Malmutate
Malmutate is a level 6 Transmutation/Hexes monsters-only spell which attempts to mutate its target. If Malmutate is used by an enemy on a player there is an 80% chance that it will cause a bad mutation, and a 20% chance it will cause a random mutation. Magic resistance is useless against this, but mutation resistance functions normally.
When used on a monster, if the victim already has the Wretched enchantment, the degree of that enchantment is increased by one, up to 4. Otherwise, the victim is enchanted permanently with the Wretched enchantment which starts with degree 1. This enchantment has the following effects:
- -(degree) AC
- inflicts degree*10% less damage (melee, ranged combat, spells, ...)
- -1 to speed if speed > 3
Undead and nonliving monsters are immune. Undead characters are immune from mutations, but they will decompose and take stat damage. Ugly things and Very ugly things will change their color.
The following enemies cast Malmutate:
- 2 Cacodemon
- 3 Neqoxec
- * Orb of fire
- G Shining eye
Similar effects can be achieved from attacking with the Plutonium Sword. Wretched stars can also cause temporary bad mutations, which disappear fairly quickly as the player gains experience.
Tips & Tricks
- Malmutate is a line of sight targeted spell, rather than smite targeted. If you do not have adequate mutation resistance, you can use summons or other monsters as temporary cover until you can get away to safety.
History
This spell was added in 0.12, replacing the monster version of Polymorph Other.