Draft:Monster detection (spell)
| Menu name | monster detection |
|---|---|
| Base mana cost | 3 |
| Target | Living monsters on the current local map |
| Learning | Druid lay devotion; general spell learning |
| Related items | Potion of monster detection |
Monster detection is a cheap reconnaissance spell that briefly displays living monsters on the current local map. It helps locate an opponent before approaching, but does not map the intervening terrain or maintain a moving display of enemies.[1]
Learning
Becoming a lay devotee of Druidism teaches both monster detection and self knowledge. This requires no existing priesthood and alignment strictly between -10 and +10 when praying at a Druid altar. The Great Henge is one such location; meeting the Archdruid and joining the faith are separate acts.[2]
It is also in the random research pool used by scrolls of spells and the Collegium. A Knowledge wish can select it, and identified Kolwynia teaches it with all other spells. See learning spells for the different requirements and repeat-learning results.[3]
Effects
The initial cost is 3 mana, before research and lunar adjustment. Casting draws each living monster's current symbol regardless of distance, walls or invisibility. It then waits for acknowledgement and restores the ordinary map. It does not wake the monsters or change their disposition.[4]
The display is limited by the current screen window: monsters outside its vertical extent are not drawn. The symbol is the monster's current displayed symbol, so a disguised creature need not appear under its usual species glyph. This is a snapshot, not identification of every monster's abilities or a lasting ability to see invisible creatures.[5]
Strategy
Use the spell before entering a dangerous room or searching for a particular enemy. At its initial cost it is much cheaper than most combat magic, but repeated casts still compete with spells needed for escape or healing. Remember the position before dismissing the display, and allow for the monster moving afterward.
Pair it with clairvoyance when you need a route through unknown terrain, or object detection when the objective is ground loot. A noncursed potion supplies the same kind of snapshot without requiring this spell in your repertoire; it is also an option when fear prevents casting.[6]
References
- ↑ spell.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 426–429; effect1.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 459–473.
- ↑ priest.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 242–245; priest.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 311–326; etc.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 127–139.
- ↑ effect3.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 271–307; effect1.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 613–620; itemf3.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 292–307.
- ↑ spell.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 503–504; command2.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 489–518; effect1.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 459–473; scr.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 833–846.
- ↑ scr.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 833–846; mspec.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 220–249.
- ↑ itemf1.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 191–198; command2.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 489–518; command1.c in Omega 0.90.4, lines 75–85.