Difference between revisions of "Silent spectre"

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(Replace some poor and/or outdated advice. Tornado+haste from the edge of the aura is not useful advice for most characters (even spellcasters). There are much cheaper alternatives that don't require level 9 spells.)
(Added Strategy, folded Tips & Tricks into it)
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==Useful Info==
 
==Useful Info==
'''Silent spectres''' are weak insubstantial [[undead]] that would be no real threat except for the permanent 12-tile [[aura]] of [[Silence]] they radiate. A character with even moderate weapon skills should be able to defeat them easily, but pure casters will find themselves suddenly incapable of casting spells, using abilities, or commanding allies. Fortunately it's easy to avoid them, as their large aura can be seen long before they enter your [[line of sight]]. Silent spectres cannot use stairs.  They can be randomly found in [[the Crypt]], [[the Abyss]], [[Tartarus]], and [[Ziggurat]]s, and elsewhere as part of predefined [[vault]]s.
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'''Silent spectres''' are weak, insubstantial [[undead]] that would be no real threat except for the permanent 12-tile [[aura]] of [[Silence]] they radiate. A character with even moderate weapon skills should be able to defeat them easily, but pure casters will find themselves suddenly incapable of casting spells, reading [[scroll]]s, or [[shout|commanding allies]]. They can be randomly found in [[the Crypt]], [[the Abyss]], [[Tartarus]], and [[Ziggurat]]s, and elsewhere as part of predefined [[vault]]s. Silent spectres cannot use stairs.
  
==Tips & Tricks==
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==Strategy==
*Silence disables spellcasting and [[scroll]]s, but not [[wand]]s, [[potion]]s, [[evocable items]], or [[throw]]able items.
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Keep in mind that the aura disables spellcasting and [[scroll]]s, but not [[wand]]s, [[potion]]s, [[abilities]], or [[evocable items]].
*Because their aura is so large, reaching them is often a difficult task. Javelins of penetration or a [[lamp of fire]] can destroy them quite effectively even if they are hidden behind a pack of enemies. A [[lightning rod]] can also do the trick, albeit from a much shorter distance.
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Their presence is never a surprise, as their large (wall-penetrating) aura can be seen long before they enter your [[line of sight]]. However, for the same reason, magic users can never user attack spells on them and would do well to buff themselves and have tactics organized before entering the aura: eg, [[Shroud of Golubria]], [[Deflect Missiles]], [[Regeneration]], [[Aura of Abjuration]], [[Ring of Flames]].
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Most troubling is not the spectre itself, but the possible horde that might be interposed between you and the spectre. If the horde is mighty, pick away at it, with a ready avenue of escape. Keep in mind that once you do so, the spectre itself may move closer and previously "safe," non-aura tiles near your escape route will now be affected by silence.  
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Having a [[penetration|penetrating]] weapon can be useful to attempt to pick off the spectre from afar. A [[lamp of fire]] or [[lightning rod]] can be quite useful, albeit the latter has a much shorter range.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
Silent spectres were added to the game in [[0.8]].
 
Silent spectres were added to the game in [[0.8]].

Revision as of 10:01, 16 December 2018

Version 0.22: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.
silent spectre WSilent spectre.png
HP 28-61
HD 8
XP 313
Speed 10
AC 5
EV 15
Will 40
Attack1 15 (hit: plain)


Resistances rC+++, rPois+++,
rN+++, rTorm,
rRot+++, rSticky,
rConstr, rDrown,
rWater
Vulnerabilities Holy, Holy wrath
Habitat Land
Intelligence Normal
Uses Open doors
Holiness Undead
Size Medium
Type wraith, silent spectre
Flags Evil
Insubstantial
Levitate
No stairs
See invisible
Speaks
The bane of wizards, these terrible spirits bring an unearthly silence to the area around them, making it impossible to recite the magical incantations involved with casting spells or reading scrolls.

“There is a silence where hath been no sound,
There is a silence where no sound may be,—
In the cold grave, under the deep, deep sea,
Or in the wide desert where no life is found.”
-Thomas Hood, “Silence”. Early 19th cent.

Useful Info

Silent spectres are weak, insubstantial undead that would be no real threat except for the permanent 12-tile aura of Silence they radiate. A character with even moderate weapon skills should be able to defeat them easily, but pure casters will find themselves suddenly incapable of casting spells, reading scrolls, or commanding allies. They can be randomly found in the Crypt, the Abyss, Tartarus, and Ziggurats, and elsewhere as part of predefined vaults. Silent spectres cannot use stairs.

Strategy

Keep in mind that the aura disables spellcasting and scrolls, but not wands, potions, abilities, or evocable items.

Their presence is never a surprise, as their large (wall-penetrating) aura can be seen long before they enter your line of sight. However, for the same reason, magic users can never user attack spells on them and would do well to buff themselves and have tactics organized before entering the aura: eg, Shroud of Golubria, Deflect Missiles, Regeneration, Aura of Abjuration, Ring of Flames.

Most troubling is not the spectre itself, but the possible horde that might be interposed between you and the spectre. If the horde is mighty, pick away at it, with a ready avenue of escape. Keep in mind that once you do so, the spectre itself may move closer and previously "safe," non-aura tiles near your escape route will now be affected by silence.

Having a penetrating weapon can be useful to attempt to pick off the spectre from afar. A lamp of fire or lightning rod can be quite useful, albeit the latter has a much shorter range.

History

Silent spectres were added to the game in 0.8.