Difference between revisions of "Black light"

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(Variants: Grunt)
 
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  |frequency=2
 
  |frequency=2
 
  |genocidable=Yes
 
  |genocidable=Yes
  |attacks=Explode [[hallucination|hallucinate]]
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  |attacks=Explode 10d12 [[hallucination]]
 
  |weight=0
 
  |weight=0
 
  |nutr=0
 
  |nutr=0
 
  |size=Small
 
  |size=Small
  |resistances=Fire, Cold, Shock, Disintegration, Sleep, Poison, Acid, Stoning
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  |resistances=fire, cold, shock, disintegration, sleep, poison, acid, stoning
 
  |resistances conveyed=None
 
  |resistances conveyed=None
  |attributes={{attributes|A black light|
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  |attributes={{attributes|A black light
  |nocorpse=1|fly=1|breathless=1|amorphous=1|noeyes=1|nolimbs=1|nohead=1|=
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  |nocorpse=1|fly=1|breathless=1|amorphous=1|noeyes=1|nolimbs=1|nohead=1|mindless=1|unsolid=1|seeinvis=1|notake=1|hostile=1|neuter=1|light=1}}
|mindless=1|unsolid=1|seeinvis=1|notake=1|hostile=1|neuter=1|light=1}}
 
 
  |reference=[[monst.c#line1047]]
 
  |reference=[[monst.c#line1047]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
A '''black light''' is always generated [[invisibility|invisible]],{{refsrc|makemon.c|969}} but illuminates its surroundings in a 3x3 area centered on itself. Black lights attack by exploding (destroying themselves in the process), causing 10d12 turns of hallucination if the target is the hero, and [[Impaired|confusion]] if the target is a monster {{refsrc|mhitm.c|924}}. Unlike a [[gas spore]] explosion, the explosion of a light only affects the square targeted.
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A '''black light''', {{monsym|black light}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is the only other member of the [[Light (monster class)|light]] [[monster class]] along with the [[yellow light]]. A black light is [[amorphous]], can [[fly]] and flow under [[door]]s, [[see invisible|detect invisible monsters]], and possesses every resistance [[property]] minus [[magic resistance]].
  
Black lights may attack [[pet]]s if angered by them, or if the hero is [[displacement|displaced]] and the pet is at the hero's perceived location{{fact}}, so it may be advisable to keep strong pets away from black lights, if possible. Monsters don't have a confusion timer; instead, they have a 2% chance of recovering on each of their moves.{{refsrc|monmove.c|339}}
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Like yellow lights, a black light [[Light|illuminates]] its surroundings in a 3x3 area centered on itself, but it is always [[invisible]]{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|1249|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} - also like yellow lights, they attack using an [[explosion]] directed at the square of their target. This destroys the black light and causes several turns of hallucination if it hits [[you]], while monsters are [[confused]] instead if a black light explosion hits them.{{refsrc|src/mhitm.c|1207|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} A black light's explosion will wake nearby [[sleeping]] monsters.
  
The explosion of a black light will wake nearby sleeping monsters.
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==Generation==
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Black lights are always generated invisible and hostile, and [[Corpseless|never leave a corpse]] upon death.
  
It is possible to create a black light by reading a cursed [[scroll of light]] while confused. The black light will be invisible as usual.  
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In addition to normal random generation, [[read]]ing a cursed [[scroll of light]] while confused has a {{frac|5}} chance of generating a black light unless they are [[genocide]]d.
  
== Strategy ==
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{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Reading a cursed scroll of light while confused instead summons 3–4 [[tame]] [[cancelled]] black lights unless they are genocided.}}
The best course of action is to put on a [[blindfold]] or [[towel]] and wait for it to explode, or to have a [[potion of full healing]] or a [[unicorn horn]] handy. In a large unlit area, such as is common in the [[Gnomish Mines]], the presence of a black light can be detected as a moving but invisible source of [[light|illumination]]. [[Grayswandir]] negates the effects of hallucination, but only as long as it is wielded.
 
  
== Encyclopedia entry ==
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==Strategy==
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Black lights can be spotted by the illumination they emit in dark areas, especially if the light seems to come from nowhere. They are most easily dealt with by [[blind]]ing yourself using a [[blindfold]] or [[towel]] and waiting for it to explode harmlessly at you, then remove the blindfold or towel after. You can also take the brunt of the explosion and apply an immediate cure, such as a [[unicorn horn]] - though a [[potion of full healing]] can also cure hallucination, this is best saved for more dire scenarios. Wielding [[Grayswandir]] if you have the [[artifact weapon]] provides [[hallucination resistance]], but does not cure the status and only suppresses its effects.
  
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Try to avoid leaving strong [[pet]]s near black lights, since they may turn on you in their confusion and [[YASD|batter you to death]]; this can also happen if you have [[displacement]] and the black light targets a displaced image on your pet's square. Monsters have a {{frac|50}} chance of recovering from confusion on each of their moves{{refsrc|src/monmove.c|414|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} - intelligent pets will cure their confusion using a unicorn horn, making it vital that you equip them with spare ones as soon as possible.
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Once you have the see invisible property, you can reliably detect and intercept black lights before they explode; [[warning]] can also hint at the presence of a black light as well. As with yellow lights, though it is possible to kill black lights if you can deal with their 0 AC and fast, erratic movement, it is usually quicker to let them explode at you while blinded. Beware of possible black lights anywhere near [[treasure zoo]]s such as the one in [[Sokoban]] and other monster-filled [[special room]]s.
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==History==
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The black light first appears in [[NetHack 3.2.0]].
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==Variants==
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===SLASH'EM===
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In [[SLASH'EM]], 8-16 black lights are randomly placed across the [[Lawful Quest]] at level generation.
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===GruntHack===
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In [[GruntHack]], black lights additionally possess [[magic resistance]], further restricting viable ranged options for killing one before it reaches you or a pet.
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===dNetHack===
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In [[dNetHack]], four black lights are generated in one of the rooms within the palace of [[Demogorgon]] if his level generates as the map of Brine Flats, the third Abyss level.
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{{frac|9|20}} of randomly-generated monsters in both Nightmare Temple levels of the [[Chaos Temple Quest]] will be black lights.
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===xNetHack===
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In [[xNetHack]], black light explosions will affect all monsters adjacent to it.
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==Encyclopedia entry==
 
{{encyclopedia|
 
{{encyclopedia|
Strange creatures formed from energy rather than matter,
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Strange creatures formed from energy rather than matter, lights are given to self-destructive behavior when battling foes.}}
lights are given to self-destructive behavior when battling
 
foes.}}
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
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{{nethack-367}}
 
[[Category:Monsters]]
 
[[Category:Monsters]]
{{nethack-343}}
 

Latest revision as of 06:37, 22 July 2023

A black light, y, is a type of monster that appears in NetHack. It is the only other member of the light monster class along with the yellow light. A black light is amorphous, can fly and flow under doors, detect invisible monsters, and possesses every resistance property minus magic resistance.

Like yellow lights, a black light illuminates its surroundings in a 3x3 area centered on itself, but it is always invisible[1] - also like yellow lights, they attack using an explosion directed at the square of their target. This destroys the black light and causes several turns of hallucination if it hits you, while monsters are confused instead if a black light explosion hits them.[2] A black light's explosion will wake nearby sleeping monsters.

Generation

Black lights are always generated invisible and hostile, and never leave a corpse upon death.

In addition to normal random generation, reading a cursed scroll of light while confused has a 15 chance of generating a black light unless they are genocided.

The following information pertains to an upcoming version (NetHack 3.7.0). If this version is now released, please verify that it is still accurate, then update the page to incorporate this information.

Reading a cursed scroll of light while confused instead summons 3–4 tame cancelled black lights unless they are genocided.

Strategy

Black lights can be spotted by the illumination they emit in dark areas, especially if the light seems to come from nowhere. They are most easily dealt with by blinding yourself using a blindfold or towel and waiting for it to explode harmlessly at you, then remove the blindfold or towel after. You can also take the brunt of the explosion and apply an immediate cure, such as a unicorn horn - though a potion of full healing can also cure hallucination, this is best saved for more dire scenarios. Wielding Grayswandir if you have the artifact weapon provides hallucination resistance, but does not cure the status and only suppresses its effects.

Try to avoid leaving strong pets near black lights, since they may turn on you in their confusion and batter you to death; this can also happen if you have displacement and the black light targets a displaced image on your pet's square. Monsters have a 150 chance of recovering from confusion on each of their moves[3] - intelligent pets will cure their confusion using a unicorn horn, making it vital that you equip them with spare ones as soon as possible.

Once you have the see invisible property, you can reliably detect and intercept black lights before they explode; warning can also hint at the presence of a black light as well. As with yellow lights, though it is possible to kill black lights if you can deal with their 0 AC and fast, erratic movement, it is usually quicker to let them explode at you while blinded. Beware of possible black lights anywhere near treasure zoos such as the one in Sokoban and other monster-filled special rooms.

History

The black light first appears in NetHack 3.2.0.

Variants

SLASH'EM

In SLASH'EM, 8-16 black lights are randomly placed across the Lawful Quest at level generation.

GruntHack

In GruntHack, black lights additionally possess magic resistance, further restricting viable ranged options for killing one before it reaches you or a pet.

dNetHack

In dNetHack, four black lights are generated in one of the rooms within the palace of Demogorgon if his level generates as the map of Brine Flats, the third Abyss level.

920 of randomly-generated monsters in both Nightmare Temple levels of the Chaos Temple Quest will be black lights.

xNetHack

In xNetHack, black light explosions will affect all monsters adjacent to it.

Encyclopedia entry

Strange creatures formed from energy rather than matter, lights are given to self-destructive behavior when battling foes.

References