Difference between revisions of "Shield of reflection"

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The '''shield of reflection''' is a rare but useful item. It conveys [[reflection]]. It also does [[silver damage]] against silver-hating monsters when wielded, though this is a highly suboptimal use for it. When unidentified, it is a '''polished silver shield'''; when blind, it is a '''smooth shield'''.
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A '''shield of reflection''' is type of [[shield]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is the sole [[Magical item|magical]] shield in the game. It is made of [[silver]] and appears as a '''polished silver shield''' when unidentified, and is referred to as a '''smooth shield''' if you are [[blind]].
  
[[Medusa]]'s lair has a statue of [[Perseus]] on the down [[stair]]. In the first variation of this level (with the circular central island), the statue has a 75% chance of containing a shield of reflection. In the second variation, the chance is 25%. In both cases, the shield is cursed.
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==Generation==
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The statue of [[Perseus]] on [[Medusa's Island]] has a chance of containing a [[cursed]] +0 shield of reflection: the statue on the second '[[titan]]' map has a {{frac|4}} chance, and has a {{frac|3|4}} chance on all other maps.{{refsrc|dat/medusa.des|57|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|dat/medusa.des|156|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|dat/medusa.des|274|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|dat/medusa.des|374|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
  
All [[Archon]]s start with a shield of reflection. [[Angel]]s and [[Aleax]]es have a 25% chance of having one.
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[[Angel]]s and [[Aleax]]es have a {{frac|4}} chance of [[Monster starting inventory|being generated]] with a shield of reflection, including the [[tame]] [[Minion|guardian]] Angel generated upon reaching the [[Astral Plane]] if you are not generating [[conflict]], and [[Archon]]s are always generated with one.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|340|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
  
In recent versions of [[UnNetHack]], [[Itlachiayaque]] is artefact shield of reflection that [[Archeologist|Archeologists]] receive as their quest artefact. It replaces the [[Orb of Detection]].
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==Description==
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When worn, the shield of reflection provides 2 base [[AC]] and conveys extrinsic [[reflection]]. It gains a damage bonus against against silver-hating monsters if wielded as a weapon.
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The shield will [[auto-identify]] if it is seen reflecting a [[ray]] or [[gaze]] attack.{{refsrc|src/muse.c|2169|nethack=3.6.7}}
  
 
==Strategy==
 
==Strategy==
Although reflection is a crucial property, the shield inhibits both [[Twoweapon|two-weapon combat]] and [[spellcasting]], making it an unpopular choice for the [[ascension kit]]. That said, it's still a potentially useful piece of equipment for early- to mid-game characters who don't rely exclusively on spells, as well as for a few late-game characters who can't or don't want to twoweapon and don't need to cast any spells that can't wait for the shield to come off. ([[Rangers]] and [[cavemen]] often fall into this category.)
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{{main|Shield#Strategy}}
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Although reflection is a crucial property, shields inhibit both [[twoweapon]]ing and [[spellcasting]], making the shield of reflection a somewhat unpopular choice for the [[ascension kit]] of a character that is built to focus on either. Conversely, the shield is more ideal for the ascension kits of characters that are in roles which cannot twoweapon (such as [[Cavemen]] and [[Ranger]]s), and will not urgently need spellcasting outside of situations where the shield can quickly be removed at will. Ascension kits that frequently use the shield often pair it with [[gray dragon scale mail]] to keep their amulet and cloak slots free, e.g. for a [[cloak of protection]] and/or an [[amulet of life saving]] - kits that use shields and have reflection covered via [[silver dragon scale mail]] or an amulet will instead opt for an [[elven shield]] or even a [[small shield]].
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Even characters that want to twoweapon or cast spells may consider it a solid find in the early to mid-game if they do not yet plan to rely exclusively on either, or else have not discovered the [[amulet of reflection]]. Spare shields of reflection are quite good for powerful humanoid pets to protect them from rays fired by random [[wand]]s or breath attacks from [[dragon]]s - [[Centaur (monster class)|centaurs]] are notably one of the few eligible [[steed]]s that can also wear armor, including shields of reflection.
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==History==
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The shield of reflection first appears in [[NetHack 3.0.0]].
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==Origin==
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{{Wikipedia|Perseus}}
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The shield of reflection found in the statue of Perseus is based on the shield used by the Perseus of classical folklore: he beheads and kills [[Medusa]] by using his polished shield to view her reflection and avoid meeting her gaze directly.
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==Variants==
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In variants with [[object materials]] systems, the shield of reflection may appear as a '''polished shield''' when unidentified.
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Some variants incorporate the [[Itlachiayaque]] patch, which replaces [[The Orb of Detection]] with Itlachiayaque as the [[Archeologist]] [[quest artifact]]: Itlachiayaque typically uses a shield of reflection as its [[base item]].
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===SLASH'EM===
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In [[SLASH'EM]], [[Deva]]s have a {{frac|4}} chance of being generated with a shield of reflection, and [[Planetar]]s and [[Solar]]s always generate with shields of reflection. [[Black market (SLASH'EM)#One-eyed Sam|One-eyed Sam]] is also always generated with a shield of reflection.
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[[Mirrorbright]] is a [[neutral]] [[artifact]] shield of reflection that acts as the first guaranteed [[sacrifice gift]] for [[Healer]]s. While worn, it confers [[hallucination resistance]] in addition to reflection.
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===UnNetHack===
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In [[UnNetHack]], [[Black market (UnNetHack)#One-eyed Sam|One-eyed Sam]] is always generated with a shield of reflection. [[Durin's Bane]] has a {{frac|3}} chance of generating with a shield of reflection.
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The shield of reflection is made non-magical, which makes it a viable candidate for a [[wish]] obtained from any source including a [[wand of wishing]] (which can also create magical items).
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UnNetHack also incorporates the Itlachiayaque patch: the artifact is a [[lawful]] shield of reflection that confers fire resistance while carried, and grants [[telepathy]] and [[half spell damage]] while worn. [[Invoking]] Itlachiayaque can create a [[stinking cloud]] on a square within range, similar to the [[scroll of stinking cloud]].
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===dNetHack===
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In [[dNetHack]], a shield of reflection grants 2 base AC, 0 [[DR]] and reflection while worn, and it appears as a "polished shield" when unidentified, though it is always made of silver. Its weight is increased to 60 [[aum]].
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[[Argenach Rilmani]] that generate with a [[broadsword]] have a {{frac|6}} chance of generating with a shield of reflection.
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The [[Map inclusion (dNethack)#Minor spire|minor spires]] encountered in the Outlands of the [[Neutral Quest (dNethack)|Neutral Quest]] may contain a shield of reflection and a [[silver wand]]. It may also contain a silver [[long sword]] and a shield of reflection if [[Mirror Brand (dNetHack)|Mirror Brand]] has already been generated.
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===xNetHack===
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[[xNetHack]] incorporates Itlachiayaque, but does so much differently compared to other variants: Itlachiayaque is a lawful [[gold (material)|golden]] shield of reflection that confers fire resistance while carried and [[warning]] while worn; when invoking the artifact, a character can either can create a poison cloud as in other variants, or else search for an object, monster, or furniture symbol as with a [[crystal ball]] (much like the Orb of Detection). [[Schliemann]], who replaces the [[Minion of Huhetotl]] as the Archeologist quest nemesis, is able to use Itlachiayaque's invoke ability against a player Archeologist.
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===SpliceHack===
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In [[SpliceHack]], [[Black market (SpliceHack)#One-eyed Sam|One-eyed Sam]] is always generated with a shield of reflection.
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A [[small shield]] or [[large shield]] can be combined with an amulet of reflection at a [[furnace]] to create a shield of reflection.
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===notdNetHack===
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In [[notdNetHack]], in addition to dNetHack details, [[Ose]] generates with a shield of reflection when summoned by an [[Illithanachronounbinder]].
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===EvilHack===
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In [[EvilHack]], [[Paladin (monster)|the Paladin]] and [[Graz'zt]] are always generated with a shield of reflection.
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A shield of reflection can be combined with [[barding]] at a [[Forge (dungeon feature)|forge]] to create [[barding of reflection]].
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===The November NetHack Tournament===
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In [[The November NetHack Tournament]], all [[Devteam member]]s are generated with a shield of reflection.
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The [[deathmatch]] opponent can generate with a +4 or +5 shield of reflection if they represent a character that is not a [[Monk (player monster)|monk]], [[Wizard (player monster)|wizard]], [[Healer (player monster)|healer]], [[Priest (player monster)|priest]], or [[Barbarian (player monster)|barbarian]], and does not have an item in the shield slot.
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===SlashTHEM===
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In addition to SLASH'EM details, [[SlashTHEM]] incorporates the Itlachiayaque patch, with the artifact serving as the Archeologist's first sacrifice gift and retaining most of its traits.
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==References==
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<references/>
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{{nethack-367}}
 
[[Category:Shields]]
 
[[Category:Shields]]

Latest revision as of 09:18, 15 April 2024

[   shield of reflection   Shield of reflection.png
Appearance polished silver shield
Slot shield
AC 2
Special
Base price 50 zm
Weight 50
Material silver

A shield of reflection is type of shield that appears in NetHack. It is the sole magical shield in the game. It is made of silver and appears as a polished silver shield when unidentified, and is referred to as a smooth shield if you are blind.

Generation

The statue of Perseus on Medusa's Island has a chance of containing a cursed +0 shield of reflection: the statue on the second 'titan' map has a 14 chance, and has a 34 chance on all other maps.[1][2][3][4]

Angels and Aleaxes have a 14 chance of being generated with a shield of reflection, including the tame guardian Angel generated upon reaching the Astral Plane if you are not generating conflict, and Archons are always generated with one.[5]

Description

When worn, the shield of reflection provides 2 base AC and conveys extrinsic reflection. It gains a damage bonus against against silver-hating monsters if wielded as a weapon.

The shield will auto-identify if it is seen reflecting a ray or gaze attack.[6]

Strategy

Main article: Shield#Strategy

Although reflection is a crucial property, shields inhibit both twoweaponing and spellcasting, making the shield of reflection a somewhat unpopular choice for the ascension kit of a character that is built to focus on either. Conversely, the shield is more ideal for the ascension kits of characters that are in roles which cannot twoweapon (such as Cavemen and Rangers), and will not urgently need spellcasting outside of situations where the shield can quickly be removed at will. Ascension kits that frequently use the shield often pair it with gray dragon scale mail to keep their amulet and cloak slots free, e.g. for a cloak of protection and/or an amulet of life saving - kits that use shields and have reflection covered via silver dragon scale mail or an amulet will instead opt for an elven shield or even a small shield.

Even characters that want to twoweapon or cast spells may consider it a solid find in the early to mid-game if they do not yet plan to rely exclusively on either, or else have not discovered the amulet of reflection. Spare shields of reflection are quite good for powerful humanoid pets to protect them from rays fired by random wands or breath attacks from dragons - centaurs are notably one of the few eligible steeds that can also wear armor, including shields of reflection.

History

The shield of reflection first appears in NetHack 3.0.0.

Origin

The shield of reflection found in the statue of Perseus is based on the shield used by the Perseus of classical folklore: he beheads and kills Medusa by using his polished shield to view her reflection and avoid meeting her gaze directly.

Variants

In variants with object materials systems, the shield of reflection may appear as a polished shield when unidentified.

Some variants incorporate the Itlachiayaque patch, which replaces The Orb of Detection with Itlachiayaque as the Archeologist quest artifact: Itlachiayaque typically uses a shield of reflection as its base item.

SLASH'EM

In SLASH'EM, Devas have a 14 chance of being generated with a shield of reflection, and Planetars and Solars always generate with shields of reflection. One-eyed Sam is also always generated with a shield of reflection.

Mirrorbright is a neutral artifact shield of reflection that acts as the first guaranteed sacrifice gift for Healers. While worn, it confers hallucination resistance in addition to reflection.

UnNetHack

In UnNetHack, One-eyed Sam is always generated with a shield of reflection. Durin's Bane has a 13 chance of generating with a shield of reflection.

The shield of reflection is made non-magical, which makes it a viable candidate for a wish obtained from any source including a wand of wishing (which can also create magical items).

UnNetHack also incorporates the Itlachiayaque patch: the artifact is a lawful shield of reflection that confers fire resistance while carried, and grants telepathy and half spell damage while worn. Invoking Itlachiayaque can create a stinking cloud on a square within range, similar to the scroll of stinking cloud.

dNetHack

In dNetHack, a shield of reflection grants 2 base AC, 0 DR and reflection while worn, and it appears as a "polished shield" when unidentified, though it is always made of silver. Its weight is increased to 60 aum.

Argenach Rilmani that generate with a broadsword have a 16 chance of generating with a shield of reflection.

The minor spires encountered in the Outlands of the Neutral Quest may contain a shield of reflection and a silver wand. It may also contain a silver long sword and a shield of reflection if Mirror Brand has already been generated.

xNetHack

xNetHack incorporates Itlachiayaque, but does so much differently compared to other variants: Itlachiayaque is a lawful golden shield of reflection that confers fire resistance while carried and warning while worn; when invoking the artifact, a character can either can create a poison cloud as in other variants, or else search for an object, monster, or furniture symbol as with a crystal ball (much like the Orb of Detection). Schliemann, who replaces the Minion of Huhetotl as the Archeologist quest nemesis, is able to use Itlachiayaque's invoke ability against a player Archeologist.

SpliceHack

In SpliceHack, One-eyed Sam is always generated with a shield of reflection.

A small shield or large shield can be combined with an amulet of reflection at a furnace to create a shield of reflection.

notdNetHack

In notdNetHack, in addition to dNetHack details, Ose generates with a shield of reflection when summoned by an Illithanachronounbinder.

EvilHack

In EvilHack, the Paladin and Graz'zt are always generated with a shield of reflection.

A shield of reflection can be combined with barding at a forge to create barding of reflection.

The November NetHack Tournament

In The November NetHack Tournament, all Devteam members are generated with a shield of reflection.

The deathmatch opponent can generate with a +4 or +5 shield of reflection if they represent a character that is not a monk, wizard, healer, priest, or barbarian, and does not have an item in the shield slot.

SlashTHEM

In addition to SLASH'EM details, SlashTHEM incorporates the Itlachiayaque patch, with the artifact serving as the Archeologist's first sacrifice gift and retaining most of its traits.

References