Nalzok

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Nalzok, &, is the Priest quest nemesis. He is a unique major demon who guards the Bell of Opening and the Priest quest artifact, The Mitre of Holiness. Nalzok is almost identical to the Minion of Huhetotl, the Archeologist quest nemesis, save for his far stronger chaotic alignment and his slightly higher monster MR.

Nalzok has two strong weapon attacks, will attempt to cast one mage monster spell per round of combat, and has a claw attack that can steal back the quest artifact if you liberate it from him. Nalzok possesses the usual demon immunities to fire, poison, level draining, and death magic, along with the stoning resistance of all quest nemeses.

Generation

Nalzok is generated on one of two squares in the midst of his lair on the goal level of the Priest quest, with the Bell of Opening and The Mitre of Holiness underneath him.

Strategy

Since Nalzok is almost identical to the Minion of Huhetotl, some of the strategies that apply there will also apply to him: Nalzok hates silver and respects Elbereth and a grounded scroll of scare monster, and can summon nasties much like the Minion. Nalzok can also inflict very large amounts of damage with his two weapon attacks and spellcasting (which includes drain strength and destroy armor).

Clearing the surrounding area of monsters beforehand should be easier in comparison to the Minion's crypt, especially with the #turn command making short work of most of the zombies and wraiths - note that he can wake up early and get a few swings in during the short period of vulnerability. An AC of around −15 with a source of magic resistance is advisable, as is the usual strategy of standing on/blocking/teleporting to the upstair, then awakening and engaging Nalzok there - be mindful of the lava plain and the fire traps during the fight, as one misstep can easily end the game.

A blessed and enchanted artifact weapon (e.g. Frost Brand, Grayswandir, Magicbane, etc.) at Basic skill or a similarly blessed and enchanted silver weapon at Skilled or higher should be enough to make the fight against Nalzok easier - priests should have no shortage of holy water to bless both the weapon and enchant weapon scrolls with.

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 of scare monster on the ground no longer scares any unique monster.

Encyclopedia entry

Nalzok is Moloch's cunning and unfailingly loyal battle
lieutenant, to whom he trusts the command of warfare when he
does not wish to exercise it himself. Nalzok is a major
demon, known to command the undead. He is hungry for power,
and secretly covets Moloch's position. Moloch doesn't trust
him, but, trusting his own power enough, chooses to allow
Nalzok his position because he is useful.