Difference between revisions of "Elf"

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(Added elven glyphs for the "List of elf monsters", just like on the orcs' page.)
m (monsyms)
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== Introduction ==
 
== Introduction ==
You can play ''[[NetHack]]'' or ''[[SLASH'EM]]'' as an '''Elf''' [[@]]. The most significant traits of elves are that they have [[infravision]], they receive [[sleep resistance]] at [[experience level]] 4, and that their [[strength]] is capped at 18, far below what other races can reach. This alone makes elves more difficult to play than other races. Below is a list of their maximum stats:
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You can play ''[[NetHack]]'' or ''[[SLASH'EM]]'' as an '''Elf''' {{white|@}}. The most significant traits of elves are that they have [[infravision]], they receive [[sleep resistance]] at [[experience level]] 4, and that their [[strength]] is capped at 18, far below what other races can reach. This alone makes elves more difficult to play than other races. Below is a list of their maximum stats:
  
 
Strength: 18
 
Strength: 18
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== List of elf [[monster]]s ==
 
== List of elf [[monster]]s ==
 
In the vanilla 3.4.3 dungeon, you can encounter:
 
In the vanilla 3.4.3 dungeon, you can encounter:
* [[Woodland-elf]], {{green|@}}
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* {{monsymlink|Woodland-elf}}
* [[Green-elf]], {{brightgreen|@}}
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* {{monsymlink|Green-elf}}
* [[Grey-elf]], {{gray|@}}
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* {{monsymlink|Grey-elf}}
* [[elf-lord]], {{brightblue|@}}
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* {{monsymlink|elf-lord}}
* [[Elvenking]], {{magenta|@}}
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* {{monsymlink|Elvenking}}
  
All of the above are [[@]]. You might also find an [[elf mummy]], which is [[M]], or an [[elf zombie]], which is [[Z]].
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You might also find an [[elf mummy]], which is {{monsym|elf_mummy}}, or an [[elf zombie]], which is {{monsym|elf_zombie}}.
  
 
The source file [[monst.c]], which defines all monsters, also defines a plain "Elf", however those are not generated. They only exist for their corpses. The "elf corpse" is dropped by the elf mummy and is also found in graves left by player elves in [[bones]].
 
The source file [[monst.c]], which defines all monsters, also defines a plain "Elf", however those are not generated. They only exist for their corpses. The "elf corpse" is dropped by the elf mummy and is also found in graves left by player elves in [[bones]].

Revision as of 21:34, 1 March 2008

Introduction

You can play NetHack or SLASH'EM as an Elf @. The most significant traits of elves are that they have infravision, they receive sleep resistance at experience level 4, and that their strength is capped at 18, far below what other races can reach. This alone makes elves more difficult to play than other races. Below is a list of their maximum stats:

Strength: 18 Intelligence:20 Wisdom: 20 Dexterity: 18 Constitution: 16 Charisma:18

In vanilla 3.4.3, elves have infravision and are always Chaotic. They can be Priests, Rangers, or Wizards. Playing as a random elf is a good way to focus on a small number of roles.[1]

In SLASH'EM, elves are always Lawful or Neutral, and they have access to far more roles than in vanilla. If you want a Chaotic Elf, in SLASH'EM you play as a Drow.

You can also encounter various elves randomly generated in the dungeon. If you are an Elf, most other elves will be peaceful.

List of elf monsters

In the vanilla 3.4.3 dungeon, you can encounter:

You might also find an elf mummy, which is M, or an elf zombie, which is Z.

The source file monst.c, which defines all monsters, also defines a plain "Elf", however those are not generated. They only exist for their corpses. The "elf corpse" is dropped by the elf mummy and is also found in graves left by player elves in bones.

Elven items

In objects.c, vanilla 3.4.3 also defines several elven objects. They are listed below. The weapon damage figures are copied from weap-343.txt, the armor class figures are from armr-343.txt.

Weapons:

Armor:

You can use the above list to identify if any item is elven, except for the elven boots. All runed weapons are elven except for Stormbringer[2].

Elven items have a reputation for high quality. (Those crude orcish items have the opposite reputation.) For example, the elven dagger does more damage than a normal dagger. Elves also make their blades from wood (others are iron), so elven daggers and swords will never become rusty or corroded, but they might be burnt or rotted.

As an exception, the dwarvish mithril-coat gives one more point of AC protection than the elven mithril-coat; however, the elven coat can be enchanted two points higher than the dwarvish equivalent without the risk of item destruction, for one net point of superior protection.

Elven armor can be safely enchanted if its current enchantment is +5 or less, compared to +3 or less for most other armor.

Elves and strength

Strength is that attribute that allows players to carry more weight and hit monsters with more damage.

Long after an elf reaches their cap, other players will be eating giant corpses and otherwise raising their strength far above 18, toward 18/50 or 18/**. Meanwhile, the weight will tempt the elf to leave that unicorn horn and pick-axe in the blessed bag of holding, and to leave all of their spellbooks and surplus artifacts in a chest somewhere.

Therefore it is beneficial to have gauntlets of power. They boost strength to 25, and might make a good wish, but they are not an option for those who like to wear gauntlets of dexterity, such as some Elf Wizards.

Footnotes

  1. In an older version of vanilla NetHack, "Elf" was actually a separate role. All other roles belonged to humans. The Quest artifact of an Elf was a crystal ball called the Palantir of Westernesse; it does not exist in the current version.
  2. A runed broadsword is normally an elven broadsword, however the "runesword" Stormbringer is also a runed broadsword. With the exception of Stormbringer, runeswords are never generated.