Vex

Version 0.34: This article is up to date for the latest stable release of Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup.

Attempts to cloud the target's mind with thoughtless frustration, forcing them to spend several turns doing nothing but attacking nearby spaces (whether those spaces are empty or even contain their allies).

Vex is a monster-only spell that gives the target the Vexed status. This status effect causes the target to uncontrollably attack nearby spaces for the next 3-6 turns. Targets are 7 times more likely to attack spaces with creatures in them (but can still attack empty spaces) and do not suffer any defensive penalties during this, but cannot do anything else. Afterwards, stun immunity is granted for 3-5 turns.

Having enough willpower makes you resistant to the spell, while having Clarity gives you immunity to the status as a whole. Stun immunity makes you temporarily immune to vexing.

The following enemies cast Vex:

• H Sphinx marauder

Sources

Other than the spell:

• Trog's wrath can inflict Vexed, depending on current tension.
• Dominate Undead will vex an undead player.

Strategy

Vexed is a very dangerous status - even if you're playing a melee character - because it prevents you from using items or god abilities for the duration. It should be treated as a paralysis that doesn't lower your EV or SH.

There are only three sources of Vex:

• The Vex spell can be blocked by willpower or by blocking line of fire.
• Trog's wrath can be avoided by not abandoning or angering Trog.
• Dominate Undead only works on undead and checks willpower.

History

• Prior to 0.34, post-Vex stun immunity only lasted 1-3 turns.
• In 0.33, this spell was added to the game.