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:
  • Q quantum mechanic
  • Q genetic engineer

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

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. NetHack 5.0.0 implements the genetic engineer, borrowing its implementation from SLASH'EM.

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 Doctor Frankenstein
  • Q genetic engineer