Difference between revisions of "Potion"

From NetHackWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(→‎Interpreting messages: you feel lonely)
 
(54 intermediate revisions by 24 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{items}}
 
{{items}}
−
'''Potions''' are [[magic]]al drinks. They are denoted by an exclamation mark, '''!''' and [[weight|weigh]] 20. Some of them are very useful, some can be deadly. The effects of potions can be carried by drinking them or breaking them onto somebody by [[throw]]ing it at them. Some potions can also be mixed together to form new potions — that is called [[alchemy]].
+
'''Potions''', {{white|!}}, are [[magic]]al drinks that appear in ''[[NetHack]]''.
−
+
 
 +
All potions have a [[weight]] of 20, and are used by drinking them via the [[quaff]] command; other monsters may be subjected to the effects of some potions by [[wield]]ing the potion and hitting them with it, or else [[throw]]ing it at them. It is also possible to [[dip]] other items into potions; some potions can be mixed together in this way to produce other potions—this is called [[alchemy]].  
 +
 
 +
Potions do not leave behind the empty bottles when consumed; the bottle presumably evaporates or is otherwise disposed of when the potion is drunk.
 +
 
 
== Table of potions ==
 
== Table of potions ==
−
 
+
{|class="prettytable sortable"
−
{|class="prettytable"
+
!Potion !! Cost !! Weight !! Relative probability{{refsrc|objects.c|722}} !! Appearance
−
!Potion!!Cost!!Weight!!Relative Probability{{refsrc|objects.c|722}}!!Appearance
 
−
|-
 
−
|[[potion of water|water (uncursed)]] || 0 || 20 || 6.9% || clear
 
−
|-
 
−
|colspan="6"|
 
−
|-
 
−
|[[potion of booze|booze]] ||  50 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
−
|-
 
−
|[[potion of fruit juice|fruit juice]] || 50 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
−
|-
 
−
|[[potion of see invisible|see invisible]] || 50 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of sickness|sickness]] || 50 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|water}} (uncursed) || 0 || 20 || 6.9% || clear
 
|-
 
|-
−
|colspan="6"|
+
|{{of|potion|booze}} ||  50 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of confusion|confusion]] || 100 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|fruit juice}} || 50 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of extra healing|extra healing]] || 100 || 20 || 4.7% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|see invisible}} || 50 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of hallucination|hallucination]] || 100 || 20 || 4% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|sickness}} || 50 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of healing|healing]] || 100 || 20 || 5.7% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|confusion}} || 100 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[holy water]] || 100 || 20 || 1.15% || clear
+
|{{of|potion|extra healing}} || 100 || 20 || 4.7% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[unholy water]] || 100 || 20 || 1.15% || clear
+
|{{of|potion|hallucination}} || 100 || 20 || 4% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of restore ability|restore ability]] || 100 || 20 || 4% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|healing}} || 100 || 20 || 5.7% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of sleeping|sleeping]] || 100 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|holy water}} || 100 || 20 || 1.15% || clear
 
|-
 
|-
−
|colspan="6"|
+
|{{of|potion|unholy water}} || 100 || 20 || 1.15% || clear
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of blindness|blindness]] || 150 || 20 || 4% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|restore ability}} || 100 || 20 || 4% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of gain energy|gain energy]] || 150 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|sleeping}} || 100 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of invisibility|invisibility]] || 150 || 20 || 4% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|blindness}} || 150 || 20 || 4% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of monster detection|monster detection]] || 150 || 20 || 4% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|gain energy}} || 150 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of object detection|object detection]] || 150 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|invisibility}} || 150 || 20 || 4% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|colspan="6"|
+
|{{of|potion|monster detection}} || 150 || 20 || 4% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of enlightenment|enlightenment]] || 200 || 20 || 2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|object detection}} || 150 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of full healing|full healing]] || 200 || 20 || 1% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|enlightenment}} || 200 || 20 || 2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of levitation|levitation]] || 200 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|full healing}} || 200 || 20 || 1% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of polymorph|polymorph]] || 200 || 20 || 1% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|levitation}} || 200 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of speed|speed]] || 200 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|polymorph}} || 200 || 20 || 1% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|colspan="6"|
+
|{{of|potion|speed}} || 200 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of acid|acid]] || 250 || 20 || 1% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|acid}} || 250 || 20 || 1% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of oil|oil]] || 250 || 20 || 3% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|oil}} || 250 || 20 || 3% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|colspan="6"|
+
|{{of|potion|gain ability}} || 300 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of gain ability|gain ability]] || 300 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|gain level}} || 300 || 20 || 2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[potion of gain level|gain level]] || 300 || 20 || 2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
+
|{{of|potion|paralysis}} || 300 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
−
|-
 
−
|[[potion of paralysis|paralysis]] || 300 || 20 || 4.2% || [[Randomized appearance|random]]
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
The table is divided into price groups. See [[price identification]].
+
{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|As of {{commit|62fb87593189311927746f0bfe21e317c1838c69}}, potion probabilities are changed, and the base price of the potion of healing becomes 20.}}
  
 
==Generation==
 
==Generation==
 +
Potions constitute 16% of all randomly-generated [[item]]s in the main dungeon, 18% in containers, 22% on the Rogue level, and 1% in Gehennom.{{refsrc|mkobj.c|30}} Potion BUC distribution is as follows: {{frac|8}} cursed, {{frac|3|4}} uncursed, and {{frac|8}} blessed.{{refsrc|mkobj.c|545}}
  
−
Potions constitute 16% of all randomly-generated [[item]]s in the main dungeon, 18% in containers, 22% on the Rogue level, and 1% in Gehennom.{{refsrc|mkobj.c|30}} Potions appear 1/8 cursed, 3/4 uncursed, and 1/8 blessed.{{refsrc|mkobj.c|545}}
+
On top of random generation, potions can be found in [[shops]], and various monsters [[Monster starting inventory|are generated with]] certain potions.
−
 
 
−
On top of random generation, potions can be found in [[shops]], in [[bones]] files, and amongst the possessions of recently deceased monsters.
 
  
 
==Identification==
 
==Identification==
−
{{Todo|tidy up and organize better.}}
+
There are many ways to identify potions, without resorting to the [[Identification#Straightforward_identification|obvious methods]]. Clear potions are always potions of water, and potions of oil are automatically identified for players starting with an [[oil lamp]].
−
With the exception of potion of water (which is always clear), potions always take a random appearance from the following list:
 
  
−
    ruby        pink        orange        yellow          emerald
+
===Monsters===
−
    dark green  cyan        sky blue      brilliant blue  magenta
+
Most monsters will only use, pick up, or [[monster starting inventory|be created carrying]] the following potions:
−
    purple-red  puce        milky        swirly          bubbly
+
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
−
    smoky      cloudy      effervescent  black          golden
+
* {{of|potion|confusion}}
−
    brown      fizzy      dark          white          murky
+
* {{of|potion|healing}}
 +
* {{of|potion|extra healing}}
 +
* {{of|potion|full healing}}
 +
* {{of|potion|sleeping}}
 +
* {{of|potion|blindness}}
 +
* {{of|potion|invisibility}}
 +
* {{of|potion|polymorph}} (difficulty &lt; 5 only)
 +
* {{of|potion|speed}}
 +
* {{of|potion|acid}}
 +
* {{of|potion|gain level}}
 +
* {{of|potion|paralysis}}
 +
</div>
  
−
If you start the game with an oil lamp, the potion of oil is already identified for you.
+
[[Nymph]]s will pick up anything, and are created with a potion of object detection half of the time.
  
−
Price identification can help.
+
Monsters drink useful potions occasionally; if they are in line of sight when quaffing, you will observe any changes to their condition, which can formally or informally identify the potion. Monsters will never quaff harmful potions, but are likely to throw them at you.
  
−
Ultimately if any action from potion manipulation will formally identify that potion, it will either do that explicitly or will prompt you to #[[name]] it.  Of course, you can still do that independently.
+
{{todo|Do monsters with the Likes_magic attribute pick up unusable potions?  Yes, most potions are magical (sickness, fruit juice, booze, acid, oil and water are not).  likes_magic covers wizards, dragons, winged gargoyles, salamanders, archons and numerous named monsters}}
  
−
===Quaffing===
+
===Dip identification===
 +
The following table summarizes the effects of #[[dip]]ping items into potions (excluding alchemy). In most cases, dipping will consume your potion, but on occasion it will change the potion instead; both are listed where applicable in the "Resulting potion" column.
  
−
[[Curse-testing|BUC test]] the potion. Quaffing a cursed potion is unwise - although you will still be able to identify it, you will miss out on the benefit of useful potions and suffer increased damage from harmful ones.
+
{|class="prettytable"
 +
!Dipped object
 +
!Initial potion
 +
!Resulting potion
 +
!Message/Notes
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="5"|[[Unicorn horn]]
 +
|[[Potion of oil]]
 +
|(Potion consumed)
 +
|{{message|Your unicorn horn gleams with an oily sheen.}}
 +
|-
 +
|[[Potion of sickness]]
 +
|[[Potion of fruit juice]]
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Potion of blindness]]
 +
|rowspan="3"|[[Potion of water]]
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Potion of confusion]]
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Potion of hallucination]]
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="3"|Poisoned projectiles
 +
|[[Potion of healing]]
 +
|rowspan="3"|(Potion consumed)
 +
|rowspan="3"|The projectiles become unpoisoned.
 +
{{message|A coating wears off the poisoned <weapons>.}}
 +
|-
 +
|[[Potion of extra healing]]
 +
|-
 +
|[[Potion of full healing]]
 +
|-
 +
|Unpoisoned projectiles
 +
|[[Potion of sickness]]
 +
|(Potion consumed)
 +
|The projectiles become poisoned. (Eligible projectiles are [[arrow]]s, [[crossbow bolt]]s, [[dart]]s, and [[shuriken]].)
 +
{{message|The <potion> forms a coating on the <weapons>.}}
 +
|-
 +
|Any polymorphable item
 +
|rowspan="2"|[[Potion of polymorph]]
 +
|(Potion consumed)
 +
|Most items will be polymorphed, but have a chance of resisting. If the item polymorphs into itself, you get the message "Nothing seems to happen."
 +
|-
 +
|Any [[Polypiling#Forbidden_items|non-polymorphable item]]
 +
|
 +
|{{message|Nothing happens.}}
 +
|-
 +
|[[Amethyst]]
 +
|[[Potion of booze]]
 +
|[[Potion of fruit juice]]
 +
|This is also useful for identifying the amethyst.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Lichen corpse]]
 +
|rowspan="3"|[[Potion of acid]]
 +
|
 +
|{{message|The lichen corpse turns red around the edges.}}
 +
("orange" if the potion is diluted)
 +
|-
 +
|Any [[iron]] or [[copper]] item
 +
|(Potion consumed)
 +
|The item will [[corrode]].
 +
|-
 +
|Any [[erodeproof]] iron or copper item.
 +
|
 +
|{{message|Somehow, your <item> is not affected by the corrosion. Interesting...}}
 +
|-
 +
|Any rusty or corroded [[weapon]]
 +
|[[Potion of oil]]
 +
|(Potion consumed)
 +
|The weapon loses one level of each erosion damage.
 +
{{message|Your <weapon> is less <corroded (and) rusty>.}}
 +
|-
 +
|Any other item
 +
|Any other potion
 +
|
 +
|{{message|Interesting...}}
 +
|}
  
−
Except for the [[potion of paralysis]] and the [[potion of polymorph]], all other bad effects of randomized potions are tolerable (and the game does have ways of making even their effects tolerable). This makes drink-testing mostly safe, though most potions still have to be identified and #[[name]]d by its accompanying quote and effect afterward.
+
Unicorn horns are incredibly useful for identifying potions. If dipping a unicorn horn into a potion produced no effect, then the potion is ''probably'' safe to drink, although some harmful potions (notably {{of|potion|paralysis|and=1|sleeping}}) are not neutralized by a unicorn horn. Potions of booze will not be neutralized, but the negative effects can be dealt with as long as the potion is not cursed. Creating fruit juice using a unicorn horn or amethyst can also be useful when trying to identify the [[potion of see invisible]]; both produce the same message when quaffed.
  
−
Potions of [[potion of paralysis|paralysis]] and [[potion of sleeping|sleeping]] will render you immobile or asleep for some turns, but the effect will wear off in under 50 [[turn]]s. The main problem is that a monster may kill you while you are unable to move. The safest way to avert this danger is to wear a ring of free action, which protects against paralysis and sleeping. Other mitigation techniques include being on a shallower [[dungeon level]], killing all monsters around you, and having your [[pet]](s) nearby. If you are paranoid enough, lock yourself in a [[closet]].
+
However, carelessly dipping a unicorn horn into every unidentified potion might present difficulties if it is transformed by a potion of polymorph. While unicorn horns are not too hard to come across, this is still best avoided if you only have one at the moment; this also breaks polypileless [[conduct]], and players adhering to it will want to refrain from dip-testing with ''anything'' but a [[wand of polymorph]] until they have potions of polymorph identified. Conversely, players with spare unicorn horns may want to do this for the chance of producing a useful (and possibly [[magical tool|magical]]) [[tool]], such as a [[magic marker]].
  
−
You should wait for your [[health]] to completely heal before quaffing. That way, should you quaff a [[potion of healing]] or [[potion of extra healing|extra healing]], your maximum health or power stat will increase. In addition, should you quaff a [[potion of acid]] or [[potion of sickness|sickness]], it will be much less likely to kill you outright.
+
Dip-testing with ammunition, such as a single dart or [[arrow]], can safely detect potions of polymorph, and has the added benefit of identifying potions of sickness, since they will poison the item; if dipping projectiles that you intend to use, you should dip test for polymorph and acid first.
  
−
===Unicorn horn dipping===
+
===Price identification===
  
−
A [[unicorn horn]] can be used to help in [[identification|identifying]] potions by means of [[dip]]ping. Dipping a unicorn horn into a cursed [[potion of water]] will curse the horn. You shouldn't try it any way, since potions of water are always clear in appearance.
+
{{main|Price identification}}
  
−
# Potions of polymorph present a special problem: dipping a unicorn horn in one will polymorph the horn.  This presents several considerations:
+
Most price categories have at least one good potion and one bad potion, so price identification needs to be combined with other methods to be useful. Price categories with just one harmful potion can be quaff-tested with very little preparation: for example if you have a carrot to cure blindness, you can quaff-test any 150 zm potion.
−
##You can dip a [[wand of polymorph]] first – you'll get the message "nothing happens" if the potion is polymorph
 
−
## Players without a spare unicorn horn may want to dip junk items into un-ID'd potions.  Dipping ammunition (such as [[arrow]]s) has the added benefit of identifying potions of sickness, since they will poison the item.
 
−
## Players adhering to polypileless conduct will want to refrain from dipping anything but polymorph wands into potions until they have potions of polymorph identified. Polymorphing in this manner breaks the conduct.
 
−
## Conversely, players with spare unicorn horns may want to use potions of polymorph on unicorn horns: being magical tools, polymorph has a small chance of producing something useful, such as a [[magic marker]].
 
  
−
The following potions will change when a unicorn horn is dipped into them('''"The {color} potion turns {color}."'''):
+
{|class="prettytable"
 +
!Base cost
 +
!Potion types
 +
!Notes
 +
|-
 +
| 0
 +
|
 +
* {{of|potion|water}} (uncursed)
 +
| Useful to differentiate from holy and unholy water
 +
|-
 +
| 50
 +
|
 +
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
 +
* {{of|potion|booze}}
 +
* {{of|potion|fruit juice}}
 +
* {{of|potion|see invisible}}
 +
* {{of|potion|sickness}}
 +
</div>
 +
|
 +
In this category:
 +
* Sickness is harmful
 +
* Booze is inconvenient
 +
* [[Delicatessen]]s only buy or sell booze and fruit juice
 +
|-
 +
| 100
 +
|
  
−
* [[Potion of sickness|sickness]] → uncursed [[Potion of fruit juice|fruit juice]]
+
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
−
* [[Potion of blindness|blindness]] → uncursed [[Potion of water|water]]
+
* {{of|potion|confusion}}
−
* [[Potion of confusion|confusion]] → uncursed [[Potion of water|water]]
+
* {{of|potion|extra healing}}
−
* [[Potion of hallucination|hallucination]] → uncursed [[Potion of water|water]]
+
* {{of|potion|hallucination}}
 +
* {{of|potion|healing}}
 +
* {{of|potion|holy water}}
 +
* {{of|potion|unholy water}}
 +
* {{of|potion|restore ability}}
 +
* {{of|potion|sleeping}}
 +
</div>
 +
|
 +
In this category:
 +
* (Un)holy water will be clear potions, and can be ruled out instantly
 +
* Hallucination is harmful
 +
* Confusion and sleeping are troublesome if enemies are nearby
 +
|-
 +
| 150
 +
|
 +
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
 +
* {{of|potion|blindness}}
 +
* {{of|potion|gain energy}}
 +
* {{of|potion|invisibility}}
 +
* {{of|potion|monster detection}}
 +
* {{of|potion|object detection}}
 +
</div>
 +
|
 +
In this category:
 +
* Only blindness is harmful, and can be easily cured with a [[carrot]]
 +
* Invisibility will make it hard to leave a shop
 +
|-
 +
| 200
 +
|
 +
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
 +
* {{of|potion|enlightenment}}
 +
* {{of|potion|full healing}}
 +
* {{of|potion|levitation}}
 +
* {{of|potion|polymorph}}
 +
* {{of|potion|speed}}
 +
</div>
 +
|
 +
In this category:
 +
* Polymorph is harmful, but can easily be identified with a junk item
 +
* Levitation is a nuisance
 +
|-
 +
| 250
 +
|
 +
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
 +
* {{of|potion|acid}}
 +
* {{of|potion|oil}}
 +
</div>
 +
|
 +
In this category:
 +
* Oil is very easy to identify by applying.
 +
* Neither of these are good to quaff
 +
|-
 +
| 300
 +
|
 +
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
 +
* {{of|potion|gain ability}}
 +
* {{of|potion|gain level}}
 +
* {{of|potion|paralysis}}
 +
</div>
 +
|
 +
In this category:
 +
* About 40% of potions will be gain ability, which benefit from blessing
 +
* Cursed gain level can cause you to rise out of a shop with unpaid items
 +
* Paralysis is dangerous
 +
|}
  
−
If the potion changes color or clears and was not already named, you will be given the opportunity to name the original potion.
+
===Applying===
 +
Try to [[apply]] every new potion you find. If the potion lights, it will [[auto-identify]] as a potion of oil. Do not do this with an unpaid potion is owned by a shop, or you will be charged a [[Yendorian Fuel Tax]]. It is possible to avoid the charge by dropping everything else that can be applied besides the suspected potion, then hit {{kbd|a}}. If the potion is oil, you will be asked what to apply; if it isn't, you will be told that you have nothing that can be applied. This may be a bug.
  
−
If the dipping produced no effect, then the potion is '''probably''' safe to drink, although some potions (notably [[potion of paralysis|paralysis]] and [[potion of sleeping|sleeping]]) still harm you even though a unicorn horn does not neutralize them. Potions of booze will not be neutralized, but the negative effects can be cancelled as long as the potion was not cursed.
+
===Quaffing===
 +
When you have tried the above methods and all else fails, you can always quaff an unknown potion. However, this will not always identify it, and there are dangers. See [[potion quaffing effects]] for a comprehensive list of potion effects when quaffed.
  
−
Since fruit juice and a [[potion of see invisible]] both “taste like [fruit] juice”, but dipping a unicorn horn into a potion of sickness only produces fruit juice, this is also a way to identify the potion of see invisible.
+
Before you start quaffing, [[curse-test]] the potion, as quaffing a cursed potion is unwise&mdash;although you will still be able to identify it, you will miss out on some benefits of useful potions and suffer increased damage from harmful ones.
  
−
Dipping in to a [[Potion of oil|Potions of oil]] will be identified, but wasted. One way to protect against this is to attempt to [[apply]] new potions that you find.
+
You should wait for your [[health]] to completely heal before quaffing. That way, should you quaff a potion of {{of|potion|healing|extra healing|or=1|full healing}}, your maximum health will increase. In addition, should you quaff a potion of {{of|potion|acid|or=1|sickness}}, it will be much less likely to kill you outright.
  
−
===Amethyst dipping===
+
====Surviving harmful potions====
 +
Before drinking a potentially harmful potion, there are some things you can do to prevent or at least minimize the risks. Additionally, after drinking a harmful potion, there are ways to cure the bad effects. These are summarized in the table below.
  
−
Dipping an [[amethyst stone]] into a [[potion of booze]] will also transform the potion into fruit juice. This can be a way to identify both types of potions as well as one of the three kinds of soft violet [[gem]].
+
{|class="prettytable"
 +
!Potion
 +
!Risk minimizers
 +
!Cures
 +
|-
 +
|{{of|potion|sickness}}
 +
|
 +
* potion is blessed, or
 +
* you are a Healer
 +
|
 +
* non-cursed [[potion of restore ability]]
 +
* [[spellbook of restore ability|spell of restore ability]]
 +
* non-cursed unicorn horn
 +
|-
 +
|{{of|potion|blindness}}
 +
|
 +
* you are wearing [[the Eyes of the Overworld]]
 +
|
 +
* one of the following potions, non-cursed
 +
** {{of|potion|healing}}
 +
** {{of|potion|extra healing}}
 +
** {{of|potion|full healing}}
 +
* carrot
 +
* non-cursed unicorn horn
 +
|-
 +
|{{of|potion|hallucination}}
 +
|
 +
* you are wielding [[Grayswandir]]
 +
|
 +
* one of the following potions, non-cursed
 +
** {{of|potion|extra healing}}
 +
** {{of|potion|full healing}}
 +
* [[potion of sickness]], if you can drink it safely!
 +
* non-cursed unicorn horn
 +
|-
 +
|{{of|potion|confusion}}, {{of|potion|booze}}
 +
|
 +
* potion is blessed
 +
|
 +
* prayer
 +
* blessed scroll of confuse monster
 +
* eating a [[lizard]] corpse (reduces timeout to 2 turns)
 +
* non-cursed unicorn horn
 +
|-
 +
|{{of|potion|polymorph}}
 +
|
 +
* you have [[polymorph control]], or
 +
* you have [[unchanging]]
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|{{of|potion|paralysis|sleeping}}
 +
|
 +
* wearing a [[ring of free action]] is the best countermeasure
 +
* if you can't use the ring
 +
** lock yourself in a [[closet]]
 +
** stay on shallow [[dungeon level]]s with easy monsters
 +
** kill all nearby monsters
 +
** keep your [[pet]]s nearby
 +
* [[sleep resistance]] protects against sleeping, not paralysis
 +
|
 +
|}
  
−
===applying===
+
Perhaps, a Healer with a lizard corpse and ring of free action who is also wielding Grayswandir while wearing the Eyes of the Overworld and an amulet of unchanging would be in a good position to quaff-identify potions without fear. However, most players manage to find a unicorn horn before any of those other items.
  
−
Try to [[apply]] every new potion you find. If the potion lights, it's oil, and autoidentifies. Do not do this when the potion is owned by a shop, or you will be forced to pay for the potion and will be charged [[Yendorian Fuel Tax]].
+
====Interpreting messages====
 +
If the potion is not automatically identified, the message is often helpful to identify it.
  
−
However, it is possible to avoid the charge. Possibly a bug. When you find a potion in a store that you suspect may be oil, drop everything else that can be applied, then hit {{kbd|a}}. If the potion is oil, you will be asked what to apply; if it isn't, you will be told that you have nothing that can be applied.
+
{|class="prettytable"
−
 
+
!Message
−
===Monsters===
+
!Possible potions
−
 
+
|-
−
Most monsters will only use, pick up, or [[monster starting inventory|be created carrying]]: [[potion of confusion|confusion]], [[potion of healing|healing]], [[potion of extra healing|x-healing]], [[potion of sleeping|sleeping]], [[potion of blindness|blind]], [[potion of invisibility|invisiblity]], [[potion of full healing|full healing]], [[potion of polymorph|polymorph]] (difficulty < 5 only), [[potion of speed|speed]], [[potion of acid|acid]], [[potion of gain level|gain level]], [[potion of paralysis|paralysis]].
+
|You feel great, good, or mediocre
−
 
+
|{{of|potion|restore ability}}
−
[[Nymph]]s will pick up anything and will [[monster starting inventory|be created with]] [[potion of object detection|object detection]] half of the time.
+
|-
 +
|You feel better
 +
|either {{of|potion|restore ability}} ("Wow! This makes you feel better!"), or {{of|potion|healing}} ("You feel better")
 +
|-
 +
|tastes like "liquid fire" or "dandelion wine" (maybe "watered down")
 +
|{{of|potion|booze}}
 +
|-
 +
|you have an "uneasy feeling"
 +
|
 +
you either
 +
* quaffed a cursed [[potion of enlightenment]], or
 +
* quaffed a cursed [[potion of gain level]] while being at one of the following
 +
** the first level without [[Amulet of Yendor]]
 +
** an endgame level
 +
** [[Sokoban]]
 +
** [[Fort Ludios]]
 +
** the top floor of the [[Wizard's Tower]], [[Vlad's Tower]], or the [[Quest]]
 +
|-
 +
|it tastes "rotten", "overripe", or its taste has something to do with [[slime mold]] or your favorite fruit
 +
|potion of either {{of|potion|see invisible|or=1|fruit juice}} (aka slime mold juice). However, if you were invisible, could not see invisible already, and were not blind, it must be a fruit juice.
 +
|-
 +
|it tastes "foul"
 +
|cursed [[potion of gain ability]]
 +
|-
 +
|you feel "threatened", "lonely", or you "get the heebie jeebies"
 +
|[[potion of monster detection]] without monsters on the level
 +
|-
 +
|it is something about your leg or legs (they "feel somehow better", or "get a new energy")
 +
|[[potion of speed]]
 +
|-
 +
|your eyes itch, or your eye itches
 +
|either a [[potion of blindness]] or a [[potion of hallucination]]
 +
|-
 +
|"you have a strange feeling for a moment, then it passes"
 +
|[[potion of blindness]] or a [[potion of hallucination]], and you are an eyeless monster
 +
|-
 +
|you "rise up, through the ceiling"
 +
|cursed [[potion of gain level]]
 +
|-
 +
|it "burns", or the potion feels sour or tangy
 +
|if it was not water (a clear potion), then it was acid
 +
|}
  
−
Monsters drink useful potions occasionally and, if they are in line of sight when quaffing, the condition of the monster may also be informed. Monsters will never [[quaff]] bad potions, but are likely to [[throw]] some potions at your hero if it is to their benefit, e.g., the [[potion of confusion]].
+
If you have a "peculiar feeling for a moment, then it passes", it can be several cases:
 +
* [[Potion of hallucination]] while already hallucinating, or while being hallucination resistant (i. e. via wielding [[Grayswandir]])
 +
* [[Potion of invisibility]] while already invisible, blind, or wearing a [[mummy wrapping]]
 +
* Blessed [[potion of monster detection]] while already having monster detection
 +
* [[Potion of confusion]] while already being confused
 +
* Non-cursed [[potion of gain ability]] while having [[sustain ability]]
 +
* [[Potion of levitation]] while already levitating
  
−
{{todo|Do monsters with the Likes_magic attribute pick up unusable potions?}}
+
If you have a "normal feeling for a moment, then it passes", it can be the same as peculiar feeling while hallucinating, or it can be a potion of blindness or hallucination while you are an eyeless monster.
  
 
==Damage==
 
==Damage==
−
Fire and cold attacks can cause potions carried in your main inventory to boil or freeze and be destroyed. This does not happen to potions carried in a [[container]], so it is generally advisable to carry potions that way when possible.
+
Fire and cold attacks can cause potions in your main inventory or on the ground to boil or freeze and be destroyed. This does not happen to potions in a [[container]], so it is generally advisable to stash potions in one when possible. Potions boiled by fire attacks are vaporized, which can subject you to the effects of the [[vapors]]; potions frozen by cold attacks will not release any vapors.
−
 
 
−
Potions boiled by fire attacks are vaporized, which can subject you to the effects of the [[vapors]].  Potions frozen by cold attacks will not release any vapors.
 
  
 
==Dilution==
 
==Dilution==
−
Most potions will become diluted when they get [[wet]], either through immersion in open water, or [[dip | dipping]] into open water, a fountain, or another potion (in [[alchemy]]). Note that this will not happen when dipping into [[holy water]] or [[unholy water]]--those potions change the [[beatitude]] of the dipped item without actually getting it wet, and are consumed in the process.  Hey, they're magic.
+
Most potions will become diluted when they get [[wet]], either through immersion in open water, or [[dip]]ping into open water, a fountain, or another potion. This will not happen when dipping into holy water or unholy water&mdash;those potions change the [[beatitude]] of the dipped item without actually getting it wet, and are consumed in the process; potions of water also cannot be diluted.
  
−
Diluted potions are listed as such in your inventory, and they will not stack with non-diluted potions. This can be a minor hassle if your intention is to bless a group of potions with holy water, or if you have no [[container]] and inventory slots are at a premium. But otherwise, diluted potions function largely as full-strength ones do.  There are some exceptions, mostly minor, which include:
+
Diluted potions are listed as such in your inventory, and they will not stack with non-diluted potions, but function largely the same as their undiluted counterparts. This can be a minor hassle if your intention is to bless a group of potions with holy water, or if you have no [[container]] and inventory slots are at a premium. There are also some exceptions, mostly minor:
−
*A diluted [[potion of booze]] will not cure 1HP of damage, as a non-diluted one will.
+
*A diluted potion of booze will not cure 1HP of damage, as a non-diluted one will.
−
*A diluted [[potion of see invisible]] will give somewhat different messages, though the effect is the same.
+
*A diluted potion of see invisible will give somewhat different messages, though the effect is the same.
−
*A diluted [[potion of fruit juice]] gives half the nutrition of a non-diluted one.
+
*A diluted potion of fruit juice gives half the nutrition of a non-diluted one.
  
−
If a diluted potion is diluted a second time, it will lose any blessed or cursed status, and become an uncursed [[potion of water]]. This is a vital step in the production of [[holy water]], an activity that will occupy most characters to some extent for much of the game.  Even otherwise useless or harmful potions become a vital resource when considered in this light.
+
If a diluted potion is diluted a second time, it will lose any blessed or cursed status, and become an uncursed potion of water. This is often used for making holy water, and provides a reason for most characters to hold on to otherwise useless or harmful potions.
  
−
This is NetHack, so naturally there are some exceptions to the above principles:
+
There are some exceptions to the above principles:
−
*A [[potion of acid]] will not dilute, but instead cause an explosion that does damage to the character. If your character dies as a result of this, the cause of death will be listed as "elementary chemistry." (Acid can be used as a weapon, a cure for [[stoning]], or turned into water via [[cancellation]].)
+
*A potion of acid will not dilute, but instead cause an explosion that does damage to the character. If your character dies as a result of this, the cause of death will be listed as "elementary chemistry."
−
*A [[potion of water]] can not be diluted, which is not surprising, but this means that holy water and unholy water are also immune to dilution, as they are simply blessed or cursed potions of water, and losing beatitude is a consequence of dilution.
+
*A potion of water can not be diluted, which is not surprising, but this means that holy water and unholy water are also immune to dilution, as they are simply blessed or cursed potions of water, and losing beatitude is a consequence of dilution.
−
*Alchemy will not dilute an already-diluted potion.  So it is safe to convert a [[potion of healing]] into a diluted [[potion of extra healing]], and this into a diluted [[potion of full healing]]--this will not leave you with a very expensive potion of water.
+
*Alchemy will not dilute an already-diluted potion, so it is safe to convert a potion of healing into a diluted potion of extra healing, and then into a diluted potion of full healing.
  
−
[[Alchemy]] is a somewhat complicated process which has a few wrinkles of its own.  Players are advised to study that article before alchemizing unless they enjoy picking imaginary shards of glass out of their faces.
+
[[Alchemy]] is a somewhat complicated process which has a few wrinkles of its own; players are advised to study that article for more information before alchemizing, unless they enjoy picking imaginary shards of glass out of their faces.
  
−
==Hitting and being hit==
+
==Thrown potions==
−
Potions may be [[wield]]ed or [[throw]]n in combat, by you or by monsters against you. A monster has an 80% chance of taking 1 HP of damage when hit; you receive 1 to 2 HP. If you don't see the potion hit the monster, you will get the message "Crash!" Whoever is hit by a potion will be affected by the potion, but generally to a lesser extent than from quaffing it. However, a thrown potion has a chance to miss the target, in which case it will shatter without affecting the target. When a potion shatters, it is possible for the [[vapors]] to affect the player, if standing in an adjacent square. For this reason, wielding a potion hand-to-hand can be riskier than thowing it from a distance, although in this case the potion will only shatter when it hits the monster.  Circumstances might dictate the choice to throw vs. wield a potion, for instance, someone wearing a [[ring of free action]] and wielding a [[potion of paralysis]] would be able to reliably paralyze a non-resistant foe.
+
Potions may be [[wield]]ed or [[throw]]n in combat by you or other monsters. A monster has an 80% chance of taking 1 HP of damage when hit, while you may receive 1 to 2 HP of damage. If you don't see the potion hit the monster, you will get the message "Crash!" A monster hit by a potion is subjected to its effects, but generally to a lesser extent than from quaffing it; however, a thrown potion has a chance of missing the target, in which case it will shatter without affecting them.
  
−
==Properties of potion bottles==
+
When a potion shatters, it is possible for the vapors to affect monsters in adjacent squares, including the player. For this reason, wielding a potion hand-to-hand can be riskier than throwing it from a distance, although in this case the potion will only shatter when it hits the monster. Circumstances will ultimately dictate which is more preferable for hitting a given monster, e.g. wearing a [[ring of free action]] and wielding a potion of paralysis.
−
Potions, or rather the bottles they come in, are one of the more remarkable types of objects in the world of NetHack. Potion bottles are not watertight, because falling in water while carrying them dilutes them.  And yet they don't ordinarily spill or leak, because you can carry them for tens of thousands of turns and even fall down stairs without any risk of this happening.  The bottle, presumably, evaporates or shatters or otherwise is destroyed when the potion is drunk, or else it could be refilled at any fountain for a practically inexhaustible supply of [[holy water]].
 
  
 
== Smoky and milky potions ==
 
== Smoky and milky potions ==
  
−
[[Smoky and milky potions]] are special.  Regardless of their other properties, [[quaff]]ing a smoky potion has a chance of releasing a [[djinni]] while quaffing a milky potion may release a hostile [[ghost]].
+
[[Smoky and milky potions]] are special.  Regardless of their other properties, [[quaff]]ing a smoky potion has a chance of releasing a [[djinni]], and quaffing a milky potion may release a hostile [[ghost]].
  
 
== Messages ==
 
== Messages ==
−
;You have a peculiar feeling for a moment, then it passes.
+
{{message|You have a peculiar feeling for a moment, then it passes.|You quaffed a potion, but it had no noticeable effect, e.g. quaffing a potion of blindness while already [[blind]].{{refsrc|potion.c|530|nethack=3.6.0}}}}
−
:You [[quaff]]ed a potion, but it had no effect. E.g., quaffing a [[potion of blindness]] while already [[blind]].<ref>See {{sourcecode|potion.c|395}}.</ref>
+
{{message|You have a normal feeling for a moment, then it passes.|As above, but you were [[hallucinating]].{{refsrc|potion.c|530|nethack=3.6.0}}}}
−
;You have a normal feeling for a moment, then it passes.
+
{{message|That is a potion bottle, not a Klein bottle!|You tried to dip a potion into itself.{{refsrc|potion.c|1805|nethack=3.6.0}}}}
−
:As above, but you were [[hallucinating]].<ref>See {{sourcecode|potion.c|395}}.</ref>
+
{{message|<One of> Your <color> potions <of type> boils and explodes!|A source of fire damage caused one or more of your potions in open inventory to explode, subjecting you to its vapors.}}
−
;That is a potion bottle, not a Klein bottle!
 
−
:You tried to dip a potion into itself.<ref>See {{sourcecode|potion.c|1568}}.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
== References ==
 
  
−
<references />
+
==References==
 +
<references/>
  
−
== External Links ==
+
== External links ==
 
*[http://www.steelypips.org/nethack/343/pot1-343.html Potions and their direct effects in NetHack 3.4]
 
*[http://www.steelypips.org/nethack/343/pot1-343.html Potions and their direct effects in NetHack 3.4]
 
*[http://www.steelypips.org/nethack/343/pot2-343.html Potions, alchemy, and other miscellaneous properties in NetHack 3.4]
 
*[http://www.steelypips.org/nethack/343/pot2-343.html Potions, alchemy, and other miscellaneous properties in NetHack 3.4]
Line 205: Line 475:
 
== Encyclopedia entry ==
 
== Encyclopedia entry ==
 
{{encyclopedia|
 
{{encyclopedia|
−
POTABLE, n.  Suitable for drinking.  Water is said to be
+
POTABLE, n.  Suitable for drinking.  Water is said to be potable; indeed, some declare it our natural beverage, although even they find it palatable only when suffering from the recurrent disorder known as thirst, for which it is a medicine.  Upon nothing has so great and diligent ingenuity been brought to bear in all ages and in all countries, except the most uncivilized, as upon the invention of substitutes for water.  To hold that this general aversion to that liquid has no basis in the preservative instinct of the race is to be unscientific -- and without science we are as the snakes and toads.
−
potable; indeed, some declare it our natural beverage,
 
−
although even they find it palatable only when suffering
 
−
from the recurrent disorder known as thirst, for which it
 
−
is a medicine.  Upon nothing has so great and diligent
 
−
ingenuity been brought to bear in all ages and in all
 
−
countries, except the most uncivilized, as upon the
 
−
invention of substitutes for water.  To hold that this
 
−
general aversion to that liquid has no basis in the
 
−
preservative instinct of the race is to be unscientific --
 
−
and without science we are as the snakes and toads.
 
 
|[ The Devil's Dictionary, by Ambrose Bierce ]
 
|[ The Devil's Dictionary, by Ambrose Bierce ]
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
[[Category:Potions]]
 
[[Category:Potions]]
 +
{{nethack-364}}

Latest revision as of 10:49, 13 April 2024

Item classes
" Amulets [ Armor
% Comestibles $ Coins
* Gems ! Potions
= Rings ? Scrolls
+ Spellbooks ` Statues
( Tools ` Boulders
) Weapons / Wands

Potions, !, are magical drinks that appear in NetHack.

All potions have a weight of 20, and are used by drinking them via the quaff command; other monsters may be subjected to the effects of some potions by wielding the potion and hitting them with it, or else throwing it at them. It is also possible to dip other items into potions; some potions can be mixed together in this way to produce other potions—this is called alchemy.

Potions do not leave behind the empty bottles when consumed; the bottle presumably evaporates or is otherwise disposed of when the potion is drunk.

Table of potions

Potion Cost Weight Relative probability[1] Appearance
water (uncursed) 0 20 6.9% clear
booze 50 20 4.2% random
fruit juice 50 20 4.2% random
see invisible 50 20 4.2% random
sickness 50 20 4.2% random
confusion 100 20 4.2% random
extra healing 100 20 4.7% random
hallucination 100 20 4% random
healing 100 20 5.7% random
holy water 100 20 1.15% clear
unholy water 100 20 1.15% clear
restore ability 100 20 4% random
sleeping 100 20 4.2% random
blindness 150 20 4% random
gain energy 150 20 4.2% random
invisibility 150 20 4% random
monster detection 150 20 4% random
object detection 150 20 4.2% random
enlightenment 200 20 2% random
full healing 200 20 1% random
levitation 200 20 4.2% random
polymorph 200 20 1% random
speed 200 20 4.2% random
acid 250 20 1% random
oil 250 20 3% random
gain ability 300 20 4.2% random
gain level 300 20 2% random
paralysis 300 20 4.2% random

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 62fb8759, potion probabilities are changed, and the base price of the potion of healing becomes 20.

Generation

Potions constitute 16% of all randomly-generated items in the main dungeon, 18% in containers, 22% on the Rogue level, and 1% in Gehennom.[2] Potion BUC distribution is as follows: 1⁄8 cursed, 3⁄4 uncursed, and 1⁄8 blessed.[3]

On top of random generation, potions can be found in shops, and various monsters are generated with certain potions.

Identification

There are many ways to identify potions, without resorting to the obvious methods. Clear potions are always potions of water, and potions of oil are automatically identified for players starting with an oil lamp.

Monsters

Most monsters will only use, pick up, or be created carrying the following potions:

Nymphs will pick up anything, and are created with a potion of object detection half of the time.

Monsters drink useful potions occasionally; if they are in line of sight when quaffing, you will observe any changes to their condition, which can formally or informally identify the potion. Monsters will never quaff harmful potions, but are likely to throw them at you.

A user has suggested improving this page or section as follows:

"Do monsters with the Likes_magic attribute pick up unusable potions? Yes, most potions are magical (sickness, fruit juice, booze, acid, oil and water are not). likes_magic covers wizards, dragons, winged gargoyles, salamanders, archons and numerous named monsters"

Dip identification

The following table summarizes the effects of #dipping items into potions (excluding alchemy). In most cases, dipping will consume your potion, but on occasion it will change the potion instead; both are listed where applicable in the "Resulting potion" column.

Dipped object Initial potion Resulting potion Message/Notes
Unicorn horn Potion of oil (Potion consumed)
Your unicorn horn gleams with an oily sheen.
Potion of sickness Potion of fruit juice
Potion of blindness Potion of water
Potion of confusion
Potion of hallucination
Poisoned projectiles Potion of healing (Potion consumed) The projectiles become unpoisoned.
A coating wears off the poisoned <weapons>.
Potion of extra healing
Potion of full healing
Unpoisoned projectiles Potion of sickness (Potion consumed) The projectiles become poisoned. (Eligible projectiles are arrows, crossbow bolts, darts, and shuriken.)
The <potion> forms a coating on the <weapons>.
Any polymorphable item Potion of polymorph (Potion consumed) Most items will be polymorphed, but have a chance of resisting. If the item polymorphs into itself, you get the message "Nothing seems to happen."
Any non-polymorphable item
Nothing happens.
Amethyst Potion of booze Potion of fruit juice This is also useful for identifying the amethyst.
Lichen corpse Potion of acid
The lichen corpse turns red around the edges.

("orange" if the potion is diluted)

Any iron or copper item (Potion consumed) The item will corrode.
Any erodeproof iron or copper item.
Somehow, your <item> is not affected by the corrosion. Interesting...
Any rusty or corroded weapon Potion of oil (Potion consumed) The weapon loses one level of each erosion damage.
Your <weapon> is less <corroded (and) rusty>.
Any other item Any other potion
Interesting...

Unicorn horns are incredibly useful for identifying potions. If dipping a unicorn horn into a potion produced no effect, then the potion is probably safe to drink, although some harmful potions (notably paralysis and sleeping) are not neutralized by a unicorn horn. Potions of booze will not be neutralized, but the negative effects can be dealt with as long as the potion is not cursed. Creating fruit juice using a unicorn horn or amethyst can also be useful when trying to identify the potion of see invisible; both produce the same message when quaffed.

However, carelessly dipping a unicorn horn into every unidentified potion might present difficulties if it is transformed by a potion of polymorph. While unicorn horns are not too hard to come across, this is still best avoided if you only have one at the moment; this also breaks polypileless conduct, and players adhering to it will want to refrain from dip-testing with anything but a wand of polymorph until they have potions of polymorph identified. Conversely, players with spare unicorn horns may want to do this for the chance of producing a useful (and possibly magical) tool, such as a magic marker.

Dip-testing with ammunition, such as a single dart or arrow, can safely detect potions of polymorph, and has the added benefit of identifying potions of sickness, since they will poison the item; if dipping projectiles that you intend to use, you should dip test for polymorph and acid first.

Price identification

Main article: Price identification

Most price categories have at least one good potion and one bad potion, so price identification needs to be combined with other methods to be useful. Price categories with just one harmful potion can be quaff-tested with very little preparation: for example if you have a carrot to cure blindness, you can quaff-test any 150 zm potion.

Base cost Potion types Notes
0 Useful to differentiate from holy and unholy water
50

In this category:

  • Sickness is harmful
  • Booze is inconvenient
  • Delicatessens only buy or sell booze and fruit juice
100

In this category:

  • (Un)holy water will be clear potions, and can be ruled out instantly
  • Hallucination is harmful
  • Confusion and sleeping are troublesome if enemies are nearby
150

In this category:

  • Only blindness is harmful, and can be easily cured with a carrot
  • Invisibility will make it hard to leave a shop
200

In this category:

  • Polymorph is harmful, but can easily be identified with a junk item
  • Levitation is a nuisance
250

In this category:

  • Oil is very easy to identify by applying.
  • Neither of these are good to quaff
300

In this category:

  • About 40% of potions will be gain ability, which benefit from blessing
  • Cursed gain level can cause you to rise out of a shop with unpaid items
  • Paralysis is dangerous

Applying

Try to apply every new potion you find. If the potion lights, it will auto-identify as a potion of oil. Do not do this with an unpaid potion is owned by a shop, or you will be charged a Yendorian Fuel Tax. It is possible to avoid the charge by dropping everything else that can be applied besides the suspected potion, then hit a. If the potion is oil, you will be asked what to apply; if it isn't, you will be told that you have nothing that can be applied. This may be a bug.

Quaffing

When you have tried the above methods and all else fails, you can always quaff an unknown potion. However, this will not always identify it, and there are dangers. See potion quaffing effects for a comprehensive list of potion effects when quaffed.

Before you start quaffing, curse-test the potion, as quaffing a cursed potion is unwise—although you will still be able to identify it, you will miss out on some benefits of useful potions and suffer increased damage from harmful ones.

You should wait for your health to completely heal before quaffing. That way, should you quaff a potion of healing, extra healing, or full healing, your maximum health will increase. In addition, should you quaff a potion of acid or sickness, it will be much less likely to kill you outright.

Surviving harmful potions

Before drinking a potentially harmful potion, there are some things you can do to prevent or at least minimize the risks. Additionally, after drinking a harmful potion, there are ways to cure the bad effects. These are summarized in the table below.

Potion Risk minimizers Cures
sickness
  • potion is blessed, or
  • you are a Healer
blindness
hallucination
confusion, booze
  • potion is blessed
  • prayer
  • blessed scroll of confuse monster
  • eating a lizard corpse (reduces timeout to 2 turns)
  • non-cursed unicorn horn
polymorph
paralysis, sleeping

Perhaps, a Healer with a lizard corpse and ring of free action who is also wielding Grayswandir while wearing the Eyes of the Overworld and an amulet of unchanging would be in a good position to quaff-identify potions without fear. However, most players manage to find a unicorn horn before any of those other items.

Interpreting messages

If the potion is not automatically identified, the message is often helpful to identify it.

Message Possible potions
You feel great, good, or mediocre restore ability
You feel better either restore ability ("Wow! This makes you feel better!"), or healing ("You feel better")
tastes like "liquid fire" or "dandelion wine" (maybe "watered down") booze
you have an "uneasy feeling"

you either

it tastes "rotten", "overripe", or its taste has something to do with slime mold or your favorite fruit potion of either see invisible or fruit juice (aka slime mold juice). However, if you were invisible, could not see invisible already, and were not blind, it must be a fruit juice.
it tastes "foul" cursed potion of gain ability
you feel "threatened", "lonely", or you "get the heebie jeebies" potion of monster detection without monsters on the level
it is something about your leg or legs (they "feel somehow better", or "get a new energy") potion of speed
your eyes itch, or your eye itches either a potion of blindness or a potion of hallucination
"you have a strange feeling for a moment, then it passes" potion of blindness or a potion of hallucination, and you are an eyeless monster
you "rise up, through the ceiling" cursed potion of gain level
it "burns", or the potion feels sour or tangy if it was not water (a clear potion), then it was acid

If you have a "peculiar feeling for a moment, then it passes", it can be several cases:

If you have a "normal feeling for a moment, then it passes", it can be the same as peculiar feeling while hallucinating, or it can be a potion of blindness or hallucination while you are an eyeless monster.

Damage

Fire and cold attacks can cause potions in your main inventory or on the ground to boil or freeze and be destroyed. This does not happen to potions in a container, so it is generally advisable to stash potions in one when possible. Potions boiled by fire attacks are vaporized, which can subject you to the effects of the vapors; potions frozen by cold attacks will not release any vapors.

Dilution

Most potions will become diluted when they get wet, either through immersion in open water, or dipping into open water, a fountain, or another potion. This will not happen when dipping into holy water or unholy water—those potions change the beatitude of the dipped item without actually getting it wet, and are consumed in the process; potions of water also cannot be diluted.

Diluted potions are listed as such in your inventory, and they will not stack with non-diluted potions, but function largely the same as their undiluted counterparts. This can be a minor hassle if your intention is to bless a group of potions with holy water, or if you have no container and inventory slots are at a premium. There are also some exceptions, mostly minor:

  • A diluted potion of booze will not cure 1HP of damage, as a non-diluted one will.
  • A diluted potion of see invisible will give somewhat different messages, though the effect is the same.
  • A diluted potion of fruit juice gives half the nutrition of a non-diluted one.

If a diluted potion is diluted a second time, it will lose any blessed or cursed status, and become an uncursed potion of water. This is often used for making holy water, and provides a reason for most characters to hold on to otherwise useless or harmful potions.

There are some exceptions to the above principles:

  • A potion of acid will not dilute, but instead cause an explosion that does damage to the character. If your character dies as a result of this, the cause of death will be listed as "elementary chemistry."
  • A potion of water can not be diluted, which is not surprising, but this means that holy water and unholy water are also immune to dilution, as they are simply blessed or cursed potions of water, and losing beatitude is a consequence of dilution.
  • Alchemy will not dilute an already-diluted potion, so it is safe to convert a potion of healing into a diluted potion of extra healing, and then into a diluted potion of full healing.

Alchemy is a somewhat complicated process which has a few wrinkles of its own; players are advised to study that article for more information before alchemizing, unless they enjoy picking imaginary shards of glass out of their faces.

Thrown potions

Potions may be wielded or thrown in combat by you or other monsters. A monster has an 80% chance of taking 1 HP of damage when hit, while you may receive 1 to 2 HP of damage. If you don't see the potion hit the monster, you will get the message "Crash!" A monster hit by a potion is subjected to its effects, but generally to a lesser extent than from quaffing it; however, a thrown potion has a chance of missing the target, in which case it will shatter without affecting them.

When a potion shatters, it is possible for the vapors to affect monsters in adjacent squares, including the player. For this reason, wielding a potion hand-to-hand can be riskier than throwing it from a distance, although in this case the potion will only shatter when it hits the monster. Circumstances will ultimately dictate which is more preferable for hitting a given monster, e.g. wearing a ring of free action and wielding a potion of paralysis.

Smoky and milky potions

Smoky and milky potions are special. Regardless of their other properties, quaffing a smoky potion has a chance of releasing a djinni, and quaffing a milky potion may release a hostile ghost.

Messages

You have a peculiar feeling for a moment, then it passes.
You quaffed a potion, but it had no noticeable effect, e.g. quaffing a potion of blindness while already blind.[4]
You have a normal feeling for a moment, then it passes.
As above, but you were hallucinating.[5]
That is a potion bottle, not a Klein bottle!
You tried to dip a potion into itself.[6]
<One of> Your <color> potions <of type> boils and explodes!
A source of fire damage caused one or more of your potions in open inventory to explode, subjecting you to its vapors.

References

  1. ↑ objects.c in NetHack 3.4.3, line 722
  2. ↑ mkobj.c in NetHack 3.4.3, line 30
  3. ↑ mkobj.c in NetHack 3.4.3, line 545
  4. ↑ potion.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 530
  5. ↑ potion.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 530
  6. ↑ potion.c in NetHack 3.6.0, line 1805

External links

Encyclopedia entry

POTABLE, n. Suitable for drinking. Water is said to be potable; indeed, some declare it our natural beverage, although even they find it palatable only when suffering from the recurrent disorder known as thirst, for which it is a medicine. Upon nothing has so great and diligent ingenuity been brought to bear in all ages and in all countries, except the most uncivilized, as upon the invention of substitutes for water. To hold that this general aversion to that liquid has no basis in the preservative instinct of the race is to be unscientific -- and without science we are as the snakes and toads.

[ The Devil's Dictionary, by Ambrose Bierce ]

This page may need to be updated for the current version of NetHack.

It may contain text specific to NetHack 3.6.4. Information on this page may be out of date.

Editors: After reviewing this page and making necessary edits, please change the {{nethack-364}} tag to the current version's tag or {{noversion}} as appropriate.

Retrieved from "https://nethackwiki.com/index.php?title=Potion&oldid=166454"