Vrock
& vrock 
| |
|---|---|
| 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 |
The 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.
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 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 move. Despite their relative weakness, all of these can be deadly to a player facing early vrocks 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 winged human-vulture hybrids. Vrocks are brutish demons that enjoy, and are capricious and selfish even by the standards of other demons - despite this, small flocks were more than capable of coordination and group tactics.[1]
Vrocks are capable of bloodcurdling screeches loud enough to daze nearby victims from the physical pain they caused; this was employed as a means of securing escape rather than an offensive tool. Vrocks could 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
| & vrock
| |
|---|---|
| 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
| |
|---|---|
| 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 | |
|
A vrock:
| |
| Reference | dNetHack src/monst.c, line 6043 |
In dNetHack, vrocks are given a more animal-like anatomy to reflect their vulture-like features; their base experience is increased, and they have three hit dice instead of five, though the hit dice themselves are stronger and include a weapon attack. Vrocks are capable of using polearms in melee, and emit a 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.
