Monster spell

A monster spell is a category of spells that only spell-casting monsters can make use of. Some are unique to this category, while others share properties with other magical items.

Monsters can only cast spells if they are not cancelled and at least level one, and can only cast once every (10 - (monster's level)) turns to a minimum of two turns; they will attempt to cast spells if these conditions are not met, producing a "curse" message. Even with these conditions satisfied, there is a 20 in (10 times monster's level) chance of the spell failing (with five times that chance if the monster is confused).

Messages

Message	Meaning
Foo points at you, then curses.	The monster attempted to cast a spell before they were able to do so.
Foo points all around, then curses.
Foo points and curses in your general direction.	As above, but the monster cannot see you.
Foo points and curses at your displaced image.	As above, but you are displaced.
You hear a mumbled curse.	As above, but you cannot see the monster.
The air crackles around foo.	The monster cast a spell when able to do so, but the spell failed.
Foo casts a spell!	The monster successfully cast a spell.
Foo casts a spell at you!
Foo casts a spell at a spot near you!	As above, but the monster cannot see you.
Foo casts a spell at your displaced image!	As above, but you are displaced.

Spells

There are three different categories of spells that monsters can cast. These are magic missile, Mage spells, and Clerical spells. The code (mcast.u#line270) also talks about fire and cold spells but no monsters are configured to cast these spells. The general Mage spells include:

• Psi Bolt
• Cure Self
• Haste Self
• Stun
• Disappear
• Weaken
• Destroy Armor
• Curse items
• Aggravate
• Summon monsters

There are also two spells, only usable by specific monsters. One is Double Trouble, used by the Wizard of Yendor and the other is Death touch, used by Death.

See also

• List of monster spells