Difference between revisions of "Illiterate"
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| − | The '''illiterate''' conduct means going without reading, writing or [[engrave|engraving]] during the game. The main effect of this is the lack of reading [[scroll]]s, no engraving [[Elbereth]] to protect yourself, and spellcasters being unable to learn from [[spellbook]]s | + | The '''illiterate''' conduct means going without reading, writing or [[engrave|engraving]] during the game. The main effect of this is the lack of reading [[scroll]]s, no engraving [[Elbereth]] to protect yourself, and spellcasters being unable to learn from [[spellbook]]s. |
| − | ==Literate actions== | + | ==Rules of conduct== |
| + | |||
| + | ===Literate actions=== | ||
The following all break illiterate conduct. | The following all break illiterate conduct. | ||
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* Reading scrolls, spellbooks, T-shirts, and fortune cookies. | * Reading scrolls, spellbooks, T-shirts, and fortune cookies. | ||
* Writing a scroll or a spellbook. | * Writing a scroll or a spellbook. | ||
| − | * Engraving anything other than "x" or "X". | + | * Engraving anything other than "x" or "X". Note that the "x" does not have to be a new engraving -- adding one "x" at a time to an existing engraving is allowed. |
| − | ==Accepted actions== | + | ===Accepted actions=== |
The following are all accepted, and do not break conduct: | The following are all accepted, and do not break conduct: | ||
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==Tips== | ==Tips== | ||
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| + | ===Elbereth=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | A [[scroll of scare monster]] can be used in place of [[Elbereth]] by standing on top of the scroll. In fact, this is the only type of scroll that is ordinarily useful in an illiterate game. Similar (but not identical) effects can be obtained by [[apply]]ing a [[mirror]] or an [[expensive camera]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Object identification=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | You will not be able to use [[scroll of identify|scrolls of identify]] or [[spellbook of identify|spellbooks of identify]] (unless you are lucky enough to start with the spell as a [[Wizard]]). The use of [[Identify#Indirect_identification|indirect identification]] is crucial in an illiterate game. [[Enlightenment]] is very helpful for identifying [[ring]]s and [[amulet]]s. | ||
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| + | ===Item enchantment=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | Without scrolls, there is no way to [[enchant]] or [[erosion|erodeproof]] [[weapon]]s or [[armor]] items. Enchanted erodeproof items can nevertheless be obtained by [[wish]]ing for them, or sometimes (if you're lucky) from a [[bones]] level. Erodeproof [[artifact]] weapons can be obtained by [[sacrifice|sacrificing]] or [[crowning]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | One way to lower [[armor class]] without armor enchantment is to obtain [[intrinsic protection]]. [[Half physical damage]] can also help make up for a poor armor class. Similarly, lack of weapon enchantment can be offset by [[increase damage]], high [[strength]], or a weapon with high base damage (such as [[Mjollnir]]). | ||
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| + | ===Recharging wands=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | The only way to [[charging|recharge]] [[wand]]s (e.g. the [[wand of wishing]] from the [[Castle]]) without reading a scroll is to obtain the [[Platinum Yendorian Express Card]]. | ||
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| + | ===Genocide=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | A limited number of [[genocide]]s can sometimes be obtained by [[sit]]ting on a [[throne]]. [[Reverse genocide]] is not possible, but some alternatives exist: [[wish]] for a [[figurine]], or (if you only care about an item obtained by killing a certain type of monster, e.g. [[cockatrice corpse]]) wish for the item directly. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Trap detection=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | To [[trap|detect traps]] such as the [[endgame]] [[portal]]s without reading a [[scroll of gold detection]], [[apply]] a [[crystal ball]]. | ||
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| + | ===Book of the Dead loophole=== | ||
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| + | The [[book of the dead]] can be used as defense against [[lich]]es and other undead. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Accidental loss of conduct== | ||
* If you must eat a fortune cookie, do it blind, so you don't read the message. | * If you must eat a fortune cookie, do it blind, so you don't read the message. | ||
* Turn off the [[mail]] option if playing online, lest someone decide to have a chat with you. | * Turn off the [[mail]] option if playing online, lest someone decide to have a chat with you. | ||
| − | |||
[[Category:Conducts]] | [[Category:Conducts]] | ||
Revision as of 01:42, 28 June 2010
The illiterate conduct means going without reading, writing or engraving during the game. The main effect of this is the lack of reading scrolls, no engraving Elbereth to protect yourself, and spellcasters being unable to learn from spellbooks.
Contents
Rules of conduct
Literate actions
The following all break illiterate conduct.
- Reading scrolls, spellbooks, T-shirts, and fortune cookies.
- Writing a scroll or a spellbook.
- Engraving anything other than "x" or "X". Note that the "x" does not have to be a new engraving -- adding one "x" at a time to an existing engraving is allowed.
Accepted actions
The following are all accepted, and do not break conduct:
- Reading gravestones or engravings - that would be a bit too harsh.
- Naming or calling items names.
- Reading the Book of the Dead, which is necessary to ascend.
- Casting spells you already know at the start of the game (Wizard, Priest)
Tips
Elbereth
A scroll of scare monster can be used in place of Elbereth by standing on top of the scroll. In fact, this is the only type of scroll that is ordinarily useful in an illiterate game. Similar (but not identical) effects can be obtained by applying a mirror or an expensive camera.
Object identification
You will not be able to use scrolls of identify or spellbooks of identify (unless you are lucky enough to start with the spell as a Wizard). The use of indirect identification is crucial in an illiterate game. Enlightenment is very helpful for identifying rings and amulets.
Item enchantment
Without scrolls, there is no way to enchant or erodeproof weapons or armor items. Enchanted erodeproof items can nevertheless be obtained by wishing for them, or sometimes (if you're lucky) from a bones level. Erodeproof artifact weapons can be obtained by sacrificing or crowning.
One way to lower armor class without armor enchantment is to obtain intrinsic protection. Half physical damage can also help make up for a poor armor class. Similarly, lack of weapon enchantment can be offset by increase damage, high strength, or a weapon with high base damage (such as Mjollnir).
Recharging wands
The only way to recharge wands (e.g. the wand of wishing from the Castle) without reading a scroll is to obtain the Platinum Yendorian Express Card.
Genocide
A limited number of genocides can sometimes be obtained by sitting on a throne. Reverse genocide is not possible, but some alternatives exist: wish for a figurine, or (if you only care about an item obtained by killing a certain type of monster, e.g. cockatrice corpse) wish for the item directly.
Trap detection
To detect traps such as the endgame portals without reading a scroll of gold detection, apply a crystal ball.
Book of the Dead loophole
The book of the dead can be used as defense against liches and other undead.
Accidental loss of conduct
- If you must eat a fortune cookie, do it blind, so you don't read the message.
- Turn off the mail option if playing online, lest someone decide to have a chat with you.
