View source for Mimic

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The '''mimic''' is a [[monster class]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]'', and is represented by the lowercase [[m]] glyph ({{white|m}}). Mimics are designated internally by the macro '''S_MIMIC'''.{{refsrc|include/monsym.h|27|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}

The class contains the following monsters:{{refsrc|src/monst.c|566|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}

* {{monsymlink|small mimic}}
* {{monsymlink|large mimic}}
* {{monsymlink|giant mimic}}

==Common traits==
Mimics are [[amorphous]] and [[unbreathing]] [[animal]]s of [[neutral]] alignment that are [[carnivorous]] and [[thick-skinned]], move very slowly at 3 [[speed]] and fight using claw attacks. The three different sizes of mimic - small, large and giant - also act as stages of growth, so a small mimic can [[grow up]] into a large mimic and then into a giant mimic.

Large and giant mimics have the ability to stick to the [[hero]], preventing them from moving or using [[hole]]s or [[stair]]s; a hero will become stuck if the mimic hits them with their [[sticking attack]], or else if the hero walks into a concealed mimic, attacks it, or finds it by [[searching]] while adjacent. The sticking attack can be protected against with [[magic cancellation]], and a hero in the form of a large or giant mimic can do the same to other monsters that make contact with them.{{refsrc|src/mhitu.c|527|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}

Mimics are capable of [[Hide|cloaking themselves]] by imitating [[item]]s or [[dungeon feature]]s depending on their surroundings&mdash;e.g., a mimic in a temple may imitate an [[altar]], while a mimic in a hallway will imitate a [[boulder]], and a mimic in a doorway will often imitate a closed [[door]]; a cloaked mimic may also appear as a '''strange object''', which uses a [[right square bracket]] glyph ({{monsym|strange_object}}) and resembles a [[chest]] in the default [[tileset]] ([[image:strange object.png]]). A hero that [[polymorph]]s into a mimic can cloak themselves this way using the [[Monster (command)|#monster]] [[extended command]]. 

A cloaked mimic will uncloak if the hero or a monster performs the following actions:

* Walking into a cloaked mimic; this will additionally cause the hero to stick to a large or giant mimic.
* Attacking the cloaked mimic.
* Throwing an item at one.
* Finding it by [[searching]].
* [[Apply]]ing a [[stethoscope]] to one.
* Applying an unlocking tool to one while it is disguised as a door - the mimic has a {{frac|2}} chance of absorbing the tool and adding it to its inventory, which is reduced to {{frac|10}} for artifacts.{{refsrc|src/lock.c|465|nethack=3.6.7|comment=unlocking tools and mimics imitating doors}}
* [[Zapping]] a [[wand of make invisible]], which will uncloak the mimic before turning it [[invisible]].
* Zapping a [[wand of secret door detection]] or the spell of {{+ of|detect unseen}} while a cloaked mimic is in range.

If an uncloaked mimic is both out of the hero's line of sight for a long enough period, and is not subjected to any other action that would uncloak it (e.g. a pet attacking it), it will disguise itself again.{{refsrc|src/mon.c|802|nethack=3.6.7}} [[Protection from shape changers]] will lock a mimic into its base form and prevent it from disguising itself.

[[Object detection]] will typically ignore mimics disguised as objects, unless the source is from a cursed [[potion of object detection]].

{{upcoming|3.7.0|Per {{commit|ea0ef81ecdda7a357823678aa5411f41068bf6f6}}, attacking a cloaked mimic with a [[polearm]] or [[lance]] will no longer result in the hero being stuck unless they are adjacent to the mimic, i.e. they will not become stuck from pounding the mimic.

Per {{commit|29b4c47bdf3a27312c4774c07a18d0d0d8c20c9a}}, the light from a camera will pass over a mimic impersonating an object, but will uncloak one impersonating [[furniture]] - a mimic impersonating some other monster will be woken up without being forced back into mimic shape.

Per {{commit|149cb96020c9fb6c88e3b405f2fc5637dcc2fe11}}, a cloaked mimic hit by a [[sleep]] ray will uncloak unless it is already asleep or [[paralyzed]], and zapping a wand of {{of|wand|opening|or=1|locking}} or casting the {{+ of|knock|or=1|wizard lock}} spells at a mimic disguised as a chest or large box will also uncloak it.}}

===Eating mimics===
[[Eating]] a mimic's [[corpse]] or [[tin]] causes the hero to imitate a pile of [[gold]] for a short time, unless they have a source of [[unchanging]]{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1024|nethack=3.6.7}}&mdash;a hero that does so while [[hallucinating]] will instead mimic an [[orange]].{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1029|nethack=3.6.7}} This is considered a weaker form of [[polymorph]], since it breaks the [[polyselfless]] [[conduct]] and causes the hero to dismount if they are [[riding]], but does not affect the hero's [[worn]] [[armor]] or other worn items.{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1027|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1031|nethack=3.6.7}} Mimicking a pile of gold or an orange leaves the hero immobile for 20 turns if they ate a small mimic, 40 if they ate a large mimic, and 50 if they ate a giant mimic.{{refsrc|src/eat.c|1016|nethack=3.6.7|comment=the cases are designed to fall through and add the amount of turns together}} A monster that attempts to pick up an item the hero is disguised as will uncloak the hero, returning them to normal form.

A [[pet]] that eats a mimic corpse will temporarily appear as a particular item or monster for the duration of its meal unless the hero has protection from shape changers{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|223|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|350|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1338|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1377|nethack=3.6.7}}&mdash;as with the hero, this does not affect the pet's worn items, and will force a dismount if they are currently being ridden by the hero.{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1386|nethack=3.6.7}} Walking into the pet, searching while next to them, or applying a stethoscope to them will reveal the pet. Of note is that a pet polymorphed into an item while in a [[shop]] will be treated as "belonging" to that shop when using the [[far look]] command. A monster that attempts to pick up a pet disguised as an item will uncloak the pet, returning them to normal form.

What a monster will turn into when eating a mimic corpse depends on their monster type:{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1343|nethack=3.6.7}}

* A [[little dog]] may turn into a [[kitten]], and vice versa.{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1345|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1348|nethack=3.6.7}}
* A [[dog]] may turn into a [[housecat]], and vice versa.{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1346|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1349|nethack=3.6.7}}
* A [[large dog]] may turn into a [[large cat]], and vice versa.{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1347|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1350|nethack=3.6.7}}
* A housecat may turn into a [[giant rat]].{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1351|nethack=3.6.7}}
* Any [[canine]] may turn into a [[sink]].{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1352|nethack=3.6.7}}
* Otherwise, the monster will turn into a [[tripe ration]].{{refsrc|src/dogmove.c|1354|nethack=3.6.7}}

===Generation===
Randomly generated mimics are always created hostile. A mimic that is randomly generated will appear disguised as an item or dungeon feature.

In addition to random generation, mimics can be generated in the following circumstances:

* Mimics are commonplace in shops, with a [[dungeon level]]-in-100 chance ({{frac|DL|100}}) of a mimic being generated on an applicable square in the shop at level creation in place of an item.{{refsrc|src/shknam.c|471|nethack=3.6.7}} A mimic created in a shop on dungeon level 9 or higher has a 10 &times; (10 - DL)% chance of appearing as a strange object, and otherwise has a {{frac|2|17}} chance of appearing as a strange object.
* When entering a new dungeon floor that is not the [[Rogue level]], if the [[level difficulty]] is 9 or higher there is a {{frac|5}} chance of a mimic disguised as a closed door being created in a doorway, rather than an actual door.{{refsrc|src/mklev.c|417|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mklev.c|425|nethack=3.6.7}}
* The Mimic of the Mines map of [[Mines' End]] generates four mimics at level creation, with each one placed atop a set of [[gem]]s and disguised as one of the four [[gray stone]]s.
* Three mimics are placed on the home floor of the [[Rogue quest]] at level creation, with one of each type placed in one of four random locations where the down stair can appear: they will be generated disguising themselves as said down stair, with the actual down stair placed in the fourth location.

{{upcoming|3.7.0|Per {{commit|37f6eee147faf3d530112d2cdbb3fe9e699ad57d}}, the "storeroom" [[themed room]] contains several chests that each have a {{frac|3|4}} chance of being a disguised mimic.}}

==Strategy==
Mimics are slow but powerful hitters, making them a common cause of death early in the game: as of August 2024, small mimics rank #7 on the list of [http://alt.org/nethack/topdeaths.html top death causes] on [[NAO]], and all three mimics are ranked within the top 100 causes of death. This most frequently occurs during the early game in the form of a hero carelessly bumping into a mimic while shopping, or else underestimating the power of their claw attacks.

===Detection===
There are multiple methods for a hero to spot and/or uncover a mimic before engaging it in combat:

* An attentive player can usually spot a "strange object" in a shop and distinguish it from the normal glyph for [[armor]] ({{white|[}}) or the normal tile for a chest ([[image:chest.png]]), allowing them to prepare before uncloaking the mimic&mdash;they can also spot a mimic if the monster is imitating an item that is not normally sold in that kind of shop; while it is possible for shops in [[bones]] levels to contain off-type wares, this usually becomes apparent upon or before entering (e.g., a [[ghost]] is inside the shop).
* [[Warning]] reliably reveals the locations of mimics and other hiding monsters within a shop while the hero is outside it.
* Casting a spell of {{+ of|healing}} or {{+ of|extra healing}} at a cloaked mimic will produce [[#Messages|a distinct message]], revealing its presence.
* Intrinsic [[telepathy]] will reveal the presence of mimics on the level when the hero blinds themselves, while extrinsic telepathy will also reveal the presence of nearby mimics&mdash;if viewed while hallucinating, the mimic will appear as a random monster.

To safely uncloak a mimic in a shop, a hero can throw a single gold piece (via {{kbd|t|1|$}}) down the row or column where they suspect it to be: the gold will be added to store credit and can be picked up later without any trouble. Be sure not to anger the [[shopkeeper]] by hitting them with the coin!

===Fighting===
Despite the danger of a mimic's claw attacks and the larger ones' sticking abilities, even a low-level or starting hero can dispose of them with careful enough play: you can take advantage of the mimic's low speed by using any form of [[ranged attack]] against them, and even [[rock]]s can be sufficient given enough time; if out of viable projectiles, the hero can lure the mimic away from the pile(s) and run around to retrieve them. An [[aklys]] is one of the best options since it can be tethered and thrown repeatedly, and a [[lance]] or [[polearm]] also works in a pinch.

If fighting a mimic in a shop, using certain ranged attacks may not be safe&mdash;thrown [[projectile]]s will become the shop's property if the shop can normally stock the weapon in question, and will always become shop property if thrown from outside the shop. While the [[wand of striking]] and {{+ of|force bolt}} spells can work against shop mimics, they also risk breaking [[fragile]] items and incurring debt; additionally, using ray-type wands or spells can risk the shopkeeper being hit by the rebound, depending on the shop size.

If a hero ends up stuck to a mimic, they can [[scare]] it into letting them go e.g. by [[engraving]] [[Elbereth]], which they should have several chances to write successfully due to the mimic's low speed. Once Elbereth is correctly engraved (which you can confirm by [[near look]]ing with {{kbd|:}}), rest with {{kbd|.}} until the mimic flees to avoid smudging it; remember that the hero cannot go down a [[hole]] or use stairs while stuck. Scaring tools and other similar items can also scare a mimic into letting go of a hero stuck to it, and putting an uncloaked mimic to sleep will cause its grip to loosen.

Due to the high amount of experience that mimics can give, it is recommended for a hero to be at [[experience level]] 3 or higher before dispatching one to maximize their experience gain.

===Genocide===
Mimics are a surprising candidate for early [[genocide]], outside of emergency genocides where the hero is trying to avoid [[YASD|an untimely death]]: as mimics are sometimes generated in place of shop items, the idea is that removing mimics from the game will make future shops better-stocked. This rarely makes a significant difference in practice with the exception of [[Orcus-town]], where far more real items are generated in the abandoned shops if all mimics are [[extinct]] or genocided.

===Other uses for mimics===
Mimics can also be useful in formally and informally identifying various items and dealing with certain troublesome scenarios:

* A [[ring of protection from shape changers]] can be informally identified by wearing the suspected ring around a known mimic - if the ring is protection from shape changers, it will uncloak them immediately.
* An [[amulet of unchanging]] can be identified by wearing the suspected amulet (after testing to ensure it is not cursed) and then eating a mimic corpse or tin - if the amulet is unchanging, the hero will not temporarily turn into gold (or an orange, if hallucinating).
* A hero stuck atop a steed with a cursed [[saddle]] can eat a mimic corpse or tin, or feed one to their steed, in order to dismount themselves.

==History==
The mimic first appears as an individual monster in Hack for PDP-11, which is based on [[Jay Fenlason's Hack]], and is included in the initial bestiary for [[Hack 1.0]]&mdash;in Hack 1.21, a similar monster known as the faker appears. From Hack for PDP-11 and Hack 1.0 to [[NetHack 2.3e]], the mimic uses the {{white|M}} glyph. [[NetHack 3.0.0]] introduces the monster class and phases out the mimic monster in favor of its three subtypes.

In [[NetHack 3.4.3]] and earlier versions, including some variants based on those versions, the speed system functions differently: the hero and monsters all move at a consistent rate, meaning that an unhasted and unburdened hero character always gets four moves to the mimic's one. This allows for '[[hit and run]]' tactics that can consistently and reliably dispose of mimics with enough care: characters with relatively high starting HP and [[AC]] can attack them more safely, and and with skilled play even weaker roles can defeat mimics this way while avoiding damage.

In those same versions, mimics are subject to [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3|several bugs]] and other related fixes: 

* Shapeshifting from eating a mimic corpse or tin does not break polyselfless conduct&mdash;this is changed in [[NetHack 3.6.0]] via {{commit|0f0a85d0bd0716b6c33921410f7c4b7e1bf55303}} so that doing so breaks the conduct.
* Scaring a mimic prints a "turns to flee" message even if the mimic is still cloaked and immobile&mdash;this is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-18|bug C343-18]], and is fixed via {{commit|e84bea2009bf022b04843dac79cce86fd924d0f6}}.
* A mimic in a doorway on the Rogue level will mimic a closed door, even though it is not possible for doors of any kind to appear in doorways on that level&mdash;this is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-34|bug C343-34]], and is fixed via {{commit|1fbd886068b790e73b65ed9f0d6a6558fff73ad1}}. Related to this is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-380|bug C343-380]], which causes mimics imitating doors to appear on the Rogue level despite being represented with lowercase letters&mdash;this is fixed via {{commit|a2257ebb1a0eac8fb668293265b994d827f240c9}}.
* A mimic may disguise itself as a boulder even if they are over a [[pit]] or [[hole]], which a boulder would normally fill in&mdash;this is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-37|bug C343-37]], and is addressed via {{commit|13abd42d6ae674e9c2a079bf03066f59b9dfbfb8}} and {{commit|1616f26ce81da2856b75a241906c412331d18aaa}} so that mimics over pits or holes will not disguise themselves as boulders, and mimics in Sokoban (particularly the giant mimics at the top floor) are much less likely to generate as imitating a boulder if they are randomly placed over a hole or pit.
* A monster uncloaking a hero that is in the form of a cloaked mimic would give insufficient feedback&mdash;this is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-191|bug C343-191]], and is fixed via {{commit|12586f6ee8a7ce03eda9f4de1d2e015f6089cb28}} so that an invisible monster marker is placed if the hero cannot see what uncloaked them (i.e. they do not have telepathy).
* A hero in the form of an orange as a result of eating a mimic while hallucinating gets the hallucinatory message for returning to normal, even if the hero's hallucination times out before then&mdash;this is part of [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-205|bug C343-204]], and is fixed via {{commit|d8076947dd94038a1c29796205551194c664cc29}} so that the hero's form is changed appropriately when hallucination times out, along with the accompanying message for returning to normal.
* A [[shapeshifter]] with [[polymorphitis]] that cycles into the form of a mimic does not use the mimic's cloaking ability&mdash;this is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-254|bug C343-254]], and is fixed via {{commit|c2a3a3a38bddcb562fe99b8a0520d5522108f8ee}}.
* A concealed mimic in circumstances where an action should reveal it (e.g. [[probing]], kicking or applying a stethoscope) is not properly revealed&mdash;this is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-366|bug C343-366]], and is fixed via {{commit|2cbc40caf74f410163b68cbc36c52836cd4c5f96}} and {{commit|0def692d5f99cf344e19f616da4c2097fbaff02b}}. Related to this is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#SC343-17|bug SC343-17]], which is fixed via {{commit|b8a51d364973173c8e844839e49e643428455da2}} to ensure that a concealed mimic is properly uncloaked by a stethoscope.
* A mimic posing as a [[statue]] is described as a [[giant ant]] statue when looked at, regardless of the actual statue it is imitating&mdash;this is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-375|bug C343-375]], and is fixed via {{commit|71219bf0930d7a0b04fabaeb3853e14c2d816c12}} by adding an extra field that tracks exactly what type of statue or corpse the mimic is disguised as, as well as making them choose a random monster type. This also means that a mimic disguising itself as a corpse can pick a type of monster that is normally [[corpseless]]&mdash;this is fixed in [[NetHack 3.6.2]] via {{commit|cd6b5ef93342826cdaf9771ee021c78304ac25b3}}.{{refsrc|doc/fixes36.2|415|nethack=3.6.7}}
* A hero in the form of a cloaked mimic can remain stuck to a monster after returning to normal form&mdash;this is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-375|bug C343-375]], and is fixed via {{commit|121b9e97224f3096e1d2db99417f96265cfcb224}}, which also prevents sticking from occurring at all with small mimics.
* If a pet mimic that is cloaked or a hero in the form of a cloaked mimic is polymorphed into a non-mimic monster, they are not uncloaked&mdash;this is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-391|bug C343-391]], and is fixed via {{commit|ad1dec0745e7caa46fc72f07af24ba531b1dccec}}.
* Attempting to unlock a door that is actually a mimic acts as though the action is directed at an empty doorway or an open door, and the mimic is not uncloaked since it does not recognize that a monster is present in the doorway at all&mdash;this is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-409|bug C343-409]], and is fixed via {{commit|1dcaa1621bc7150871792501a9390dd931ff3e4d}} (from [[GruntHack]]) so that performing this action uncloaks the mimic. Related to this is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-410|bug C343-410]], which allows the locked door of the Sokoban zoo to be unlocked even if a mimic (which will be disguised as a boulder) also occupies the square, and the mimic will not wake up if this occurs&mdash;this is fixed via {{commit|e379b245d4ebd613957a1ddf1124d892041c0cb0}} and {{commit|3b6c59c7fc1b84b40efa35bfd6410a9c0abc2731}}, which makes it so that mimics properly imitate closed doors if generated in Sokoban doorways, and will also uncloak if the hero attempts to unlock them; it also fixes a bug that leaves a stale pointer when moving a mimic from atop a hole in Sokoban.
* Performing certain actions towards a doorway occupied by a concealed mimic will not update the map with the unseen monster glyph (if blind) or reveal the mimic&mdash;this is [[Bugs in NetHack 3.4.3#C343-413|bug C343-413]]. The same occurs when using the [[untrap]] command in the direction of a known trap square covered by a concealed mimic, which is bug C343-392. Both are fixed via {{commit|ad1dec0745e7caa46fc72f07af24ba531b1dccec}} so that the mimic is properly uncloaked in both cases.

In NetHack 3.6.0 and earlier versions, an [[umber hulk]]'s [[gaze attack]] will not uncloak mimics that it targets&mdash;this is fixed in [[NetHack 3.6.1]] via {{commit|b5a027c3fedbfef1c8abad4ffe3dd249ae0d79bb}}.

==Origin==
{{wikipedia|Mimic (Dungeons & Dragons)}}
The mimic is a type of creature originates from ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', where it makes its debut in the 1st edition ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' Monster Manual: its hit dice and other traits in ''NetHack'' are adapted from this appearance. The mimic has since become an incredibly popular inclusion in other fantasy-based media.

A mimic is a subterranean creature that dislikes sunlight and can change its shape: it can alter its rough, granite-like gray skin to convincingly or even perfectly mimic the appearance and textures of wood, stone, metal, and other basic materials, and can imitate nearly any appropriate object provided it maintains the same volume; to attract prey, it will often take the form of an inanimate object that is most likely to be desirable, commonly including treasure chests. A mimic's skin is covered with light-sensitive eyespots that can detect heat out to a range of 90 feet (27 meters), but are quickly overwhelmed when exposed to bright lights and can even be rendered "blind".

Mimics move about constantly in search of prey, using a powerful adhesive secretion to traverse walls, ceilings and floors alike. Once disguised, the mimic remains completely still and waits until prey makes contact with it, then uses the adhesive to trap them in place before attacking and further restraining them with its strong pseudopods; the adhesive can be weakened by the application of alcohol, and is completely neutralized soon after a mimic dies. A mimic is typically a solitary hunter, though they usually share vast territories with other beings, and a meal of one or two humanoids can sustain them for several weeks.

There are several subspecies of mimics introduced throughout the many editions of ''Dungeons & Dragons'' and other fantasy media that it appears in, and they roughly divided into two groups: the "killer mimic" is larger and more aggressive, but less intelligent, and will attack anything that approaches it, while the "common mimic" is smaller but more cunning, and can both use refined combat tactics and use language to negotiate or bargain. The mimics of ''NetHack'' are patterned after the former type, though they also possess the common mimic's ability to disguise themselves as more ornate furnishings. A common mimic has their own language and can speak the languages of nearby communities as well, and is known to sometimes offer information or safe passage through their territory in exchange for food.

==Messages==
{{message|Wait!  That's <a mimic>!|You walked onto a square where a mimic was imitating an item, causing large and giant mimics to stick to you.}}
{{message|The <item> seems a more vivid <color> than before.|A mimic was healed by a spell of healing or extra healing while cloaked.}}

{{message|Wait, <foo>!  That's a <polyform> named <player>!|A monster attempted to walk onto your square while you are in the form of a mimic and have disguised yourself using the #monster command.}}
{{message|Wait, <foo>!  That <item> is really a <role> named <player>!|As above, but the monster attempted to pick up the item you were disguised as.}}

{{message|The guard turns around and leaves, puzzled.|A [[guard]] entered a [[vault]] while you were inside and disguised as a pile of gold from eating a mimic corpse, causing them to leave immediately.}}
{{message|"Hey! Who left that orange in here?"|As above, but you were hallucinating and instead disguised as an orange.}}

==Variants==
[[Variants]] of ''NetHack'' do not often add new types of mimic.

===UnNetHack===
In [[UnNetHack]], mimics found on a [[maze]] level are more likely to mimic a statue compared to other mimics.

===dNetHack===
In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], the [[User:Chris/dNetHack/Cerulean Sign|Cerulean Sign]] and [[User:Chris/dNetHack/Elder Sign|Elder Sign]] are [[Ward (dNetHack)|wards]] that can scare off mimics.

===SpliceHack===
[[SpliceHack]] adds one new monster to the monster class:

* {{green|m}} [[killer mimic]]

==Encyclopedia entry==
===Mimic===
{{encyclopedia|<poem>
The ancestors of the modern day chameleon, these creatures can assume the form of anything in their surroundings.  They may assume the shape of objects or dungeon features.  Unlike the chameleon though, which assumes the shape of another creature and goes in hunt of food, the mimic waits patiently for its meals to come in search of it.
</poem>}}

===Strange object===
This entry is translated from the original Russian by Constance Garnett:
{{encyclopedia|
He walked for some time through a long narrow corridor without finding anyone and was just going to call out, when suddenly in a dark corner between an old cupboard and the door he caught sight of a strange object which seemed to be alive.
|[ Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky ]
}}

==References==
<references/>
{{nethack-367|offset=1}}
{{featured}}
[[Category:Monster classes]]