Difference between revisions of "Ring of free action"

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Wearing a '''ring of free action''' gives you the '''free action''' extrinsic, which protects [[you]] from [[paralysis]].
 
  
−
This immunity includes protection from:
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A '''ring of free action''' is a type of [[ring]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. The default [[randomized appearance]] associated with it is "a twisted ring".{{refsrc|src/objects.c|584|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
−
* Paralysis [[Trap#Container traps|container traps]]
 
−
* A [[throw]]n or [[quaff]]ed [[potion of paralysis]] or [[potion of sleeping]]
 
−
* Paralysis or stunning [[monster spell|spells]] (reduced to one turn)
 
  
−
In addition, protection from the paralyzing attacks of the following [[monster]]s:
+
==Description==
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* [[Floating eye]]s ("You momentarily stiffen under the floating eye's gaze!)
+
When worn, the ring confers the [[free action]] [[property]], which protects you from most forms of [[paralysis]]; this includes:
−
* [[Gelatinous cube]]s
 
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* [[Ghoul]]s
 
−
* [[Guardian naga]]s
 
−
* [[Shade]]s
 
−
* [[Yeenoghu]]
 
  
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Free action does '''''not''''':
+
* Paralayzing [[container trap]]s{{refsrc|src/trap.c|4945|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
−
* Protect you from being "paralyzed" by fear when an enormous [[ghost]] appears in a deserted [[temple]], or you [[chat]] to a [[skeleton]]
+
* [[Thrown]] or [[quaff]]ed [[potion]]s of {{! of|paralysis|or=1|sleeping}} and their [[vapor]]s{{refsrc|src/potion.c|792|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/potion.c|807|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/potion.c|1716|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/potion.c|1727|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
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* Protect you from [[sleep]], except from potions of sleeping
+
* The [[Paralyze (monster spell)|paralyze]] and [[Stun (monster spell)|stun]] [[monster spell]]s{{refsrc|src/mcastu.c|475|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mcastu.c|671|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
−
* Protect you from [[stunning]], except from spells
+
* Paralyzing monster attacks, especially the passive gaze of a [[floating eye]]{{refsrc|src/mhitu.c|1181|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|2893|version=NetHack 3.6.7|name="hiteye"}}{{refsrc|src/polyself.c|1429|version=NetHack 3.6.7|name="polyeye"|comment=Using a gaze attack against a floating eye while polymorphed}}
−
* Protect you from any [[grabbing attack]]s, including [[drowning]]
 
−
* Protect you from [[Trap#^ Bear trap|bear traps]], [[pit]]s, [[spider web]]s, or any physically binding traps
 
−
* Protect you from [[stoning]]
 
−
* Allow you to move freely on the [[Plane of Air]] or [[Plane of Water]]
 
−
* Prevent you from being incapacitated by [[lightning]] in clouds on the [[Plane of Air]]
 
−
* Grant any extra [[turn]]s
 
−
* Protect against helplessness caused by [[engraving]], a [[cursed spellbook]], [[fumbling]],{{refsrc|timeout.c|330}} or [[hurtling]] through the air while [[levitating]].
 
  
−
Identifying a ring of free action is straightforward in theory, but difficult in practice. Just wear the ring and allow yourself to be hit by one of the attacks against which free action protects. Since these attacks are rare (but often lethal), identifying a ring of free action in this way is uncommon. Perhaps the safest means of use-identifying a ring suspected to be free action is to throw a [[potion of paralysis]] down ({{kbd|>}}) while locked in a [[closet]] standing on a permanent [[Elbereth]], however this method consumes a potentially valuable potion. A more dangerous but less expensive way is to melee a [[gelatinous cube]] in an otherwise cleared level while standing on [[Elbereth]]. You would find it out OTOH easily in case you'd quaff a [[potion of enlightenment]].
+
The ring does ''not'' protect you from:
  
−
[[Eating jewelry|Eating the ring]] will give you [[intrinsic]] [[sleep resistance]] instead of free action.
+
* Being "paralyzed" by fear, e.g.from encountering a [[ghost]] or [[chat]]ting to a [[skeleton]]
 +
* 'Paralysis' by [[lightning]] in clouds on the [[Plane of Air]]{{refsrc|src/timeout.c|1613|nethack=3.6.7}}
 +
* Other type of immobility from various sources (e.g., [[fumbling]] or using the [[Turn (command)|#turn]] [[extended command]])
  
−
Dropping a ring of free action into a [[sink]] produces the message, '''"You see the ring slide right down the drain!"'''
+
[[Eating jewelry|Eating the ring]] and successfully absorbing its magic will grant [[intrinsic]] [[sleep resistance]].{{refsrc|src/eat.c|2037|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Monsters will not wear this ring.
  
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A ring of free action is useful enough in high-density endgame areas such as [[Moloch's Sanctum]] and the [[Astral Plane]] that some players will [[wish]] or [[polypile]] for one if they have not found one by the time they get there. Thrown potions of paralysis are quite common, and getting hit by one and paralyzed for several turns while surrounded by [[aligned priests]] or, worse, one of the [[Riders]], can be very painful or even deadly. If you go in without one, it's wise to avoid being surrounded if at all possible and have an [[amulet of life saving]] or at least some [[potion of full healing|potions of full healing]] ready for use.
+
==Strategy==
 +
A ring of free action is often considered essential for endgame areas such as [[Moloch's Sanctum]] and the [[Astral Plane]], which are always full of hostile [[aligned priest]]s that can end your run with a single ill-timed paralyze spell - a thrown potion of paralysis is also not uncommon, and depending on the location can also easily result in your death if one hits you. Some players will [[wish]] or [[polypile]] for one if they have not found it by the time they are ready to retrieve the [[Book of the Dead]] for the [[Invocation]].
  
 +
Even so, it is more than possible to do without the ring by taking other precautions: [[conflict]] in particular is useful to prevent paralyzing monsters from engaging you at melee range, and a powerful ranged option can kill most paralyzing monsters before they can reach you, leaving thrown potions to contend with. If you elect to enter the Sanctum or the Astral Plane without the ring of free action, avoid being surrounded if at all possible and have an [[amulet of life saving]] and/or some potions of {{! of|full healing}} ready to use at a moment's notice.
  
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==SLASH'EM==
+
Players will often combine a ring of free action with a thrown or [[wield]]ed potion of paralysis to immobilize and dispose of difficult (and usually [[covetous]]) monsters such as the [[quest nemeses]], [[Vlad the Impaler]], and [[demon lords and princes]] with much less risk to themselves.
−
In [[SLASH'EM]], the ring does protect against grabbing attacks, including those of both drowning monsters and [[mind flayer|mind flayers]], with a chance dependent on your Luck - 50% at 0 Luck, 90% when maxed out. It gives the message '''"<foo> grabs you, but you quickly free yourself!"'''
+
 
 +
{{upcoming|3.7.0|[[Orange dragon scales]] and orange-scaled mail grant free action when worn, making the property more accessible without the ring.}}
 +
 
 +
===Identification===
 +
Informally identifying a ring of free action without a [[sink]] can be difficult, since most forms of paralysis can result in a helpless player's demise. In terms of [[price identification]], free action is among the 200[[zm]] rings - the [[ring of levitation]] is the only 200zm ring that will [[auto-identify]] when worn, and the effects of some others (e.g. {{= of|fire resistance|or=1|slow digestion}}) may not be immediately obvious.
 +
 
 +
For the paranoid player, one of the safest methods is to [[lock]] yourself in a closet and quaff a potion of paralysis while standing on a semi-permanent [[Elbereth]] engraving or a [[scroll of scare monster]]. Paralysis from a gelatinous cube lasts for a much shorter duration compared to other forms, making it relatively safe to test a ring with, and especially cautious players can use this to set up similar circumstances for testing a ring - keep in mind that attacking any creature while on an Elbereth engraving will cause it to fade away.
 +
 
 +
==History==
 +
The ring of free action first appears in [[NetHack 3.3.0]].
 +
 
 +
==Messages==
 +
{{message|You momentarily stiffen.|The ring of free action prevented a paralyzing attack or a chest trap from paralyzing you.}}
 +
{{message|You stiffen momentarily.|The ring prevented a potion of paralysis or its vapors from paralyzing you.}}
 +
{{message|You momentarily stiffen under <monster>'s gaze!|The ring prevented a floating eye's passive gaze from paralyzing you.<ref name="hiteye"/>}}
 +
{{message|You stiffen momentarily under <monster>'s gaze.|As above, while you are polymorphed into a monster with a gaze attack that you used on the floating eye.<ref name="polyeye"/>}}
 +
{{message|You stiffen momentarily under your gaze.|As above, but you were polymorphed into a floating eye and [[applied]] a [[mirror]] on yourself.{{refsrc|src/apply.c|864|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}}}
 +
{{message|You stiffen briefly.|Free action prevented the paralyze monster spell from paralyzing you.}}
 +
 
 +
{{message|You see the ring slide right down the drain!|You dropped a ring of free action onto a sink.}}
 +
 
 +
==Variants==
 +
===SLASH'EM===
 +
In [[SLASH'EM]], the ring of free action also confers additional protection against [[holding attack]]s, including the drowning attacks used often by sea monsters and [[mind flayer]] tentacle attacks. The chance is dependent on your [[Luck]], ranging from a {{frac|2}} chance at 0 Luck to {{frac|9|10}} at maximum Luck.
 +
 
 +
The ring of free action is even more valuable in SLASH'EM due to holding protection and can also be a lifesaver against [[rhaumbusun]]s, which are not as dangerous on their own but can prove lethal if their paralyzing gaze freezes you in the midst of [[Summon nasties|freshly-summoned nasties]].
 +
 
 +
====Messages====
 +
{{message|<foo> grabs you, but you quickly free yourself!|Free action prevented a monster from grabbing you with a holding attack.}}
 +
 
 +
===EvilHack===
 +
In [[EvilHack]], monsters will wear the ring of free action if possible.
 +
 
 +
The [[Barbarian]] [[quest artifact]] is changed to [[The Ring of P'hul]], an [[artifact]] ring of free action that confers [[immunity to sickness]] when carried and grants [[magic resistance]] when worn.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
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{{nethack-343}}
+
{{nethack-366}}
 
[[Category:Rings|Free action]]
 
[[Category:Rings|Free action]]

Latest revision as of 19:04, 27 June 2023

=
Name free action
Appearance random
Base price 200 zm
Weight 3

A ring of free action is a type of ring that appears in NetHack. The default randomized appearance associated with it is "a twisted ring".[1]

Description

When worn, the ring confers the free action property, which protects you from most forms of paralysis; this includes:

The ring does not protect you from:

Eating the ring and successfully absorbing its magic will grant intrinsic sleep resistance.[13] Monsters will not wear this ring.

Strategy

A ring of free action is often considered essential for endgame areas such as Moloch's Sanctum and the Astral Plane, which are always full of hostile aligned priests that can end your run with a single ill-timed paralyze spell - a thrown potion of paralysis is also not uncommon, and depending on the location can also easily result in your death if one hits you. Some players will wish or polypile for one if they have not found it by the time they are ready to retrieve the Book of the Dead for the Invocation.

Even so, it is more than possible to do without the ring by taking other precautions: conflict in particular is useful to prevent paralyzing monsters from engaging you at melee range, and a powerful ranged option can kill most paralyzing monsters before they can reach you, leaving thrown potions to contend with. If you elect to enter the Sanctum or the Astral Plane without the ring of free action, avoid being surrounded if at all possible and have an amulet of life saving and/or some potions of full healing ready to use at a moment's notice.

Players will often combine a ring of free action with a thrown or wielded potion of paralysis to immobilize and dispose of difficult (and usually covetous) monsters such as the quest nemeses, Vlad the Impaler, and demon lords and princes with much less risk to themselves.

The following information pertains to an upcoming version (3.7.0). If this version is now released, please verify that it is still accurate, then update the page to incorporate this information.

Orange dragon scales and orange-scaled mail grant free action when worn, making the property more accessible without the ring.

Identification

Informally identifying a ring of free action without a sink can be difficult, since most forms of paralysis can result in a helpless player's demise. In terms of price identification, free action is among the 200zm rings - the ring of levitation is the only 200zm ring that will auto-identify when worn, and the effects of some others (e.g. fire resistance or slow digestion) may not be immediately obvious.

For the paranoid player, one of the safest methods is to lock yourself in a closet and quaff a potion of paralysis while standing on a semi-permanent Elbereth engraving or a scroll of scare monster. Paralysis from a gelatinous cube lasts for a much shorter duration compared to other forms, making it relatively safe to test a ring with, and especially cautious players can use this to set up similar circumstances for testing a ring - keep in mind that attacking any creature while on an Elbereth engraving will cause it to fade away.

History

The ring of free action first appears in NetHack 3.3.0.

Messages

You momentarily stiffen.
The ring of free action prevented a paralyzing attack or a chest trap from paralyzing you.
You stiffen momentarily.
The ring prevented a potion of paralysis or its vapors from paralyzing you.
You momentarily stiffen under <monster>'s gaze!
The ring prevented a floating eye's passive gaze from paralyzing you.[10]
You stiffen momentarily under <monster>'s gaze.
As above, while you are polymorphed into a monster with a gaze attack that you used on the floating eye.[11]
You stiffen momentarily under your gaze.
As above, but you were polymorphed into a floating eye and applied a mirror on yourself.[14]
You stiffen briefly.
Free action prevented the paralyze monster spell from paralyzing you.
You see the ring slide right down the drain!
You dropped a ring of free action onto a sink.

Variants

SLASH'EM

In SLASH'EM, the ring of free action also confers additional protection against holding attacks, including the drowning attacks used often by sea monsters and mind flayer tentacle attacks. The chance is dependent on your Luck, ranging from a 1⁄2 chance at 0 Luck to 9⁄10 at maximum Luck.

The ring of free action is even more valuable in SLASH'EM due to holding protection and can also be a lifesaver against rhaumbusuns, which are not as dangerous on their own but can prove lethal if their paralyzing gaze freezes you in the midst of freshly-summoned nasties.

Messages

<foo> grabs you, but you quickly free yourself!
Free action prevented a monster from grabbing you with a holding attack.

EvilHack

In EvilHack, monsters will wear the ring of free action if possible.

The Barbarian quest artifact is changed to The Ring of P'hul, an artifact ring of free action that confers immunity to sickness when carried and grants magic resistance when worn.

References

  1. ↑ src/objects.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 584
  2. ↑ src/trap.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 4945
  3. ↑ src/potion.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 792
  4. ↑ src/potion.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 807
  5. ↑ src/potion.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 1716
  6. ↑ src/potion.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 1727
  7. ↑ src/mcastu.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 475
  8. ↑ src/mcastu.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 671
  9. ↑ src/mhitu.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 1181
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 src/uhitm.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 2893
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 src/polyself.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 1429: Using a gaze attack against a floating eye while polymorphed
  12. ↑ src/timeout.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 1613
  13. ↑ src/eat.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 2037
  14. ↑ src/apply.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 864
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