Permadeaf
Permadeaf is an unofficial conduct in some NetHack variants that requires the hero to be deaf for the entire game.
To activate permanent deafness, you must set OPTIONS=deaf before starting the game.
NetHack refers to this conduct as deaf from birth.
Once permadeaf is activated, the conduct is automatic. There is no way for the hero to break the conduct or to cure deafness, even with an artifact.
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.
As of commit ffb61612, permadeaf becomes an official conduct, and is logged in the achieveX field in xlogfile.Restrictions
You cannot use the #chat extended command.
You cannot use a stethoscope.
You will not hear sounds from vaults.
You will not hear sounds from shops. However, if you visit a shop, the shopkeeper will accommodate you; you can still buy, sell, and price-identify.
Aligned priests do not accommodate deaf worshippers. You cannot chat with an aligned priest, and therefore you cannot purchase divine protection or other benefits.
You cannot chat with a foocubus to initiate an encounter. However, a hostile foocubus may initiate an encounter with you. A foocubus will not ask you permission or talk to you about removing your armor; they will silently either remove or not remove each armor piece.
If your quest leader starts roaming, you cannot chat to them. However, the quest leader will still speak to you if you corner them in a corridor or other spot where they have nowhere to move.
Variants
TNNT
TNNT offers the permadeaf conduct. In 2022, 4 players earned the achievement for receiving the quest with permadeaf conduct intact. [1]
In the devteam quest, you cannot chat to Mike Stephenson. Instead, you can throw the scrolls of missing code to him.
xNetHack
xNetHack offers the permadeaf conduct.
SpliceHack
SpliceHack offers the permadeaf conduct.
