Water demon
& water demon 
| |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | 11 |
| Attacks |
Physical 1d3, claw 1d3, bite 1d3 |
| Base level | 8 |
| Base experience | 179 |
| Speed | 12 |
| Base AC | -4 |
| Base MR | 30 |
| Alignment | -7 (chaotic) |
| Frequency (by normal means) | Not randomly generated |
| Genocidable | No |
| Weight | 1450 |
| Nutritional value | 400 |
| Size | Medium |
| Resistances | Fire, poison |
| Resistances conveyed |
None |
| |
A water demon is a type of demon that appears in the game, and one of the less powerful ones.
Like most major demons, water demons may summon other demons when they attack. At least 5/6 of the summons will be other water demons. All chaotic demons are also eligible, but those whose difficulty is greater than the current dungeon level are exponentially unlikely.[1] In practise, that mixes a few foocubi to the summons. There is a 1/260 chance, however, that they may summon Juiblex or Yeenoghu.
In the early stages of the game, a common way to summon a water demon is by quaffing or dipping from a fountain. These demons may either be hostile or friendly. A hostile demon will attack. A friendly demon grants a wish. A demon will be hostile with probability (80+DL)/100, where DL is your current dungeon level. If you have the Amulet of Yendor, a demon will always be hostile. Although water demons are relatively weak for demons, they are likely to wipe out most early-game characters. Players who cannot kill them quickly will probably find themselves fighting two or more.
A player may not polymorph into a water demon.
Strategy
At the early game, don't quaff from fountains and try to keep use of fountains (dipping) to a minimum. Later on, when you're capable of easily taking on water demons and water mocassins, dip items repeatedly in all the fountains from DLvl 1 to 19, including in the mines. (This is better than quaffing as some dangerous effects are avoided). The chances are very roughly 1/3 that you'll get a wish from a water demon.
If you've met a water demon too early, use Elbereth. Then assess the situation: if you're not entirely sure you can take the demon on, try your best to run away. A scroll of teleport or a wand of digging can expediate this. Try not to wait until you're surrounded by summoned water demons to do this.
