Difference between revisions of "Dispater"
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| − | '''Dispater''', {{monsym|dispater}}, is one of the many [[demon prince]]s that can appear in ''[[NetHack]]''. Like all | + | '''Dispater''', {{monsym|dispater}}, is one of the many [[demon prince]]s that can appear in ''[[NetHack]]''. Like all demon princes and lords, he is [[covetous]] and capable of [[flying]], and will attempt to steal the [[Amulet of Yendor]] if you possess it. |
Dispater is one of three demon princes without his own lair in [[Gehennom]], with the other two being [[Geryon]] and [[Demogorgon]]. He has the fourth-highest [[monster difficulty]] and [[experience point]] yield in the game behind [[Baalzebub]]. | Dispater is one of three demon princes without his own lair in [[Gehennom]], with the other two being [[Geryon]] and [[Demogorgon]]. He has the fourth-highest [[monster difficulty]] and [[experience point]] yield in the game behind [[Baalzebub]]. | ||
==Generation== | ==Generation== | ||
| − | Dispater will only appear if summoned via the [[summon nasties]] [[monster spell]] being cast in Gehennom, or being gated in by another demon prince (e.g., [[Asmodeus]], [[Baalzebub]] or Geryon). | + | Under normal circumstances, Dispater will only appear if summoned via the [[summon nasties]] [[monster spell]] being cast in Gehennom, or being gated in by another demon prince (e.g., [[Asmodeus]], [[Baalzebub]] or Geryon). It is also possible for him to appear in a [[bones]] file. |
| − | Dispater is [[Monster starting inventory|always generated with]] a [[wand of striking]]. | + | Dispater is [[Monster starting inventory|always generated with]] a [[wand of striking]].{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|499|version=NetHack 3.6.6}} |
==Strategy== | ==Strategy== | ||
| − | + | Like other [[lawful]] demon princes, Dispater can be [[bribe]]d for safe passage with a portion of your visible [[gold]]. If you were wielding [[Excalibur]] at the time of his appearance, refuse when he asks, or else he fails to see where you are, Dispater will become hostile.{{refsrc|src/monmove.c|469|version=NetHack 3.6.6}}{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1329|version=NetHack 3.6.6}}{{refsrc|src/minion.c|230|version=NetHack 3.6.6}} | |
| − | + | Dispater is a rather dangerous spellcaster in spite of his relatively poor [[AC]] (surpassed by [[water demon]]s and [[horned devil]]s). He has a lot of [[hit point]]s, great [[magic resistance (monster)|monster magic resistance]], and can move almost as quickly as a [[fast]] player. In addition to the standard demon prince traits of [[fire resistance|fire]] and [[poison resistance]], he has a decently strong weapon attack and powerful mage spells - up to and including [[curse items]], summon nasties, and the [[touch of death]]. However, he will always use his wand of striking first, which should be no danger to any player at that point. | |
| + | |||
| + | That said, even if you possess [[magic resistance]] it is still best to kill Dispater as quickly as possible if he appears - while not a Demogorgon-level threat that requires a specialized kit, his magic is far more annoying to contend with once his wand is spent. Beware using shock damage against him, as he will cast spells much sooner if his wand is destroyed prematurely. Players going for [[speed ascension]]s should bribe Asmodeus and Baalzebub or else deal with them quickly before he can be gated, although it is still possible for the [[Wizard of Yendor]] to summon him if he gets a chance. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Some [[extinctionist]] players may want to have a hasted Asmodeus or Baalzebub gate him in if they plan to eradicate all unique monsters. | ||
==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
| Line 39: | Line 43: | ||
The ''NetHack'' incarnation of Dispater is based on his portrayal in ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' source books, where he is a unique archdevil - this is in turn based on Dīs Pater, a Roman god of the underworld later subsumed by Pluto or the Greek Hades. Originally a chthonic god of riches, fertile agricultural land, and underground mineral wealth, he was later commonly equated with the Roman underworld deities Pluto and [[Orcus]]. | The ''NetHack'' incarnation of Dispater is based on his portrayal in ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' source books, where he is a unique archdevil - this is in turn based on Dīs Pater, a Roman god of the underworld later subsumed by Pluto or the Greek Hades. Originally a chthonic god of riches, fertile agricultural land, and underground mineral wealth, he was later commonly equated with the Roman underworld deities Pluto and [[Orcus]]. | ||
| − | In ''Dungeons & Dragons'', Dispater's appearance is that of a handsome human about 2 meters (ca. 7 feet) tall, with two small horns, a tail and a cloven left hoof - Dispater's portrayal and [[tileset|default tile]] in ''NetHack'' draws from this, although it retains only the former trait.{{refsrc|monst.c|2708|comment=Dispater has size <code>MZ_HUMAN</code>}}{{reffunc|mondata.c|num_horns}}{{reffunc|polyself.c|mbodypart|comment=Dispater does not have a hoof}} He is also known to carry a powerful rod that symbolizes his authority, and also acts as a staff of striking | + | In ''Dungeons & Dragons'', Dispater's appearance is that of a handsome human about 2 meters (ca. 7 feet) tall, with two small horns, a tail and a cloven left hoof - Dispater's portrayal and [[tileset|default tile]] in ''NetHack'' draws from this, although it retains only the former trait.{{refsrc|monst.c|2708|comment=Dispater has size <code>MZ_HUMAN</code>}}{{reffunc|mondata.c|num_horns}}{{reffunc|polyself.c|mbodypart|comment=Dispater does not have a hoof}} He is also known to carry a powerful rod that symbolizes his authority, and also acts as a staff of striking - which is why he always generates with a wand of striking. |
The "City of Dis" mentioned in the encyclopedia entry is based on Dispater's appearance in the ''Inferno'', where the infernal city under his rule made up the entire sixth circle of Hell; some [[variant]]s of ''NetHack'' add a lair inspired by the City. | The "City of Dis" mentioned in the encyclopedia entry is based on Dispater's appearance in the ''Inferno'', where the infernal city under his rule made up the entire sixth circle of Hell; some [[variant]]s of ''NetHack'' add a lair inspired by the City. | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
| − | |||
{{nethack-366}} | {{nethack-366}} | ||
[[Category:Unique monsters]] | [[Category:Unique monsters]] | ||
Revision as of 11:33, 28 June 2021
& Dispater 
| |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | 40 |
| Attacks |
Weapon 4d6, spell-casting |
| Base level | 36 |
| Base experience | 1923 |
| Speed | 15 |
| Base AC | -2 |
| Base MR | 80 |
| Alignment | 15 (lawful) |
| Frequency (by normal means) | Unique |
| Genocidable | No |
| Weight | 1500 |
| Nutritional value | 500 |
| Size | Medium |
| Resistances | Fire, poison |
| Resistances conveyed |
None |
|
Dispater:
| |
| Reference | monst.c#line2704 |
Dispater, &, is one of the many demon princes that can appear in NetHack. Like all demon princes and lords, he is covetous and capable of flying, and will attempt to steal the Amulet of Yendor if you possess it.
Dispater is one of three demon princes without his own lair in Gehennom, with the other two being Geryon and Demogorgon. He has the fourth-highest monster difficulty and experience point yield in the game behind Baalzebub.
Generation
Under normal circumstances, Dispater will only appear if summoned via the summon nasties monster spell being cast in Gehennom, or being gated in by another demon prince (e.g., Asmodeus, Baalzebub or Geryon). It is also possible for him to appear in a bones file.
Dispater is always generated with a wand of striking.[1]
Strategy
Like other lawful demon princes, Dispater can be bribed for safe passage with a portion of your visible gold. If you were wielding Excalibur at the time of his appearance, refuse when he asks, or else he fails to see where you are, Dispater will become hostile.[2][3][4]
Dispater is a rather dangerous spellcaster in spite of his relatively poor AC (surpassed by water demons and horned devils). He has a lot of hit points, great monster magic resistance, and can move almost as quickly as a fast player. In addition to the standard demon prince traits of fire and poison resistance, he has a decently strong weapon attack and powerful mage spells - up to and including curse items, summon nasties, and the touch of death. However, he will always use his wand of striking first, which should be no danger to any player at that point.
That said, even if you possess magic resistance it is still best to kill Dispater as quickly as possible if he appears - while not a Demogorgon-level threat that requires a specialized kit, his magic is far more annoying to contend with once his wand is spent. Beware using shock damage against him, as he will cast spells much sooner if his wand is destroyed prematurely. Players going for speed ascensions should bribe Asmodeus and Baalzebub or else deal with them quickly before he can be gated, although it is still possible for the Wizard of Yendor to summon him if he gets a chance.
Some extinctionist players may want to have a hasted Asmodeus or Baalzebub gate him in if they plan to eradicate all unique monsters.
Origin
The NetHack incarnation of Dispater is based on his portrayal in Dungeons & Dragons source books, where he is a unique archdevil - this is in turn based on Dīs Pater, a Roman god of the underworld later subsumed by Pluto or the Greek Hades. Originally a chthonic god of riches, fertile agricultural land, and underground mineral wealth, he was later commonly equated with the Roman underworld deities Pluto and Orcus.
In Dungeons & Dragons, Dispater's appearance is that of a handsome human about 2 meters (ca. 7 feet) tall, with two small horns, a tail and a cloven left hoof - Dispater's portrayal and default tile in NetHack draws from this, although it retains only the former trait.[5][6][7] He is also known to carry a powerful rod that symbolizes his authority, and also acts as a staff of striking - which is why he always generates with a wand of striking.
The "City of Dis" mentioned in the encyclopedia entry is based on Dispater's appearance in the Inferno, where the infernal city under his rule made up the entire sixth circle of Hell; some variants of NetHack add a lair inspired by the City.
History
Dispater was introduced in NetHack 3.0.0.
SLASH'EM
In SLASH'EM, all demon princes have lairs. Dispater's lair is located between levels 10 and 15 of Gehennom, and Dispater himself waits near the center of the long winding hallway contained within the maze.
Encyclopaedia entry
The Roman ruler of the underworld and fortune, similar to the
Greek Hades. Every hundred years, the Ludi Tarentini were
celebrated in his honor. The Gauls regarded Dis Pater as
their ancestor. The name is a contraction of the Latin Dives,
"the wealthy", Dives Pater, "the wealthy father", or "Fater
Wealth". It refers to the wealth of precious stone below the
earth.
References
- ↑ src/makemon.c in NetHack 3.6.6, line 499
- ↑ src/monmove.c in NetHack 3.6.6, line 469
- ↑ src/makemon.c in NetHack 3.6.6, line 1329
- ↑ src/minion.c in NetHack 3.6.6, line 230
- ↑ monst.c in NetHack 3.4.3, line 2708: Dispater has size
MZ_HUMAN - ↑ num_horns in mondata.c
- ↑ mbodypart in polyself.c: Dispater does not have a hoof
