Knight

General

The knight is one of the player classes in NetHack. Knights are always lawful humans.

The knight is controversial among nethackers, by some considered very poor class, by some as one of the most, or even the most interesting class. It is a choice for a player thinking both about melee and magic. One could however consider that he develops his magical skills in the late game. The knight is also the best rider in the game. Long-range weapons are clearly his great down-side.

Starting Equipment

• +1 long sword
• +1 lance
• +1 ring mail
• helmet
• small shield
• leather gloves
• lots of apples and carrots

Knights know all weapons and armors from the beginning. They also have a special intrinsic ability to #jump, like the knight piece in chess. They are able to use turn undead command. Their special spell is turn undead.

Starting pet is always a pony with a saddle.

Quest

The quest monster is a quasit. The quest nemezis is a dragon called Ixoth. He is rather tough opponent, although can be dealt with using E-word or paralysis. After the quest one receives the Magic mirror of Merlin which allows them to become powerful spellcasters.

Knight restrictions

There are special rules of conduct for a knight.

Honor in fight

Knight is penalized and called "caitiff" for attacking sleeping, paralysed and fleeing (even if they hit while fleeing) monsters. This can be annoying while attacking some special rooms or trying to use sleep or paralysis against strong monsters.

Frugality in food

There is a penalty for eating while satiated.

There is an unfinished Knight FAQ.