Difference between revisions of "Scroll of scare monster"
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| − | A '''scroll of scare monster''' | + | A '''scroll of scare monster''' is a type of [[scroll]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is unique in that it can be used without being read. |
==Generation== | ==Generation== | ||
| − | Cursed scrolls of scare monster will be generated under the prize | + | Cursed scrolls of scare monster will be generated under the prize item on the top floor of [[Sokoban]], and under the [[chest]] containing the [[wand of wishing]] in the [[Castle]]. |
| − | == | + | ==Description== |
| + | The scroll of scare monster can be used in a couple of ways: | ||
| − | === | + | ===Reading=== |
| + | When read, a uncursed or blessed scroll causes [[monster]]s in your visual range to [[flee]], subject to each monsters [[Magic resistance (monster)|magic resistance score]]. If you are confused or the scroll is cursed, monsters in visual range will wake up, become unparalyzed, and unscared.{{refsrc|read.c|1185|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} | ||
| − | When you stand on a [[square]] where a scroll of scare monster is on the ground, most monsters will | + | ===On the ground=== |
| − | + | When you stand on a [[square]] where a scroll of scare monster is on the ground, most monsters will become scared and flee instead of attacking you in melee. Unlike [[Elbereth]], this works on peaceful monsters, [[pet]]s, [[blind]] monsters, [[Human (monster attribute)|humans]], [[Elf (monster attribute)|elves]], and [[minotaur]]s; it also works in [[Gehennom]] and the [[End Game]]{{refsrc|monmove.c|137|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} Monsters scared by this scroll will avoid walking on it unless they are blind, human or a minotaur.{{refsrc|mon.c|1214|version=NetHack 3.6.0}}{{refsrc|monmove.c|1022|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} Standing on this scroll will not scare [[angelic being]]s, the [[Riders]], or the [[Wizard of Yendor]]. | |
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{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|The scroll on the ground no longer scares any @ monster or any [[unique]] monster. The strategy advice should be updated as appropriate.}} | {{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|The scroll on the ground no longer scares any @ monster or any [[unique]] monster. The strategy advice should be updated as appropriate.}} | ||
| − | === | + | ===Beatitude, degradation and disintegration=== |
| − | + | If you pick up a blessed scroll of scare monster, it will become uncursed; if you try to pick up a cursed one, it will [[disintegrate]]. An uncursed one will set an internal flag the first time you pick it up, and disintegrate the next time unless you have blessed it - as this flag is not reset by blessing the scroll, any individual scroll can only be picked up while uncursed once. Scrolls that have been picked up once while uncursed will not stack with those that haven't. Removing a scroll from a container on the ground or in your inventory has no ill effect on it. | |
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| − | If you pick up a blessed scroll of scare monster, it will become uncursed | ||
==Strategy== | ==Strategy== | ||
| − | Dropping this scroll on the ground is one of the most powerful ways to keep hordes of monsters at bay. It effectively acts as a more powerful [[Elbereth]] square, | + | Dropping this scroll on the ground is one of the most powerful ways to keep hordes of monsters at bay. It effectively acts as a more powerful and non-eroding [[Elbereth]] square, although it can be destroyed by [[fire]]. As it works against humans, it can be a good tool when fighting off [[soldiers]] in the [[Castle]] and [[Fort Ludios]]. A single scroll can theoretically last for the entire game if you have a sufficient supply of [[holy water]], though you will need to use a potion every time you use the scroll. |
| − | This scroll is commonly used to defend [[stash | + | This scroll is commonly used to defend [[stash]]s, since placing it under a stash will prevent hostile monsters and pets from moving onto the square and picking up or destroying the stash. If you have spare [[sack]]s or other [[bag]]s, the #[[tip]] command is one of the better methods to use a carried scroll: you can place it in its own container, then #tip that container to drop it on your square immediately when necessary. Be wary of doing so on a down [[stair]], lest it fall down the staircase. |
| − | Reading these scrolls is almost always a waste, since the permanent effects of the scroll on the ground are much better than temporary monster fleeing. | + | Reading these scrolls is almost always a waste, since the permanent effects of the scroll on the ground are much better than temporary monster fleeing; cursed scrolls have some uses for [[Knight]]s looking to avoid [[alignment record]] penalties, though it may be better to let your steed or pets take out fleeing foes, or else kill them yourself and soaking up the penalty if you know you can afford it. |
| − | For conduct players, these scrolls | + | For conduct players, these scrolls provide the benefits of Elbereth without breaking [[illiterate]] conduct, and are typically the only scroll that they can use - you will want to be very careful not to destroy or disintegrate them. |
===Shops=== | ===Shops=== | ||
| − | Scrolls of scare monster in [[shop]]s can get you in trouble in the early game | + | Scrolls of scare monster in [[shop]]s can get you in trouble in the early game: If you pick up a scroll in a shop and it disintegrates, you owe the [[shopkeeper]] for it; if you can't afford it, you'll have to sell other items or risk angering the shopkeeper. Be careful picking up scrolls in shops until you have a decent amount of [[Zorkmid|gold]] on-hand, and only do so if you can afford to potentially pay for it. If you find an unknown scroll in a shop with a base price of 100 that causes the shopkeeper or any other nearby monsters to flee, [[Name|name its type]] on the floor; scaring shopkeepers this way will not anger them. |
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| − | ===Moving scrolls | + | ===Moving dropped scrolls=== |
| − | If you need to move a scroll of scare monster without destroying it, try [[kick]]ing it, or have your pets pick it up. If you only want a [[blank scroll]], kick it into a [[pool]] of water or [[cancel]] it. A pet picking up the scroll will not cause the same detrimental effects that occur when you pick up the scroll, nor will stealing the scroll from a pet or other monster that is carrying the scroll while you are polymorphed into a [[nymph]]. This is the only way to pick up a cursed scroll of scare monster | + | If you need to move a scroll of scare monster without destroying it, try [[kick]]ing it, or have your pets pick it up. If you only want a [[blank scroll]], kick it into a [[pool]] of water or [[cancel]] it. A pet picking up the scroll will not cause the same detrimental effects that occur when you pick up the scroll, nor will stealing the scroll from a pet or other monster that is carrying the scroll while you are polymorphed into a [[nymph]]. This is the only way to pick up a cursed scroll of scare monster; unfortunately, this requires a monster that can pick up magical items and is blinded, unless the monster also ignores Elbereth, as with [[Archon]]s. |
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==History== | ==History== | ||
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Prior to [[NetHack 3.6.0]], a dropped scroll of scare monster had roughly similar effects to engraving Elbereth on a square. Elbereth was much [[Elbereth#History|more powerful than in current versions]]. <code>@</code> and minotaurs did not respect Elbereth or the scroll of scare monster. | Prior to [[NetHack 3.6.0]], a dropped scroll of scare monster had roughly similar effects to engraving Elbereth on a square. Elbereth was much [[Elbereth#History|more powerful than in current versions]]. <code>@</code> and minotaurs did not respect Elbereth or the scroll of scare monster. | ||
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| + | ==Messages== | ||
| + | {{message|You hear maniacal laughter close by.|You read an uncursed or blessed scroll of scare monster, and at least one creature was affected.}} | ||
| + | {{message|You hear maniacal laughter in the distance.|As above, but no non-pet monsters were affected.}}{{refsrc|read.c|1200|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} | ||
| + | {{message|You hear sad wailing close by.|You read a cursed scroll or read any scroll while confused, and at least one creature was affected.}} | ||
| + | {{message|You hear sad wailing in the distance.|As above, but no non-pet monsters were affected.}} | ||
| + | {{message|The scroll turns to dust as you pick it up.|You picked up a scroll that disintegrated.}}{{refsrc|pickup.c|1384|version=NetHack 3.6.0}} | ||
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| + | ==Variants== | ||
| + | ===UnNetHack=== | ||
| + | In [[UnNetHack]], the scroll of scare monster does not work on any [[quest nemesis]]. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| − | <references /> | + | <references/> |
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{{nethack-360}} | {{nethack-360}} | ||
[[Category:Scrolls|Scare monster]] | [[Category:Scrolls|Scare monster]] | ||
Revision as of 13:59, 27 June 2022
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| |
|---|---|
| Name | scare monster |
| Appearance | random |
| Base price | 100 zm |
| Weight | 5 |
| Ink to write | 10-19 |
| Monster use | Will not be used by monsters. |
A scroll of scare monster is a type of scroll that appears in NetHack. It is unique in that it can be used without being read.
Contents
Generation
Cursed scrolls of scare monster will be generated under the prize item on the top floor of Sokoban, and under the chest containing the wand of wishing in the Castle.
Description
The scroll of scare monster can be used in a couple of ways:
Reading
When read, a uncursed or blessed scroll causes monsters in your visual range to flee, subject to each monsters magic resistance score. If you are confused or the scroll is cursed, monsters in visual range will wake up, become unparalyzed, and unscared.[1]
On the ground
When you stand on a square where a scroll of scare monster is on the ground, most monsters will become scared and flee instead of attacking you in melee. Unlike Elbereth, this works on peaceful monsters, pets, blind monsters, humans, elves, and minotaurs; it also works in Gehennom and the End Game[2] Monsters scared by this scroll will avoid walking on it unless they are blind, human or a minotaur.[3][4] Standing on this scroll will not scare angelic beings, the Riders, or the Wizard of Yendor.
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.
The scroll on the ground no longer scares any @ monster or any unique monster. The strategy advice should be updated as appropriate.Beatitude, degradation and disintegration
If you pick up a blessed scroll of scare monster, it will become uncursed; if you try to pick up a cursed one, it will disintegrate. An uncursed one will set an internal flag the first time you pick it up, and disintegrate the next time unless you have blessed it - as this flag is not reset by blessing the scroll, any individual scroll can only be picked up while uncursed once. Scrolls that have been picked up once while uncursed will not stack with those that haven't. Removing a scroll from a container on the ground or in your inventory has no ill effect on it.
Strategy
Dropping this scroll on the ground is one of the most powerful ways to keep hordes of monsters at bay. It effectively acts as a more powerful and non-eroding Elbereth square, although it can be destroyed by fire. As it works against humans, it can be a good tool when fighting off soldiers in the Castle and Fort Ludios. A single scroll can theoretically last for the entire game if you have a sufficient supply of holy water, though you will need to use a potion every time you use the scroll.
This scroll is commonly used to defend stashs, since placing it under a stash will prevent hostile monsters and pets from moving onto the square and picking up or destroying the stash. If you have spare sacks or other bags, the #tip command is one of the better methods to use a carried scroll: you can place it in its own container, then #tip that container to drop it on your square immediately when necessary. Be wary of doing so on a down stair, lest it fall down the staircase.
Reading these scrolls is almost always a waste, since the permanent effects of the scroll on the ground are much better than temporary monster fleeing; cursed scrolls have some uses for Knights looking to avoid alignment record penalties, though it may be better to let your steed or pets take out fleeing foes, or else kill them yourself and soaking up the penalty if you know you can afford it.
For conduct players, these scrolls provide the benefits of Elbereth without breaking illiterate conduct, and are typically the only scroll that they can use - you will want to be very careful not to destroy or disintegrate them.
Shops
Scrolls of scare monster in shops can get you in trouble in the early game: If you pick up a scroll in a shop and it disintegrates, you owe the shopkeeper for it; if you can't afford it, you'll have to sell other items or risk angering the shopkeeper. Be careful picking up scrolls in shops until you have a decent amount of gold on-hand, and only do so if you can afford to potentially pay for it. If you find an unknown scroll in a shop with a base price of 100 that causes the shopkeeper or any other nearby monsters to flee, name its type on the floor; scaring shopkeepers this way will not anger them.
Moving dropped scrolls
If you need to move a scroll of scare monster without destroying it, try kicking it, or have your pets pick it up. If you only want a blank scroll, kick it into a pool of water or cancel it. A pet picking up the scroll will not cause the same detrimental effects that occur when you pick up the scroll, nor will stealing the scroll from a pet or other monster that is carrying the scroll while you are polymorphed into a nymph. This is the only way to pick up a cursed scroll of scare monster; unfortunately, this requires a monster that can pick up magical items and is blinded, unless the monster also ignores Elbereth, as with Archons.
History
The scroll of scare monster originated in Rogue, where it had the same effect (although b/u/c distinctions did not exist).
Prior to NetHack 3.6.0, a dropped scroll of scare monster had roughly similar effects to engraving Elbereth on a square. Elbereth was much more powerful than in current versions. @ and minotaurs did not respect Elbereth or the scroll of scare monster.
Messages
- You hear maniacal laughter close by.
- You read an uncursed or blessed scroll of scare monster, and at least one creature was affected.
- You hear maniacal laughter in the distance.
- As above, but no non-pet monsters were affected.[5]
- You hear sad wailing close by.
- You read a cursed scroll or read any scroll while confused, and at least one creature was affected.
- You hear sad wailing in the distance.
- As above, but no non-pet monsters were affected.
- The scroll turns to dust as you pick it up.
- You picked up a scroll that disintegrated.[6]
Variants
UnNetHack
In UnNetHack, the scroll of scare monster does not work on any quest nemesis.
References
This page may need to be updated for the current version of NetHack.
It may contain text specific to NetHack 3.6.0. Information on this page may be out of date.
Editors: After reviewing this page and making necessary edits, please change the {{nethack-360}} tag to the current version's tag or {{noversion}} as appropriate.
