Healer

The Healer is a player character. While the concept of a healer is ubiquitous, parts of the healer’s game, such as the quest, are based on Greek legends. Nethack says of them:

       I swear by Apollo the physician, and Aesculapius, and Health,
       and All-heal, and all the gods and goddesses, that, according
       to my ability and judgment, I will keep this Oath and this
       stipulation -- to reckon him who taught me this Art equally dear
       to me as my parents, to share my substance with him, and relieve
       his necessities if required; to look upon his offspring in the
       same footing as my own brothers, and to teach them this art, if
       they shall wish to learn it, without fee or stipulation; and
       that by precept, lecture, and every other mode of instruction,
       I will impart a knowledge of the Art to my own sons, and those
       of my teachers, and to disciples bound by a stipulation and oath
       according to the law of medicine, but to none others.  I will
       follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and
       judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain
       from whatever is deleterious and mischievous.  [...]
               [ Hippocrates' Oath, translated by Francis Adams ]

       PHYSICIAN, n.  One upon whom we set our hopes when ill and our
       dogs when well.
               [ The Devil's Dictionary, by Ambrose Bierce ]

Strategy

• Although healers have excellent HP growth, their fighting skills are very poor. A well trained pet can quickly surpass its owner in battle prowess.
• Because healers start with a large quantity of gold, it is possible to purchase a lot of protection from the Minetown’s priest if they avoid gaining experience. A skilled (or lucky) player can loot Sokoban and reach Minetown’s temple without landing a single blow.
• When a healer reaches about level three, he can reliably cast stone to flesh, which can convert boulders into huge chunks of meat. Without the threat of starvation, players can adopt a very cautious and slow playing style with no penalty.

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