Infidel quest
In EvilHack and Hack'EM, the Infidel quest sees an Infidel "hero" fighting the Paladin of the lawful god from their pantheon for the Bell of Opening and the quest artifact, The Idol of Moloch—the Idol is necessary in order for the Infidel to ascend, as in the original patch.
| Home level | the Hidden Temple |
|---|---|
| Locate level | the Howling Forest |
| Goal level | ancient ruins |
| Leader | Archbishop of Moloch |
| Guardians | cultists |
| Nemesis | The Paladin |
| Quest artifact | The Idol of Moloch |
Contents
Monsters
Random monsters on this Quest are generated with the following frequencies:
- 96⁄175 (55%) agent
- 24⁄175 (14%) random d dog or other canine
- 24⁄175 (14%) champion
- 6⁄175 (3%) random u unicorn or horse
- 1⁄7 (14%) normal random monster
Levels
The following level layouts are encountered in the Infidel quest.
The Hidden Temple's Cliffside
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The magic portal from the Dungeons of Doom leads to a large forest area that is sparsely populated with trees. 3-12 random canines are scattered randomly around this area, along with three random traps, and there is a 1⁄5 chance of a black unicorn being placed. The marked dart trap sits in front of a secret door that leads into the temple complex.
The temple is considered abandoned, with comments indicating that the altar was previously converted to Moloch in the past. The Archbishop of Moloch stands atop the unaligned altar, surrounded by eight cultists at the marked positions, and the room is 'decorated' with eight statues of major demons: a horned devil, a barbed devil, a marilith, a vrock, a hezrou, a bone devil, an ice devil, and a pit fiend. Three elf corpses and two human corpses are placed randomly around the altar. The three rooms to the west of the temple each consist of a small cache with two stacks of 1-2 potions of unholy water, a 'supply room' with an axe and three random items, and the room with the down stair—secret doors hide the paths to the item rooms, and the doors of the rooms themselves are locked.
The temple and sub-rooms are always lit. The entire level is no-teleport with non-diggable walls and floor, though the trees in the forest area can still be chopped down.
Upper filler level
The upper filler levels are underground complexes, represented by standard room-and-corridor levels with six rooms, five kobolds, three humanoids, two ogres, nine random items, seven traps, a fountain, and a 1⁄4 chance of a throne room. The floor is undiggable.
The Howling Forest's Edge
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The locate level is an unlit woodland consisting of a Gnomish Mines-style open area bordered by trees, and the mapped area above forms the rightmost third of the level. The room with the up stair contains a random k, the central room houses a random h, and the topmost room behind the secret door has a locked door, a random O and two chests. The lake contains three piranha.
The forest is populated by three werewolves, 4-16 d, and two u, along with a 13⁄20 chance of a forest centaur and a 2⁄5 chance of a woodchuck (Which may well be the only one normally encountered in a given game). The level also contains four random items and six traps, and the downstairs are randomly placed in the left half of the level.
The stone walls and the floor are undiggable, though the trees in the forest area can still be chopped down.
Lower filler level(s)
The lower filler levels are open woodland areas bordered by trees similar to the locate level, and each one has werewolves, 6-24 d, four u, a forest centaur, and a 3⁄5 chance of a woodchuck. Four random items and eight traps are placed randomly on the level as well. The floor is undiggable.
The forest clearing in the ancient ruins
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The goal level is a woodland area surrounding the mapped "ruin" area displayed above, which sits within a clearing in the center of the map—the up stair will be placed randomly on the right half of the map. The Paladin stands atop the cursed Idol of Moloch, surrounded by six templars and two hostile aligned priests of the same lawful god that the Paladin serves—all of them will be created asleep. There are four squeaky boards located randomly around the ruin area, along with some randomly-placed buried treasure: two stacks of 10-1000 gold pieces, three random gems, a 3⁄5 chance of a random ring, a 1⁄2 chance of a second ring, and a 2⁄5 chance of an amulet.
The surrounding woods house four werewolves, 5-20 d, three u, a 4⁄5 chance of a forest centaur, and a 1⁄2 chance of a woodchuck; there are also three random items and seven traps. The entire level is unlit, and the floor is undiggable.
Messages
A user has suggested improving this page or section as follows:
"Corrective pass once all messages are established"
First time:
You arrive at the mouth of a cave that hosts the Hidden Temple. This is the place where the Archbishop of Moloch taught you the glory of Moloch, where you studied black arts with your fellow cultists, and where you were chosen for your unholy mission. You did not expect to be back so soon. Why has the Archbishop called you? It is nighttime, and the moonlight is scattered by clouds. You make sure to stay in the shadows, for even here you are likely to be ambushed for your precious cargo. The surface is never safe for you now.
Subsequent times:
Once again, you near the Hidden Temple.
If already rejected twice due to bad alignment:
Again you face the Hidden Temple. Moloch's presence feels fainter than usual. You wonder if you'll be allowed to return here yet again.
Quest guardians
Chatting to the quest guardians before the quest is complete gives the following messages:
"Agents of the false gods are everywhere! I got my purse stolen!" "I was once biten by a werewolf in the Howling Forest. It's not nearly as glamorous as the books make it sound." "I just noticed a pile of skulls in that corner. <Player>... are we the baddies?" "The Paladin of <lawful deity> acts all high and mighty, but she's still mortal, and can be killed." "We were THIS close to recovering The Idol by ourselves! The church of <lawful deity> just got lucky... and had better funding."
Chatting to the quest guardians after the quest is complete gives the following messages:
"Agents of the false gods are everywhere! I got my purse stolen!" "Glory to Moloch, <sibling>! Let's drink elf blood together!" "I just noticed a pile of skulls in that corner. <Player>... are we the baddies?" "Have you made sure to properly desecrate the Paladin's corpse? Appearances are important!" "The Idol of Moloch is ours! Take that, professional archeology!"
When you first meet your quest leader:
"My <child>, welcome back. You must be wondering why I have interrupted your mission! As it happens, another quest has arisen that only you can undertake. Let me see if you're up to the challenge."
When you return, having been rejected due to lack of experience:
"Welcome again, <player>. I hope you're ready this time."
This message is not currently used:
"Again you return, <player>. The Paladin won't wait forever! Are you ready now?"
When you are expelled from the quest for having failed the alignment test seven times:
"I am most disappointed, <player>. The fire of Moloch no longer burns in your breast! How could you abandon your faith so easily? You're no longer our <sibling>. Begone and never return! We will find someone else to finish your quest."
When being rejected due to lack of experience:
"Alas, <player>, you're still weak. I cannot in good faith send you against the Paladin of <lawful deity> now; she'll squash you like an insect! You must train and attain more skill; come back when you're a proper Cultist."
When being rejected due to having worse than pious alignment:
"No, that will not do. The fire of Moloch within you is too weak. Only with the support of our faith can you hope to prevail! Go back to The Dungeons of Doom and perform more sacrifices to honor Moloch. When your devotion is strong again, you may return."
When finally assigned the quest:
"Yes, my <child>. You are now as ready as you'll ever be. Listen carefully as I explain the current situation and your new quest. "As you must know, we have long searched for the lost Idol of Moloch, for it is vitally important both to our faith and the ultimate plan of our God Moloch. But the church of <lawful deity> has learned of our efforts and has sponsored a team of professional archeologists to find the Idol of Moloch first. Unfortunately, it seems they were succesful. "A week ago, the Cult had received a message from a prominent paladin of <lawful deity>. She claims that the Idol of Moloch is in her posession, and challenges you to a 'honorable duel' for the artifact. The Paladin was adamant in dueling you specifically, so it's clearly a ploy to obtain the Amulet of Yendor that was entrusted to you. "We have no choice but to accept, as without the Idol Moloch's plan cannot be completed. The Paladin of <lawful deity> waits for you in the ancient ruins amidst the Howling Forest, which can be reached through the underground complex below our temple. You must travel there and retrieve the Idol by any means. While there, retrieve the silver bell, as you will need it to enter the sanctum and rendezvous with our High Priest. She has defiled the bell, but it's nothing we cannot remedy. "May Moloch be your strength, <player>. Go with His blessing."
Encouragement
If you subsequently chat to your quest leader, you are encouraged:
"Remember, you must return with the Idol so that we can remove the blasphemous magic from the silver bell." "As long as the fire of Moloch burns within your chest, you will prevail." "The Paladin of <lawful deity> is a capable spellcaster as well as a powerful warrior. Approach her with care and think before acting." "The Paladin of <lawful deity>'s faith is very strong, and as such she knows no fear." "The Howling Forest is plagued by werewolves. If you can wield silver weapons, do so." "If you know how to evoke fireballs, it will be your greatest aid. The Paladin may be well-armored, but that won't protect her from burning alive!" "The Idol of Moloch protects its holder from many harmful magics. Unfortunately, its current holder is the Paladin. If you can somehow steal the Idol, it will aid you greatly." "When you obtain the Idol, you may call for Moloch's aid at any time. Even at the surface, you will be answered." "Watch where you aim your wands: the Paladin of <lawful deity> has a magical reflective shield." "The church of <lawful deity> wouldn't risk The Idol of Moloch if they weren't sure the Paladin can defeat you in a fair fight. So don't fight fair!" "The Paladin of <lawful deity> is immune to mundane poisons, but a paralyzing venom will work wonders on her."
Locate and goal levels
When first entering the locate level:
The gloom and stillness of the underground caves gives way to moonlight, hooting of owls, and an occasional blood-chilling howl. The Howling Forest lies ahead. Somewhere in these woods the Paladin of <lawful deity> awaits you.
When returning:
Again, you stand at the edge of the Howling Forest.
When first entering the goal level:
You've reached a clearing in the forest. In the distance, you can <see|sense> the ancient ruins where the Paladin of <lawful deity> has challenged you to the duel. It's still nighttime. Hopefully you can sneak up unnoticed, but what then?
When returning:
Once again, you approach the ancient ruins.
Quest nemesis
When first encountering the quest nemesis:
"Ah, <player>. You've answered my challenge, after all. It seems that your vile cult has at least some recognition of honor. "But no matter. Your malignant existence is an affront to <lawful deity>, and it is by my hand that it will end today. "And after I defeat you and take the Amulet from your undeserving grasp, I will destroy the Idol once and for all, and your cult shall soon follow!
"Prepare yourself, villian, for your final judgement!"
Upon further meetings:
"Again you return, <player>. Did you think running away could help you somehow?"
And on the 4th and subsequent meetings:
"Surely by now you understand that you haven't got a chance. Accept your fate and die, coward!"
When you have the Idol of Moloch, but the Paladin is still alive:
"Wha-- how? Get back here, thief! We're not done yet!"
Discouragement
The Paladin will occasionally utter maledictions:
"Moloch is a coward who can but hide underground. Aren't you ashamed to be his slave?" "You're a disgrace both as a combatant and as a <currentrank>. Why do I even bother?" "I hope you like fire, because that's how you're going to spend the rest of eternity... in hell!" "Ready to give up, <player>? You know your <god> can't help you here." "The judgement of %D is upon you now!" "When I claim the Amulet of Yendor for <lawful deity>, Moloch will become but a footnote in a history book." "Did the Archbishop really think a <currentrank> could even reach the bottom of Gehennom? The Amulet will be much safer with me." "None of your fellow cultists will survive my wrath. This I promise." "For your sins, you will die today!" "You will never have the Idol, and soon, you will lose your life."
Victory
When picking up your quest artifact:
As you pick up the Idol, you feel the presence of Moloch clearer than ever. The power of Moloch encompasses your soul, and you instantly understand why your Cult was searching for The Idol of Moloch, and why the Paladin of <lawful deity> wanted to destroy it. <You must return to the Archbishop at once.> With the Idol of Moloch, the Cult will be more powerful than ever!
The text regarding the Archbishop is omitted if they are already dead at this point.
When killing the nemesis:
The Paladin falls to her knees. With her last breath, she whispers:
"Don't... think you've won just yet. I am but one servant of
<lawful deity> out of many, and other gods are...
after you as well. You will... never reach <lawful deity> alive.
Justice will..."
A ray of bright light pierces the dawning sky, and the Paladin's body is gone.
When returning to your quest leader, if you are allowed to keep the Idol of Moloch:
"<Player>, you are victorous! Well done. Moloch is pleased by your success. All of us are proud of you as well. "You must now continue on your original mission. But along with the Amulet, you must also deliver The Idol of Moloch to Moloch's Sanctum. We have restored the silver bell, which will aid you on your quest. Such is His will, and such is His plan. "When you reach the high altar, the final phase of the plan will be revealed to you. Remember to keep the Idol on you at all times! If it's lost, all our preparations will be ruined."
When subsequently throwing the Idol of Moloch to the Archbishop of Moloch after being allowed to keep it:
"You're The Idol's keeper now, but Moloch alone is its owner. You must bring it to Him along with the Amulet of Yendor. We have restored the silver bell, use it to reach Moloch's Sanctum. The Dungeons of Doom await your return through the magic portal that brought you here."
When returning to your quest leader, if you are asked to give the quest artifact back:
The Archbishop of Moloch stares intently at the Idol. "Impressive, <player>. You have defeated the Paladin and recovered the Idol, and we can soon restore the silver bell. However, I have lost confidence in you <player>. I will deliver the Idol to Moloch's Sanctum myself. <Player>, give the Idol to me, now!
If you comply and return the Idol:
"You are such a disappointment, <player>. Did you honestly believe I would allow you to continue the mission? You have been unfaithful to our Lord and Master Moloch, <player>! You are not worthy! I will become the Chosen One of Moloch, I alone will complete the mission, and the forces of good shall know the wrath of Moloch!
Note that the Idol of Moloch is required to ascend, so the Archbishop will always attack you regardless of whether you comply or not—per some of the messages below, killing the Archbishop is also not penalized unlike with other roles killing their quest leaders.
Post-quest
When talking to the Archbishop of Moloch after the quest:
"Welcome back, my <child>. Have you found your way to the Sanctum yet?"
When offering the Amulet of Yendor on Moloch's high altar without the Idol of Moloch:
Very good, My pawn. Thou hast finally reached here. But where is Mine Idol that was entrusted to thee? Thou wast told to bring it here. For thy sake, I hope thou hast not lost it! Return with The Idol and invoke My name here, and do not falter.
When successfully imbuing the Idol with the Amulet's power on Moloch's high altar:
"My pawn, thou hast done well. Now listen carefully, for the time for thy final test has come. "A deity who wields the Amulet of Yendor can claim dominion over the gods of heaven, the position that is Mine by right. But I am no longer welcome among them, so I must take My place by force. "The Idol that thou carriest is a vessel for My power, and now I shall make it the vessel for the Amulet's true power as well. Carrying it will allow thee to journey to the Astral Plane in heaven. There, the false gods reside. "Find the weakest among them and invoke Mine Idol in their temple. I will take their place, and all will bow to My rule, as they should. "Which deity is the weakest, thou must find out thyself. Perhaps My servants can advise you."
When chatting to the high priest of Moloch after imbuing the Idol:
"My <child>, we all pray for thy success on thy quest. The false gods possess power beyond any mere mortal, and even with Moloch's help overthrowing one of them will be a challenge. Chose thine opponent wisely. "I shall offer thee some advice. Last night, I had a vision. There was a great battle in heaven; the forces of our Lord Moloch were besieging a fortress of <deity 1>. But <deity 1's> <alignment> minions held their ground for thirty days and nights and, sadly, the fortress was not taken. "The meaning here is clear: when in thy mission thou reachest heaven, challenging <deity 1> will likely be futile. Keep this in mind."
If you have killed the Archbishop and chat to the high priest of Moloch after imbuing the Idol:
"Ah, I understand thou hast defeated the Archbishop. Such is the way of our Cult. Then let me give thee a bit more advice, my <child>. Over the years, Our Lord Moloch has used His awesome might to bend the non-believers to His will. But <deity 2> is strong, and it appears that <their> <aligned> minions are more resilient to our Lords magic than the others. "Perhaps that extends to <deity 2> <themself>, as well."
When talking to the Archbishop of Moloch after imbuing the Idol:
"Congratulations, <player>! We are closer than ever to the ultimate victory. "As Moloch has told you, you must now bring the Idol of Moloch to one of the high altars on the Astral Plane. It's hard to say which deity will be more susceptible to Moloch's power, but in all my years fending off non-believers, I have noticed that <alignment> priests are unusually resistant to my clerical magic. "Perhaps that extends to <deity 2> <themself>, as well."
Strategy
- To be written.
