Difference between revisions of "Vrock"

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The '''vrock''', {{monsym|vrock}}, is a type of major [[demon]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. As implied by its encyclopedia entry, it is among the weaker demons encountered in the game.
+
A '''vrock''', {{monsym|vrock}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. The vrock is a [[major demon]] that has [[infravision]], can be seen via infravision and will follow the [[player]] character to other levels if it is adjacent.
  
−
{{upcoming|3.7.0|Per [https://github.com/NetHack/NetHack/commit/4b525374d039420916be2f002f5d32a98c046996 commit 4b52537]: vrocks can now emit a plume of [[poison clouds]] when fleeing, similar to the [[scroll of stinking cloud]].}}
+
{{upcoming|3.7.0|Per [https://github.com/NetHack/NetHack/commit/4b525374d039420916be2f002f5d32a98c046996 commit 4b52537]: vrocks can now emit a plume of [[poison cloud]]s when fleeing, similar to the [[scroll of stinking cloud]].}}
  
 
==Generation==
 
==Generation==
−
Vrocks are randomly generated in [[Gehennom]], and may be created in small [[group]]s of 2-4 {{frac|2}} of the time; they may also be generated when a [[graveyard]] is created. The vrock is also a valid [[polymorph]] form, and so may appear in other branches of the dungeon due to [[polymorph trap]]s.
+
Vrocks are randomly generated only in [[Gehennom]], and may be created in small [[group]]s of 2-4 {{frac|2}} of the time; they may also be among the demons generated when a [[graveyard]] is created. The vrock is also a valid [[polymorph]] form, and so may appear in other branches of the dungeon due to [[polymorph trap]]s.
  
 
Vrocks are eligible for [[gating]] by other major demons, and may appear as the [[minion]] of a chaotic [[god]] or [[Moloch]].
 
Vrocks are eligible for [[gating]] by other major demons, and may appear as the [[minion]] of a chaotic [[god]] or [[Moloch]].
  
 
==Strategy==
 
==Strategy==
−
Vrocks have a decent [[AC]] of 0, move at the same [[speed]] as an un-hasted, unburdened hero and possess five attacks per move. Despite its supposed weakness, all of these can be deadly to an unprepared player: they are capable of gating and are notorious for summoning even more vrocks, potentially filling the area and cornering you.
+
Vrocks have a decent [[AC]] of 0, move at the same [[speed]] as an un-hasted, unburdened hero and possess five attacks per turn. Despite their relative weakness compared to other demons, these make vrocks potentially deadly to a player facing them early due to polymorph traps: they are notorious for gating in even more vrocks, potentially filling the area and cornering you. Though a decently enchanted weapon and solid AC can be enough, the quicker you can eliminate an unexpected vrock, the better; they are much easier to deal with in Gehennom, by which point you will have much more AC and a highly enchanted blessed and/or silver weapon.
−
 
 
−
This is mostly mitigated by the fact that you will typically not meet one until Gehennom, but polymorph traps make facing vrocks a possibility in deeper branches and floors. Though a decently enchanted weapon and solid AC can be enough, the quicker you can eliminate an unexpected vrock, the better. They are much easier to deal with in Gehennom, by which point you will have much more AC and a highly enchanted blessed and/or silver weapon.
 
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
The vrock first appears with many other demons in [[NetHack 3.0.0]].
 
The vrock first appears with many other demons in [[NetHack 3.0.0]].
 +
 +
==Origin==
 +
Vrocks (pronounced: /vrɑːkz/, ''vrahkz'') originate from ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', where they were also known as "type I demons"; they are described as bestial and appear as crosses between humanoids and vultures, as indicated by their tile and encyclopedia entry. Vrocks are brutish demons that enjoy fighting, and are capricious and selfish even by the standards of other demons – nonetheless, small flocks are more than capable of coordination and group tactics.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20161031212919/http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/tt/20060606a Minions of the Abyss (Part 1): Winning Tactics Against Vrocks] by Eric Cagle</ref>
 +
 +
Vrocks can emit bloodcurdling screeches loud enough to cause nearby victims physical pain and daze them; this is employed as a means of securing escape rather than an offensive tool. Vrocks can also release clouds of tiny poisonous spores from their wings that grew into thick vine-like structures after burrowing under the skin of those nearby.
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
−
===Lethe patch===
+
<simpletabs>
−
In the [[Lethe patch]], the revised [[Gehennom (Lethe patch)|Gehennom]] has a vrock appear in [[Yeenoghu]]'s fortress.
+
Lethe patch|In the [[Lethe patch]], the revised [[Gehennom (Lethe patch)|Gehennom]] has a vrock appear in [[Yeenoghu]]'s fortress.
 +
|-|
 +
SLASH'EM|{{monster
 +
|difficulty=11
 +
|level=8
 +
|experience=176
 +
|speed=12
 +
|AC=0
 +
|MR=50
 +
|align=-9
 +
|frequency=2
 +
|genocidable=No
 +
|attacks=Claw 1d4, claw 1d4, claw 1d8, claw 1d8, bite 1d6
 +
|weight=1450
 +
|nutr=400
 +
|size=Large
 +
|resistances=Fire, poison
 +
|resistances conveyed=None
 +
|attributes={{attributes|A vrock|pois=1|demon=1|stalk=1|hostile=1|nasty=1|infravisible=1|infravision=1|nocorpse=1|hell=1|sgroup=1|traitor=1}}
 +
|reference=[[SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2/monst.c#line4115]]
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
In [[SLASH'EM]], vrocks are considered [[traitor]]s like many other demons, and may turn against you while [[tame]].
 +
 
 +
A vrock is among the many demons generated in [[The Temple of Moloch]] upon level creation.
 +
|-|
 +
dNetHack|{{monster
 +
|name=vrock
 +
|symbol={{green|&}}
 +
|tile=
 +
|difficulty=11
 +
|level=8
 +
|experience=213
 +
|speed=12
 +
|AC=0
 +
|MR=50
 +
|align=-9
 +
|frequency=2
 +
|genocidable=No
 +
|attacks=Weapon 1d9 physical, Claw 1d17 physical, Bite 1d13 physical
 +
|weight=1450
 +
|nutr=400
 +
|size=large
 +
|resistances=[[fire]], [[poison]]
 +
|resistances conveyed=[[fire]], [[cold]]
 +
|attributes={{attributes|A vrock|fly=1|pois=1|demon=1|hostile=1|stalk=1|nasty=1|strong=1|collect=1|infravision=1|infravisible=1|hell=1|sgroup=1|nocorpse=1|death=1|traitor=1|notame=1
 +
}}
 +
|reference=[https://github.com/Chris-plus-alphanumericgibberish/dNAO/blob/compat-3.21.1/src/monst.c#L6043 dNetHack src/monst.c, line 6043]
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
In [[dNetHack]], vrocks are described with a more animal-like anatomy to reflect their vulture-like features; their base experience is increased, and they have three damage dice instead of five, though the dice themselves are stronger and include a weapon attack. Vrocks are [[strong]] and capable of using [[polearm]]s in melee, have 10 points of natural damage reduction, and emit a [[stun]]-inducing shriek while retreating.
 +
 
 +
===Generation===
 +
Vrock are more widespread throughout Gehennom and other levels:
 +
 
 +
* A vrock generates in The Temple of Moloch's main area on level creation, as in SLASH'EM.
 +
* A vrock is generated on the Mordor Fortress floor of the [[Mordor Ruins Quest|Mordor Ruins]] [[Chaos Quest (dNetHack)|Chaos Quest]].
 +
* Many are generated on the third variant map of Brine Flats's third floor within Gehennom.
 +
* The vaults of [[Lolth]] have four vrocks within the "upstairs" portal room.
  
−
===SLASH'EM===
+
Vrocks are one of the demons that can be summoned by reading the [[Necronomicon]], with a {{frac|2|15}} chance.
−
In [[SLASH'EM]], a vrock is one of the demons generated in [[The Temple of Moloch]].
 
  
−
===dNetHack===
+
[[Shalosh tannah]] have a {{frac|9}} chance of producing [[strange larva]]e each turn that can quickly grow into vrocks and other major demons with organic equipment.
−
In [[dNetHack]], [[shalosh tannah]] have a {{frac|9}} chance of producing strange larvae that can quickly grow into vrocks and other major demons with organic equipment. A vrock also generates in The Temple of Moloch's main area as in SLASH'EM.
+
</simpletabs>
  
 
==Encyclopaedia entry==
 
==Encyclopaedia entry==
 
{{encyclopedia|
 
{{encyclopedia|
−
The vrock is one of the weaker forms of demon.  It resembles
+
The vrock is one of the weaker forms of demon.  It resembles a cross between a human being and a vulture and does physical damage by biting and by using the claws on both its arms and feet.
−
a cross between a human being and a vulture and does physical
 
−
damage by biting and by using the claws on both its arms and
 
−
feet.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  

Latest revision as of 06:46, 14 February 2024

& vrock Vrock.png
Difficulty 11
Attacks

Claw 1d4, claw 1d4, claw 1d8, claw 1d8, bite 1d6

Base level 8
Base experience 176
Speed 12
Base AC 0
Base MR 50
Alignment -9 (chaotic)
Frequency (by normal means) 2 (Quite rare)
Genocidable No
Weight 1450
Nutritional value 400
Size Large
Resistances Fire, poison
Resistances conveyed

None

A vrock:

Reference monst.c#line2605

A vrock, &, is a type of monster that appears in NetHack. The vrock is a major demon that has infravision, can be seen via infravision and will follow the player character to other levels if it is adjacent.

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.

Per commit 4b52537: vrocks can now emit a plume of poison clouds when fleeing, similar to the scroll of stinking cloud.

Generation

Vrocks are randomly generated only in Gehennom, and may be created in small groups of 2-4 1⁄2 of the time; they may also be among the demons generated when a graveyard is created. The vrock is also a valid polymorph form, and so may appear in other branches of the dungeon due to polymorph traps.

Vrocks are eligible for gating by other major demons, and may appear as the minion of a chaotic god or Moloch.

Strategy

Vrocks have a decent AC of 0, move at the same speed as an un-hasted, unburdened hero and possess five attacks per turn. Despite their relative weakness compared to other demons, these make vrocks potentially deadly to a player facing them early due to polymorph traps: they are notorious for gating in even more vrocks, potentially filling the area and cornering you. Though a decently enchanted weapon and solid AC can be enough, the quicker you can eliminate an unexpected vrock, the better; they are much easier to deal with in Gehennom, by which point you will have much more AC and a highly enchanted blessed and/or silver weapon.

History

The vrock first appears with many other demons in NetHack 3.0.0.

Origin

Vrocks (pronounced: /vrɑːkz/, vrahkz) originate from Dungeons & Dragons, where they were also known as "type I demons"; they are described as bestial and appear as crosses between humanoids and vultures, as indicated by their tile and encyclopedia entry. Vrocks are brutish demons that enjoy fighting, and are capricious and selfish even by the standards of other demons – nonetheless, small flocks are more than capable of coordination and group tactics.[1]

Vrocks can emit bloodcurdling screeches loud enough to cause nearby victims physical pain and daze them; this is employed as a means of securing escape rather than an offensive tool. Vrocks can also release clouds of tiny poisonous spores from their wings that grew into thick vine-like structures after burrowing under the skin of those nearby.

Variants

In the Lethe patch, the revised Gehennom has a vrock appear in Yeenoghu's fortress.
& vrock Vrock.png
Difficulty 11
Attacks

Claw 1d4, claw 1d4, claw 1d8, claw 1d8, bite 1d6

Base level 8
Base experience 176
Speed 12
Base AC 0
Base MR 50
Alignment -9 (chaotic)
Frequency (by normal means) 2 (Quite rare)
Genocidable No
Weight 1450
Nutritional value 400
Size Large
Resistances Fire, poison
Resistances conveyed

None

A vrock:

Reference SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2/monst.c#line4115

In SLASH'EM, vrocks are considered traitors like many other demons, and may turn against you while tame.

A vrock is among the many demons generated in The Temple of Moloch upon level creation.
& vrock Vrock.png
Difficulty 11
Attacks

Weapon 1d9 physical, Claw 1d17 physical, Bite 1d13 physical

Base level 8
Base experience 213
Speed 12
Base AC 0
Base MR 50
Alignment -9 (chaotic)
Frequency (by normal means) 2 (Quite rare)
Genocidable No
Weight 1450
Nutritional value 400
Size large
Resistances fire, poison
Resistances conveyed

fire, cold

A vrock:

Reference dNetHack src/monst.c, line 6043

In dNetHack, vrocks are described with a more animal-like anatomy to reflect their vulture-like features; their base experience is increased, and they have three damage dice instead of five, though the dice themselves are stronger and include a weapon attack. Vrocks are strong and capable of using polearms in melee, have 10 points of natural damage reduction, and emit a stun-inducing shriek while retreating.

Generation

Vrock are more widespread throughout Gehennom and other levels:

  • A vrock generates in The Temple of Moloch's main area on level creation, as in SLASH'EM.
  • A vrock is generated on the Mordor Fortress floor of the Mordor Ruins Chaos Quest.
  • Many are generated on the third variant map of Brine Flats's third floor within Gehennom.
  • The vaults of Lolth have four vrocks within the "upstairs" portal room.

Vrocks are one of the demons that can be summoned by reading the Necronomicon, with a 2⁄15 chance.

Shalosh tannah have a 1⁄9 chance of producing strange larvae each turn that can quickly grow into vrocks and other major demons with organic equipment.

Encyclopaedia entry

The vrock is one of the weaker forms of demon. It resembles a cross between a human being and a vulture and does physical damage by biting and by using the claws on both its arms and feet.

References

  1. ↑ Minions of the Abyss (Part 1): Winning Tactics Against Vrocks by Eric Cagle
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