Mimic

Template:Version032 Mimics are mischievous entities which harmlessly toy with passing adventurers. They disguise themselves as shops, and in certain areas, items - most notably the rune of Zot in Vaults:5. However, once you come within a one-tile radius of them, they will "vanish and cackle," disappearing from the game forever. Mimics are most often harmless, though a mimic rune may lead to hazardous situations.

To clarify, mimics are not monsters, and cannot be killed in any way.

History

• Prior to 0.28, portal entrances could be a mimic.
• Prior to 0.17, mimics could randomly generate anywhere as an item or as many dungeon features, such as staircases.
• Prior to 0.16, mimics were a category of monster which would resemble items or dungeon features, only to attack once the player got close enough. They came in standard, inept, and ravenous varieties.
• Prior to 0.15, mimics could disguise themselves as doors, statues, fountains, or hatches.