Difference between revisions of "Uruk-hai"

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The '''Uruk-hai''', {{monsym|uruk-hai}}, is a form of [[Orc (monster class)|orc]] found in ''[[NetHack]]''. They are stronger and faster than both [[hill orc]]s and [[Mordor orc]]s.
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An '''Uruk-hai''', {{monsym|uruk-hai}}, is a type of monster that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. They are a [[strong]] type of [[Orc (monster class)|orc]] that are faster than [[Mordor orc]]s, but slower than [[hill orc]]s.
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{{upcoming|3.7.0|As part of resolving [https://github.com/NetHack/NetHack/issues/679 issue #679] regarding congruence between non-player monsters and their player counterparts, {{commit|b6a3d4b984eb118ddb02f1605d76b1010df76055|commit b6a3d4b}} gives [[poison resistance]] to all orcs, except for the [[goblin]] and [[hobgoblin]] (in order to distinguish them from other orcs). All strong orcs are also capped at 18/50 [[strength]] for purposes of polyself, with the exception of the Uruk-hai (whose form still provides 18/** strength).}}
  
 
==Generation==
 
==Generation==
Uruk-hai have independent {{frac|3}} chances of [[Monster starting inventory|generating with]] each of the following items: [[orcish cloak]], [[orcish short sword]], [[iron shoes]], [[orcish bow]] (with {{rn1|12|3}} [[poison]]ed [[orcish arrow]]s), and [[Uruk-hai shield]]. In addition, they have a {{frac|2}} chance of receiving an [[orcish helm]], as all orcs do.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|396|nethack=3.6.6}}
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Randomly generated Uruk-hai often appear in large [[group]]s, and may appear as peaceful towards player [[Orc (starting race)|orcs]]. Uruk-hai may appear among the hostile {{mcsl|o}} that generate in [[throne room]]s, as well as the various monsters that can be randomly generated by [[looting]] a throne while [[confused]] and carrying gold (provided there is no [[chest]] on the level). A Uruk-hai can [[grow up]] into an [[orc-captain]].
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Uruk-hai have a {{frac|3}} chance of [[Monster starting inventory|being generated with]] each of the following: an [[orcish cloak]], an [[orcish short sword]], a pair of [[iron shoes]], an [[orcish bow]] and stack of {{rn1|12|3}} [[poison]]ed [[orcish arrow]]s, and an [[Uruk-hai shield]].{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|412|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=armor and weapons for Uruk-hai}} They also have the standard {{frac|2}} chance of generating with an [[orcish helm]].{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|397|version=NetHack 3.6.7|comment=default orcish armor}}
  
The [[Orcish Town]] variant of Minetown features large numbers of named Uruk-Hai, which can also be encountered elsewhere in the [[Gnomish Mines]] and the main branch, and they will often have looted items such as [[key]]s, [[candles]] and depleted [[wands]] in their inventory.
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In a game that has [[Orcish Town]], large numbers of named Uruk-hai will appear within the town walls{{refsrc|dat/mines.des|177|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} - other named Uruk-hai can appear elsewhere in the [[Gnomish Mines]] and the main branch, carrying various looted items with them.{{refsrc|src/mkmaze.c|740|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mkmaze.c|797|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
  
== Strategy ==
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==Strategy==
:''See also: [[Hill orc#Strategy|Hill orc strategy]]''
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Uruk-hai hordes are usually the most threatening groups of orcs [[you]] can encounter in the early game: while not as heavily armored as Mordor orcs, they are somewhat faster, and their poisoned arrows can end your game instantly unless you have [[poison resistance]]. Fortunately, they are still quite slow compared to an unburdened player, especially one with [[speed]], and can still be beaten using similar strategies - even so, you will want to be decently armored and poison resistant to avoid a nasty [[instadeath]].
Like other orcs, the larger pool of equipment makes hordes of Uruk-hai more difficult to fight, and Uruk-hai are the fastest orcs to be generated in groups. However, they are still quite slow compared to an unburdened player and can still be beaten using similar strategies, though you will want to be decently armored and [[poison resistance|poison resistant]] to avoid a nasty [[instadeath]].
 
  
Drawing them into corridors is as viable as against any other group of orcs, but puts you at risk from poison arrow attacks; however, Uruk-hai lack poison resistance and are just as likely to hit each other with their arrows, if not more so. Facing an Uruk-Hai in melee will deter them from using their arrows, allowing you to pick them up and possibly use them against the rest once they are killed - this includes being felled by their comrades' shots. As with other orcs, Uruk-hai corpses can be a decent source of nutrition, and orcish characters may want to consider using them for sacrifices in Orcish Town.
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Drawing Uruk-hai into corridors is as viable as against any other group of orcs, since Uruk-hai lack poison resistance and are just as likely to hit each other with their arrows, if not more so. Facing an Uruk-Hai in melee will deter them from using their arrows, allowing you to pick them up and possibly use them against the rest once they are killed (including maneuvering them into being felled by their comrades' shots). As with other orcs, Uruk-hai corpses can be a decent source of nutrition, and orcish characters may want to consider using them for sacrifices in Orcish Town.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
The Uruk-hai first appears with the other types of orc in [[NetHack 3.0.0]].
 
The Uruk-hai first appears with the other types of orc in [[NetHack 3.0.0]].
 +
 +
From [[NetHack 3.1.0]] to [[NetHack 3.2.3]], Uruk-hai were the first [[quest]] monster for the [[Elf quest]], composing 55% of randomly generated monsters in the branch, and each level of the quest also generated some Uruk-hai at level creation: six on the home level, one in the upper filler level, three on the locate level, four in the lower filler level(s), and six on the goal level.
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The [[Hobbit quest]] in those versions also generated some Uruk-hai at level creation on some floors: one on the home level, four on the locate level, and two in the lower filler level(s).
  
 
==Origin==
 
==Origin==
 
{{Wikipedia|Uruk-hai}}
 
{{Wikipedia|Uruk-hai}}
Like the other orcs of ''NetHack'', the Uruk-hai are derived from ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', which in turn are based on their portrayal in [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s world of Middle-earth; they first appear in the setting's Third Age as a need breed of Orc that was larger, more powerful and did not share the aversion to daylight common to other orcs.
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Like the other orcs of ''NetHack'', the Uruk-hai are based on their portrayal in [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s world of Middle-earth. Described as "black orcs of great strength", they first appear in the setting's Third Age as a new breed of orc that was larger, faster, more powerful, and did not have the aversion to daylight that was common among other orcs.
 +
 
 +
Many Uruks were among the orcs of Mordor that served under Sauron, while others were in the service of Saruman's forces - these latter Uruks are the basis for the Uruk-hai of ''NetHack'', particularly the company seen guarding the tower of Isengard. The Uruks in Isengard bore an "S"-shaped elf-rune wrought in white metal on the front of their iron helms, and their shields bore a small White Hand of Saruman centered on a black field (as opposed to the [[red-eyed shield]]s of Sauron's armies). Aragorn commented that their gear was quite unlike those of other orcs: they used short, broad-bladed swords as opposed to curved scimitars, along with great bows (i.e. orcish bows) made of yew wood and built similarly to human bows.
 +
 
 +
While various orcs appear in ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', Uruk-hai in particular are not among them, though they may be the inspiration for orog, the offspring of male orcs and female ogres that are stronger, more intelligent, and more highly disciplined than the typical orcs they live among.
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
 
===SLASH'EM===
 
===SLASH'EM===
In [[SLASH'EM]] and derived variants such as [[SlashTHEM]], five Uruk-hai appear in the halls of [[Grund's Stronghold]].
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In [[SLASH'EM]], Uruk-hai will be given an orcish dagger if they do not generate with an orcish short sword.
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Five Uruk-hai appear in the halls of [[Grund's Stronghold]].
  
 
===UnNetHack===
 
===UnNetHack===
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===dNetHack===
 
===dNetHack===
In [[dNetHack]], Uruk-hai are regarded as human for purposes of [[sacrifice]] and [[cannibalism]].
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In [[dNetHack]], Uruk-hai are regarded as human for purposes of [[sacrifice]] and [[cannibalism]], and will grow up into [[Uruk-captain]]s rather than standard [[orc-captain]]s; randomly generated Uruk-captains will always have an accompanying group of Uruk-hai.
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===xNetHack===
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In [[xNetHack]], Uruk-hai instead instead has a {{frac|3}} chance of either generating with an orcish short sword ({{frac|2|3}} chance) or an [[orcish spear]] ({{frac||3}} chance). They can still generate with iron shoes, which are renamed to [[dwarvish boots]] - a comment in the code suggest that Uruk-hai steal these boots from dwarves.
  
 
===EvilHack===
 
===EvilHack===
In [[EvilHack]], Uruk-hai are capable of entering [[berserker rage]]s; this increases its damage for that round of attacks, but also makes it possible that they might hit other monsters around them.
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In [[EvilHack]], Uruk-hai are generated with [[orcish boots]] instead of iron shoes (which are now dwarvish boots). They are capable of entering [[berserker rage]]s, increasing its damage for that round of attacks but making them likely to hit monsters around them other than their intended target.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
{{nethack-366}}
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{{nethack-367}}
 
[[Category:Monsters]]
 
[[Category:Monsters]]

Revision as of 22:43, 3 August 2023

An Uruk-hai, o, is a type of monster that appears in NetHack. They are a strong type of orc that are faster than Mordor orcs, but slower than hill orcs.

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.

As part of resolving issue #679 regarding congruence between non-player monsters and their player counterparts, commit b6a3d4b gives poison resistance to all orcs, except for the goblin and hobgoblin (in order to distinguish them from other orcs). All strong orcs are also capped at 18/50 strength for purposes of polyself, with the exception of the Uruk-hai (whose form still provides 18/** strength).

Generation

Randomly generated Uruk-hai often appear in large groups, and may appear as peaceful towards player orcs. Uruk-hai may appear among the hostile o that generate in throne rooms, as well as the various monsters that can be randomly generated by looting a throne while confused and carrying gold (provided there is no chest on the level). A Uruk-hai can grow up into an orc-captain.

Uruk-hai have a 13 chance of being generated with each of the following: an orcish cloak, an orcish short sword, a pair of iron shoes, an orcish bow and stack of 3–14 poisoned orcish arrows, and an Uruk-hai shield.[1] They also have the standard 12 chance of generating with an orcish helm.[2]

In a game that has Orcish Town, large numbers of named Uruk-hai will appear within the town walls[3] - other named Uruk-hai can appear elsewhere in the Gnomish Mines and the main branch, carrying various looted items with them.[4][5]

Strategy

Uruk-hai hordes are usually the most threatening groups of orcs you can encounter in the early game: while not as heavily armored as Mordor orcs, they are somewhat faster, and their poisoned arrows can end your game instantly unless you have poison resistance. Fortunately, they are still quite slow compared to an unburdened player, especially one with speed, and can still be beaten using similar strategies - even so, you will want to be decently armored and poison resistant to avoid a nasty instadeath.

Drawing Uruk-hai into corridors is as viable as against any other group of orcs, since Uruk-hai lack poison resistance and are just as likely to hit each other with their arrows, if not more so. Facing an Uruk-Hai in melee will deter them from using their arrows, allowing you to pick them up and possibly use them against the rest once they are killed (including maneuvering them into being felled by their comrades' shots). As with other orcs, Uruk-hai corpses can be a decent source of nutrition, and orcish characters may want to consider using them for sacrifices in Orcish Town.

History

The Uruk-hai first appears with the other types of orc in NetHack 3.0.0.

From NetHack 3.1.0 to NetHack 3.2.3, Uruk-hai were the first quest monster for the Elf quest, composing 55% of randomly generated monsters in the branch, and each level of the quest also generated some Uruk-hai at level creation: six on the home level, one in the upper filler level, three on the locate level, four in the lower filler level(s), and six on the goal level.

The Hobbit quest in those versions also generated some Uruk-hai at level creation on some floors: one on the home level, four on the locate level, and two in the lower filler level(s).

Origin

Like the other orcs of NetHack, the Uruk-hai are based on their portrayal in J. R. R. Tolkien's world of Middle-earth. Described as "black orcs of great strength", they first appear in the setting's Third Age as a new breed of orc that was larger, faster, more powerful, and did not have the aversion to daylight that was common among other orcs.

Many Uruks were among the orcs of Mordor that served under Sauron, while others were in the service of Saruman's forces - these latter Uruks are the basis for the Uruk-hai of NetHack, particularly the company seen guarding the tower of Isengard. The Uruks in Isengard bore an "S"-shaped elf-rune wrought in white metal on the front of their iron helms, and their shields bore a small White Hand of Saruman centered on a black field (as opposed to the red-eyed shields of Sauron's armies). Aragorn commented that their gear was quite unlike those of other orcs: they used short, broad-bladed swords as opposed to curved scimitars, along with great bows (i.e. orcish bows) made of yew wood and built similarly to human bows.

While various orcs appear in Dungeons & Dragons, Uruk-hai in particular are not among them, though they may be the inspiration for orog, the offspring of male orcs and female ogres that are stronger, more intelligent, and more highly disciplined than the typical orcs they live among.

Variants

SLASH'EM

In SLASH'EM, Uruk-hai will be given an orcish dagger if they do not generate with an orcish short sword.

Five Uruk-hai appear in the halls of Grund's Stronghold.

UnNetHack

In UnNetHack, Uruk-hai are likely to be among the random orcs generated on each floor of the Ruins of Moria branch.

dNetHack

In dNetHack, Uruk-hai are regarded as human for purposes of sacrifice and cannibalism, and will grow up into Uruk-captains rather than standard orc-captains; randomly generated Uruk-captains will always have an accompanying group of Uruk-hai.

xNetHack

In xNetHack, Uruk-hai instead instead has a 13 chance of either generating with an orcish short sword (23 chance) or an orcish spear (3 chance). They can still generate with iron shoes, which are renamed to dwarvish boots - a comment in the code suggest that Uruk-hai steal these boots from dwarves.

EvilHack

In EvilHack, Uruk-hai are generated with orcish boots instead of iron shoes (which are now dwarvish boots). They are capable of entering berserker rages, increasing its damage for that round of attacks but making them likely to hit monsters around them other than their intended target.

References