Master lich
L master lich 
| |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | 21 |
| Attacks |
Touch 3d6 cold, spell-casting |
| Base level | 17 |
| Base experience | 494 |
| Speed | 9 |
| Base AC | -4 |
| Base MR | 90 |
| Alignment | -15 (chaotic) |
| Frequency (by normal means) | 1 (Very rare) |
| Genocidable | Yes |
| Weight | 1200 |
| Nutritional value | 100 |
| Size | Medium |
| Resistances | Cold, Sleep, Poison, Fire |
| Resistances conveyed |
Cold |
|
A master lich:
| |
| Reference | monst.c#line1527 |
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.
The following information pertains to an upcoming version (NetHack 3.7.0). If this version is now released, please verify that it is still accurate, then update the page to incorporate this information.
Master liches that are not cancelled can now raise monsters killed by them as zombies of the corresponding type; if they have one, they will be raised 5-20 turns after they are initially killed. This also applies to you if you are polymorphed into a master lich. They will also grudge living monsters that can be turned into zombies.
Monsters with digestion attacks can gain intrinsics from swallowing monsters whole, making it possible for them to gain cold resistance from a master lich that is digested.Contents
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] A demilich can grow up into a master lich, and a master lich can grow up into an arch-lich.
Though master liches cannot be randomly generated outside of Gehennom, class-specific monster generation may generate a master lich in the Castle; it is also possible for a demilich outside of Gehennom to become a master lich if it generates with or comes across a potion of gain level. Master liches can also be generated by reading the cursed Book of the Dead, even if they are extinct.
Randomly-generated master liches have a 1⁄13 cahnce of being generated with either an athame (6⁄7 chance) or a wand of nothing (1⁄7 chance).[2] They are not eligible for random offensive items.
The following information pertains to an upcoming version (NetHack 3.7.0). If this version is now released, please verify that it is still accurate, then update the page to incorporate this information.
Castle monster generation is adjusted so that no master or arch-liches can be created using class-specific monster generation, making demiliches the strongest and most likely type of lich to generate there at level creation - a demilich may still grow up into a master lich if they come across or generate with a potion of gain level, or else kill enough of the living denizens to gain the necessary HP.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.
Master liches can be prevented from warping by throwing a potion of paralysis as a high-dexterity character (which can be boosted with worn gauntlets of dexterity), or by wielding one and hitting them with it while wearing a ring of free action, giving you time to either flee or wear them down. The general strategy for dealing with covetous monsters also applies if you plan to fight and kill a master lich: occupy or block the upstair (e.g. using teleport control to teleport yourself there), and try to keep it out of melee range where possible if you want to avoid the brunt of its spellcasting.
If all else fails, stoning, disintegration and digestion will instantly take out a master lich, and a blessed scroll of genocide can wipe out them and other liches completely.
History
The master lich first appears in NetHack 3.0.0.
Variants
SLASH'EM
In SLASH'EM, master liches need a +3 or better weapon to be hit, and hit monsters as a +3 weapon themselves.
Master liches can be generated by the summon nasties monster spell, replacing arch-liches.[3] Master liches may also appear among the random L generated in the Chaotic Quest.
EvilHack
In EvilHack, players killed by any type of lich will arise as a revenant instead of a ghost in bones files.
Four master liches are generated within the central stronghold section of the second floor of Vecna's Domain at level creation, and one is generated on an island in the midst of lava near around Vecna's lair on the third floor. Vecna's presence in the dungeon prevents the genocide of master liches - once he is destroyed, they can be subjected to genocide as normal.
Master liches are much more dangerous compared to vanilla NetHack, since they have access to several new monster spells, including cancellation, reflection and stone to flesh at higher levels - this also makes them much better pets and polyforms, with full access to their repertoire of monster spells when fighting other monsters.
Sunsword now has a chance of instakilling any master liches it hits. The Sword of Kas is an artifact gemstone two-handed sword that deals double damage versus master liches.
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 . . .
