Demon
A user has suggested improving this page or section as follows:
"When "demon" behaviour is referred to, this usually means the monster attribute M2_DEMON (this is what the is_demon() macro checks for example). "demon" could also refer to the classes "imp or minor demon" (S_IMP) or "major demon" (S_DEMON). This page needs to disambiguate these cases."
Demons are a class of monster mostly found in Gehennom. The class is not synonymous with the monsters represented by the & symbol: the riders and djinn are not demons (although NetHack itself is inconsistent on this point; asking for information on a rider will identify it as a "Major Demon"), and the i class is comprised of minor demons. The mail daemon is technically a member of this class, but is not generally viewed as an actual monster.
Although minor demons are not a significant threat, major demons are quite strong opponents, and can summon other major demons and demon lords. (Foocubi and balrogs cannot summon, but other demons can summon them.) Sacrificing your own race can summon a demon lord, as can angering your god when on an altar (by praying with negative alignment, or praying too often, amongst other effects) if you are chaotic.
All major demons resist fire, poison, level drain, and death rays, although they are still considered living creatures. Demons cannot be tamed unless you are polymorphed into a demon yourself.
The minor demons are
The ordinary major demons are
- & water demon
- & horned devil
- & succubus & & incubus
- & erinys
- & barbed devil
- & marilith
- & vrock
- & hezrou
- & bone devil
- & ice devil
- & nalfeshnee
- & pit fiend
- & balrog
Unique demons and summoning
The named demons are divided into two ranks: the lower demon lords, and the higher demon princes.
The demon lords are
The demon princes are
Of these, Juiblex, Orcus, Baalzebub and Asmodeus have lairs within Gehennom, and are guaranteed to appear in every game (Slashem has more). The others must be summoned, and will not necessarily appear in a given game.
Every major demon has a 1/13 chance of summoning another major demon each turn. The difference between demons, demon lords, and demon princes lies in which other demons they can summon, and how often. See the Demon summoning spoiler for details.
Summoning while polymorphed
If you are polymorphed into a major demon that can summon, and you hit a monster with bare or gloved hands, occasionally a tame demon will appear at your side, announced with the message "Some hell-p has arrived!" You will never summon a demon lord.
Nemesis demons
There are two quest nemesis demons. They can not be summoned by other demons. They can cast summon nasties, but since they are outside of Gehennom, will probably not summon other demons.
- & Minion of Huhetotl, the Archeologist quest nemesis
- & Nalzok, the Priest quest nemesis
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It may contain text specific to NetHack 3.4.3. Information on this page may be out of date.
Editors: After reviewing this page and making necessary edits, please change the {{nethack-343}} tag to the current version's tag or {{noversion}} as appropriate.
