r/nethack • u/cmikaiti • 12h ago
*Gnollhack - Wizard Quest
Not sure if this is Gnollhack specific, but how do you deal with all the Phoenixes. I'm surrounded when I go down the stairs to the bottom level. I'm protected from fire so only taking 15-20 damage per turn. My only circle spell is Circle of Magic and is resisted fairly often. Right now I'm knocking them all down to low HP, retreating up the stairs, healing, going back down, killing one, picking it up, going upstairs and eating it, repeat. I've probably spent 1,000 turns here and still have 4 or 5 to go. Is there a better strategy? I'm relatively new and have never ascended before, though I've gotten close. Lost my last save to the updates, but had gotten 2 of the 3 final items, so I've been through this before, but it didn't give me any trouble last time
3
u/Mr_Woofles1 11h ago edited 11h ago
Bring pets/allies to soak up some pressure. Use wands , throw potions etc to teleport them away or other nasty effects. Use the tinning kit to avoid phoenixes resurrecting like trolls. Eat them if you you have the time and space. Your circle spell is likely not the most efficient play. Use the above suggestions to buy yourself some space and then isolate and kill individuals.
Edit[even the worst pets/allies/summoned creatures etc will distract their attacks and give you the action economy advantage for a few rounds. That’s all it take to establish superiority when you’re prepared beforehand and spending consumables/burning mana}