Difference between revisions of "Balrog"
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| − | ''' | + | The '''balrog''', {{monsym|balrog}}, is a monster that appears in [[Nethack]], and the most physically imposing of the non-unique major [[demon]]s by far. All balrogs [[monster starting inventory|are armed with]] a [[bullwhip|whip]] and [[broadsword]]; they are normally only generated in [[Gehennom]], with the exception of some rogue monster stepping on a [[polymorph trap]]. Unlike most other [[demon|major demons]], balrogs are incapable of [[Demon#Demons summoning demons|summoning other demons]]; they share this property with [[foocubi]]. |
| + | |||
| + | ==Origin== | ||
| + | The balrog originates from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle-earth Tolkien legendarium], as does its choice of starting inventory. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Strategy== | ||
| + | Balrogs have a solid base [[AC]] and high [[Magic resistance (monster)|monster magic resistance]], along with [[fly|flight]] and resistances to fire and poison. Though easily among the more physically imposing threats, they have no [[Monster spell|spellcasting]] ability and are fairly slow by the standards of Gehennom monsters; players are likely to have good AC themselves by this point, along with at least one [[silver]] weapon, a source of cold damage, and/or at least fast speed. | ||
A balrog can technically steal your weapon with its bullwhip; however, due to [[Pet#Weapons|the way monsters prioritize weapons]], it will only wield the bullwhip if it somehow loses its broadsword. | A balrog can technically steal your weapon with its bullwhip; however, due to [[Pet#Weapons|the way monsters prioritize weapons]], it will only wield the bullwhip if it somehow loses its broadsword. | ||
===As a pet=== | ===As a pet=== | ||
| − | + | Balrogs are among the best choices for a pet that are obtainable from a polymorph trap. In addition to the above qualities, balrogs are also [[inediate]] and [[strong]], and a properly equipped balrog is a handy [[Stealing from shops|shop-raiding pet]] that can steamroll through [[shopkeeper]]s. However, their high monster MR means they will often resist wands of speed monster, making it difficult to counteract their low speed, and they cannot wear torso armor or helmets; in addition, said MR also makes taming one difficult, and it is more likely to be obtained from the aforementioned polymorph trap. [[Archons]] are generally better, but can usually only be obtained as a pet by [[wish]]ing for a blessed [[figurine]] of one, and balrogs are somewhat more 'available' in comparison. | |
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== Encyclopedia entry == | == Encyclopedia entry == | ||
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</poem>}} | </poem>}} | ||
| − | {{nethack- | + | {{nethack-361}} |
[[Category:Monsters]] | [[Category:Monsters]] | ||
Revision as of 11:49, 5 December 2019
& balrog 
| |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | 20 |
| Attacks |
Weapon 8d4, Weapon 4d6 |
| Base level | 16 |
| Base experience | 575 |
| Speed | 5 |
| Base AC | -2 |
| Base MR | 75 |
| Alignment | -14 (chaotic) |
| Frequency (by normal means) | 1 (Very rare) |
| Genocidable | No |
| Weight | 1450 |
| Nutritional value | 400 |
| Size | Large |
| Resistances | Fire, poison |
| Resistances conveyed |
None |
|
A balrog:
| |
| Reference | monst.c#line2652 |
The balrog, &, is a monster that appears in Nethack, and the most physically imposing of the non-unique major demons by far. All balrogs are armed with a whip and broadsword; they are normally only generated in Gehennom, with the exception of some rogue monster stepping on a polymorph trap. Unlike most other major demons, balrogs are incapable of summoning other demons; they share this property with foocubi.
Origin
The balrog originates from the Tolkien legendarium, as does its choice of starting inventory.
Strategy
Balrogs have a solid base AC and high monster magic resistance, along with flight and resistances to fire and poison. Though easily among the more physically imposing threats, they have no spellcasting ability and are fairly slow by the standards of Gehennom monsters; players are likely to have good AC themselves by this point, along with at least one silver weapon, a source of cold damage, and/or at least fast speed.
A balrog can technically steal your weapon with its bullwhip; however, due to the way monsters prioritize weapons, it will only wield the bullwhip if it somehow loses its broadsword.
As a pet
Balrogs are among the best choices for a pet that are obtainable from a polymorph trap. In addition to the above qualities, balrogs are also inediate and strong, and a properly equipped balrog is a handy shop-raiding pet that can steamroll through shopkeepers. However, their high monster MR means they will often resist wands of speed monster, making it difficult to counteract their low speed, and they cannot wear torso armor or helmets; in addition, said MR also makes taming one difficult, and it is more likely to be obtained from the aforementioned polymorph trap. Archons are generally better, but can usually only be obtained as a pet by wishing for a blessed figurine of one, and balrogs are somewhat more 'available' in comparison.
Encyclopedia entry
... It came to the edge of the fire and the light faded as
if a cloud had bent over it. Then with a rush it leaped
the fissure. The flames roared up to greet it, and wreathed
about it; and a black smoke swirled in the air. Its streaming
mane kindled, and blazed behind it. In its right hand
was a blade like a stabbing tongue of fire; in its left it
held a whip of many thongs.
'Ai, ai!' wailed Legolas. 'A Balrog! A Balrog is come!'
This page may need to be updated for the current version of NetHack.
It may contain text specific to NetHack 3.6.1. Information on this page may be out of date.
Editors: After reviewing this page and making necessary edits, please change the {{nethack-361}} tag to the current version's tag or {{noversion}} as appropriate.
