Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I've always wanted to upload this old achievement that was completed on 2/19/21 for archival purposes on YouTube. However, I could never figure out how to play the web server files necessary to display it properly... until now.
Thanks to DCSSReplay, this is now a reality. However, it does come with some caveats in comparison to the web browser version of the game:
- Some effects display differently, such as the Berserk status covering the screen in blood. For non-DCSS players, it covers the screen in a red film instead.
- In addition to Berserk covering the screen in blood, some effects will display incorrectly, such as water tiles becoming lava or fog tiles becoming walls of flame. So no, my Felid is not actually in a wall of death at that moment.
- Autotravel causes the path taken on-screen to blink momentarily, which could be an eye strain for some.
- Some graphics still display their ASCII counterparts instead of the proper tile or monster. Sometimes, the graphics will also switch to ASCII and back again.
- Some tiles at times display walls incorrectly or walls where there shouldn't be, which makes it somewhat hard to navigate the screen.
Before I get ahead of myself, I should explain what Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup (DCSS) is. DCSS is a turn-based roguelike in which the adventurer of your choice is to dive into the dungeon to retrieve the fabled Orb of Zot. That description is simple, but the game itself is far from that. It is also very, *very* difficult. It's not unheard of for first-time players to get their first win within months (or years) of playing it, though good character class/species combinations can greatly lower the time needed.
A basic win involves collecting 3 runes (a gatekeeping mechanic) to enter the Realm of Zot to retrieve said orb, and it only gets more 'fun' from there. A 15 rune game requires the player to visit every major area in the game, most of which are intended for post-game.
As for the challenge itself, the best way I could describe it to those who don't play DCSS is that Felids (cats) are made of paper, but as a result of that, they trade their fragility (-30% max HP compared to normal species) for a life system that only they get. Due to said lower HP, endgame monsters have little trouble one-shotting them. Even without considering the endgame, Felids have significant problems throughout the game against any hard-hitting monsters unless the player opts to use magic spells or they aim for a 3 rune game. Using Berserk is a powerful boon, as it gives them an extra 50% max HP while it's active. However, if used unwisely, it becomes their downfall due to inflicting Slow and preventing another Berserk from being used until the cooldown ends.
Felids are also severely gimped compared to other species, as they can only use a fraction of what the game gives them:
- Felids can't wear any armor.
- Felids can't wield weapons or throw them.
- Talisman transformations didn't exist before v0.31, which gives Felids significant buffs to AC and EV while they're active. Such transformations were limited to magic spells before being reworked in that version and above.
Due to this, they'll always have a low armor class (AC) when sticking to a Trog-only run. Having an eventually high enough evasion score (EV) can somewhat mitigate threats, but it only keeps them some dice rolls (or even one) away from death. AC is significantly better at increasing the chances of survival due to its guaranteed damage reduction. Shield value (SH) is also helpful in keeping characters alive, but due to Felid's inability to use armor, the best they can do is wear an Amulet of Reflection or get beneficial mutations that raise SH. The former barely helps unless they find a random artifact that has the reflection ability paired with other useful resistances, while the latter is very risky to aim for on purpose.
As this run is also limited to Trog only, no magic outside of what Trog will allow can be used, which only consists of magic artifacts called evokables, wands, and any jewelry with abilities. Needless to say, knowledge of the many monsters one will face is crucial for survival. Normally, any lives gained are used to trade for a bad encounter or a one-shot resulting in death. Needless to say, that is what makes this challenge what it is.
To add to the absurdity of it all, I decided to kill all the Unique Pandemonium and Hell Lords, who are powerful endgame bosses that guard the higher-tier runes. They have no problems murdering even well-equipped characters if played carelessly, and lesser-equipped characters need not apply. In this challenge, *you'll never be well-equipped.*
I had more than a few close calls (lightly put) due to high damage rolls and many misplays, but I was more than elated to get it done.
The morgue file for this is here: cbro.berotato.org/morgue/KCGemini/morgue-KCGemini-20210219-022639.txt
Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup v0.27-a0-385-g3208abaabc
I've always wanted to upload this old achievement that was completed on 2/19/21 for archival purposes on YouTube. However, I could never figure out how to play the web server files necessary to display it properly... until now.
Thanks to DCSSReplay, this is now a reality. However, it does come with some caveats in comparison to the web browser version of the game:
- Some effects display differently, such as the Berserk status covering the screen in blood. For non-DCSS players, it covers the screen in a red film instead.
- In addition to Berserk covering the screen in blood, some effects will display incorrectly, such as water tiles becoming lava or fog tiles becoming walls of flame. So no, my Felid is not actually in a wall of death at that moment.
- Autotravel causes the path taken on-screen to blink momentarily, which could be an eye strain for some.
- Some graphics still display their ASCII counterparts instead of the proper tile or monster. Sometimes, the graphics will also switch to ASCII and back again.
- Some tiles at times display walls incorrectly or walls where there shouldn't be, which makes it somewhat hard to navigate the screen.
Before I get ahead of myself, I should explain what Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup (DCSS) is. DCSS is a turn-based roguelike in which the adventurer of your choice is to dive into the dungeon to retrieve the fabled Orb of Zot. That description is simple, but the game itself is far from that. It is also very, *very* difficult. It's not unheard of for first-time players to get their first win within months (or years) of playing it, though good character class/species combinations can greatly lower the time needed.
A basic win involves collecting 3 runes (a gatekeeping mechanic) to enter the Realm of Zot to retrieve said orb, and it only gets more 'fun' from there. A 15 rune game requires the player to visit every major area in the game, most of which are intended for post-game.
As for the challenge itself, the best way I could describe it to those who don't play DCSS is that Felids (cats) are made of paper, but as a result of that, they trade their fragility (-30% max HP compared to normal species) for a life system that only they get. Due to said lower HP, endgame monsters have little trouble one-shotting them. Even without considering the endgame, Felids have significant problems throughout the game against any hard-hitting monsters unless the player opts to use magic spells or they aim for a 3 rune game. Using Berserk is a powerful boon, as it gives them an extra 50% max HP while it's active. However, if used unwisely, it becomes their downfall due to inflicting Slow and preventing another Berserk from being used until the cooldown ends.
Felids are also severely gimped compared to other species, as they can only use a fraction of what the game gives them:
- Felids can't wear any armor.
- Felids can't wield weapons or throw them.
- Talisman transformations didn't exist before v0.31, which gives Felids significant buffs to AC and EV while they're active. Such transformations were limited to magic spells before being reworked in that version and above.
Due to this, they'll always have a low armor class (AC) when sticking to a Trog-only run. Having an eventually high enough evasion score (EV) can somewhat mitigate threats, but it only keeps them some dice rolls (or even one) away from death. AC is significantly better at increasing the chances of survival due to its guaranteed damage reduction. Shield value (SH) is also helpful in keeping characters alive, but due to Felid's inability to use armor, the best they can do is wear an Amulet of Reflection or get beneficial mutations that raise SH. The former barely helps unless they find a random artifact that has the reflection ability paired with other useful resistances, while the latter is very risky to aim for on purpose.
As this run is also limited to Trog only, no magic outside of what Trog will allow can be used, which only consists of magic artifacts called evokables, wands, and any jewelry with abilities. Needless to say, knowledge of the many monsters one will face is crucial for survival. Normally, any lives gained are used to trade for a bad encounter or a one-shot resulting in death. Needless to say, that is what makes this challenge what it is.
To add to the absurdity of it all, I decided to kill all the Unique Pandemonium and Hell Lords, who are powerful endgame bosses that guard the higher-tier runes. They have no problems murdering even well-equipped characters if played carelessly, and lesser-equipped characters need not apply. In this challenge, *you'll never be well-equipped.*
I had more than a few close calls (lightly put) due to high damage rolls and many misplays, but I was more than elated to get it done.
The morgue file for this is here: cbro.berotato.org/morgue/KCGemini/morgue-KCGemini-20210219-022639.txt
Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup v0.27-a0-385-g3208abaabc
![Grounded 1.4 - All Bosses [Whoa! difficulty - No damage] (Way of the Lil Fist - NG+5)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Uy0QELrvGGk/mqdefault.jpg "Grounded 1.4 - All Bosses [Whoa! difficulty - No damage] (Way of the Lil Fist - NG+5)
Official Release v1.4.4.4634
One Thousand Fists
0:00 - Infused Infected Ladybug
1:28 - Infused Assistant Manager
3:00 - Infused Hedge Broodmother
4:11 - Infused Mantis
5:09 - Infused Mant
6:31 - Infused Director Schmector
7:46 - Infused Wasp Queen
10:43 - Infused Infected Broodmother
As it would take far too long to describe setups in my usual manner, I show what equips/mutations are used after the boss fights. Two specific trinkets are needed to make Lil Fist work in this manner:
*Trinket #1* - Fury / Samurai (Turbo fists)
Trinket #2 - Fury / Mad Scientist (This is to go even further beyond)
*Trinket #3* - +Unarmed Damage / +Boss Damage (Used last, as this trinket allows the boosted stats to do good damage even in later NG+s)
Trinket #2 is used when trinket #1 would be slower overall or not enough for the situation, as Mad Scientists additional buffs can allow one to DPS down the boss quickly. With trinkets #1 and #3, Lil Fist becomes a viable choice, as Samurais attack speed increase allows one to build 100 Lil Fist stacks with little effort. For the damage trinket, one should look for +Unarmed Damage, but pairing it with +Boss Damage is an additional 30% increase to the 100% that +Unarmed Damage gives. Fury is *not* optional, as it allows punches to pair with skills and mutations that are otherwise incompatible, such as Samurai or Smasher.
One thing to note is that outside the first boss fight (Infused Infected Ladybug), every other one was done with its default arena. To explain, the Infected Mites that start in the room with her count as separate spawns. Normally, said mites are actually inside the room with BURG.Ls chip, but due to NG+, additional mites are generated outside the room, and the ones in the room can slide underneath the door, leading to the boss and 9 mites fighting the player simultaneously. Worse, the ladybug spawns 3 larvae and 5 more mites as its HP lowers. To add the cherry on top, the mites attack *is also unblockable.* Imagine having 14 of those shooting at you all at once.
Fortunately, you can clear out the 9 mites beforehand; otherwise, I unsuccessfully spent several hours trying to clear that mess. Ironically, setting up the fight in this manner mirrors NG Whoa mode.")
![Grounded: Infused Infected Broodmother [NG+4 Whoa! difficulty - No damage]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WLXuUUE23a8/mqdefault.jpg "Grounded: Infused Infected Broodmother [NG+4 Whoa! difficulty - No damage]
Official Release v1.4.0.4495
Volcano spider.
Her Infusions:
Increased Movement Speed
Increased Attack
Increased Max Health
Explosive Attack
Spicy Magic Attack
Shockwave
Projectile Bomb
The infusion effects do change up phases 2 and 3 a bit, so Ill state some of them.
:: Phase 1
Honestly, nothings different here from the regular version. The worst that could happen is that she rolls a crit during a flurry attack because one of her legs is in the water, which would be it for Max. One main difference is that she releases her infused effects upon playing dead, so I chose the Infused Crossbow to deal with her when her HP is low. One could also use a decently powerful ranged option or throw their weapon to eliminate that risk.
:: Phase 2
Due to her projectile bomb and spicy magic infusions, getting near her during a scream is now deadly. The projectile bomb infusion can be either trivial or fatal, depending on the situation. The best way to neutralize it is to point the Infected Broodmother *away* from where you plan on going.
:: Phase 3
Her increased movement and attack speed make the previous infusions deadlier because you have to deal with them and her, sometimes simultaneously. For this reason, I apply the goo effect to her to neutralize some of the speed gain, as without it, she can be aggressive enough to force you to block her screams up close. Needless to say, this combo can end ones life quickly. The -20% speed loss is enough to catch her scream animation fast enough to escape it.
-
Items and Equipment:
Fresh Edge Lv. 15 - After testing several standard and infused weapons, this one beats them all, even considering the random trinket effects (outside of Coldtana/Breathslayer + Samurai, which is pretty sick). However, due to the danger of the third phase, I also use the following:
Infused Axe Lv. 15 (fresh, Finale Goo)
*Finale Goo - Applies the same effect as Giddy Goop, giving the enemy a -20% movement and attack speed debuff for 10 seconds. Due to Infected Broodmothers aggressive nature and the need to stick close to neutralize potential egg bombs and close combat screams, it does an excellent job of keeping Max alive.
Infused Crossbow Lv. 15 - +Critical Hit Chance (ammo: mint arrows)
(see Glowbasa Necklace)
Fire Ant Shield - There is a 20% chance that blocking with this shield will apply the corrosion debuff to the Infected Broodmother, lowering her defense by 15% for 10 seconds.
Glowbasa Necklace - Fresh Damage Up Best / +Critical Hit Chance / Implant Weakness: Fresh
*Fresh Damage Up Best - Increases fresh damage by 50%
*+Critial Hit Chance - Raises crit chance by 5%
*Implant Weakness: Fresh - Adds a debuff that gives an enemy 50% increased damage to fresh. (On another note, this trinket effect can be mislabeled and shares itself with Implant Weakness: Sour and Implant Weakness: Salt. To test if its actually the element in question, hit an enemy once to trigger the debuff and then hit them again to see what type of damage increased. This one is actually fresh, thankfully.)
Eyepatch Lv. 0 - Adds 10% more to ones attack but at the cost of taking 25% extra damage.
Fire Ant Arm Guards Lv. 9 (Sleek) - This armor piece has a 10% chance to inflict corrosion upon striking the enemy, which reduces defense by 15% for 10 seconds. Be aware that this doesnt stack with the Fire Ant Shields debuff, but by using both, youll likely keep the corrosion debuff on for most of the fight.
Assassins Greaves Lv. 9 (Sleek) - Critical hits have a 30% chance of causing a bleed debuff. Since the Infected Broodmother is 60% resistant to bleed, this ends up doing 8 damage a second for 10 seconds.
-
Food and Drinks: (due to the cooldown for using buffs, I skipped recording those actions this time around)
Perfect Toast - +5% crit chance and +40% to critical hit damage
Boss Sauce - +5% crit chance
Liquid Rage - +10% attack
Green Machine - 20% faster stamina recovery
Boost Juice - +20 stamina
-
Mutations:
Chopper Lv. 3 - Eliminating the exhaustion timer during weapon use + 20% defense down on the target enemy makes this one of the most busted mutations in the game.
Parry Master Lv. 3 - Every perfect block recovers 100 stamina, and when combined with Chopper, one should hardly ever have issues with stamina.
Natural Explorer Lv. 3 - Despite combat significantly reducing the speed this gives, what little it does really helps avoid those last-moment screams that the Infected Broodmother can unleash.
Coup De Grass Lv. 2 - 5% crit chance, stack all the crit.
Trapper Peep.R Lv. 3 - 60% more damage from critical hits, pairing nicely with the other buffs.
Lastly, the Infected Broodmother mount was used for an extra 20% damage increase.
-
On another note, patch 1.4.2 made the following change:
*Infected Broodmother final phase scream no longer triggers infusion effects.*
RIP, chaotic final phase.")
![Elden Ring - Mohg, the Omen [Level 1 - Iron Ball / No Damage]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XYd_rxfS5qU/mqdefault.jpg "Elden Ring - Mohg, the Omen [Level 1 - Iron Ball / No Damage]
All I see in my dreams...is bloodflame.
Equips:
Cold Iron Ball +12
Blue Dancer Charm
Radagons Soreseal
Ritual Sword Talisman")
![Elden Ring - Maliketh [Level 1 - Star Fist / No Damage / No Gold Parries]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Xddrt4c9UrE/mqdefault.jpg "Elden Ring - Maliketh [Level 1 - Star Fist / No Damage / No Gold Parries]
Honestly, I find his second phase to be the best part of the fight. The first one punishes aggression too harshly outside of specific attack patterns, making the battle feel longer than it is.
His gold blade attacks arent too bad to space out, and the large AOE version can simply be ignored. I ate that attack way too much on earlier playthroughs.
Equips:
Cold Star Fist +25
Blue Dancer Charm
Radagons Soreseal
Ritual Sword Talisman
Green Turtle Talisman")
