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 also talks about fire and cold spells but no monsters are configured to cast these spells. In the table below, Min. base level refers to the minimum base level required for the monster to be able to cast that spell. There is also a spell usable only by the Wizard of Yendor, Double Trouble. No creature is able to cast spells in more than one category.

Mage Spells

Spell	Min. base level	Monsters
Psi bolt	0
Cure self	1
Haste self	2	kobold shaman
Stun	3	barrow wight, orc shaman, gnomish wizard
Disappear	4	guide, apprentice
Weaken	6
Destroy Armor	8
Curse items	10	golden naga, lich, nalfeshnee
Aggravate	13	demilich, Ixoth, Dark One, ki-rin, titan, Minion of Huhetotl, Thoth Amon, Chromatic Dragon, Nalzok, master lich
Summon monsters	18	Archon, Neferet the Green
Death touch	20	arch-lich, Wizard of Yendor, Orcus, Dispater, Demogorgon

Clerical Spells

Spell	Min. base level	Monsters
Open wounds	0
Cure self	1
Confuse	2
Paralyze	4	High-elf, abbot, acolyte
Blind	6
Summon insects	8
Curse items	9
Lightning	11
Fire pillar	12
Geyser	13	aligned priest, high priest, Grand Master, Master Kaen, Arch Priest,

Magic missile

Magic missile is only cast as a spell by two creatures, Angels and Yeenoghu. Note that this is different from other monsters like the Gray Dragon who casts it as a breath weapon, and the Oracle who shoots it in every direction.

See also

• List of monster spells