Difference between revisions of "Trap"

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({{Lightgray|^}} Falling rock trap image:falling rock trap.png)
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Anti-magic fields have no effect if your maximum spell power is zero.
 
Anti-magic fields have no effect if your maximum spell power is zero.
 +
 +
'''Generation:''' May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.
  
 
'''To remove:''' [[Dig]] a pit into the ground while standing on the trap, then fill the pit.
 
'''To remove:''' [[Dig]] a pit into the ground while standing on the trap, then fill the pit.
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These fire [[arrow]]s at you, which generally do 1d6 damage, and can be a useful source of arrows. While standing on or adjacent to the square with the trap, try using the <tt>'''#untrap'''</tt> command. You might fail a few times as a few more arrows hit you, but if you are lucky, you will obtain a large supply of arrows.
 
These fire [[arrow]]s at you, which generally do 1d6 damage, and can be a useful source of arrows. While standing on or adjacent to the square with the trap, try using the <tt>'''#untrap'''</tt> command. You might fail a few times as a few more arrows hit you, but if you are lucky, you will obtain a large supply of arrows.
 +
 +
'''Generation:''' May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.
  
 
'''To remove:''' #untrap, or trigger it repeatedly until it runs out of arrows ("''You hear a loud click!''")
 
'''To remove:''' #untrap, or trigger it repeatedly until it runs out of arrows ("''You hear a loud click!''")
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It is possible to <tt>'''#untrap'''</tt> a bear trap. If successful, it will appear as a [[beartrap]] on the dungeon floor. You may then pick it up and apply it to a new location. If unsuccessful, you will become trapped. If a bugbear or an owlbear gets stuck in a bear trap outside your sight, then you will hear "the roaring of an angry bear".
 
It is possible to <tt>'''#untrap'''</tt> a bear trap. If successful, it will appear as a [[beartrap]] on the dungeon floor. You may then pick it up and apply it to a new location. If unsuccessful, you will become trapped. If a bugbear or an owlbear gets stuck in a bear trap outside your sight, then you will hear "the roaring of an angry bear".
 +
 +
'''Generation:''' May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.
  
 
'''To remove:''' #untrap, or eat the trap as a [[metallivore]].
 
'''To remove:''' #untrap, or eat the trap as a [[metallivore]].
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Similar to an arrow trap, but with [[dart]]s.  Darts will generally do 1d3 damage.  Darts can be poisoned (1 in 6 chance), so be careful.  Disarming a dart trap will recover a large stack of darts, but this should probably not be attempted by characters lacking [[poison resistance]].
 
Similar to an arrow trap, but with [[dart]]s.  Darts will generally do 1d3 damage.  Darts can be poisoned (1 in 6 chance), so be careful.  Disarming a dart trap will recover a large stack of darts, but this should probably not be attempted by characters lacking [[poison resistance]].
 +
 +
'''Generation:''' May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.
  
 
'''To remove:''' #untrap, or trigger it repeatedly until it runs out of darts ("''You hear a soft click.''")
 
'''To remove:''' #untrap, or trigger it repeatedly until it runs out of darts ("''You hear a soft click.''")
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This will set off a column of flame underneath you, causing significant damage and a permanent drop in maximum [[Hit points|HP]] to those without the [[fire resistance]] [[intrinsic]]. There is also a chance of carried [[scroll]]s and [[spellbook]]s burning, [[potion]]s boiling, and [[armor]] being burnt.  
 
This will set off a column of flame underneath you, causing significant damage and a permanent drop in maximum [[Hit points|HP]] to those without the [[fire resistance]] [[intrinsic]]. There is also a chance of carried [[scroll]]s and [[spellbook]]s burning, [[potion]]s boiling, and [[armor]] being burnt.  
  
Fire traps are only randomly generated in [[Gehennom]], [[Plane of Fire]] and some [[quest]]s, notably the [[Valkyrie quest]]. Early characters can, however, suffer the same effects from trapped boxes and chests as well as [[magic trap]]s.
+
'''Generation:''' Fire traps are only randomly generated in [[Gehennom]], the [[Plane of Fire]] and some [[quest]]s, notably the [[Valkyrie quest]]. Early characters can, however, suffer the same effects from trapped boxes and chests as well as [[magic trap]]s. In Gehennom, fire trap generation is increased. 1/5th (20%) of all randomly generated traps in Gehennom are guaranteed to be fire traps.
  
 
'''To remove:''' [[Dig]] a pit into the ground while standing on the trap, then fill the pit.
 
'''To remove:''' [[Dig]] a pit into the ground while standing on the trap, then fill the pit.
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The same hole is not guaranteed to lead to the same location, or even the same level, even if an object, monster or pet went through it immediately before you.
 
The same hole is not guaranteed to lead to the same location, or even the same level, even if an object, monster or pet went through it immediately before you.
 +
 +
'''Generation:''' Hole traps are much less likely to be randomly generated than other eligible types. Only 1 in 7 attempts to randomly place a hole trap will succeed. Hole traps cannot be randomly generated on levels with non-diggable floors such as the [[Vibrating square]] level or the [[Castle]]. If the floor is non-diggable, the hole trap is replaced with a falling rock trap. Cannot be generated beneath a boulder.
  
 
'''To remove:''' Push a [[boulder]] into it.
 
'''To remove:''' Push a [[boulder]] into it.
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The effects of magic traps are many and varied...
 
The effects of magic traps are many and varied...
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 +
'''Generation:''' May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.
  
 
'''To remove:''' Trigger it repeatedly until it explodes.
 
'''To remove:''' Trigger it repeatedly until it explodes.
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Early [[pet]] deaths are often due to this type of trap, earning it the nickname of "Puppy Pounder".
 
Early [[pet]] deaths are often due to this type of trap, earning it the nickname of "Puppy Pounder".
 +
 +
'''Generation:''' May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.
  
 
'''To remove:''' Trigger it repeatedly until it runs out of rocks.
 
'''To remove:''' Trigger it repeatedly until it runs out of rocks.
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=={{Red|^}} Land mine [[image:land mine.png]]==
 
=={{Red|^}} Land mine [[image:land mine.png]]==
  
Land mines are hidden explosives, especially common in the [[Fort Ludios]]. They wound your legs and create a [[pit]] in which you fall after the explosion. You may #untrap a land mine from next to it, pick it up and install it elsewhere, just like with a bear trap. These traps won't be generated randomly before dungeon level 6.
+
Land mines are hidden explosives, especially common in the [[Fort Ludios]]. They wound your legs and create a [[pit]] in which you fall after the explosion. You may #untrap a land mine from next to it, pick it up and install it elsewhere, just like with a bear trap.
 +
 
 +
'''Generation:''' Never randomly generated above dungeon level 6.
  
 
'''To remove:''' #untrap, or just set it off (although the latter will replace it with a pit).
 
'''To remove:''' #untrap, or just set it off (although the latter will replace it with a pit).
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=={{Magenta|^}} Level teleporter [[image:level teleporter.png]]==
 
=={{Magenta|^}} Level teleporter [[image:level teleporter.png]]==
  
This teleports you to a random location on a random level. You will rarely be teleported further down than you have already explored. These traps won't be generated randomly before dungeon level 5, nor on a [[no-teleport level]]. After a successful teleport of the player it vanishes.
+
This teleports you to a random location on a random level. You will rarely be teleported further down than you have already explored. After a successful teleport of the player it vanishes.
 +
 
 +
'''Generation:''' Never randomly generated above dungeon level 5, nor on a [[non-teleport level]].
  
 
'''To remove:''' Set it off personally; it is not removed when a pet or monster triggers it.
 
'''To remove:''' Set it off personally; it is not removed when a pet or monster triggers it.
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[[Pit]]s in the ground open up when you walk over them, causing 1-6 damage. This will also [[abuse]] [[strength]] and [[dexterity]].  They require 3-7 [[turn]]s to "climb to the edge" and escape. While in the pit, any [[light]] source you are carrying will not travel beyond the walls of the pit.
 
[[Pit]]s in the ground open up when you walk over them, causing 1-6 damage. This will also [[abuse]] [[strength]] and [[dexterity]].  They require 3-7 [[turn]]s to "climb to the edge" and escape. While in the pit, any [[light]] source you are carrying will not travel beyond the walls of the pit.
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'''Generation:''' May be randomly generated at any dungeon level. Cannot be generated beneath a boulder.
  
 
'''To remove:''' Push a [[boulder]] into it.
 
'''To remove:''' Push a [[boulder]] into it.
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A polymorph trap turns you into another monster for a limited time. Monsters can make use of them too. After a successful polymorph of the player it vanishes.
 
A polymorph trap turns you into another monster for a limited time. Monsters can make use of them too. After a successful polymorph of the player it vanishes.
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 +
'''Generation:''' Never randomly generated above dungeon level 8.
  
 
'''To remove:''' Set it off personally; it is not removed when a pet or monster triggers it.
 
'''To remove:''' Set it off personally; it is not removed when a pet or monster triggers it.
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This uses the '''^''' symbol, and is therefore a kind of trap. They are used to transport you between [[dungeon branches]], and between the [[elemental planes]]. Temporary portals are generated by [[the Eye of the Aethiopica]].
 
This uses the '''^''' symbol, and is therefore a kind of trap. They are used to transport you between [[dungeon branches]], and between the [[elemental planes]]. Temporary portals are generated by [[the Eye of the Aethiopica]].
 +
 +
'''Generation:''' Never randomly generated.
  
 
'''To remove:''' This trap cannot be removed, although the portal to your [[quest]] disappears if you are rejected with prejudice.
 
'''To remove:''' This trap cannot be removed, although the portal to your [[quest]] disappears if you are rejected with prejudice.
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=={{Lightgray|^}} Rolling boulder trap [[image:rolling boulder trap.png]]==
 
=={{Lightgray|^}} Rolling boulder trap [[image:rolling boulder trap.png]]==
  
This is a trap in two parts. The actual trap is a switch, which when activated by stepping on it, sets a nearby [[boulder]] rolling towards you. The existence of these traps can sometimes be inferred by an incongruously placed boulder in a room.   These traps won't be generated randomly before dungeon level 2.
+
This is a trap in two parts. The actual trap is a switch, which when activated by stepping on it, sets a nearby [[boulder]] rolling towards you. The existence of these traps can sometimes be inferred by an incongruously placed boulder in a room. The boulder may be placed such that there is a wall between it and the trap.
 +
 
 +
'''Generation:''' Never randomly generated above dungeon level 2.
  
 
'''To remove:''' Destroy the boulder or move it out of line with the trap, then set it off to formally remove it.
 
'''To remove:''' Destroy the boulder or move it out of line with the trap, then set it off to formally remove it.
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This trap will spray you with water, [[rust]]ing any rustable items you have on where it hits. [[Gremlin]]s like to use these traps to multiply.
 
This trap will spray you with water, [[rust]]ing any rustable items you have on where it hits. [[Gremlin]]s like to use these traps to multiply.
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 +
'''Generation:''' May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.
  
 
'''To remove:''' [[Dig]] a pit into the ground while standing on the trap, then fill the pit. In [[SLASH'EM]], #untrapping a rust trap will, if successful, turn the trap into a [[fountain]].
 
'''To remove:''' [[Dig]] a pit into the ground while standing on the trap, then fill the pit. In [[SLASH'EM]], #untrapping a rust trap will, if successful, turn the trap into a [[fountain]].
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=={{Brightblue|^}} Sleeping gas trap [[image:sleeping gas trap.png]]==
 
=={{Brightblue|^}} Sleeping gas trap [[image:sleeping gas trap.png]]==
  
This trap makes you fall asleep for up to 25 turns, unless you're polymorphed into a monster that doesn't breathe, or have sleep resistance. These traps won't be generated randomly before dungeon level 2.
+
This trap makes you fall asleep for up to 25 turns, unless you're polymorphed into a monster that doesn't breathe, or have sleep resistance.
 +
 
 +
'''Generation:''' Never randomly generated above dungeon level 2.
  
 
'''To remove:''' [[Dig]] a pit into the ground while standing on the trap, then fill the pit.
 
'''To remove:''' [[Dig]] a pit into the ground while standing on the trap, then fill the pit.
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=={{Darkgray|^}} Spiked pit [[image:spiked pit.png]]==
 
=={{Darkgray|^}} Spiked pit [[image:spiked pit.png]]==
  
These are just pits which do 1-10 damage. The spikes are sometimes (1 in 6 chance) poisoned, which can be fatal for a character without [[poison resistance]].  These traps won't be generated randomly before dungeon level 5. Note that the chance of spikes being poisoned is re-randomized every time you fall on them, not per spiked pit.  [[Metallivore]]s can eat the spikes out of a spiked pit, turning it in to a normal pit.
+
These are just pits which do 1-10 damage. The spikes are sometimes (1 in 6 chance) poisoned, which can be fatal for a character without [[poison resistance]].  Note that the chance of spikes being poisoned is re-randomized every time you fall on them, not per spiked pit.  [[Metallivore]]s can eat the spikes out of a spiked pit, turning it in to a normal pit.
  
 
'''WARNING:''' Pets that fall in to a pit can be helped out by standing adjacent to the pit and '''u'''ntrapping in the direction of the pit. When you do this with a spiked pit, if you fail to remove your pet, they will suffer the effects of falling on to spikes each time you fail, making them angry (reducing their [[tame]]ness) and counting as abuse for resurrection from the [[wand of undead turning]]. If they die at your hands, you suffer the consequences of killing them in a trap yourself (-15 alignment and an angry [[god]]).
 
'''WARNING:''' Pets that fall in to a pit can be helped out by standing adjacent to the pit and '''u'''ntrapping in the direction of the pit. When you do this with a spiked pit, if you fail to remove your pet, they will suffer the effects of falling on to spikes each time you fail, making them angry (reducing their [[tame]]ness) and counting as abuse for resurrection from the [[wand of undead turning]]. If they die at your hands, you suffer the consequences of killing them in a trap yourself (-15 alignment and an angry [[god]]).
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'''Generation:''' Never randomly generated above dungeon level 5. Cannot be generated beneath a boulder.
  
 
'''To remove:''' Push a [[boulder]] into it.
 
'''To remove:''' Push a [[boulder]] into it.
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A squeaky board alerts monsters to your presence. If a monster steps on a squeaky board on your level, you "hear a distant squeaking sound".
 
A squeaky board alerts monsters to your presence. If a monster steps on a squeaky board on your level, you "hear a distant squeaking sound".
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 +
'''Generation:''' May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.
  
 
'''To remove:''' #untrap, but you must select a potion of oil (which will be consumed) or a charged can of grease (one charge will be consumed).
 
'''To remove:''' #untrap, but you must select a potion of oil (which will be consumed) or a charged can of grease (one charge will be consumed).
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Statue traps look like normal [[statue]]s of a monster, until you try to walk on the same square as one. When you walk on one, it will transform into the monster it was posing as.  A statue trap can also be discovered by searching, [[apply]]ing a [[stethoscope]], or a [[pick-axe]].
 
Statue traps look like normal [[statue]]s of a monster, until you try to walk on the same square as one. When you walk on one, it will transform into the monster it was posing as.  A statue trap can also be discovered by searching, [[apply]]ing a [[stethoscope]], or a [[pick-axe]].
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'''Generation:''' Never randomly generated above dungeon level 8.
  
 
'''To remove:''' Set it off.  A statue trap is a monster, not a statue, so a [[wand of striking]]/[[spellbook of force bolt|force bolt]] will not (necessarily) dispose of it.
 
'''To remove:''' Set it off.  A statue trap is a monster, not a statue, so a [[wand of striking]]/[[spellbook of force bolt|force bolt]] will not (necessarily) dispose of it.
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=={{Magenta|^}} Teleportation trap [[image:teleportation trap.png]]==
 
=={{Magenta|^}} Teleportation trap [[image:teleportation trap.png]]==
  
This [[teleport]]s you to a random location on the map, unless it is a [[vault]] teleporter located in a [[closet]] behind [[ad aerarium]], in which case you are teleported to the vault. Teleporters won't be generated randomly on a no-teleport level.
+
This [[teleport]]s you to a random location on the map, unless it is a [[vault]] teleporter located in a [[closet]] behind [[ad aerarium]], in which case you are teleported to the vault.
 +
 
 +
'''Generation:''' Never randomly generated on a [[non-teleport level]].
  
 
'''To remove:''' This trap cannot be removed, unless it is located behind ad aerarium, in which case it will disappear after use.
 
'''To remove:''' This trap cannot be removed, unless it is located behind ad aerarium, in which case it will disappear after use.
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One technique of dealing with this problem is to go down any [[stairs]] you encounter and then go up. This way, if you should ever fall down to that level you will know where the exit is. A high [[dexterity]] status will reduce your chances of falling down the pit should you accidentally trigger a trap door.
 
One technique of dealing with this problem is to go down any [[stairs]] you encounter and then go up. This way, if you should ever fall down to that level you will know where the exit is. A high [[dexterity]] status will reduce your chances of falling down the pit should you accidentally trigger a trap door.
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'''Generation:''' May be randomly generated at any dungeon level. Trap doors cannot be randomly generated on levels with non-diggable floors such as the [[Vibrating square]] level or the [[Castle]], although the Castle contains several statically placed trap doors. If the floor is non-diggable, the trap door is replaced with a falling rock trap. Cannot be generated beneath a boulder.
  
 
'''To remove:''' Push a [[boulder]] into it, or zap a [[wand of locking]] downward.
 
'''To remove:''' Push a [[boulder]] into it, or zap a [[wand of locking]] downward.
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* If a bugbear or an owlbear gets stuck in a web outside your sight, then you will hear "the roaring of a confused bear".
 
* If a bugbear or an owlbear gets stuck in a web outside your sight, then you will hear "the roaring of a confused bear".
  
These traps won't be generated randomly before dungeon level 7. This is the only trap to use the " symbol, rather than the ^ symbol. Attempting to untrap stuck monsters risks trapping you and spreading the web.
+
This is the only trap to use the " symbol, rather than the ^ symbol. Attempting to untrap stuck monsters risks trapping you and spreading the web.
  
 
You can produce webs with the [[Monster (command)|#monster]] command if you are a [[spider]].  All web-related messages are lovingly crafted to reflect whether things are happening to "your web" or "a spider web".
 
You can produce webs with the [[Monster (command)|#monster]] command if you are a [[spider]].  All web-related messages are lovingly crafted to reflect whether things are happening to "your web" or "a spider web".
 +
 +
'''Generation:''' Never randomly generated above dungeon level 7. For each web trap generated randomly, a giant spider is also generated.
  
 
'''To remove:''' #untrap (difficult), or walk in while wearing [[gauntlets of power]] or burn it away with a [[wand of fire]].
 
'''To remove:''' #untrap (difficult), or walk in while wearing [[gauntlets of power]] or burn it away with a [[wand of fire]].
 +
 
=== Encyclopedia entry ===
 
=== Encyclopedia entry ===
 
  Oh what a tangled we we weave,
 
  Oh what a tangled we we weave,

Revision as of 20:35, 21 May 2008

Beware of traps! When you step on one, it activates: for example, a rock falls from the ceiling, a boulder is released, a dart is fired, or a flash of light blinds you.

To detect hidden traps, search for them or read a scroll of gold detection while confused.


^ Anti-magic field Anti-magic field.png

This trap will drain between 2 and your experience level + 1 points of your spell power. If this would cause your spell power to go below zero, your maximum spell power will be permanently reduced as well![1]

Magic resistance will protect your spell power from being drained.

Anti-magic fields have no effect if your maximum spell power is zero.

Generation: May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.

To remove: Dig a pit into the ground while standing on the trap, then fill the pit.

^ Arrow trap Arrow trap.png

These fire arrows at you, which generally do 1d6 damage, and can be a useful source of arrows. While standing on or adjacent to the square with the trap, try using the #untrap command. You might fail a few times as a few more arrows hit you, but if you are lucky, you will obtain a large supply of arrows.

Generation: May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.

To remove: #untrap, or trigger it repeatedly until it runs out of arrows ("You hear a loud click!")

^ Bear trap Bear trap.png

A bear trap renders you immobile for several turns. During this time, you can attack and be attacked, but you cannot move from the spot. When caught in a bear trap, you are unable to kick. For some reason, escaping a bear trap is 5 times more likely when moving diagonally than when moving orthogonally.[2]

It is possible to #untrap a bear trap. If successful, it will appear as a beartrap on the dungeon floor. You may then pick it up and apply it to a new location. If unsuccessful, you will become trapped. If a bugbear or an owlbear gets stuck in a bear trap outside your sight, then you will hear "the roaring of an angry bear".

Generation: May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.

To remove: #untrap, or eat the trap as a metallivore.

^ Dart trap Dart trap.png

Similar to an arrow trap, but with darts. Darts will generally do 1d3 damage. Darts can be poisoned (1 in 6 chance), so be careful. Disarming a dart trap will recover a large stack of darts, but this should probably not be attempted by characters lacking poison resistance.

Generation: May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.

To remove: #untrap, or trigger it repeatedly until it runs out of darts ("You hear a soft click.")

^ Fire trap Fire trap.png

This will set off a column of flame underneath you, causing significant damage and a permanent drop in maximum HP to those without the fire resistance intrinsic. There is also a chance of carried scrolls and spellbooks burning, potions boiling, and armor being burnt.

Generation: Fire traps are only randomly generated in Gehennom, the Plane of Fire and some quests, notably the Valkyrie quest. Early characters can, however, suffer the same effects from trapped boxes and chests as well as magic traps. In Gehennom, fire trap generation is increased. 1/5th (20%) of all randomly generated traps in Gehennom are guaranteed to be fire traps.

To remove: Dig a pit into the ground while standing on the trap, then fill the pit.

^ Hole Hole.png

Main article: Hole

Holes simply drop you down a number of levels. 2-3 levels is a typical fall distance, but there is no upper limit, bar extreme improbability, on how many levels it is possible to fall through, although you won't fall beyond the Castle.

The same hole is not guaranteed to lead to the same location, or even the same level, even if an object, monster or pet went through it immediately before you.

Generation: Hole traps are much less likely to be randomly generated than other eligible types. Only 1 in 7 attempts to randomly place a hole trap will succeed. Hole traps cannot be randomly generated on levels with non-diggable floors such as the Vibrating square level or the Castle. If the floor is non-diggable, the hole trap is replaced with a falling rock trap. Cannot be generated beneath a boulder.

To remove: Push a boulder into it.

^ Magic trap Magic trap.png

Main article: Magic trap

The effects of magic traps are many and varied...

Generation: May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.

To remove: Trigger it repeatedly until it explodes.

^ Falling rock trap Falling rock trap.png

This triggers a falling rock, which hits you on the head for 6-12 damage, unless you are wearing some kind of hard hat, in which case the damage is reduced to 2. The rock stays on the ground, so it is possible to use them as a rock source, although the trap will be exhausted eventually.

Early pet deaths are often due to this type of trap, earning it the nickname of "Puppy Pounder".

Generation: May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.

To remove: Trigger it repeatedly until it runs out of rocks.

^ Land mine Land mine.png

Land mines are hidden explosives, especially common in the Fort Ludios. They wound your legs and create a pit in which you fall after the explosion. You may #untrap a land mine from next to it, pick it up and install it elsewhere, just like with a bear trap.

Generation: Never randomly generated above dungeon level 6.

To remove: #untrap, or just set it off (although the latter will replace it with a pit).

^ Level teleporter Level teleporter.png

This teleports you to a random location on a random level. You will rarely be teleported further down than you have already explored. After a successful teleport of the player it vanishes.

Generation: Never randomly generated above dungeon level 5, nor on a non-teleport level.

To remove: Set it off personally; it is not removed when a pet or monster triggers it.

^ Pit Pit.png

Pits in the ground open up when you walk over them, causing 1-6 damage. This will also abuse strength and dexterity. They require 3-7 turns to "climb to the edge" and escape. While in the pit, any light source you are carrying will not travel beyond the walls of the pit.

Generation: May be randomly generated at any dungeon level. Cannot be generated beneath a boulder.

To remove: Push a boulder into it.

Encyclopedia entry

Amid the thought of the fiery destruction that impended, the
idea of the coolness of the well came over my soul like balm.
I rushed to its deadly brink.  I threw my straining vision
below.  The glare from the enkindled roof illumined its inmost
recesses.  Yet, for a wild moment, did my spirit refuse to
comprehend the meaning of what I saw.  At length it forced --
it wrestled its way into my soul -- it burned itself in upon my
shuddering reason.  Oh! for a voice to speak! -- oh! horror! --
oh! any horror but this!
        [ The Pit and the Pendulum, by Edgar Allan Poe ]

^ Polymorph trap Polymorph trap.png

Main article: Polymorph trap

A polymorph trap turns you into another monster for a limited time. Monsters can make use of them too. After a successful polymorph of the player it vanishes.

Generation: Never randomly generated above dungeon level 8.

To remove: Set it off personally; it is not removed when a pet or monster triggers it.

^ Magic portal Magic portal.png

This uses the ^ symbol, and is therefore a kind of trap. They are used to transport you between dungeon branches, and between the elemental planes. Temporary portals are generated by the Eye of the Aethiopica.

Generation: Never randomly generated.

To remove: This trap cannot be removed, although the portal to your quest disappears if you are rejected with prejudice.

Encyclopedia entry

Portals can be Mirrors, Pictures, Standing Stones, Stone
Circles, Windows, and special gates set up for the purpose.
You will travel through them both to distant parts of the
continent and to and from our own world.  The precise manner
of their working is a Management secret.
[ The Tough Guide to Fantasyland, by Diana Wynne Jones ]

^ Rolling boulder trap Rolling boulder trap.png

This is a trap in two parts. The actual trap is a switch, which when activated by stepping on it, sets a nearby boulder rolling towards you. The existence of these traps can sometimes be inferred by an incongruously placed boulder in a room. The boulder may be placed such that there is a wall between it and the trap.

Generation: Never randomly generated above dungeon level 2.

To remove: Destroy the boulder or move it out of line with the trap, then set it off to formally remove it.

^ Rust trap Rust trap.png

This trap will spray you with water, rusting any rustable items you have on where it hits. Gremlins like to use these traps to multiply.

Generation: May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.

To remove: Dig a pit into the ground while standing on the trap, then fill the pit. In SLASH'EM, #untrapping a rust trap will, if successful, turn the trap into a fountain.

^ Sleeping gas trap Sleeping gas trap.png

This trap makes you fall asleep for up to 25 turns, unless you're polymorphed into a monster that doesn't breathe, or have sleep resistance.

Generation: Never randomly generated above dungeon level 2.

To remove: Dig a pit into the ground while standing on the trap, then fill the pit.

^ Spiked pit Spiked pit.png

These are just pits which do 1-10 damage. The spikes are sometimes (1 in 6 chance) poisoned, which can be fatal for a character without poison resistance. Note that the chance of spikes being poisoned is re-randomized every time you fall on them, not per spiked pit. Metallivores can eat the spikes out of a spiked pit, turning it in to a normal pit.

WARNING: Pets that fall in to a pit can be helped out by standing adjacent to the pit and untrapping in the direction of the pit. When you do this with a spiked pit, if you fail to remove your pet, they will suffer the effects of falling on to spikes each time you fail, making them angry (reducing their tameness) and counting as abuse for resurrection from the wand of undead turning. If they die at your hands, you suffer the consequences of killing them in a trap yourself (-15 alignment and an angry god).

Generation: Never randomly generated above dungeon level 5. Cannot be generated beneath a boulder.

To remove: Push a boulder into it.

^ Squeaky board Squeaky board.png

A squeaky board alerts monsters to your presence. If a monster steps on a squeaky board on your level, you "hear a distant squeaking sound".

Generation: May be randomly generated at any dungeon level.

To remove: #untrap, but you must select a potion of oil (which will be consumed) or a charged can of grease (one charge will be consumed).

^ Statue trap Statue trap.png

Statue traps look like normal statues of a monster, until you try to walk on the same square as one. When you walk on one, it will transform into the monster it was posing as. A statue trap can also be discovered by searching, applying a stethoscope, or a pick-axe.

Generation: Never randomly generated above dungeon level 8.

To remove: Set it off. A statue trap is a monster, not a statue, so a wand of striking/force bolt will not (necessarily) dispose of it.

^ Teleportation trap Teleportation trap.png

This teleports you to a random location on the map, unless it is a vault teleporter located in a closet behind ad aerarium, in which case you are teleported to the vault.

Generation: Never randomly generated on a non-teleport level.

To remove: This trap cannot be removed, unless it is located behind ad aerarium, in which case it will disappear after use.

^ Trap door Trap door.png

A trap door is a hidden door located in the floor. When triggered the door falls open and creates a hole that drops anything over it onto a random spot in the dungeon level below. They are sometimes found in closets, with "Vlad was here" engraved in front of the door.

One technique of dealing with this problem is to go down any stairs you encounter and then go up. This way, if you should ever fall down to that level you will know where the exit is. A high dexterity status will reduce your chances of falling down the pit should you accidentally trigger a trap door.

Generation: May be randomly generated at any dungeon level. Trap doors cannot be randomly generated on levels with non-diggable floors such as the Vibrating square level or the Castle, although the Castle contains several statically placed trap doors. If the floor is non-diggable, the trap door is replaced with a falling rock trap. Cannot be generated beneath a boulder.

To remove: Push a boulder into it, or zap a wand of locking downward.

Encyclopedia entry

I knew my Erik too well to feel at all comfortable on jumping
into his house.  I knew what he had made of a certain palace at
Mazenderan.  From being the most honest building conceivable, he
soon turned it into a house of the very devil, where you could
not utter a word but it was overheard or repeated by an echo.
With his trap-doors the monster was responsible for endless
tragedies of all kinds.
        [ The Phantom of the Opera, by Gaston Leroux ]

" Web Web.png

A spider web is a rare type of non-magical trap.

  • If you "stumble into a spider web", you will be unable to escape it for 0-12 turns, depending on your strength.
  • If your strength was high enough to escape in 0 turns, then "You tear through a web!" and the web is destroyed.
  • If you are wielding Sting, you always escape in 1 turn ("Sting cuts through the web!"), and the web remains
  • If you are polymorphed into an amoeboid or whirly form, a web will not stick to you. ("You flow through the spider web")
  • If you are polymorphed into a acidic monster or fire elemental, you burn or dissolve the web. This should also be the case for gelatinous cubes, but there is a bug.
  • If you are polymorphed into a spider, you walk over the web without being trapped.
  • If a bugbear or an owlbear gets stuck in a web outside your sight, then you will hear "the roaring of a confused bear".

This is the only trap to use the " symbol, rather than the ^ symbol. Attempting to untrap stuck monsters risks trapping you and spreading the web.

You can produce webs with the #monster command if you are a spider. All web-related messages are lovingly crafted to reflect whether things are happening to "your web" or "a spider web".

Generation: Never randomly generated above dungeon level 7. For each web trap generated randomly, a giant spider is also generated.

To remove: #untrap (difficult), or walk in while wearing gauntlets of power or burn it away with a wand of fire.

Encyclopedia entry

Oh what a tangled we we weave,
When first we practise to decieve!
        [ Marmion, by Sir Walter Scott ]

Container traps

Containers can be searched with the #untrap command. A high luck can be helpful in avoiding the effects of container traps. Bad luck increases the likelihood of more dangerous traps. Be careful of trapped containers in shops, you will be charged for any items that are destroyed if you set off a trap that damages the merchandise. Container traps include:

Door traps

Trapped doors (and rarely, cursed tins) will explode when opened ("KABOOM!! The <object> was booby-trapped!"), causing damage, abusing strength and possibly constitution, and stunning you. The damage and duration of the stun depend on a number of factors, including (but not limited to) your level and how deep you have been in the dungeon.

Strategy

Avoiding traps in the dungeon takes patience and care. You can minimize your chances of stepping on a trap by paying close attention to monsters, pets, noises, and terrain. Be wary for the telltale signs of traps such as conspicuous boulders, suspicious corpses, or piles of rocks, darts or arrows. By walking only where you have seen pets or monsters safely walk, you can avoid most traps. Remember where you have safely stepped before. Elbereth can cause monsters to flee, possibly uncovering traps as they do. A leashed pet will whine if it is near a trap. Magic resistance and fire resistance can help nullify some of the more dangerous effects of traps.

The search command is a great way to uncover traps without setting them off. #Untrap can be used on doors and containers. You can improve your chances for finding traps if you:

Some items can be useful in detecting traps, although they may have better uses elsewhere:


Source code references