[titan]] or [[Centaur (monster class)|centaur]] - monsters such as [[Archon]]s that inherently have MC1 gain no further protection from a cornuthaum outside of its enchantment.
  
[[Orc (starting race)|Orcish]] Wizards have [[infravision]] and may prefer the helm of brilliance from the beginning to boost their intelligence past the racial maximum for [[hungerless casting]], but this is not strictly necessary since even 16 Int will suffice for a majority of scenarios.
+
{{upcoming|3.7.0|Large humanoids such as giants and other similar monsters can now wear [[mummy wrapping]]s, which also grant MC1.}}
  
While the ability for Wizards to safely enchant a cornuthaum to +7 similar to an [[elven leather helm]] makes it more enticing, the [[scroll of enchant armor|scrolls of enchant armor]] required are better spent elsewhere in their mid-to-late game, especially after obtaining the Eye. The cornuthaum's lack of base AC means that a +5 helm of brilliance can provide the benefits of boosted intelligence and wisdom at only 1 less AC than a +7 cornuthaum; patient wizards can also [[polypile]] their way to a +6 or +7 helm of brilliance using the aforementioned scrolls and readily-available elven armor.
+
===Identification===
 +
As the cornuthaum and the [[autocursing]] dunce cap are both conical hats, picking up and wear-testing a conical hat at random is a [[Bad Idea]]. They can easily be [[price identification|distinguished by price]]: the cornuthaum has a base cost of 80 zorkmids.
 +
 
 +
{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|For a [[Tourist]], {{frac|3}} of conical hats can be read. A cornuthaum will be labeled "WIZZARD".}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Prior to version 3.6.0, cornuthaums had an [[MC]] of 2, rather than 1.
+
The cornuthaum first appears in [[NetHack 3.2.0]]. From this version to [[NetHack 3.4.3]], including variants derived from those versions, cornuthaums grant [[Magic cancellation (3.4.3)|MC2]] while worn, making them more useful as MC sources for pets and as Archon hats in particular.
 +
 
 +
==Origin==
 +
{{Wikipedia|Pointed hat}}
 +
"Cornuthaum" is a term coined by ''NetHack'' [[DevTeam]] member Janet Walz to describe the stereotypical conical, pointed hat associated with traditional depictions of [[Wikipedia:Magician (fantasy)|wizards and other magicians]] in fictional media{{refsrc|src/objects.c|349|nethack=3.6.7}}<ref>{{commit|c155d238236f320ee1e0bd5f1b5b882db6f0b8a5|Commit c155d23}} names the specific DevTeam member that coined the term.</ref> - ''cornu'' is Latin for "horn", and ''thauma'' (θαῦμα) is Greek for "miracle, wonder".
 +
 
 +
Among the most common forms of wizard hat is the conical blue hat covered with yellow stars and crescent moons; their shape and decoration are likely based on golden hats found during archeological digs in Europe that are adorned with astronomical sequences, and have been speculated as being worn by ancient wizards. Most other types of headwear that wizards and other magicians are depicted with will be at least conical in shape, and may even resemble a [[witch hat]]. The notion of a thinking hat may also derive from ceremonial conical hats, or even "true" thinking hats.
 +
 
 +
==Messages==
 +
{{message|You sense a pointy hat on top of your head.|You cast the [[spell of clairvoyance]] while wearing a cornuthaum, but you are not a Wizard.}}
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
In variants derived from [[NetHack 3.4.3]], including [[SLASH'EM]], cornuthaums generally provide MC2.
+
Some variants based on NetHack 3.4.3 and earlier versions retain the cornuthaum's MC2.
 +
 
 +
===SLASH'EM===
 +
In [[SLASH'EM]], [[upgrading]] a cornuthaum produces a dunce cap and vice versa.
 +
 
 +
===dNetHack===
 +
In [[dNetHack]], the cornuthaum grants 0 base AC, 0 DR and MC2 while worn. [[Incantifier (starting race)|incantifiers]] can gain the same positive effects from a worn cornuthaum as Wizards.
  
In general, a cornuthaum makes excellent [[pet]] care; it generally grants the highest level of magic cancellation of all armor a large- or huge-sized pet would fit into, and magic cancellation partly substitutes for any intrinsic resistances your pet cannot acquire.
+
===The November NetHack Tournament===
 +
In [[The November NetHack Tournament]], the [[deathmatch]] opponent will always generate with a cornuthaum if they represent a [[Wizard (player monster)|wizard]] character that does not have a helm.
  
==Origin==
+
===EvilHack===
"Cornuthaum" seems to be a term coined in ''NetHack'' for folklore's "wizard hat". ''Cornu'' is Latin for "horn", and ''thauma'' (θαῦμα) is Greek for "miracle, wonder".
+
In [[EvilHack]], the [[Dark One]] has a {{frac|4}} chance of generating with a cornuthaum, and [[Neferet the Green]] and the [[Wizard of Yendor]] always generate with a cornuthaum. One of the preset kits for a level 20 [[player monster]] includes a cornuthaum as the helm.
 +
 
 +
A uncursed cornuthaum is generated atop a wizard [[corpse]] on the second level of the [[Ice Queen's Realm]].
 +
 
 +
===SlashTHEM===
 +
In [[SlashTHEM]], in addition to SLASH'EM changes, the [[Flame Mage]], [[Ice Mage]], [[Electric Mage]], and [[Acid Mage]] roles gain a +1 bonus to charisma when wearing a cornuthaum, though clairvoyance is still blocked for non-Wizards; Wizards gain a +2 bonus instead.
  
The stereotypical wizard hat is a conical blue hat with yellow stars and crescent moons; these shapes are possibly derived from old cabalistic symbols. Variations are seen in folklore, but the hat stays at least vaguely conical. The notion of a thinking hat possibly derives from ceremonial conical hats, or even true thinking hats, making it only natural that wizards wear one.
+
===Hack'EM===
 +
In [[Hack'EM]], upgrading a cornuthaum can produce a dunce cap and vice versa, as in SLASH'EM.
  
 
==Encyclopedia entry==
 
==Encyclopedia entry==
 
 
{{encyclopedia|
 
{{encyclopedia|
 
He was dressed in a flowing gown with fur tippets which had
 
He was dressed in a flowing gown with fur tippets which had
Line 63: Line 94:
 
}}
 
}}
  
 +
==References==
 +
<references/>
 +
{{nethack-367}}
 
[[Category:Helms]]
 
[[Category:Helms]]
{{nethack-364|offset=1}}
 

Revision as of 23:08, 21 March 2024

[   cornuthaum   Conical hat.png
Appearance conical hat
Slot helm
AC 0
Special
Base price 80 zm
Weight 4
Material cloth

A cornuthaum is a type of magical helm that appears in NetHack. It is made of cloth, and appears as a conical hat when unidentified, an appearance that it shares with the dunce cap.

Generation

In addition to random generation, general stores and used armor dealerships can sell cornuthaums.

Description

While worn, a cornuthaum provides MC1 but no base AC. Wizards wearing a cornuthaum gain 1 point of charisma and extrinsic clairvoyance; non-Wizards lose 1 point of charisma and have all sources of clairvoyance blocked (whether from the intrinsic or the spell). Wizards alone can safely enchant a cornuthaum from +5 or lower, while other roles risk destroying one if it is enchanted while above +3.

Strategy

Cornuthaums are among the best helms for Wizards, being the only permanent source of clairvoyance outside of the Amulet of Yendor. They are are often overlooked in favor of the helm of brilliance, since a potential +4 or +5 bonus to intelligence and wisdom has far more applications in most situations than the cornuthaum's +1 charisma bonus. Wizards finding a cornuthaum close to the start of the game may even prefer an orcish helm for protection from falling rock traps, at least until they can gain a few levels and raise their HP.

From the point that most Wizards are prepared to delve deeper into the dungeon, a cornuthaum is generally preferable by far for navigating the Gnomish Mines and other dark areas, even for races with infravision - most Wizards start with more than enough innate intelligence to cast low-level spells often (especially elven Wizards), and can raise their intelligence via alchemized potions of gain ability if necessary. Orcish Wizards may occasionally prefer the helm of brilliance for fully hungerless casting, but their normal cap of 16 Int will suffice for a majority of standard scenarios.

While Wizards can safely enchant a cornuthaum to +7 similar to an elven leather helm, the scrolls of enchant armor required are better spent elsewhere in their mid-to-late game, especially once they obtain The Eye of the Aethiopica and gain the power regeneration necessary to make frequent use of higher-level spells. A +5 helm of brilliance can provide the benefits of boosted intelligence and wisdom at only 1 less point of AC than a +7 cornuthaum; patient Wizards can also polypile their way to a +6 or +7 helm of brilliance using the aforementioned scrolls and readily-available elven armor.

The cornuthaum is the only MC-granting armor that is not worn on the torso, and is the only source of MC for an intelligent humanoid pet that is too large to wear body armor, e.g. a titan or centaur - monsters such as Archons that inherently have MC1 gain no further protection from a cornuthaum outside of its enchantment.

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.

Large humanoids such as giants and other similar monsters can now wear mummy wrappings, which also grant MC1.

Identification

As the cornuthaum and the autocursing dunce cap are both conical hats, picking up and wear-testing a conical hat at random is a Bad Idea. They can easily be distinguished by price: the cornuthaum has a base cost of 80 zorkmids.

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.

For a Tourist, 13 of conical hats can be read. A cornuthaum will be labeled "WIZZARD".

History

The cornuthaum first appears in NetHack 3.2.0. From this version to NetHack 3.4.3, including variants derived from those versions, cornuthaums grant MC2 while worn, making them more useful as MC sources for pets and as Archon hats in particular.

Origin

"Cornuthaum" is a term coined by NetHack DevTeam member Janet Walz to describe the stereotypical conical, pointed hat associated with traditional depictions of wizards and other magicians in fictional media[1][2] - cornu is Latin for "horn", and thauma (θαῦμα) is Greek for "miracle, wonder".

Among the most common forms of wizard hat is the conical blue hat covered with yellow stars and crescent moons; their shape and decoration are likely based on golden hats found during archeological digs in Europe that are adorned with astronomical sequences, and have been speculated as being worn by ancient wizards. Most other types of headwear that wizards and other magicians are depicted with will be at least conical in shape, and may even resemble a witch hat. The notion of a thinking hat may also derive from ceremonial conical hats, or even "true" thinking hats.

Messages

You sense a pointy hat on top of your head.
You cast the spell of clairvoyance while wearing a cornuthaum, but you are not a Wizard.

Variants

Some variants based on NetHack 3.4.3 and earlier versions retain the cornuthaum's MC2.

SLASH'EM

In SLASH'EM, upgrading a cornuthaum produces a dunce cap and vice versa.

dNetHack

In dNetHack, the cornuthaum grants 0 base AC, 0 DR and MC2 while worn. incantifiers can gain the same positive effects from a worn cornuthaum as Wizards.

The November NetHack Tournament

In The November NetHack Tournament, the deathmatch opponent will always generate with a cornuthaum if they represent a wizard character that does not have a helm.

EvilHack

In EvilHack, the Dark One has a 14 chance of generating with a cornuthaum, and Neferet the Green and the Wizard of Yendor always generate with a cornuthaum. One of the preset kits for a level 20 player monster includes a cornuthaum as the helm.

A uncursed cornuthaum is generated atop a wizard corpse on the second level of the Ice Queen's Realm.

SlashTHEM

In SlashTHEM, in addition to SLASH'EM changes, the Flame Mage, Ice Mage, Electric Mage, and Acid Mage roles gain a +1 bonus to charisma when wearing a cornuthaum, though clairvoyance is still blocked for non-Wizards; Wizards gain a +2 bonus instead.

Hack'EM

In Hack'EM, upgrading a cornuthaum can produce a dunce cap and vice versa, as in SLASH'EM.

Encyclopedia entry

He was dressed in a flowing gown with fur tippets which had
the signs of the zodiac embroidered over it, with various
cabalistic signs, such as triangles with eyes in them, queer
crosses, leaves of trees, bones of birds and animals, and a
planetarium whose stars shone like bits of looking-glass with
the sun on them. He had a pointed hat like a dunce's cap, or
like the headgear worn by ladies of that time, except that
the ladies were accustomed to have a bit of veil floating
from the top of it.

[ The Once and Future King, by T.H. White ]

         "A wizard!" Dooley exclaimed, astounded.
         "At your service, sirs," said the wizard. "How
perceptive of you to notice. I suppose my hat rather gives me
away. Something of a beacon, I don't doubt." His hat was
pretty much that, tall and cone-shaped with stars and crescent
moons all over it. All in all, it couldn't have been more
wizardish.

[ The Elfin Ship, James P. Blaylock ]

References

  1. src/objects.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 349
  2. Commit c155d23 names the specific DevTeam member that coined the term.