Difference between revisions of "Pyrolisk"

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The '''pyrolisk''', {{monsym|pyrolisk}}, is a monster that uses a special fire-based [[gaze attack]] that may burn up your [[potion]]s, [[scroll]]s, and [[spellbook]]s. Armor is not affected, and engaging it does not run the risk of [[petrification]] like its [[cockatrice]] brethren.  
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The '''pyrolisk''', {{monsym|pyrolisk}}, is a monster in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is closely related to the [[cockatrice]], and is the only member of the [[Cockatrice (monster class)|cockatrice]] [[monster class]] to lack any [[stoning]]-related properties or any form of dangerous touch.
  
Its attack is useless if either one of you is blind, so the easiest solution is to wear a [[blindfold]], then treat it like any other monster. Another good practice when encountering fiery monsters is to stash your scrolls, potions, and spellbooks in some kind of container, like a [[sack]] or [[bag of holding]], or on the ground if lacking such tools and desperate. Having [[fire resistance]] prevents damage, but the pyrolisk's attacks can still affect your items. A pyrolisk corpse is safe to eat, making it a good source of both [[Fire resistance|fire]] and [[poison resistance]].
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The pyrolisk attacks using a special fiery [[gaze attack]]: if you meet the pyrolisk's gaze, you take 2d6 damage unless you have [[fire resistance]], and any [[potion]]s, [[scroll]]s, and [[spellbook]]s in your inventory may be destroyed; [[armor]] is not affected. If either you or the pyrolisk are [[blind]], the gaze has no effect; interestingly, the gaze attacks can work even if you are [[invisible]].
  
==As a pet==
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Eating a pyrolisk [[corpse]] has a chance to convey [[fire resistance]] and [[poison resistance]], with a 20% chance for each intrinsic.
A [[pet]] pyrolisk has the unique advantage that its gaze attack will not provoke counterattack or wake up sleeping monsters.  Since its 2d6 damage is insignificant, though, any good general-purpose pet is better.
 
  
==Origin==
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==Strategy==
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Pyrolisks can be rendered completely harmless by blinding yourself, usually wearing a [[blindfold]] or [[towel]], allowing you to dispatch them with ease. If you notice a pyrolisk in the area and have no means to blind yourself, stash your potions, scrolls and spellbooks in a [[sack]] or other container; if all else fails, drop them on the ground and be sure not to step too far away in case other monsters are nearby.
  
This monster comes from ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]''. It is very similar in physical appearance to the [[cockatrice]], that is like a rooster with a reptilian tail and bat wings. The difference is its red tail feathers. This is why it's represented by "c", for "cockatrice".
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As a [[pet]], the pyrolisk is generally not worthwhile, but its gaze attack does have the unique property of not provoking counterattacks or wake up sleeping monsters.
  
The name is a contraction of ''pyr'' (Greek word πῦρ "fire") and ''[[basilisk]]'' (a monster not found in vanilla ''NetHack''). The basilisk is closely related to the cockatrice.
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==Origin==
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The pyrolisk's name is a contraction of ''pyr'' (Greek word πῦρ "fire") and ''[[basilisk]]'', a mythical snake-like monster closely related to the cockatrice. Pyrolisks come from ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', where they are depicted as very similar in physical appearance to the cockatrice, with a rooster-like body, a reptilian tail and bat wings; pyrolisks have red tail feathers distinct from those of cockatrices.
  
==Encyclopaedia entry==
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==Encyclopedia entry==
  
 
{{encyclopedia|At first glance around the corner, I thought it was another
 
{{encyclopedia|At first glance around the corner, I thought it was another
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[[Category:Monsters]]
 
[[Category:Monsters]]
{{nethack-361}}
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{{nethack-364}}

Revision as of 21:11, 1 March 2020

The pyrolisk, c, is a monster in NetHack. It is closely related to the cockatrice, and is the only member of the cockatrice monster class to lack any stoning-related properties or any form of dangerous touch.

The pyrolisk attacks using a special fiery gaze attack: if you meet the pyrolisk's gaze, you take 2d6 damage unless you have fire resistance, and any potions, scrolls, and spellbooks in your inventory may be destroyed; armor is not affected. If either you or the pyrolisk are blind, the gaze has no effect; interestingly, the gaze attacks can work even if you are invisible.

Eating a pyrolisk corpse has a chance to convey fire resistance and poison resistance, with a 20% chance for each intrinsic.

Strategy

Pyrolisks can be rendered completely harmless by blinding yourself, usually wearing a blindfold or towel, allowing you to dispatch them with ease. If you notice a pyrolisk in the area and have no means to blind yourself, stash your potions, scrolls and spellbooks in a sack or other container; if all else fails, drop them on the ground and be sure not to step too far away in case other monsters are nearby.

As a pet, the pyrolisk is generally not worthwhile, but its gaze attack does have the unique property of not provoking counterattacks or wake up sleeping monsters.

Origin

The pyrolisk's name is a contraction of pyr (Greek word πῦρ "fire") and basilisk, a mythical snake-like monster closely related to the cockatrice. Pyrolisks come from Dungeons & Dragons, where they are depicted as very similar in physical appearance to the cockatrice, with a rooster-like body, a reptilian tail and bat wings; pyrolisks have red tail feathers distinct from those of cockatrices.

Encyclopedia entry

At first glance around the corner, I thought it was another
cockatrice. I had encountered the wretched creatures two or
three times since leaving the open area. I quickly ducked my
head back and considered what to do next. My heart had begun
to thump audibly as I patted my pack to make sure I still had
the dead lizards at close reach. A check of my attire showed
no obvious holes or damage. I had to keep moving. One deep
breath, and a count of three, two, one, and around the corner
I bolted. But it was no cockatrice! I felt a sudden intense
searing of the skin around my face, and flames began to leap
from my pack. I tossed it to the ground, and quickly retreated
back, around that corner, desperately striving to get out of
its sight.

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.