Difference between revisions of "Trapper"

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A '''trapper''', {{monsym|trapper}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is one of the two eponymous monsters that make up the [[trapper or lurker above]] [[monster class]]. The trapper has a slightly stronger [[digestion attack]] compared to the lurker above, but cannot [[fly]] and instead [[hide]]s itself on the floor of the dungeon to take its targets by surprise.
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A '''trapper''', {{monsym|trapper}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is one of the two eponymous monsters that make up the [[trapper or lurker above]] [[monster class]]. The trapper has a slightly stronger [[digestion attack]] compared to the [[lurker above]], but cannot [[fly]] and instead [[hide]]s itself on the floor of the dungeon to take its targets by surprise.
  
 
==Generation==
 
==Generation==
 
Trappers are always generated hostile.
 
Trappers are always generated hostile.
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The [[Wizard of Yendor]] may create a clone of himself in the guise of a trapper via the [[Double Trouble]] [[monster spell]].
  
 
==Strategy==
 
==Strategy==
Like the lurker above, a trapper can easily be detected via [[telepathy]] or [[warning]], and its very low speed of 3 makes them less threatening, especially if you are decently equipped. However, do not let any of your [[pet]]s near one - digestion attacks will instantly kill pets, so be sure to scout for trappers beforehand when navigating a floor.
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Like lurkers above, trappers can easily be detected via [[telepathy]] or [[warning]], and their very low speed of 3 makes them nonthreatening, especially if you are decently equipped. However, do not let any of your [[pet]]s near one - digestion attacks will instantly kill pets that are small enough, so be sure to scout for trappers beforehand when navigating a floor.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
The trapper first appears in Hack for PDP-11, a variant of [[Jay Fenlason's Hack]], and is included in the initial bestiary for [[Hack 1.0]].
 
The trapper first appears in Hack for PDP-11, a variant of [[Jay Fenlason's Hack]], and is included in the initial bestiary for [[Hack 1.0]].
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From these versions to [[NetHack 2.3e]], the trapper used the [[comma]], {{white|,}}, as its glyph; [[NetHack 3.0.0]] moves the trapper to its current glyph.
  
 
==Origin==
 
==Origin==
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The trapper is a carnivorous relative of the lurker, being a large and flat manta ray-like creature with tough exterior skin that resembles stone in density and texture. The average trapper's body covers over 400 square feet (37 square meters) and could grow as large as 600 square feet (56 square meters). Trappers are primarily found in caves, caverns, and dark locations such as dungeons, and can attach themselves to walls and ceilings with ease, mimicking their surroundings by shapeshifting the texture and color of their outer body to blend in with earthen, stone, or wooden surfaces.
 
The trapper is a carnivorous relative of the lurker, being a large and flat manta ray-like creature with tough exterior skin that resembles stone in density and texture. The average trapper's body covers over 400 square feet (37 square meters) and could grow as large as 600 square feet (56 square meters). Trappers are primarily found in caves, caverns, and dark locations such as dungeons, and can attach themselves to walls and ceilings with ease, mimicking their surroundings by shapeshifting the texture and color of their outer body to blend in with earthen, stone, or wooden surfaces.
  
When hunting, a trapper often forms a box-like protrusion in their center to lure in prey: Whenever an unwary victim wandered near or onto the center of their body, the trapper attacks by forming a ball around them in order to crush and smother them to death; a trapper will not release its prey unless facing certain death or killed outright. The trapper remains in ball shape while it digests its victim's flesh, leaving bones, metal and other indigestible materials where the prey once stood. Trappers are known to use the remains of previous victims as bait, and hibernate whenever prey became scarce (though they would remain aware of anything that approached them); they also remain in an area for extended periods of time if food was plentiful.
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Trappers often form a box-like protrusion in their center to lure prey near or onto the center of their body; once a victim is close enough, the trapper strikes and forms a ball around them in order to crush and smother them to death. A trapper will not release its prey unless facing certain death or killed outright. Once the prey is killed, its flesh is digested - bones, metal and other indigestible materials are left where it once stood; trappers are known to use these remains as bait, and hibernate whenever prey became scarce (though they remain aware of anything that approaches them). A trapper will also remain in an area for extended periods of time if food is plentiful.
  
 
In the 3rd and 4th Editions, trappers and their lurker 'relatives' were eventually phased out in favor of the similar darkmantle, though they would return alongside it for the 5th Edition.
 
In the 3rd and 4th Editions, trappers and their lurker 'relatives' were eventually phased out in favor of the similar darkmantle, though they would return alongside it for the 5th Edition.
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==Variants==
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In variants that incorporate the [[Convict]] role, several trappers are generated on the lower filler level(s) of the [[Convict quest]] at level creation.
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===dNetHack===
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In [[dNetHack]], trappers can be repelled with the [[User:Chris/dNetHack/Elder Sign|Elder Sign]] and [[User:Chris/dNetHack/Cerulean Sign|Cerulean Sign]] [[ward]]s.
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===Hack'EM===
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In [[Hack'EM]], the trapper is [[mindless]] and thus cannot be detected with telepathy.
  
 
==Encyclopedia entry==
 
==Encyclopedia entry==

Latest revision as of 01:25, 23 August 2023

A trapper, t, is a type of monster that appears in NetHack. It is one of the two eponymous monsters that make up the trapper or lurker above monster class. The trapper has a slightly stronger digestion attack compared to the lurker above, but cannot fly and instead hides itself on the floor of the dungeon to take its targets by surprise.

Generation

Trappers are always generated hostile.

The Wizard of Yendor may create a clone of himself in the guise of a trapper via the Double Trouble monster spell.

Strategy

Like lurkers above, trappers can easily be detected via telepathy or warning, and their very low speed of 3 makes them nonthreatening, especially if you are decently equipped. However, do not let any of your pets near one - digestion attacks will instantly kill pets that are small enough, so be sure to scout for trappers beforehand when navigating a floor.

History

The trapper first appears in Hack for PDP-11, a variant of Jay Fenlason's Hack, and is included in the initial bestiary for Hack 1.0.

From these versions to NetHack 2.3e, the trapper used the comma, ,, as its glyph; NetHack 3.0.0 moves the trapper to its current glyph.

Origin

The trapper originates from Dungeons & Dragons, where it first appears in TSR Games' official newsletter The Strategic Review as an addition to the original 1974 edition's bestiary. It is one of the classic examples of the franchise's "gotcha monsters", creatures that are primarily designed with the purpose of tricking and killing adventuring parties - for this reason, both it and the lurker above are often ranked among the most obnoxious monsters by players.

The trapper is a carnivorous relative of the lurker, being a large and flat manta ray-like creature with tough exterior skin that resembles stone in density and texture. The average trapper's body covers over 400 square feet (37 square meters) and could grow as large as 600 square feet (56 square meters). Trappers are primarily found in caves, caverns, and dark locations such as dungeons, and can attach themselves to walls and ceilings with ease, mimicking their surroundings by shapeshifting the texture and color of their outer body to blend in with earthen, stone, or wooden surfaces.

Trappers often form a box-like protrusion in their center to lure prey near or onto the center of their body; once a victim is close enough, the trapper strikes and forms a ball around them in order to crush and smother them to death. A trapper will not release its prey unless facing certain death or killed outright. Once the prey is killed, its flesh is digested - bones, metal and other indigestible materials are left where it once stood; trappers are known to use these remains as bait, and hibernate whenever prey became scarce (though they remain aware of anything that approaches them). A trapper will also remain in an area for extended periods of time if food is plentiful.

In the 3rd and 4th Editions, trappers and their lurker 'relatives' were eventually phased out in favor of the similar darkmantle, though they would return alongside it for the 5th Edition.

Variants

In variants that incorporate the Convict role, several trappers are generated on the lower filler level(s) of the Convict quest at level creation.

dNetHack

In dNetHack, trappers can be repelled with the Elder Sign and Cerulean Sign wards.

Hack'EM

In Hack'EM, the trapper is mindless and thus cannot be detected with telepathy.

Encyclopedia entry

The trapper is a creature which has evolved a chameleon-like ability to blend into the dungeon surroundings. It captures its prey by remaining very still and blending into the surrounding dungeon features, until an unsuspecting creature passes by. It wraps itself around its prey and digests it.