Difference between revisions of "Priest of an unknown god"

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(which artifacts can't be destroyed)
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The '''priests of an unknown god''' are monsters in [[dNetHack]] that are more a feature of the dungeon than a threat to the player.
 
The '''priests of an unknown god''' are monsters in [[dNetHack]] that are more a feature of the dungeon than a threat to the player.
They have no offensive or defensive abilities, but when you strike one with an artifact, it will "tug gently" on it, and you will be asked if you want to let go of the item.  If you let go, both the priest and the artifact will disappear from the game, and an earthquake will occur around you. Artifacts that have been removed in this way will never be generated again in the same game. The Silver Key, the Annulus, and the Pen of the Void cannot be given away. [https://github.com/Chris-plus-alphanumericgibberish/dnethack/blob/64f41dcf4426e943e6e4010efad0fd4ab3261f44/dnethack-3.4.3/src/uhitm.c#L4576 (uhitm.c, line 4576)]
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They have no offensive or defensive abilities, but when you strike one with an artifact, it will "tug gently" on it, and you will be asked if you want to let go of the item.  If you let go, both the priest and the artifact will disappear from the game, and an earthquake will occur around you. Artifacts that have been removed in this way will never be generated again in the same game.
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Any artifact that's guaranteed to appear in a certain location (Rod of Seven Parts, demon lord artifacts, etc.) or that can be necessary to complete the game (Pen of the Void, Silver Key, Annulus) cannot be given away. Broadly speaking, if it's wishable, giftable, or randomly findable it can be given.
  
 
If a priest of an unknown god is killed in any other way, it will resurrect after a few turns, like one of the [[Rider]]s.
 
If a priest of an unknown god is killed in any other way, it will resurrect after a few turns, like one of the [[Rider]]s.
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* The second on the sixth level of the Lethe, south of the temple of the forgotten god
 
* The second on the sixth level of the Lethe, south of the temple of the forgotten god
 
* The third in a ruined temple on an island on the third level of the Gulf of N'kai
 
* The third in a ruined temple on an island on the third level of the Gulf of N'kai
* The fourth and fifth on two of the altars in R'lyeh
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* The fourth and fifth on two of the altars in R'lyeh (not the same ones as Great Cthulhu or the other alhoon)
  
 
==Strategy==
 
==Strategy==
 
{{main|dNetHack Artifacts}}
 
{{main|dNetHack Artifacts}}
The priests' ability to remove artifacts from the game makes them a way to manage unwanted artifacts. This is especially helpful given the many new artifacts that are present in dNetHack.  If you want to wish for a certain artifact, or sacrifice in hopes of getting a good one from your deity, but find your path cluttered with artifacts you can't use or don't want, the priests are able to take some of them off your hands.  Because there are five priests, an adventurer who dares to venture all the way to the sunken city of R'lyeh can dispose of a total of five unwanted artifacts. Interestingly enough, the game does keep track of how many artifacts have been "regifted" (given to the unknown god).  This is not currently viewable in-game via enlightenment or similar.
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The priests' ability to remove artifacts from the game makes them a way to manage unwanted artifacts. dNetHack doesn't count randomly generated artifacts towards the wishing numbers, but it does count them towards sacrifice, so a character who really wants a specific sacrifice gift could try to donate unwanted gifts to that end.  
  
Be aware, however, that not all artifacts in dNetHack are counted toward the total for wishing and sacrifice gifts.  All of the artifacts guaranteed to appear on unique demons and devils are exempt, as are some (but not all) of the artifacts guaranteed to appear on the Lawful and Chaotic Quests (the [[dNetHack Artifacts#The Rod of Seven Parts|Rod of Seven Parts]], [[dNetHack Artifacts#Nighthorn|Nighthorn]], and the [[dNetHack Artifacts#The Black Crystal|Black Crystal]] do count toward the total).  If you are interested in wishing or getting sacrifice gifts, take care not to waste a priest on an artifact that would not have interfered.
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Be aware, however, that there are some benefits to giving away artifacts you aren't going to use, even if you're not planning on sacrificing. Giving away 5 artifacts will unlock a special seal for Binders, in addition to allowing any character to wish for another (generally their third wished) artifact.  
  
Also be mindful that destroying an artifact that was given to you by your deity as a [[Sacrifice#Gifts|sacrifice gift]] will [[anger]] your deity.
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Be mindful that destroying an artifact that was given to you by your deity as a [[Sacrifice#Gifts|sacrifice gift]] will [[anger]] your deity.
  
 
[[Category:dNethack monsters]]
 
[[Category:dNethack monsters]]

Revision as of 23:51, 2 September 2019

The priests of an unknown god are monsters in dNetHack that are more a feature of the dungeon than a threat to the player. They have no offensive or defensive abilities, but when you strike one with an artifact, it will "tug gently" on it, and you will be asked if you want to let go of the item. If you let go, both the priest and the artifact will disappear from the game, and an earthquake will occur around you. Artifacts that have been removed in this way will never be generated again in the same game.

Any artifact that's guaranteed to appear in a certain location (Rod of Seven Parts, demon lord artifacts, etc.) or that can be necessary to complete the game (Pen of the Void, Silver Key, Annulus) cannot be given away. Broadly speaking, if it's wishable, giftable, or randomly findable it can be given.

If a priest of an unknown god is killed in any other way, it will resurrect after a few turns, like one of the Riders.

Occurrence

Five priests of an unknown god are guaranteed to appear in dNetHack, all of them in the Neutral Quest, below the Outlands:

  • The first on the island in the headwaters of the Lethe
  • The second on the sixth level of the Lethe, south of the temple of the forgotten god
  • The third in a ruined temple on an island on the third level of the Gulf of N'kai
  • The fourth and fifth on two of the altars in R'lyeh (not the same ones as Great Cthulhu or the other alhoon)

Strategy

Main article: dNetHack Artifacts

The priests' ability to remove artifacts from the game makes them a way to manage unwanted artifacts. dNetHack doesn't count randomly generated artifacts towards the wishing numbers, but it does count them towards sacrifice, so a character who really wants a specific sacrifice gift could try to donate unwanted gifts to that end.

Be aware, however, that there are some benefits to giving away artifacts you aren't going to use, even if you're not planning on sacrificing. Giving away 5 artifacts will unlock a special seal for Binders, in addition to allowing any character to wish for another (generally their third wished) artifact.

Be mindful that destroying an artifact that was given to you by your deity as a sacrifice gift will anger your deity.