Difference between revisions of "Raven"

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{{monster
 
{{monster
|difficulty=6
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|difficulty=6
|level=4
+
|level=4
|experience=46
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|experience=46
|speed=20
+
|speed=20
|AC=6
+
|AC=6
|MR=0
+
|MR=0
|align=0
+
|align=0
|frequency=2
+
|frequency=2
|genocidable=Yes
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|genocidable=Yes
|attacks=Bite 1d6, claw 1d6 [[blind]]ing (no damage)
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|attacks=Bite 1d6, claw 1d6 [[blind]]ing (no damage)
|weight=40
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|weight=40
|nutr=20
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|nutr=20
|size=Small
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|size=Small
|resistances=None
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|resistances=None
|resistances conveyed=None
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|resistances conveyed=None
|attributes={{attributes|A raven|fly=1|animal=1|nohands=1|carnivore=1|wander=1|hostile=1|infravisible=1}}
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|attributes={{attributes|A raven|fly=1|animal=1|nohands=1|carnivore=1|wander=1|hostile=1|infravisible=1}}
 
  |reference=[[monst.c#line1134]]
 
  |reference=[[monst.c#line1134]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
The '''raven''', {{monsym|raven}}, is a [[monster]] in [[NetHack]] most notable for its ability to claw at your eyes; fortunately, this will "only" [[blind]] you for d6 (more) turns. Ravens have similar erratic movement patterns to [[bats]]; [[player]]s are permanently [[stunned]] while [[polymorph]]ed into ravens.
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The '''raven''', {{monsym|raven}}, is a [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It [[flight|flies]] around in an erratic pattern similar to [[bats]], and is the only [[bird]] among the {{monclasslink|B}} [[monster class]]. Ravens have a bite attack and a relatively unique claw attack that can [[blind]] you for d6 (more) turns.
  
Having a means of blinding yourself at will or otherwise covering your eyes (e.g. with [[lenses]] or a [[visored helmet]]) will protect against this; being polymorphed into an [[eyeless]] form will also keep you safe. [[Telepathy]] is useful to have in any case, but lenses and other similar methods may be more preferable if you rely heavily on engraving [[Elbereth]].
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A [[player]] that [[polymorph]]s into a raven will be permanently [[stunned]] while in that form. [[Chat]]ting to a raven will cause it to reply "Nevermore!"{{refsrc|src/sounds.c|680|nethack=3.6.6}}
  
If you #[[chat]] with a raven, you will receive the message '''"Nevermore!"'''{{refsrc|sounds.c|587}}
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==Generation==
 +
Randomly-generated ravens are always hostile.
 +
 
 +
Ravens are among the {{mcsl|B}} that can be randomly generated while within the [[Wizard quest]]. Thirty ravens are generated in the third version of [[Medusa's Island]] on level creation.
 +
 
 +
==Strategy==
 +
Ravens are quite fast at 20 [[speed]] and can prove annoying to an early character, especially if you lack [[telepathy]] to detect other monsters and move safely around them; being blinded can also prevent you reliably engraving [[Elbereth]] if the situation is dire.
 +
 
 +
You can protect against a raven's blinding talons by actively blinding yourself using a [[blindfold]] or [[towel]], though you will need telepathy or [[warning]] to follow the raven's erratic movement and additionally avoid attacking peaceful monsters. A pair of [[lenses]] or a [[visored helmet]] can also protect against the attack, though lenses can be hard to find and a visored helmet may not be particularly desirable (e.g., a [[helm of opposite alignment]]). Being polymorphed into an eyeless form will also render you blind and keep you safe.
 +
 
 +
Beyond blinding you, ravens are not too threatening and can be picked off with most [[ranged attack]]s or a [[pet]] before they get within range.
 +
 
 +
==History==
 +
The raven first appears in [[NetHack 3.3.0]].
 +
 
 +
==Origin==
 +
{{wikipedia|Raven}}
 +
{{wikipedia|The Raven}}
 +
A raven is any of several larger-bodied bird species with the genus ''Corvus''. There is no singular taxonomic group within the genus, as well as no common distinction between "crows" and "ravens", which usually are assigned to the different species based on their size. Ravens are omnivorous and have a reputation alongside various other birds for seeking out a wide variety of nutrition sources: carrion, insects, berries, fruit, small animals, and even food waste. The [[wikipedia:common raven|common raven]] (''Corvus corax'') is among the more well known members of the species, and often shows signs of unusual intelligence.
 +
 
 +
Ravens have enough of a reputation for gouging out the eyes of prey or other animals that it is the subject of at least a few proverbial sayings, up to and including its use as a metaphor in Proverbs 30:17 of The Bible. The raven also has a myriad of symbolisms and other mythic associations due to its black plumage, croaking call and carrion diet - it is both associated with loss and ill omen and considered a symbol of prophecy and insight, as well as a [[wikipedia:psychopomp|psychopomp]] or other similar "mediator" that bridges the worlds of the dead and the living. "The Raven", a narrative poem by American writer Edgar Allan Poe, is a popular example of many of these aspects and the source of the response given to ''NetHack'' players that chat with one in-game.
 +
 
 +
==Variants==
 +
In variants that incorporate a [[grudge]] system, ravens will often target eye-based monsters such as the [[floating eye]].
 +
 
 +
===UnNetHack===
 +
In [[UnNetHack]], ravens will attack floating eyes and [[evil eye]]s. [[Kick]]ing a [[dead tree]] also has a {{frac|5}} chance to produce a hostile raven.
 +
 
 +
===FIQHack===
 +
In [[FIQHack]], ravens will also attack floating eyes.
 +
 
 +
===notdNetHack===
 +
In [[notdNetHack]], ravens are likely to appear within the Dismal Swamp.
 +
 
 +
===SlashTHEM===
 +
In [[SlashTHEM]], four ravens are generated in the village level of the [[Town]] branch at level creation.
  
 
==Encyclopedia entry==
 
==Encyclopedia entry==
 
 
{{encyclopedia|
 
{{encyclopedia|
 
But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
 
But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
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==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 
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{{nethack-366}}
{{nethack-343}}
 
 
[[Category:Monsters]]
 
[[Category:Monsters]]

Revision as of 15:44, 18 December 2022

The raven, B, is a monster that appears in NetHack. It flies around in an erratic pattern similar to bats, and is the only bird among the bat or bird monster class. Ravens have a bite attack and a relatively unique claw attack that can blind you for d6 (more) turns.

A player that polymorphs into a raven will be permanently stunned while in that form. Chatting to a raven will cause it to reply "Nevermore!"[1]

Generation

Randomly-generated ravens are always hostile.

Ravens are among the B that can be randomly generated while within the Wizard quest. Thirty ravens are generated in the third version of Medusa's Island on level creation.

Strategy

Ravens are quite fast at 20 speed and can prove annoying to an early character, especially if you lack telepathy to detect other monsters and move safely around them; being blinded can also prevent you reliably engraving Elbereth if the situation is dire.

You can protect against a raven's blinding talons by actively blinding yourself using a blindfold or towel, though you will need telepathy or warning to follow the raven's erratic movement and additionally avoid attacking peaceful monsters. A pair of lenses or a visored helmet can also protect against the attack, though lenses can be hard to find and a visored helmet may not be particularly desirable (e.g., a helm of opposite alignment). Being polymorphed into an eyeless form will also render you blind and keep you safe.

Beyond blinding you, ravens are not too threatening and can be picked off with most ranged attacks or a pet before they get within range.

History

The raven first appears in NetHack 3.3.0.

Origin

A raven is any of several larger-bodied bird species with the genus Corvus. There is no singular taxonomic group within the genus, as well as no common distinction between "crows" and "ravens", which usually are assigned to the different species based on their size. Ravens are omnivorous and have a reputation alongside various other birds for seeking out a wide variety of nutrition sources: carrion, insects, berries, fruit, small animals, and even food waste. The common raven (Corvus corax) is among the more well known members of the species, and often shows signs of unusual intelligence.

Ravens have enough of a reputation for gouging out the eyes of prey or other animals that it is the subject of at least a few proverbial sayings, up to and including its use as a metaphor in Proverbs 30:17 of The Bible. The raven also has a myriad of symbolisms and other mythic associations due to its black plumage, croaking call and carrion diet - it is both associated with loss and ill omen and considered a symbol of prophecy and insight, as well as a psychopomp or other similar "mediator" that bridges the worlds of the dead and the living. "The Raven", a narrative poem by American writer Edgar Allan Poe, is a popular example of many of these aspects and the source of the response given to NetHack players that chat with one in-game.

Variants

In variants that incorporate a grudge system, ravens will often target eye-based monsters such as the floating eye.

UnNetHack

In UnNetHack, ravens will attack floating eyes and evil eyes. Kicking a dead tree also has a 15 chance to produce a hostile raven.

FIQHack

In FIQHack, ravens will also attack floating eyes.

notdNetHack

In notdNetHack, ravens are likely to appear within the Dismal Swamp.

SlashTHEM

In SlashTHEM, four ravens are generated in the village level of the Town branch at level creation.

Encyclopedia entry

But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered -- not a feather then he fluttered--
Till I scarcely more than muttered, 'other friends have flown before--
On the morrow *he* will leave me, as my hopes have flown before.'
        Then the bird said, 'Nevermore.'

[ The Raven - Edgar Allan Poe ]

References