Difference between revisions of "Dragon"

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(→‎Breath weapons and resistances: silver dragons have cold resistance.)
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{{monster
 
{{monster
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  |name=dragon
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  |name=dragon |symbol={{monsym|gray_dragon}}{{monsym|silver_dragon}}{{monsym|shimmering_dragon}}{{monsym|red_dragon}}{{monsym|white_dragon}}{{monsym|orange_dragon}}{{monsym|black_dragon}}{{monsym|blue_dragon}}{{monsym|green_dragon}}{{monsym|yellow_dragon}}
−
|symbol={{monsym|gray_dragon}}{{monsym|silver_dragon}}{{monsym|shimmering_dragon}}{{monsym|red_dragon}}{{monsym|white_dragon}}{{monsym|orange_dragon}}{{monsym|black_dragon}}{{monsym|blue_dragon}}{{monsym|green_dragon}}{{monsym|yellow_dragon}}
 
 
  |tile=[[Image:Dragons.png|Adult dragons]]
 
  |tile=[[Image:Dragons.png|Adult dragons]]
 
  |difficulty=20
 
  |difficulty=20
 
  |level=15
 
  |level=15
−
  |experience=535
+
  |experience=460
 
  |speed=9
 
  |speed=9
 
  |AC=-1
 
  |AC=-1
 
  |MR=20
 
  |MR=20
−
  |align=-7 ''(blue)''
+
  |align=-7 ''(blue)''<br/>-6 ''(black)''</br>-5 ''(white)''</br>-4 ''(red)''</br>4 ''(gray, silver)''</br>5 ''(orange)''</br>6 ''(green)''</br>7 ''(yellow)''
−
 
 
−
-6 ''(black)''
 
−
 
 
−
-5 ''(white)''
 
−
 
 
−
-4 ''(red)''
 
−
 
 
−
4 ''(gray, silver)''
 
−
 
 
−
5 ''(orange)''
 
−
 
 
−
6 ''(green)''
 
−
 
 
−
7 ''(yellow)''
 
 
  |frequency=1
 
  |frequency=1
 
  |genocidable=Yes
 
  |genocidable=Yes
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{{attributes|A green dragon also|pois=1|does_too_eat=1}}
 
{{attributes|A green dragon also|pois=1|does_too_eat=1}}
 
{{attributes|A yellow dragon also|acid=1|does_too_eat=1}}
 
{{attributes|A yellow dragon also|acid=1|does_too_eat=1}}
−
  |reference=[[monst.c#line1256]]
+
  |reference=[[monst.c#line1161]]
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{monster
 
−
|name=baby dragon
 
−
|symbol={{monsym|baby_gray_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_silver_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_shimmering_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_red_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_white_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_orange_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_black_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_blue_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_green_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_yellow_dragon}}
 
−
|tile=[[Image:Baby dragons.png|Baby dragons]]
 
−
|difficulty=13
 
−
|level=12
 
−
|experience=272
 
−
|speed=9
 
−
|AC=2
 
−
|MR=10
 
−
|align=0
 
−
|frequency=0
 
−
|genocidable=Yes
 
−
|attacks=Bite 2d6
 
−
|weight=1500
 
−
|nutr=500
 
−
|size=Huge
 
−
|resistances=''(see article)''
 
−
|resistances conveyed=None
 
−
|attributes={{attributes|A baby dragon|fly=1|thick=1|nohands=1|carnivore=1|hostile=1|strong=1|greedy=1|jewels=1}}
 
−
{{attributes|A baby red dragon also|infravisible=1|does_too_eat=1}}
 
−
{{attributes|A baby green dragon also|pois=1|does_too_eat=1}}
 
−
{{attributes|A baby yellow dragon also|acid=1|does_too_eat=1}}
 
−
|reference=[[monst.c#line1184]]
 
−
}}
 
−
The '''dragons''', represented by the overall glyph {{white|D}}, are a [[monster class|class]] of very powerful mid-game [[monster]] and are coveted for the scales they sometimes drop. With some superficial differences, they are nearly identical. Each of them has a nasty breath associated with their resistance. There are also baby dragons, which do not have a breath attack. Baby dragons randomly occur only on those levels that are eligible for baby monsters; otherwise they can be created by hatching from [[egg]]s.
 
  
−
Each dragon has a specific resistance associated with it. Eating some dragon [[corpse]]s can give you the associated [[intrinsics]]; others can give you the extrinsic ability by enchanting their scales to make [[dragon scale mail]]. (Dragon corpses are [[choke|very filling]], so using a [[tinning kit]] is often a good idea.) Dragons will always leave corpses, and they have a 1 in 3 chance of also dropping scales (1 in 20 if the dragon was revived). Baby dragon corpses do not grant intrinsics, nor do they drop scales.  
+
The '''dragon''', represented by the overall glyph {{white|D}}, is a [[monster class|class]] of very powerful mid-game [[monster]] in ''[[NetHack]]''. Dragons are coveted for the [[dragon scales]] they sometimes drop, which can be made into [[dragon scale mail]].
 +
 
 +
Members of the dragon monster class include:
 +
 
 +
* Adult dragons
 +
** {{monsymlink|gray dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|silver dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|red dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|white dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|orange dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|black dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|blue dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|green dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|yellow dragon}}
 +
* [[Baby dragon]]s
 +
** {{monsymlink|baby gray dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|baby silver dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|baby red dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|baby white dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|baby orange dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|baby black dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|baby blue dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|baby green dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|baby yellow dragon}}
 +
* [[Unique monster]]s
 +
** {{monsymlink|Chromatic Dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|Ixoth}}
 +
* [[Deferred feature|Deferred monsters]]
 +
** {{monsymlink|shimmering dragon}}
 +
** {{monsymlink|baby shimmering dragon}}
 +
 
 +
{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Gold (and baby gold) dragons are added. They emit light and breathe fire. Main details should go on [[Gold dragon]].}}
 +
 
 +
==Common characteristics==
 +
All dragons are carnivorous monsters that are thick-skinned, capable of [[flight]], and are eligible [[steed]]s. They are generally slower than an unburdened, unhasted [[hero]]. Dragons generated randomly and at level creation will always be hostile, and are eligible polyforms for [[polymorph trap]]s and other sources of [[polymorph]].
 +
 
 +
Dragons are [[intelligent]] and [[gold lover|can pick up gold]] and gems, but lack defined hands (the default tiles depict them as quadrupedal), and thus cannot use any items they come across or happen to be carrying, e.g. after transformation via [[polymorph trap]].
 +
 
 +
===Adult dragons===
 +
All adult dragons are either lawful or chaotic, with an [[AC]] of -1 and an MR of 20. They are [[strong]], gigantic, [[oviparous]], can [[see invisible]], and have the <code>[[M2_NASTY]]</code> flag; an associated bit of code in trap.c allows them to instantly tear through webs where their baby forms cannot.{{refsrc|trap.c|2543|comment=extra_nasty() discerns adult dragons from baby dragons to let them tear through webs|version=NetHack 3.6.6}} All adult dragons possess a breath weapon of [[#Elemental affinities|an element]] corresponding to their color. In addition to [[zorkmids|gold]] and gems, dragons will pick up magical items such as [[wand]]s and [[scroll]]s, but the aforementioned lack of hands and their inability to speak prevents them from using any of their spoils.
 +
 
 +
===Baby dragons===
 +
All baby dragons are of neutral alignment, with an AC of 2 and an MR of 10. They are strong and huge, but lack the adult dragon's ability to use breath weapons, tear through webs, and see invisible. Baby dragons can [[grow up]] into their adult forms, which causes their scales to grow in (hence the AC difference of 3 between their forms).
 +
 
 +
===Death drops===
 +
Dragons will always leave a [[corpse]] if killed in a way that leaves it intact, and adults have a 1 in 3 chance of also dropping a set of their uncursed +0 scales (1 in 20 if the dragon was [[revive]]d); baby dragons do not drop scales, nor do their corpses grant intrinsics. Adult dragon corpses that grant intrinsics are guaranteed to do so.
 +
 
 +
===Generation===
 +
Baby dragons, like all baby monsters, are randomly generated only on levels that are eligible for baby monsters, e.g., aligned branches like the neutral-biased [[Oracle]] and [[Sokoban]] levels. Thus they are usually excluded from monster generation on level creation that calls for a {{white|D}} unless it specifically generates a baby dragon. Baby dragons can also be hatched from dragon [[egg]]s.
 +
 
 +
Adult dragons are first eligible to be generated through normal random [[monster creation]] around the midway depths of the dungeon. They are also considered [[throne room]] monsters, and can be generated in throne rooms on level creation or when a [[throne]] is [[loot]]ed as early as dungeon level 15.{{reffunc|mkroom.c|courtmon}} Adult dragons are all eligible for creation via the [[summon nasties]] [[monster spell]] when cast by a spellcaster of the same alignment.
 +
 
 +
Where most monsters roll (ML)d8 for their HP - with ML being the monster's level - an adult dragon instead rolls (ML)d4 and adds 4 times its monster level to that result, e.g., a level 15 dragon will always have at least 75 HP. Dragons generated in the [[End Game]] use a flat 8*(ML), and so will always have the maximum amount of HP possible for their level (e.g., the level 15 dragon from before would always have 120 HP if generated there).{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|969|version=NetHack 3.6.6}}
 +
 
 +
In addition to random generation, adult dragons are generated on level creation for the following areas:
 +
 
 +
* Four dragons are generated around the [[moat]] of [[Fort Ludios]], with one random dragon placed at each cardinal direction.
 +
 
 +
* Many dragons appear on the [[Healer quest]] - five random dragons are generated for the home, locate and goal levels, and four random dragons are generated in the filler levels between them.
 +
 
 +
* Four dragons are guaranteed to appear in the [[Castle]], with two random dragons occupying each of the alcoves between the storerooms.
 +
 
 +
* Three random dragons will be generated upon reaching the [[Astral Plane]].
 +
 
 +
===Quest nemeses===
 +
Two dragons serve as [[quest nemeses]] in the game: the {{monsymlink|Chromatic Dragon}}, the [[Caveman]] [[quest nemesis]], and {{monsymlink|Ixoth}}, the [[Knight]] quest nemesis. Neither of them leave behind any scales upon death.  
  
−
The {{monsymlink|Chromatic Dragon}}, the [[Caveman]] [[quest nemesis]], is a special sort of dragon. Eating its corpse conveys a random resistance.
+
Ixoth is a powerful red dragon and thus possesses the standard fire breath alongside many other abilities - eating him conveys [[fire resistance]].
  
−
A shimmering dragon, whose scales grant [[displacement]], appears in the code, but is commented out by default, because monster displacement has [[deferred features|not yet been implemented]] in vanilla ''NetHack''. However, [[shimmering dragon (SLASH'EM)|these creatures]] do appear in ''[[SLASH'EM]]''.
+
The Chromatic Dragon is a special kind of dragon - she possesses the breath weapon of every single dragon in the game, and eating her corpse conveys a random resistance from the ones availble via adult dragon meat. Her corpse is [[poison]]ous to eat, however.
  
−
Dragons are guaranteed on the [[Castle]] level and at [[Fort Ludios]]. They can be randomly generated by [[normal mechanism|normal random monster generation]] at rather deep dungeon levels, on the [[healer quest]], and in [[throne room]]s.<ref>{{function|mkroom.c|courtmon}}</ref> Other powerful monsters may generate them with the [[summon nasties]] spell.
+
==Elemental affinities==
 +
Each adult dragon has a specific element-and-resistance set of characteristic associated with it, including a [[breath]] attack. Eating a given dragon's [[corpse]] can give you the associated [[intrinsics]] if possible, while the scales (and any mail made from them) will grant the extrinsic characteristic.
  
−
==Breath weapons and resistances==
 
 
{| class="prettytable striped"
 
{| class="prettytable striped"
 
!Dragon
 
!Dragon
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!Intrinsics/scales
 
!Intrinsics/scales
 
!Corpse conveys...
 
!Corpse conveys...
 +
|-
 +
|Black
 +
|[[disintegration]]
 +
|[[disintegration resistance]]
 +
|same (100%)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Blue
 
|Blue
 
|[[lightning]]
 
|[[lightning]]
 
|[[shock resistance]]
 
|[[shock resistance]]
−
|same (100%)
 
−
|-
 
−
|Black
 
−
|[[disintegration]]
 
−
|[[disintegration resistance]]
 
 
|same (100%)
 
|same (100%)
 
|-
 
|-
Line 112: Line 136:
 
|Silver
 
|Silver
 
|[[cold]]
 
|[[cold]]
−
|[[reflection]], [[cold resistance]]
+
|[[reflection]] and [[cold resistance]]; only reflection is provided by scales
 
|nothing (reflection cannot be gained intrinsically)
 
|nothing (reflection cannot be gained intrinsically)
 
|-
 
|-
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|}
 
|}
  
−
==Black dragon==
+
==Deferred dragons==
−
A '''black dragon''' is the only source of [[disintegration resistance]] in the game; this might make acquiring disintegration resistance tricky were it not for the fact that reflection is already a reliable defense against the black dragon's disintegration blasts. (The only other disintegration is wide-angle disintegration beams from angry gods, which can be survived only by being resistant.)
+
The shimmering dragon, whose scales grant [[displacement]], appears in the code along with its baby form, but is commented out by default - monster displacement has [[deferred features|not yet been implemented]] in vanilla ''NetHack''. However, variants make used of them, such as [[shimmering dragon (SLASH'EM)|SLASH'EM]].
  
−
Disintegration resistance will protect both you and your armor. If a dragon's blast of disintegration hits you or a monster, and you/it are neither resistant nor reflecting, it will destroy:{{refsrc|zap.c|3120}}{{refsrc|zap.c|2981}}
+
{{upcoming|3.7.0|Displacer beasts have been successfully added to the latest in-development version, indicating that monster displacement is now possible.}}
−
# a [[shield]] if worn, otherwise:
 
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# body armor if worn (plus any [[cloak]]), otherwise:
 
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# an [[amulet of life saving]] if worn,<ref>Corner case: an amulet of life saving is never destroyed by the blast, but it does not die instead of an undead or non-living monster. This can only arise if a living monster wearing an amulet is subsequently polymorphed.</ref> otherwise:
 
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# [[instadeath|you/it]].
 
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The rebound can still kill you/it in case your gear saved you from the direct hit.
 
  
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==Gray dragon==
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==Baby dragons==
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A '''gray dragon''' (or baby gray dragon) is often the eventual result of repeatedly displacing your [[pet]] onto a [[polymorph trap]], because it is magic resistant, and hence will polymorph no further. However, it can still polymorph if it eats a [[chameleon]] or [[doppelganger]] corpse.
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{{monster
 +
|name=baby dragon
 +
|symbol={{monsym|baby_gray_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_silver_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_shimmering_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_red_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_white_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_orange_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_black_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_blue_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_green_dragon}}{{monsym|baby_yellow_dragon}}
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|tile=[[Image:Baby dragons.png|Baby dragons]]
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|difficulty=13
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|level=12
 +
|experience=200
 +
|speed=9
 +
|AC=2
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|MR=10
 +
|align=0
 +
|frequency=0
 +
|genocidable=Yes
 +
|attacks=Bite 2d6
 +
|weight=1500
 +
|nutr=500
 +
|size=Huge
 +
|resistances=''(see article)''
 +
|resistances conveyed=None
 +
|attributes={{attributes|A baby dragon|fly=1|thick=1|nohands=1|carnivore=1|hostile=1|strong=1|greedy=1|jewels=1}}
 +
{{attributes|A baby red dragon also|infravisible=1|does_too_eat=1}}
 +
{{attributes|A baby green dragon also|pois=1|does_too_eat=1}}
 +
{{attributes|A baby yellow dragon also|acid=1|does_too_eat=1}}
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|reference=[[monst.c#line1085]]
 +
}}
 +
Baby dragons generally possess the resistances of their adult forms. However, baby silver dragons do not possess reflection, which is provided by the adult's scales.{{refsrc|muse.c|2156|version=NetHack 3.6.6}} They grant no intrinsics when eaten, they do not drop scales, and they do not have breath attacks.
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 +
==Strategy==
 +
While baby dragons may not be especially difficult due to being held back by their lesser defenses and only having a single bite attack, adult dragons are somewhat fearsome foes - the value of their scales and the frequency at which they start appearing from the midgame on make them threats that every player must eventually prepare for.
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===Combat===
 +
Dragons will use their breath weapons only at range (i.e., more than one square from the character) - players that get within melee distance can avoid the breath attacks, but will have to contend with their powerful bite and subsequent claw attacks. Characters without magic cancellation, magic resistance, or reflection to avoid or negate the breath's rays may prefer this option, and good AC is almost a must in any case.
 +
 
 +
Dragons are considered [[kebabable]], granting a +2 [[to-hit]] bonus when attacking them with weapons that use the [[spear]] skill. In addition, [[Dragonbane]] deals double damage to all dragons, and the reflection it grants when wielded is perfect for dealing with their breath attacks - thus it is especially useful when farming for scales. Those looking to make dragon scale mail may opt to use a [[cursed]] [[scroll of genocide]] to generate dragons of their desired color, which is best done in conjunction with an engraved [[Elbereth]] or [[scroll of scare monster]]; it is wisest to attempt this in a smaller room to reduce the chances of breath attacks occurring.
 +
 
 +
===As pets===
 +
Dragons are excellent pets in the early game if you obtain one. The easiest way to get a dragon pet is through a dragon [[egg]]; the egg may be obtained by polymorphing into any of the dragons and then [[sit]]ting if your character is female. If you repeatedly displace your pet onto a [[polymorph trap]] you will occasionally end up with a gray dragon, since they are magic-resistant and will not polymorph further.
 +
 
 +
The most recommendable colors for adult dragons are silver and gray, as both are immune to [[death ray]]s; silver dragons are also immune to [[disintegration]] breath, while gray ones are immune to [[polymorph trap]]s. Yellow is a good option too, due to [[stoning]] resistance.
 +
 
 +
Pet dragons can be used as steeds with the advantages of flight, fighting strength, and preference for meaty corpses, which makes them easy to feed. However, their lack of speed ensures they will spend most of their time either catching up with you or eating said corpses; even after making them [[fast]] (e.g., by zapping a [[wand of speed monster]] at them), their movement speed still pales in comparison to many other available steeds, though the flight and breath weapon may still make them a worthwhile choice. Players making use of dragon pets or steeds may want to carry a [[magic whistle]].
 +
 
 +
While baby dragons lack scales and intrinsic resistances, one can still use tame baby dragons to obtain scales and/or resistances. Pet baby dragons will eventually [[grow up]] into their adult forms, which can then be killed (possibly via [[conflict]] or by rendering them non-tame through [[abuse]]) for their scales and intrinsics.
 +
 
 +
Obtaining pet baby dragons can be accomplished via controlled [[polymorph]] for a female character fairly easily: all dragons are [[oviparous]], and baby dragons coming from laid eggs will be tame. A male character can use an [[amulet of change]] to swap genders - if one is not available, he can also repeatedly polymorph into a dragon using the [[spellbook of polymorph|spell]] or the [[ring of polymorph|ring]] until he changes sex. This has a {{frac|10}} chance of occurring with each polymorph.{{refsrc|polyself.c|292|version=NetHack 3.6.6}}{{refsrc|polyself.c|467|version=NetHack 3.6.6}}
 +
 
 +
===Intrinsics and food sources===
 +
Dragon corpses are very high-[[nutrition]] and filling, and eating after being satiated abuses your [[wisdom]] if you are lawful. Using a [[tinning kit]] is preferred if you plan to chew through several servings of dragon in a short time. Most dragons are also among the relatively few monsters in ''NetHack'' that are guaranteed to confer an intrinsic, so they are also worth tinning as backup sources of those intrinsics in case they are lost (e.g., to a [[gremlin]] [[Intrinsic theft|attack]] at [[night]]).
  
−
==Red dragon==
+
==Origin==
−
There is a guaranteed '''red dragon''' on the [[Plane of Fire]]. This is the only place in the game where a specific color dragon is generated, not counting [[Ixoth]], the [[Knight]] [[quest nemesis]].
+
{{wikipedia}}
 +
The dragon is a large, serpentine, legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons and dragon-like beings vary considerably through regions, but dragons in European cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as winged, horned, four-legged, and capable of breathing fire. Dragons and similar creatures in various Asiatic cultures - such as the Chinese ''lung'' (traditional 龍, simplified 龙, Japanese simplified 竜, Pinyin lóng) associated with good fortune and thought to have power over rain - are usually depicted as wingless, four-legged, serpentine creatures with above-average intelligence; they are also typically more benevolent compared to the European dragon, and many East Asian deities and demigods have such creatures as their personal mounts or companions. Other common traits of dragons often include: snakelike features, reptilian scaly skin, four legs with three or four toes on each, spinal nodes running down the back, a tail, and a serrated jaw with rows of teeth.  
  
−
==Baby dragons==
+
The earliest attested reports of draconic creatures occur in the mythologies of the ancient Near East, particularly in ancient Mesopotamian art and literature; stories about storm-gods slaying giant serpents occur throughout nearly all Indo-European and Near Eastern mythologies, such as that of [[Marduk]] and [[Tiamat]]. Other famous prototypical draconic creatures include the Leviathan in the Hebrew Bible; the Grand'Goule in the Poitou region of France; and Python, Wyvern, and the Lernaean Hydra in Greek mythology. [[#Variants|Variants]] such as [[SLASH'EM]] and [[UnNetHack]] along with some patches have made use of these and other names for draconian creatures, as explored in detail below.
−
Baby dragons generally possess the resistances of their adult forms. Baby silver dragons, however, do not possess reflection.{{refsrc|muse.c|2058}} They never grant their intrinsics when eaten, they do not drop scales, and they do not have breath attacks. One can still use baby dragons to obtain scales and/or resistances. Pet baby dragons will eventually [[grow up]] into their adult forms, which can then be killed (possibly via [[conflict]] or by rendering them non-tame through [[abuse]]) for their scales and intrinsics. Obtaining pet baby dragons can be accomplished via controlled [[polymorph]] for a female character fairly easily: all dragons are [[oviparous]], and baby dragons coming from laid eggs will be tame. A male character can use an [[amulet of change]] to swap genders, or he can repeatedly polymorph into a dragon using the [[spellbook of polymorph|spell]] or the [[ring of polymorph|ring]] until he changes sex. (10% chance each polymorph){{refsrc|polyself.c|488}}
+
 
 +
The Western dragon's image is based on a conflation of earlier dragons and giant serpents from different traditions, mixed with inaccurate scribal drawings of snakes; according to several modern scholars, huge extinct or migrating crocodiles bear that lived in forested or swampy areas were likely a template for modern dragon imagery. These dragons are generally depicted as cave-dwellers and [[Gold lover|treasure-hoarders]] with ravenous appetites, and are a frequent fixture of Western fantasy literature where they are portrayed as monsters to be tamed or overcome by saints or culture heroes, such as [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s ''The Hobbit'' and the popular legend of Saint George and the Dragon.
  
−
==Fighting dragons==
+
==History==
−
Dragons will use their breath weapons only at range (i.e. more than one square from the character), meaning that if you can get close to within melee distance, you can avoid the dangerous attacks in favour of the relative "safety" of their physical melee attacks. This is useful for characters without [[magic cancellation]], [[magic resistance]], or [[reflection]] to avoid or negate their elemental fire, cold, lightning, poison, or disintegration beams.
+
[[Hack 1.0]] has the standard '''dragon''', which does not have an explicit color. This early dragon breathes fire and its corpse confers [[fire resistance]], making it equivalent to the modern red dragon. A dead dragon is the only way to get intrinsic fire resistance in ''Hack'', so it was quite likely that the player wouldn't have acquired it yet by the time they would see one. This, combined with the ability to use their breath attack in melee ''on top'' of their normal melee attacks, made them significantly more dangerous; furthermore, reflection would not be introduced until much later. Such would remain true for thee earlier versions of NetHack.
  
−
Dragons are considered [[kebabable]], able to be skewered, and you receive a +2 [[to-hit]] bonus when using a weapon that uses the [[spear]] or [[javelin]] skills.
+
[[NetHack 2.3e]] introduces all of the modern dragon types and their associated breath weapons, except for silver. The corpse is still referred to as a "dead dragon" regardless of type, and eating it always confers fire resistance. Black dragon breath causes [[instadeath]], and there is no reflection, [[disintegration resistance]], or [[amulet of life saving]], making genocide tempting - but fire resistance is necessary to traverse [[Hell]], and there is no method of genociding only black dragons.
  
−
==As pets==
+
[[NetHack 3.0.0]] introduces baby dragons, distinguishes the dragons and their corpses by type, and also introduces dragon scale mail; in this series, dragon scale mail is obtained by [[polymorph]]ing a dragon corpse. Reflection is introduced in this version, and black dragon breath is toned down a bit. The changes to how dragons are distinguished also makes it possible to genocide only black dragons.
−
Dragons are excellent pets in the early game if you ever get one. The easiest way to get a dragon pet is through a dragon [[egg]]; the egg may be obtained by polymorphing into any of the dragons and then [[sit]]ting if your character is female. If you repeatedly displace your pet onto a [[polymorph trap]] you will often end up with a gray dragon, since they are magic-resistant and will not polymorph further.
 
  
−
The most recommendable colors for dragons are silver and gray; they are immune to [[death ray]]s and silver ones also immune to [[disintegration]], while gray ones are immune to [[polymorph trap]]s. Yellow is a good option too due to [[stoning]]-resistance.
+
[[NetHack 3.1.0]] introduces dragon scales as a death drop and the current method of obtaining dragon scale mail. This version also adds the [[Quest]]s, and with them the Chromatic Dragon and Ixoth. Hell is replaced by [[Gehennom]] in this version, and fire resistance is no longer necessary to enter (though it is still heavily recommended).
  
−
Pet dragons can be used as [[Riding|steeds]] with the advantages of [[fly|flight]], fighting strength, and carnivorousness, which makes them easy to feed. However, they are quite slow and will spend most of their time either catching up with you or eating corpses unless you make them [[fast]] (eg by zapping a wand of speed monster at them).
+
[[NetHack 3.3.0]] adds the silver dragon along with its corresponding baby form and scales from [[3.1.3]] variant [[SLASH 6]].
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
 +
Variants of ''NetHack'' often subject dragons to extensive changes, as well as adding new monsters to the class. The deferred shimmering dragon is one such frequent addition.
 +
 
===UnNetHack===
 
===UnNetHack===
−
Dragons have been substantially modified in [[UnNetHack]]. All dragons have been given new names and have their breaths, resistances, and colors randomized, with the exception of [[chromatic dragons]], which possess all breaths, and all resistances except for [[magic resistance]]. As result it is impossible to predict breath type based on name or color.
+
Dragons have been substantially modified in [[UnNetHack]]. All dragons have been given new names and have their breaths, resistances, and colors randomized - with the exception of [[chromatic dragons]], which possess the resistances and breath weapons of all dragons. As a result, it is impossible to predict breath type based on name or color.
−
This behavior has been made a bit more friendly in the current version - dragons are randomized at the start of the game, but all dragons of the same name/color are of the same type - identify one, identify all of that type. They auto-identify upon witnessing the breath attack. In addition, a new type of breath attack has been added - a lava breath that does heavy fire damage and melts walls instead of bouncing.  
+
 
 +
This randomization happens at the start of the game, but all dragons of the same name or color within a game are of the same type - dragons are auto-identified upon witnessing their breath attack, and identifying one dragon also identifies all dragons of that type. In addition, a new type of breath attack has been added - lava breath that does heavy fire damage and melts walls instead of bouncing.  
  
−
[[Glowing dragon]] scales and scale mail function as an infinite light source, in addition to providing the resistance that glowing dragons possess in each individual game. [[Chromatic dragon scales]] and [[Chromatic dragon scale mail|scale mail]] provide all resistances (including [[reflection]]) except magic resistance.
+
[[Glowing dragon]] scales and scale mail function as an infinite light source, in addition to providing the resistance that glowing dragons possess in that individual game. [[Chromatic dragon scales (UnNetHack)|Chromatic dragon scales]] and [[Chromatic dragon scale mail (UnNetHack)|scale mail]] provide all dragons' resistances, including reflection.
  
−
The following are the names given to random dragons in Unnethack:
+
The following are the names given to random dragons in UnNetHack:
  
 
* leviathan
 
* leviathan
Line 179: Line 249:
 
===SLASH'EM===
 
===SLASH'EM===
 
{{main|Dragon (SLASH'EM)}}
 
{{main|Dragon (SLASH'EM)}}
−
SLASH'EM also added two new dragons, the Shimmering {{cyan|D}} and Deep {{magenta|D}} variants, whose scales give [[displacement]] and [[drain resistance]] respectively. The [[hydra]] and [[wyvern]] monsters also use the {{white|D}} glyph.
+
SLASH'EM adds two new colored dragons: the formerly deferred shimmering dragon {{cyan|D}} and the deep dragon {{magenta|D}}, whose scales give [[displacement]] and [[drain resistance]], respectively. The [[hydra]] and [[wyvern]] are two other new additions to the monster class, and SLASH'EM dragons in general undergo a few additional changes that distinguish them from the dragons of ''NetHack''.
 +
 
 +
===SlashTHEM===
 +
SlashTHEM adds two new colored dragons: the golden dragon {{yellow|D}} and the stone dragon {{gray|D}}, whose scales give [[sickness resistance]] and [[petrification resistance]] respectively. Additionally, SlashTHEM adds a new unique dragon called the [[Dragon Lord]] located in [[The Wyrm Caves]], who drops the artifact [[Scales of the Dragon Lord]] on death.
  
−
==History==
+
===Biodiversity patch===
−
[[Hack 1.0]] has a dragon that does not have an explicit color. This early dragon breathes fire and its corpse confers [[fire resistance]], making it equivalent to the modern red dragon. Back then, it was the only way to get intrinsic fire resistance, so it was quite likely that the player wouldn't have acquired it yet by the time they would see dragons. This, combined with the lack of [[reflection]] and fact that in earlier versions of NetHack, dragons were allowed to use their breath attack in melee (''on top'' of their normal melee attacks), made them significantly more dangerous.
+
The [[biodiversity patch]] [[Biodiversity patch#Changes to existing monsters|renames the vanilla dragons]] (minus the gray dragon) in a manner similar to UnNetHack, but does not randomize their traits.
 +
 
 +
===FIQHack===
 +
[[FIQHack]] dragons are significantly faster (speed 20 instead of 9), and their claw attacks are 1d8 instead of 1d4. In addition, they have special AI that allows them to use their breath weapon in melee range, and they will try to move more intelligently in general: they will keep you in their line of fire when possible, or move out of that line when they can't use their breath, and will flee to preserve survival.
  
−
[[NetHack 2.3e]] introduces all of the modern dragon types except silver. The corpse is still just a "dead dragon", without reference to the color, and eating it confers fire resistance, regardless of the type of dragon. Black dragon breath causes [[instadeath]], and there is no [[reflection]], [[disintegration resistance]], or [[amulet of life saving]], making [[genocide]] tempting; but fire resistance is necessary to enter [[Hell]], and there's no way to genocide only black dragons.
+
FIQHack also includes the deferred shimmering dragons from vanilla, which have innate [[displacement]] and stunning breath, and whose scales confer displacement when worn.
  
−
[[NetHack 3.0.0]] introduces baby dragons, makes the corpses separate, and also introduces dragon scale mail. Dragon scale mail is obtained by [[polymorph]]ing a dragon corpse.  [[Reflection]] is now available and black dragon breath is toned down a bit. It also becomes possible to genocide only black dragons.
+
Dragon breaths operate as [[Wands Balance Patch|skilled ray-type wands]]: there is a chance per breath attack that it will bypass reflection.  Disintegration breath never does this.
  
−
[[NetHack 3.1.0]] introduces dragon scales and with them the modern method of obtaining dragon scale mail. This version also adds the [[Quest]]s and with them the [[Chromatic Dragon]] and [[Ixoth]]. Fire resistance is not necessary to enter [[Gehennom]].
+
===SpliceHack===
 +
{{main|Dragon (SpliceHack)}}
 +
SpliceHack adds several new dragon flavours and new dragon special abilities. Older dragons gain increasingly powerful breath weapons.
  
−
[[NetHack 3.3.0]] adds the silver dragon and corresponding scales.
+
===EvilHack===
 +
[[EvilHack]] dragons have been significantly enhanced – they spawn with much more hit points (especially in the End Game), can [[engulf]] and [[digest]] creatures smaller than them, and their scales each have some form of a secondary passive attack (which is passed on to the scales and any mail made out of them).
  
 
==Encyclopedia entry==
 
==Encyclopedia entry==
 
{{encyclopedia|<poem>
 
{{encyclopedia|<poem>
−
In the West the dragon was the natural enemy of man.  Although
+
In the West the dragon was the natural enemy of man.  Although preferring to live in bleak and desolate regions, whenever it was seen among men it left in its wake a trail of destruction and disease.  Yet any attempt to slay this beast was a perilous undertaking.  For the dragon's assailant had to contend not only with clouds of sulphurous fumes pouring from its fire breathing nostrils, but also with the thrashings of its tail, the most deadly part of its serpent-like body.
−
preferring to live in bleak and desolate regions, whenever it
 
−
was seen among men it left in its wake a trail of destruction
 
−
and disease.  Yet any attempt to slay this beast was a perilous
 
−
undertaking.  For the dragon's assailant had to contend
 
−
not only with clouds of sulphurous fumes pouring from its fire
 
−
breathing nostrils, but also with the thrashings of its tail,
 
−
the most deadly part of its serpent-like body.
 
 
{{right-align|[ Mythical Beasts by Deirdre Headon (The Leprechaun Library) ]}}
 
{{right-align|[ Mythical Beasts by Deirdre Headon (The Leprechaun Library) ]}}
  
−
"One whom the dragons will speak with," he said, "that is a
+
"One whom the dragons will speak with," he said, "that is a dragonlord, or at least that is the center of the matter.  It's not a trick of mastering the dragons, as most people think. Dragons have no masters.  The question is always the same, with a dragon:  will he talk to you or will he eat you?  If you can count upon his doing the former, and not doing the latter, why then you're a dragonlord."
−
dragonlord, or at least that is the center of the matter.  It's
 
−
not a trick of mastering the dragons, as most people think.
 
−
Dragons have no masters.  The question is always the same, with
 
−
a dragon:  will he talk to you or will he eat you?  If you can
 
−
count upon his doing the former, and not doing the latter, why
 
−
then you're a dragonlord."
 
 
{{right-align|[ The Tombs of Atuan, by Ursula K. Le Guin ]}}
 
{{right-align|[ The Tombs of Atuan, by Ursula K. Le Guin ]}}
 
</poem>}}
 
</poem>}}
Line 216: Line 282:
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
−
{{nethack-343}}
+
{{nethack-366}}
 
[[Category:Monsters]]
 
[[Category:Monsters]]
 
[[Category:Monster classes]]
 
[[Category:Monster classes]]

Latest revision as of 13:14, 22 April 2024

DDDDDDDDDD dragon Adult dragons
Difficulty 20
Attacks

Breath (see article), bite 3d8, claw 1d4, claw 1d4

Base level 15
Base experience 460
Speed 9
Base AC -1
Base MR 20
Alignment -7 (blue)
-6 (black)
-5 (white)
-4 (red)
4 (gray, silver)
5 (orange)
6 (green)
7 (yellow)
Frequency (by normal means) 1 (Very rare)
Genocidable Yes
Weight 4500
Nutritional value 1500
Size Gigantic
Resistances (see article)
Resistances conveyed

(see article)

A dragon:

A red dragon also:

A green dragon also:

A yellow dragon also:

Reference monst.c#line1161

The dragon, represented by the overall glyph D, is a class of very powerful mid-game monster in NetHack. Dragons are coveted for the dragon scales they sometimes drop, which can be made into dragon scale mail.

Members of the dragon monster class include:

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.

Gold (and baby gold) dragons are added. They emit light and breathe fire. Main details should go on Gold dragon.

Common characteristics

All dragons are carnivorous monsters that are thick-skinned, capable of flight, and are eligible steeds. They are generally slower than an unburdened, unhasted hero. Dragons generated randomly and at level creation will always be hostile, and are eligible polyforms for polymorph traps and other sources of polymorph.

Dragons are intelligent and can pick up gold and gems, but lack defined hands (the default tiles depict them as quadrupedal), and thus cannot use any items they come across or happen to be carrying, e.g. after transformation via polymorph trap.

Adult dragons

All adult dragons are either lawful or chaotic, with an AC of -1 and an MR of 20. They are strong, gigantic, oviparous, can see invisible, and have the M2_NASTY flag; an associated bit of code in trap.c allows them to instantly tear through webs where their baby forms cannot.[1] All adult dragons possess a breath weapon of an element corresponding to their color. In addition to gold and gems, dragons will pick up magical items such as wands and scrolls, but the aforementioned lack of hands and their inability to speak prevents them from using any of their spoils.

Baby dragons

All baby dragons are of neutral alignment, with an AC of 2 and an MR of 10. They are strong and huge, but lack the adult dragon's ability to use breath weapons, tear through webs, and see invisible. Baby dragons can grow up into their adult forms, which causes their scales to grow in (hence the AC difference of 3 between their forms).

Death drops

Dragons will always leave a corpse if killed in a way that leaves it intact, and adults have a 1 in 3 chance of also dropping a set of their uncursed +0 scales (1 in 20 if the dragon was revived); baby dragons do not drop scales, nor do their corpses grant intrinsics. Adult dragon corpses that grant intrinsics are guaranteed to do so.

Generation

Baby dragons, like all baby monsters, are randomly generated only on levels that are eligible for baby monsters, e.g., aligned branches like the neutral-biased Oracle and Sokoban levels. Thus they are usually excluded from monster generation on level creation that calls for a D unless it specifically generates a baby dragon. Baby dragons can also be hatched from dragon eggs.

Adult dragons are first eligible to be generated through normal random monster creation around the midway depths of the dungeon. They are also considered throne room monsters, and can be generated in throne rooms on level creation or when a throne is looted as early as dungeon level 15.[2] Adult dragons are all eligible for creation via the summon nasties monster spell when cast by a spellcaster of the same alignment.

Where most monsters roll (ML)d8 for their HP - with ML being the monster's level - an adult dragon instead rolls (ML)d4 and adds 4 times its monster level to that result, e.g., a level 15 dragon will always have at least 75 HP. Dragons generated in the End Game use a flat 8*(ML), and so will always have the maximum amount of HP possible for their level (e.g., the level 15 dragon from before would always have 120 HP if generated there).[3]

In addition to random generation, adult dragons are generated on level creation for the following areas:

  • Four dragons are generated around the moat of Fort Ludios, with one random dragon placed at each cardinal direction.
  • Many dragons appear on the Healer quest - five random dragons are generated for the home, locate and goal levels, and four random dragons are generated in the filler levels between them.
  • Four dragons are guaranteed to appear in the Castle, with two random dragons occupying each of the alcoves between the storerooms.
  • Three random dragons will be generated upon reaching the Astral Plane.

Quest nemeses

Two dragons serve as quest nemeses in the game: the D Chromatic Dragon, the Caveman quest nemesis, and D Ixoth, the Knight quest nemesis. Neither of them leave behind any scales upon death.

Ixoth is a powerful red dragon and thus possesses the standard fire breath alongside many other abilities - eating him conveys fire resistance.

The Chromatic Dragon is a special kind of dragon - she possesses the breath weapon of every single dragon in the game, and eating her corpse conveys a random resistance from the ones availble via adult dragon meat. Her corpse is poisonous to eat, however.

Elemental affinities

Each adult dragon has a specific element-and-resistance set of characteristic associated with it, including a breath attack. Eating a given dragon's corpse can give you the associated intrinsics if possible, while the scales (and any mail made from them) will grant the extrinsic characteristic.

Dragon Breath (4d6 unless otherwise noted) Intrinsics/scales Corpse conveys...
Black disintegration disintegration resistance same (100%)
Blue lightning shock resistance same (100%)
Gray magic missile magic resistance nothing (magic resistance cannot be gained intrinsically)
Green poison poison resistance same (100%)
Orange sleep, 4d25 turns sleep resistance same (100%)
Red fire 6d6 fire resistance same (100%)
Silver cold reflection and cold resistance; only reflection is provided by scales nothing (reflection cannot be gained intrinsically)
White cold cold resistance same (100%)
Yellow acid acid resistance and petrification resistance; only acid resistance is provided by scales nothing (neither resistance can be gained intrinsically)

Deferred dragons

The shimmering dragon, whose scales grant displacement, appears in the code along with its baby form, but is commented out by default - monster displacement has not yet been implemented in vanilla NetHack. However, variants make used of them, such as SLASH'EM.

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.

Displacer beasts have been successfully added to the latest in-development version, indicating that monster displacement is now possible.

Baby dragons

DDDDDDDDDD baby dragon Baby dragons
Difficulty 13
Attacks

Bite 2d6

Base level 12
Base experience 200
Speed 9
Base AC 2
Base MR 10
Alignment 0 (neutral)
Frequency (by normal means) 0 (Not randomly generated)
Genocidable Yes
Weight 1500
Nutritional value 500
Size Huge
Resistances (see article)
Resistances conveyed

None

A baby dragon:

A baby red dragon also:

A baby green dragon also:

A baby yellow dragon also:

Reference monst.c#line1085

Baby dragons generally possess the resistances of their adult forms. However, baby silver dragons do not possess reflection, which is provided by the adult's scales.[4] They grant no intrinsics when eaten, they do not drop scales, and they do not have breath attacks.

Strategy

While baby dragons may not be especially difficult due to being held back by their lesser defenses and only having a single bite attack, adult dragons are somewhat fearsome foes - the value of their scales and the frequency at which they start appearing from the midgame on make them threats that every player must eventually prepare for.

Combat

Dragons will use their breath weapons only at range (i.e., more than one square from the character) - players that get within melee distance can avoid the breath attacks, but will have to contend with their powerful bite and subsequent claw attacks. Characters without magic cancellation, magic resistance, or reflection to avoid or negate the breath's rays may prefer this option, and good AC is almost a must in any case.

Dragons are considered kebabable, granting a +2 to-hit bonus when attacking them with weapons that use the spear skill. In addition, Dragonbane deals double damage to all dragons, and the reflection it grants when wielded is perfect for dealing with their breath attacks - thus it is especially useful when farming for scales. Those looking to make dragon scale mail may opt to use a cursed scroll of genocide to generate dragons of their desired color, which is best done in conjunction with an engraved Elbereth or scroll of scare monster; it is wisest to attempt this in a smaller room to reduce the chances of breath attacks occurring.

As pets

Dragons are excellent pets in the early game if you obtain one. The easiest way to get a dragon pet is through a dragon egg; the egg may be obtained by polymorphing into any of the dragons and then sitting if your character is female. If you repeatedly displace your pet onto a polymorph trap you will occasionally end up with a gray dragon, since they are magic-resistant and will not polymorph further.

The most recommendable colors for adult dragons are silver and gray, as both are immune to death rays; silver dragons are also immune to disintegration breath, while gray ones are immune to polymorph traps. Yellow is a good option too, due to stoning resistance.

Pet dragons can be used as steeds with the advantages of flight, fighting strength, and preference for meaty corpses, which makes them easy to feed. However, their lack of speed ensures they will spend most of their time either catching up with you or eating said corpses; even after making them fast (e.g., by zapping a wand of speed monster at them), their movement speed still pales in comparison to many other available steeds, though the flight and breath weapon may still make them a worthwhile choice. Players making use of dragon pets or steeds may want to carry a magic whistle.

While baby dragons lack scales and intrinsic resistances, one can still use tame baby dragons to obtain scales and/or resistances. Pet baby dragons will eventually grow up into their adult forms, which can then be killed (possibly via conflict or by rendering them non-tame through abuse) for their scales and intrinsics.

Obtaining pet baby dragons can be accomplished via controlled polymorph for a female character fairly easily: all dragons are oviparous, and baby dragons coming from laid eggs will be tame. A male character can use an amulet of change to swap genders - if one is not available, he can also repeatedly polymorph into a dragon using the spell or the ring until he changes sex. This has a 1⁄10 chance of occurring with each polymorph.[5][6]

Intrinsics and food sources

Dragon corpses are very high-nutrition and filling, and eating after being satiated abuses your wisdom if you are lawful. Using a tinning kit is preferred if you plan to chew through several servings of dragon in a short time. Most dragons are also among the relatively few monsters in NetHack that are guaranteed to confer an intrinsic, so they are also worth tinning as backup sources of those intrinsics in case they are lost (e.g., to a gremlin attack at night).

Origin

Wikipedia
Wikipedia has an article about:

The dragon is a large, serpentine, legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons and dragon-like beings vary considerably through regions, but dragons in European cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as winged, horned, four-legged, and capable of breathing fire. Dragons and similar creatures in various Asiatic cultures - such as the Chinese lung (traditional 龍, simplified 龙, Japanese simplified 竜, Pinyin lóng) associated with good fortune and thought to have power over rain - are usually depicted as wingless, four-legged, serpentine creatures with above-average intelligence; they are also typically more benevolent compared to the European dragon, and many East Asian deities and demigods have such creatures as their personal mounts or companions. Other common traits of dragons often include: snakelike features, reptilian scaly skin, four legs with three or four toes on each, spinal nodes running down the back, a tail, and a serrated jaw with rows of teeth.

The earliest attested reports of draconic creatures occur in the mythologies of the ancient Near East, particularly in ancient Mesopotamian art and literature; stories about storm-gods slaying giant serpents occur throughout nearly all Indo-European and Near Eastern mythologies, such as that of Marduk and Tiamat. Other famous prototypical draconic creatures include the Leviathan in the Hebrew Bible; the Grand'Goule in the Poitou region of France; and Python, Wyvern, and the Lernaean Hydra in Greek mythology. Variants such as SLASH'EM and UnNetHack along with some patches have made use of these and other names for draconian creatures, as explored in detail below.

The Western dragon's image is based on a conflation of earlier dragons and giant serpents from different traditions, mixed with inaccurate scribal drawings of snakes; according to several modern scholars, huge extinct or migrating crocodiles bear that lived in forested or swampy areas were likely a template for modern dragon imagery. These dragons are generally depicted as cave-dwellers and treasure-hoarders with ravenous appetites, and are a frequent fixture of Western fantasy literature where they are portrayed as monsters to be tamed or overcome by saints or culture heroes, such as J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and the popular legend of Saint George and the Dragon.

History

Hack 1.0 has the standard dragon, which does not have an explicit color. This early dragon breathes fire and its corpse confers fire resistance, making it equivalent to the modern red dragon. A dead dragon is the only way to get intrinsic fire resistance in Hack, so it was quite likely that the player wouldn't have acquired it yet by the time they would see one. This, combined with the ability to use their breath attack in melee on top of their normal melee attacks, made them significantly more dangerous; furthermore, reflection would not be introduced until much later. Such would remain true for thee earlier versions of NetHack.

NetHack 2.3e introduces all of the modern dragon types and their associated breath weapons, except for silver. The corpse is still referred to as a "dead dragon" regardless of type, and eating it always confers fire resistance. Black dragon breath causes instadeath, and there is no reflection, disintegration resistance, or amulet of life saving, making genocide tempting - but fire resistance is necessary to traverse Hell, and there is no method of genociding only black dragons.

NetHack 3.0.0 introduces baby dragons, distinguishes the dragons and their corpses by type, and also introduces dragon scale mail; in this series, dragon scale mail is obtained by polymorphing a dragon corpse. Reflection is introduced in this version, and black dragon breath is toned down a bit. The changes to how dragons are distinguished also makes it possible to genocide only black dragons.

NetHack 3.1.0 introduces dragon scales as a death drop and the current method of obtaining dragon scale mail. This version also adds the Quests, and with them the Chromatic Dragon and Ixoth. Hell is replaced by Gehennom in this version, and fire resistance is no longer necessary to enter (though it is still heavily recommended).

NetHack 3.3.0 adds the silver dragon along with its corresponding baby form and scales from 3.1.3 variant SLASH 6.

Variants

Variants of NetHack often subject dragons to extensive changes, as well as adding new monsters to the class. The deferred shimmering dragon is one such frequent addition.

UnNetHack

Dragons have been substantially modified in UnNetHack. All dragons have been given new names and have their breaths, resistances, and colors randomized - with the exception of chromatic dragons, which possess the resistances and breath weapons of all dragons. As a result, it is impossible to predict breath type based on name or color.

This randomization happens at the start of the game, but all dragons of the same name or color within a game are of the same type - dragons are auto-identified upon witnessing their breath attack, and identifying one dragon also identifies all dragons of that type. In addition, a new type of breath attack has been added - lava breath that does heavy fire damage and melts walls instead of bouncing.

Glowing dragon scales and scale mail function as an infinite light source, in addition to providing the resistance that glowing dragons possess in that individual game. Chromatic dragon scales and scale mail provide all dragons' resistances, including reflection.

The following are the names given to random dragons in UnNetHack:

  • leviathan
  • tatzelworm
  • lindworm
  • guivre
  • sarkany
  • amphitere
  • wyvern
  • draken
  • sirrush
  • glowing dragon

SLASH'EM

Main article: Dragon (SLASH'EM)

SLASH'EM adds two new colored dragons: the formerly deferred shimmering dragon D and the deep dragon D, whose scales give displacement and drain resistance, respectively. The hydra and wyvern are two other new additions to the monster class, and SLASH'EM dragons in general undergo a few additional changes that distinguish them from the dragons of NetHack.

SlashTHEM

SlashTHEM adds two new colored dragons: the golden dragon D and the stone dragon D, whose scales give sickness resistance and petrification resistance respectively. Additionally, SlashTHEM adds a new unique dragon called the Dragon Lord located in The Wyrm Caves, who drops the artifact Scales of the Dragon Lord on death.

Biodiversity patch

The biodiversity patch renames the vanilla dragons (minus the gray dragon) in a manner similar to UnNetHack, but does not randomize their traits.

FIQHack

FIQHack dragons are significantly faster (speed 20 instead of 9), and their claw attacks are 1d8 instead of 1d4. In addition, they have special AI that allows them to use their breath weapon in melee range, and they will try to move more intelligently in general: they will keep you in their line of fire when possible, or move out of that line when they can't use their breath, and will flee to preserve survival.

FIQHack also includes the deferred shimmering dragons from vanilla, which have innate displacement and stunning breath, and whose scales confer displacement when worn.

Dragon breaths operate as skilled ray-type wands: there is a chance per breath attack that it will bypass reflection. Disintegration breath never does this.

SpliceHack

Main article: Dragon (SpliceHack)

SpliceHack adds several new dragon flavours and new dragon special abilities. Older dragons gain increasingly powerful breath weapons.

EvilHack

EvilHack dragons have been significantly enhanced – they spawn with much more hit points (especially in the End Game), can engulf and digest creatures smaller than them, and their scales each have some form of a secondary passive attack (which is passed on to the scales and any mail made out of them).

Encyclopedia entry

In the West the dragon was the natural enemy of man. Although preferring to live in bleak and desolate regions, whenever it was seen among men it left in its wake a trail of destruction and disease. Yet any attempt to slay this beast was a perilous undertaking. For the dragon's assailant had to contend not only with clouds of sulphurous fumes pouring from its fire breathing nostrils, but also with the thrashings of its tail, the most deadly part of its serpent-like body.

[ Mythical Beasts by Deirdre Headon (The Leprechaun Library) ]


"One whom the dragons will speak with," he said, "that is a dragonlord, or at least that is the center of the matter. It's not a trick of mastering the dragons, as most people think. Dragons have no masters. The question is always the same, with a dragon: will he talk to you or will he eat you? If you can count upon his doing the former, and not doing the latter, why then you're a dragonlord."

[ The Tombs of Atuan, by Ursula K. Le Guin ]

References

  1. ↑ trap.c in NetHack 3.6.6, line 2543: extra_nasty() discerns adult dragons from baby dragons to let them tear through webs
  2. ↑ courtmon in mkroom.c
  3. ↑ src/makemon.c in NetHack 3.6.6, line 969
  4. ↑ muse.c in NetHack 3.6.6, line 2156
  5. ↑ polyself.c in NetHack 3.6.6, line 292
  6. ↑ polyself.c in NetHack 3.6.6, line 467
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