Q

Printable ASCII characters
~	!	@	#	$	%	^	&	*	(	)	_	+	space
`	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	-	=	{	}	|
	Qq	Ww	Ee	Rr	Tt	Yy	Uu	Ii	Oo	Pp	:	"	[	]	\
	Aa	Ss	Dd	Ff	Gg	Hh	Jj	Kk	Ll	?	;	'	Ctrl
	Zz	Xx	Cc	Vv	Bb	Nn	Mm	,	.	/	<	>	Alt

In NetHack, the letter Q serves the following purposes:

• q represents a quadruped:
  • q rothe
  • q mumak
  • q leocrotta
  • q wumpus
  • q titanothere
  • q baluchitherium
  • q mastodon

• Q represents a quantum mechanic, which is the only member of the quantum mechanic monster class.

• Press q to quaff a potion or drink from a fountain or sink.
• Press shift + q to quiver items for firing.

The following information pertains to an upcoming version (NetHack 3.7.0). If this version is now released, please verify that the information below is still accurate, then update the page to incorporate it.

Genetic engineers are added to the quantum mechanic monster class.

Historical uses

In Hack 1.21, which is based on Jay Fenlason's Hack, the queevolt uses the q glyph, while the quivering blob uses the Q glyph. In Hack for PDP-11, the Q glyph is instead given to the quasit, while the quivering blob is moved to the q glyph. Both monsters retain their glyph for Hack 1.0.

NetHack 1.3d adds the quantum mechanic, which is only generated if the KAA compile-time option is defined, and is otherwise replaced by the quasit. NetHack 3.0.0 adds both monsters to the default bestiary and establishes monster classes, with the quadruped as q and the quasit and other minor demons moved to i.

Variants

SLASH'EM

SLASH'EM introduces new creatures that use the q and Q glyphs:

• q quadruped:
  • q lamb
  • q giant badger
  • q scramper
  • q sheep
  • q goat
  • q squealer
  • q cow
  • q mangler
  • q bull
  • q Jumbo the Elephant
  • q juggernaut
  • q catoblepas
• Q quantum mechanics:
  • Q genetic engineer
  • Q Doctor Frankenstein