Difference between revisions of "Hell"

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{{flavour|This gateway leads to the Vestibule of Hell. Few would go there voluntarily.
 
{{flavour|This gateway leads to the Vestibule of Hell. Few would go there voluntarily.
  
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The hallway to the four hells is guarded by Geryon. Heroes who prove their worth in the vestibule and blow Geryon's horn may explore the different regions of Hell: Dis, Gehenna, Cocytus and Tartarus.
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The Vestibule of Hell is guarded by Geryon, along with various denizens of each of the hells themselves.
  
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Portals to the Vestibule of Hell are found abundantly in the Depths.
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Portals to the Vestibule of Hell are found abundantly in the Depths.}}
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{{flavour|Welcome to Hell! Please enjoy your stay.}}
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'''Hell''' is a forbidding domain, crawling with demonic entities of all shapes and sizes. It is actually comprised of five separate branches: the [[Vestibule of Hell]] and its four sub-branches.  
  
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"Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate." -Dante Alighieri, Divina Commedia, "L'Inferno", Canto III. Circa 1315
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==The Vestibule of Hell==
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}}
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[[File:Hell entry.png]] You're guaranteed to find multiple portals to the Vestibule throughout the [[Depths]], though there is a [[Lair]]:5 vault that has a portal to Hell.
  
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{{flavour|Welcome to the Vestibule of Hell! Welcome to Hell! Please enjoy your stay.}}
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[[Geryon]], the three-headed gatekeeper of the Hells, always appears. He is accompanied by all sorts of demons. The unique [[curse skull]] [[Murray]] will also be there 25% of the time.
  
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'''Hell''' is a forbidding domain crawling with demonic entities of all shapes and sizes. It is actually comprised of five separate branches: [[The Vestibule of Hell]] and its four subbranches. From the main dungeon, all Hell portals lead to the Vestibule; it is from there that one ventures into Hell's branches.
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==Hell's Branches==
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There are four branches accessible from the Vestibule of Hell:
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*[[File:Gehenna entry.png]] [[Gehenna]], the [[fire]] branch, contains the obsidian rune of Zot.
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*[[File:Cocytus entry.png]] [[Cocytus]], the [[cold]] branch, contains the icy rune of Zot.
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*[[File:Tartarus entry.png]] [[Tartarus]], the [[undead]] branch containing [[negative energy]] damage, contains the bone rune of Zot.
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*[[File:Dis entry.png]] [[The Iron City of Dis]], the iron branch containing physical damage, contains the iron rune of Zot.
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Each branch of Hell is 7 levels deep. Floors 1-6 are all about a quarter the size of a regular floor, containing only one gateway out and downstair. Notice how there isn't an ''upstair'' - instead, there are portals leading directly to the Vestibule.
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The final level of each houses a [[unique]], named [[demon]] lord protecting several treasure vaults, a [[rune of Zot]], and in some cases an [[unrandart]] weapon. These floors are often very large in comparison, even to regular dungeon floors.
  
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===The Vestibule of Hell===
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The [[Zot clock]] is shared between the Vestibule and the four branches.
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[[File:Hell entry.png]] You'll find multiple portals to the Vestibule in the [[Depths]] (though one possible [[Lair]]:8 layout contains one behind a temple filled with demons, as well as rarely on the bottom of the [[Orcish Mines]]). The Vestibule's most famous denizen is [[Geryon]], a cowardly three-headed demon, with whom you'll also find flocks of demons and [[hell knight]]s. The unique [[curse skull]] [[Murray]] will also be there 25% of the time.
 
  
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The Vestibule is generally safe to clear if you've finished exploring the Dungeon and are hardy enough to have cleared the [[Elven Halls]] and [[the Vaults]] (see [[The Vestibule of Hell|the article]] for further strategy tips). Once the Vestibule has been cleared, it can serve as a [[stash]] location.  Monsters can respawn here—just at a low rate.
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===Hell Effects===
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Each Hell, excluding the Vestibule, will inflict a persistent effect on any who dare venture into them.
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*'''Gehenna''' prevents [[scroll]] use (-Scroll)
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*'''Cocytus''' prevents [[potion]] use (-Potion)
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*'''Tartarus''' halves [[willpower]] (Will/2)
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*'''Dis''' inflicts irresistible [[corrosion]] (Corr-8).
  
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===Hell's branches===
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These effects last for as long as you remain in their respective Hell.
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It is not necessary to kill Geryon to enter the branches of Hell, but given the endless minions that he will spawn when using his [[Horn of Geryon|horn]], it is highly advisable. Also, if you can't kill Geryon, you probably shouldn't enter any of the hells anyway.
 
  
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There are four branches accessible from the Vestibule of Hell:
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===Hell's Mystical Force===
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*[[File:Gehenna entry.png]] [[Gehenna]], the fire branch, contains the obsidian rune of Zot.
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In Hell's branches, every time you go down a staircase, Hell's "mystical force" may lash out at you:<ref>{{source ref|0.30.1|stairs.cc|484}}</ref>
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*[[File:Cocytus entry.png]] [[Cocytus]], the cold branch, contains the icy rune of Zot.
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*25% - A transient bad [[mutation]]
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*[[File:Tartarus entry.png]] [[Tartarus]], the undead branch, contains the bone rune of Zot.
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*25% - Temporary [[stat drain]] (1-5 points of a random [[stat]])
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*[[File:Dis entry.png]] [[The Iron City of Dis]], the iron branch, contains the iron rune of Zot.
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*25% - Temporary [[Drain|HP drain]] (~13.3% max HP)
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*25% - No effect
  
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Each branch of Hell is 7 levels deep. The final level of each houses a unique, named [[demon]] protecting several treasure vaults, a [[rune of Zot]], and in some cases an [[unrandart]] weapon. A unique feature of the Hell branches is that there are no stairs leading upwards; all exits from a given floor are stairways leading farther down or portals leading directly back to the Vestibule. While this means that you can't make use of [[stair dancing]] like you could in other areas, it makes escape considerably easier. Should you take a nasty beating or realize you're underprepared, simply take a portal back to the Vestibule; once you've recovered, you can resume exploration from the top of the branch. You'll retain the maps of the levels you've made so far, making it easier to find your way back down.
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In addition to this, there is a 16.67% chance of making [[Noise | noise]] (loudness 15), unless you are [[silence]]d.
  
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Besides the vaults on the final level, [[item]]s and food in Hell are almost nonexistent, generally only acquired if dropped by a slain monster (e.g. a [[potion of blood]] from a [[vampire]] or weapons from [[red devil]]s or [[skeletal warrior]]s). For the most part, the only thing you'll find to eat will be the occasional pack of [[hell hound]]s or [[hell hog]]s, and those mostly appear in Gehenna. This gives you yet another reason to move through the Hells as quickly as possible.
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[[Zin]] will sometimes protect you from the forces of Hell. The chance to prevent an effect scales linearly, up to a 50% chance at maximum (200) piety. In addition, Zin's mutation protection will work as normal, even if the initial prevention fails; this leads to a true rate of 62.5% to prevent an effect at max piety.
  
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[[Teleport control]] is disabled on the last level of each branch until their respective runes are acquired.
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==Strategy==
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Hell is generally considered part of the [[extended game]]. You shouldn't intend to clear the four branches unless you want all 15 runes, or otherwise want a challenge.
  
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===Hell's Mystical Force===
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That being said, most characters ready for [[Depths]] can complete the Vestibule in reasonable safety. This is often done for the [[Horn of Geryon]], obtained when you kill Geryon. For more details on completing the Vestibule, see [[Vestibule of Hell#Strategy|Vestibule of Hell]].
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In Hell's branches (but not the Vestibule), resting is difficult. Every 20 turns, there is a chance that a "[[Miscast effects#Hell effects|mystical force]]" may lash out at you.  This usually just selects a random miscast, but may also summon demons or level appropriate monsters. Potential effects include:
 
  
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*Random [[miscast]] effects:
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It technically isn't required to defeat Geryon to enter the four sub-branches, but it is recommended. A character who can't defeat Geryon probably isn't ready for the other Hell branches.
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**Slowing you for a few turns
 
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**Confusing you for a few turns
 
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**Making you berserk for a few turns
 
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**1-7 [[stat]] drain
 
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**Rotting
 
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**Opening a [[Malign Gateway]] to summon an [[eldritch tentacle]].
 
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**Blasting you with a branch-specific attack (e.g. clouds of freezing vapour in Cocytus, sticky flame in Gehenna)
 
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**Blasting you with magical energy -- irresistible damage
 
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**And assorted other nasty things
 
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*Spawning demons or other monsters around you, up to and including [[Tier-1_demon#The_Fiends|fiend]]s. These are not summons: they cannot be [[Abjuration|abjured]] and are worth experience.
 
  
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Arguably, the first two miscast effects are the most dangerous; being slowed or confused while surrounded by freshly summoned demons (or when fighting one of the demon lords on the last level) can be deadly. However, over a period of time, stat drain can become quite onerous, particularly if the same stat is drained repeatedly.
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===Clearing Hell Branches===
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You may be tempted to 'dive' each of the hell branches, rushing straight to the downstairs. However, XP is used to cure the effects of Hell's mystical force. Thus, clearing the floors is recommended if possible.  
  
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==Recommendations==
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Ideally, you have high resistances to counteract each branch's element: rF+++ for Gehenna, rC+++ for Cocytus, rN+++ for Tartarus, and a little bit of everything for Dis. Weapons with the [[holy wrath]] brand are effective against all manners of demons and undead.
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The safest strategy of acquiring Hell's runes is to ignore as many monsters as possible and dive to the next level. Every upward staircase in Hell's branches returns you straight to the Vestibule anyway, so you don't even have to face the monsters twice. Fighting with monsters to get experience may be tempting, but in Hell these seeming benefits are often negated by the actions of the mystical force. It's all fun and games until you're helplessly paralyzed or suffer two successive -7 hits on one of your stats.
 
  
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If you do plan on fighting in Hell - a pastime for powerful characters only! - make sure you have high resistances to counteract each branch's element: rF+++ for Gehenna, rC+++ for Cocytus, rN+++ for Tartarus, and a little bit of everything for Dis. In addition, you'll want a way to [[sustain abilities|sustain]] or [[potion of restore ability|restore abilities]], a means of [[flight]], [[Abjuration]] or a means of [[blink]]ing if you get surrounded by summoned demons, and plenty of food (unless you're in [[lichform]] or are a [[mummy]]/bloodless [[vampire]]). Weapons with the [[holy wrath]] brand are effective against all manners of demons and undead too. Also, at high piety, [[Zin]] will frequently block the effects of Hell's mystical force, making his worshipers particularly well-suited to plumbing Hell's depths.
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The portals out make [[stair dancing]] harder, but make escape easier. Should you take a nasty beating or realize you're under-prepared, simply take a portal back to the Vestibule, keeping whatever map knowledge you've had. Going back will make you experience more Hell effects, though.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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Prior to [[0.14]], players needed to evoke Geryon's horn to access the branches of Hell.
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*Prior to [[0.29]], Hell's Mystical Force happened over time, rather than when descending stairs.
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*The Hells received a rework in [[0.28]]; introducing many new monsters and the unique branch-wide forces of each Hell. Prior to this version, Hell's Mystical Force was slower, but more varied, with miscasts and monster spawns. In addition, Hell's floors were normal sized, with 3 stairs in each direction.
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*Prior to [[0.14]], players needed to evoke Geryon's horn to access the branches of Hell.
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*Prior to [[0.9]], a frequent Hell effect was banishment. This was replaced with Malign Gateway, mostly to reduce annoyance to the player.
  
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Prior to [[0.9]], a frequent Hell effect was banishment.  This was replaced with Malign Gateway, mostly to reduce annoyance to the player.
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==References==
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<references/>
  
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[[Category:Dungeon_Branches]]
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{{branches}}

Latest revision as of 02:19, 15 September 2024

Version 0.30: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.
This gateway leads to the Vestibule of Hell. Few would go there voluntarily.

The Vestibule of Hell is guarded by Geryon, along with various denizens of each of the hells themselves.

Portals to the Vestibule of Hell are found abundantly in the Depths.

Welcome to Hell! Please enjoy your stay.

Hell is a forbidding domain, crawling with demonic entities of all shapes and sizes. It is actually comprised of five separate branches: the Vestibule of Hell and its four sub-branches.

The Vestibule of Hell

Hell entry.png You're guaranteed to find multiple portals to the Vestibule throughout the Depths, though there is a Lair:5 vault that has a portal to Hell.

Geryon, the three-headed gatekeeper of the Hells, always appears. He is accompanied by all sorts of demons. The unique curse skull Murray will also be there 25% of the time.

Hell's Branches

There are four branches accessible from the Vestibule of Hell:

Each branch of Hell is 7 levels deep. Floors 1-6 are all about a quarter the size of a regular floor, containing only one gateway out and downstair. Notice how there isn't an upstair - instead, there are portals leading directly to the Vestibule.

The final level of each houses a unique, named demon lord protecting several treasure vaults, a rune of Zot, and in some cases an unrandart weapon. These floors are often very large in comparison, even to regular dungeon floors.

The Zot clock is shared between the Vestibule and the four branches.

Hell Effects

Each Hell, excluding the Vestibule, will inflict a persistent effect on any who dare venture into them.

  • Gehenna prevents scroll use (-Scroll)
  • Cocytus prevents potion use (-Potion)
  • Tartarus halves willpower (Will/2)
  • Dis inflicts irresistible corrosion (Corr-8).

These effects last for as long as you remain in their respective Hell.

Hell's Mystical Force

In Hell's branches, every time you go down a staircase, Hell's "mystical force" may lash out at you:[1]

In addition to this, there is a 16.67% chance of making noise (loudness 15), unless you are silenced.

Zin will sometimes protect you from the forces of Hell. The chance to prevent an effect scales linearly, up to a 50% chance at maximum (200) piety. In addition, Zin's mutation protection will work as normal, even if the initial prevention fails; this leads to a true rate of 62.5% to prevent an effect at max piety.

Strategy

Hell is generally considered part of the extended game. You shouldn't intend to clear the four branches unless you want all 15 runes, or otherwise want a challenge.

That being said, most characters ready for Depths can complete the Vestibule in reasonable safety. This is often done for the Horn of Geryon, obtained when you kill Geryon. For more details on completing the Vestibule, see Vestibule of Hell.

It technically isn't required to defeat Geryon to enter the four sub-branches, but it is recommended. A character who can't defeat Geryon probably isn't ready for the other Hell branches.

Clearing Hell Branches

You may be tempted to 'dive' each of the hell branches, rushing straight to the downstairs. However, XP is used to cure the effects of Hell's mystical force. Thus, clearing the floors is recommended if possible.

Ideally, you have high resistances to counteract each branch's element: rF+++ for Gehenna, rC+++ for Cocytus, rN+++ for Tartarus, and a little bit of everything for Dis. Weapons with the holy wrath brand are effective against all manners of demons and undead.

The portals out make stair dancing harder, but make escape easier. Should you take a nasty beating or realize you're under-prepared, simply take a portal back to the Vestibule, keeping whatever map knowledge you've had. Going back will make you experience more Hell effects, though.

History

  • Prior to 0.29, Hell's Mystical Force happened over time, rather than when descending stairs.
  • The Hells received a rework in 0.28; introducing many new monsters and the unique branch-wide forces of each Hell. Prior to this version, Hell's Mystical Force was slower, but more varied, with miscasts and monster spawns. In addition, Hell's floors were normal sized, with 3 stairs in each direction.
  • Prior to 0.14, players needed to evoke Geryon's horn to access the branches of Hell.
  • Prior to 0.9, a frequent Hell effect was banishment. This was replaced with Malign Gateway, mostly to reduce annoyance to the player.

References

  1. ↑ stairs.cc:484 (0.30.1)
Dungeon branches
Dungeon exit.png The Dungeon • Temple entry.png The Temple • Depths entry.png The Depths • Zot entry.png Realm of Zot
Lair entry.png The Lair ( Spider entry.png Spider's Nest • Snake entry.png Snake Pit • Swamp entry.png The Swamp • Shoals entry.png The Shoals • Slime entry.png Slime Pits)
Orc entry.png Orcish Mines ( Elf entry.png Elven Halls) • Vaults entry.png The Vaults ( Crypt entry.png The Crypt • Tomb entry.png The Tomb)
Abyss entry.png The Abyss • Pandemonium entry.png Pandemonium • Hell entry.png Hell ( Cocytus entry.png Cocytus • Dis entry.png • Dis • Gehenna entry.png Gehenna • Tartarus entry.png Tartarus)
See also: Portal
Retrieved from "http://crawl.chaosforge.org/index.php?title=Hell&oldid=81240"