Difference between revisions of "Master lich"

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[[Category:Monsters]]

Revision as of 13:04, 29 October 2023

A master lich, L, is a type of monster that appears in NetHack. It is a stronger, covetous type of lich with a more powerful cold touch and mage monster spells than those of a standard lich.

Like other liches, a master lich is breathless, poisonous, and has enhanced regeneration and infravision, along with resistance to cold, sleep and poison; master liches also possess fire resistance as well, and seek out the Book of the Dead.

Generation

Master liches are only randomly generated in Gehennom, and are a valid form for polymorph. Randomly-generated master liches are always hostile, and never leave a corpse when killed - if killed by any method that ordinarily leaves a corpse, a message is printed about their body crumbling to dust.[1]

Randomly-generated master liches have a 113 cahnce of being generated with either an athame (67 chance) or a wand of nothing (17 chance).[2] They are not eligible for random offensive items.

Strategy

Master liches may be the first monsters you encounter that can cast the touch of death, and are very likely to be the first covetous monsters you encounter that can do so: while not possible for a master lich at their base level, they will typically have the spell available to them by the time you encounter one normally in Gehennom. If you spot a master lich before you obtain magic resistance - which is often the result of polymorph traps or shapeshifters such as chameleons and doppelgangers - engrave a semi-permanent Elbereth, drop a scroll of scare monster, or secure your escape via other means as quickly as possible, lest your character meet a quick end.

History

The master lich first appears in NetHack 3.0.0.

Encyclopedia entry

But on its heels ere the sunset faded, there came a second apparition, striding with incredible strides and halting when it loomed almost upon me in the red twilight-the monstrous mummy of some ancient king still crowned with untarnished gold but turning to my gaze a visage that more than time or the worm had wasted. Broken swathings flapped about the skeleton legs, and above the crown that was set with sapphires and orange rubies, a black something swayed and nodded horribly; but, for an instant, I did not dream what it was. Then, in its middle, two oblique and scarlet eyes opened and glowed like hellish coals, and two ophidian fangs glittered in an ape-like mouth. A squat, furless, shapeless head on a neck of disproportionate extent leaned unspeakably down and whispered in the mummy's ear. Then, with one stride, the titanic lich took half the distance between us, and from out the folds of the tattered sere-cloth a gaunt arm arose, and fleshless, taloned fingers laden with glowering gems, reached out and fumbled for my throat . . .

[ The Abominations of Yondo, Clark Ashton Smith, 1926 ]

References