/*
 *  File:       describe.cc
 *  Summary:    Functions used to print information about various game objects.
 *  Written by: Linley Henzell
 *
 *  Change History (most recent first):
 *
 *      <4>      10/14/99     BCR     enummed describe_god()
 *      <3>      10/13/99     BCR     Added GOD_NO_GOD case in describe_god()
 *      <2>      5/20/99      BWR     Replaced is_artifact with
 *                                    is_dumpable_artifact
 *      <1>      4/20/99      JDJ     Reformatted, uses string objects,
 *                                    split out 10 new functions from
 *                                    describe_item(), added
 *                                    get_item_description and
 *                                    is_artifact.
 */

#include "AppHdr.h"
#include "describe.h"

#include <stdlib.h>
#include <stdio.h>
#include <string>

#ifdef DOS
#include <conio.h>
#endif

#include "externs.h"

#include "abl-show.h"
#include "debug.h"
#include "fight.h"
#include "itemname.h"
#include "itemprop.h"
#include "macro.h"
#include "mon-util.h"
#include "player.h"
#include "randart.h"
#include "religion.h"
#include "skills2.h"
#include "spl-book.h"
#include "stuff.h"
#include "wpn-misc.h"
#include "spl-util.h"


// ========================================================================
//      Internal Functions
// ========================================================================

//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// append_value
//
// Appends a value to the string. If plussed == 1, will add a + to
// positive values (itoa always adds - to -ve ones).
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
static void append_value( std::string & description, int valu, bool plussed )
{
    if (valu >= 0 && plussed == 1)
        description += "+";

    char value_str[80];

    itoa( valu, value_str, 10 );

    description += value_str;
}                               // end append_value()

//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// print_description
//
// Takes a descpr string filled up with stuff from other functions,
// and displays it with minor formatting to avoid cut-offs in mid
// word and such. The character $ is interpreted as a CR.
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
static void print_description( const std::string &d )
{
    unsigned int  nextLine = std::string::npos;
    unsigned int  currentPos = 0;

#ifdef DOS
    const unsigned int lineWidth = 52;
#else
    const unsigned int lineWidth = 70;
#endif

    bool nlSearch = true;       // efficiency

    textcolor(LIGHTGREY);

    while(currentPos < d.length())
    {
        if (currentPos != 0)
        {
#ifdef PLAIN_TERM
            gotoxy(1, wherey() + 1);
#endif
#ifdef DOS_TERM
            cprintf(EOL);
#endif
        }

        // see if $ sign is within one lineWidth
        if (nlSearch)
        {
            nextLine = d.find('$', currentPos);

            if (nextLine >= currentPos && nextLine < currentPos + lineWidth)
            {
                cprintf((d.substr(currentPos, nextLine - currentPos)).c_str());
                currentPos = nextLine + 1;
                continue;
            }

            if (nextLine == std::string::npos)
                nlSearch = false;       // there are no newlines, don't search again.
        }

        // no newline -- see if rest of string will fit.
        if (currentPos + lineWidth >= d.length())
        {
            cprintf((d.substr(currentPos)).c_str());
            return;
        }


        // ok.. try to truncate at space.
        nextLine = d.rfind(' ', currentPos + lineWidth);

        if (nextLine > 0)
        {
            cprintf((d.substr(currentPos, nextLine - currentPos)).c_str());
            currentPos = nextLine + 1;
            continue;
        }

        // oops.  just truncate.
        nextLine = currentPos + lineWidth;

        if (nextLine > d.length())
            nextLine = d.length();

        cprintf((d.substr(currentPos, nextLine - currentPos)).c_str());
        currentPos = nextLine;
    }
}

//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// randart_descpr
//
// Appends the various powers of a random artefact to the description
// string.
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
static void randart_descpr( std::string &description, const item_def &item )
{
    unsigned int old_length = description.length();

    FixedVector< char, RA_PROPERTIES > proprt;
    randart_wpn_properties( item, proprt );

    if (proprt[ RAP_AC ])
    {
        description += "$It affects your AC (";
        append_value(description, proprt[ RAP_AC ], true);
        description += ").";
    }

    if (proprt[ RAP_EVASION ])
    {
        description += "$It affects your evasion (";
        append_value(description, proprt[ RAP_EVASION ], true);
        description += ").";
    }

    if (proprt[ RAP_STRENGTH ])
    {
        description += "$It affects your strength (";
        append_value(description, proprt[ RAP_STRENGTH ], true);
        description += ").";
    }

    if (proprt[ RAP_INTELLIGENCE ])
    {
        description += "$It affects your intelligence (";
        append_value(description, proprt[ RAP_INTELLIGENCE ], true);
        description += ").";
    }

    if (proprt[ RAP_DEXTERITY ])
    {
        description += "$It affects your dexterity (";
        append_value(description, proprt[ RAP_DEXTERITY ], true);
        description += ").";
    }

    if (proprt[ RAP_ACCURACY ])
    {
        description += "$It affects your accuracy (";
        append_value(description, proprt[ RAP_ACCURACY ], true);
        description += ").";
    }

    if (proprt[ RAP_DAMAGE ])
    {
        description += "$It affects your damage-dealing abilities (";
        append_value(description, proprt[ RAP_DAMAGE ], true);
        description += ").";
    }

    if (proprt[ RAP_FIRE ] < -2)
        description += "$It makes you highly vulnerable to fire. ";
    else if (proprt[ RAP_FIRE ] == -2)
        description += "$It makes you greatly susceptible to fire. ";
    else if (proprt[ RAP_FIRE ] == -1)
        description += "$It makes you susceptible to fire. ";
    else if (proprt[ RAP_FIRE ] == 1)
        description += "$It protects you from fire. ";
    else if (proprt[ RAP_FIRE ] == 2)
        description += "$It greatly protects you from fire. ";
    else if (proprt[ RAP_FIRE ] > 2)
        description += "$It renders you almost immune to fire. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_COLD ] < -2)
        description += "$It makes you highly susceptible to cold. ";
    else if (proprt[ RAP_COLD ] == -2)
        description += "$It makes you greatly susceptible to cold. ";
    else if (proprt[ RAP_COLD ] == -1)
        description += "$It makes you susceptible to cold. ";
    else if (proprt[ RAP_COLD ] == 1)
        description += "$It protects you from cold. ";
    else if (proprt[ RAP_COLD ] == 2)
        description += "$It greatly protects you from cold. ";
    else if (proprt[ RAP_COLD ] > 2)
        description += "$It renders you almost immune to cold. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_ELECTRICITY ])
        description += "$It insulates you from electricity. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_POISON ])
        description += "$It protects you from poison. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_NEGATIVE_ENERGY ] == 1)
        description += "$It partially protects you from negative energy. ";
    else if (proprt[ RAP_NEGATIVE_ENERGY ] == 2)
        description += "$It protects you from negative energy. ";
    else if (proprt[ RAP_NEGATIVE_ENERGY ] > 2)
        description += "$It renders you almost immune negative energy. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_MAGIC ])
        description += "$It protects you from magic. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_STEALTH ] < 0)
    {
        if (proprt[ RAP_STEALTH ] < -20)
            description += "$It makes you much less stealthy. ";
        else
            description += "$It makes you less stealthy. ";
    }
    else if (proprt[ RAP_STEALTH ] > 0)
    {
        if (proprt[ RAP_STEALTH ] > 20)
            description += "$It makes you much more stealthy. ";
        else
            description += "$It makes you more stealthy. ";
    }

    if (proprt[ RAP_EYESIGHT ])
        description += "$It enhances your eyesight. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_INVISIBLE ])
        description += "$It lets you turn invisible. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_LEVITATE ])
        description += "$It lets you levitate. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_BLINK ])
        description += "$It lets you blink. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_CAN_TELEPORT ])
        description += "$It lets you teleport. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_BERSERK ])
        description += "$It lets you go berserk. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_MAPPING ])
        description += "$It lets you sense your surroundings. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_NOISES ])
        description += "$It makes noises. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_PREVENT_SPELLCASTING ])
        description += "$It prevents spellcasting. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_CAUSE_TELEPORTATION ])
        description += "$It causes teleportation. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_PREVENT_TELEPORTATION ])
        description += "$It prevents most forms of teleportation. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_ANGRY ])
        description += "$It makes you angry. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_METABOLISM ] >= 3)
        description += "$It greatly speeds your metabolism. ";
    else if (proprt[ RAP_METABOLISM ])
        description += "$It speeds your metabolism. ";

    if (proprt[ RAP_MUTAGENIC ] > 3)
        description += "$It glows with mutagenic radiation.";
    else if (proprt[ RAP_MUTAGENIC ])
        description += "$It emits mutagenic radiations.";

    if (old_length != description.length())
        description += "$";

    if (is_unrandom_artefact( item ))
    {
        const char *desc = unrandart_descrip( 0, item );
        if (strlen( desc ) > 0)
        {
            description += desc;
            description += "$";
        }
    }
}

static const char *trap_names[] =
{
    "dart", "arrow", "spear", "axe",
    "teleport", "amnesia", "blade",
    "bolt", "zot", "needle",
};

const char *trap_name(trap_type trap)
{
    if (trap >= TRAP_DART && trap < NUM_TRAPS)
        return trap_names[ static_cast<int>( trap ) ];
    return (NULL);
}

//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// describe_demon
//
// Describes the random demons you find in Pandemonium.
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
static std::string describe_demon(void)
{
    long globby = 0;

    for (unsigned int i = 0; i < strlen( ghost.name ); i++)
        globby += ghost.name[i];

    globby *= strlen( ghost.name );

    push_rng_state();
    seed_rng( globby );

    std::string description = "A powerful demon, ";

    description += ghost.name;
    description += " has a";

    switch (random2(31))
    {
    case 0:
        description += " huge, barrel-shaped ";
        break;
    case 1:
        description += " wispy, insubstantial ";
        break;
    case 2:
        description += " spindly ";
        break;
    case 3:
        description += " skeletal ";
        break;
    case 4:
        description += " horribly deformed ";
        break;
    case 5:
        description += " spiny ";
        break;
    case 6:
        description += " waif-like ";
        break;
    case 7:
        description += " scaly ";
        break;
    case 8:
        description += " sickeningly deformed ";
        break;
    case 9:
        description += " bruised and bleeding ";
        break;
    case 10:
        description += " sickly ";
        break;
    case 11:
        description += " mass of writhing tentacles for a ";
        break;
    case 12:
        description += " mass of ropey tendrils for a ";
        break;
    case 13:
        description += " tree trunk-like ";
        break;
    case 14:
        description += " hairy ";
        break;
    case 15:
        description += " furry ";
        break;
    case 16:
        description += " fuzzy ";
        break;
    case 17:
        description += "n obese ";
        break;
    case 18:
        description += " fat ";
        break;
    case 19:
        description += " slimy ";
        break;
    case 20:
        description += " wrinkled ";
        break;
    case 21:
        description += " metallic ";
        break;
    case 22:
        description += " glassy ";
        break;
    case 23:
        description += " crystalline ";
        break;
    case 24:
        description += " muscular ";
        break;
    case 25:
        description += "n icky ";
        break;
    case 26:
        description += " swollen ";
        break;
    case 27:
        description += " lumpy ";
        break;
    case 28:
        description += " armoured ";
        break;
    case 29:
        description += " carapaced ";
        break;
    case 30:
        description += " slender ";
        break;
    }

    description += "body";

    
    switch (ghost.values[GVAL_DEMONLORD_FLY])
    {
    case 1: // proper flight
        switch (random2(10))
        {
        case 0:
            description += " with small insectoid wings";
            break;
        case 1:
            description += " with large insectoid wings";
            break;
        case 2:
            description += " with moth-like wings";
            break;
        case 3:
            description += " with butterfly wings";
            break;
        case 4:
            description += " with huge, bat-like wings";
            break;
        case 5:
            description += " with fleshy wings";
            break;
        case 6:
            description += " with small, bat-like wings";
            break;
        case 7:
            description += " with hairy wings";
            break;
        case 8:
            description += " with great feathered wings";
            break;
        case 9:
            description += " with shiny metal wings";
            break;
        default:
            break;
        }
        break;

    case 2: // levitation
        if (coinflip())
            description += " which hovers in mid-air";
        else
            description += " with sacs of gas hanging from its back";
        break;

    default:  // does not fly
        switch (random2(40))
        {
        default:
            break;
        case 12:
            description += " covered in tiny crawling spiders";
            break;
        case 13:
            description += " covered in tiny crawling insects";
            break;
        case 14:
            description += " and the head of a crocodile";
            break;
        case 15:
            description += " and the head of a hippopotamus";
            break;
        case 16:
            description += " and a cruel curved beak for a mouth";
            break;
        case 17:
            description += " and a straight sharp beak for a mouth";
            break;
        case 18:
            description += " and no head at all";
            break;
        case 19:
            description += " and a hideous tangle of tentacles for a mouth";
            break;
        case 20:
            description += " and an elephantine trunk";
            break;
        case 21:
            description += " and an evil-looking proboscis";
            break;
        case 22:
            description += " and dozens of eyes";
            break;
        case 23:
            description += " and two ugly heads";
            break;
        case 24:
            description += " and a long serpentine tail";
            break;
        case 25:
            description += " and a pair of huge tusks growing from its jaw";
            break;
        case 26:
            description +=
                " and a single huge eye, in the centre of its forehead";
            break;
        case 27:
            description += " and spikes of black metal for teeth";
            break;
        case 28:
            description += " and a disc-shaped sucker for a head";
            break;
        case 29:
            description += " and huge, flapping ears";
            break;
        case 30:
            description += " and a huge, toothy maw in the centre of its chest";
            break;
        case 31:
            description += " and a giant snail shell on its back";
            break;
        case 32:
            description += " and a dozen heads";
            break;
        case 33:
            description += " and the head of a jackal";
            break;
        case 34:
            description += " and the head of a baboon";
            break;
        case 35:
            description += " and a huge, slobbery tongue";
            break;
        case 36:
            description += " which is covered in oozing lacerations";
            break;
        case 37:
            description += " and the head of a frog";
            break;
        case 38:
            description += " and the head of a yak";
            break;
        case 39:
            description += " and eyes out on stalks";
            break;
        }
        break;
    }

    description += ".";

    switch (random2(40) + (you.species == SP_MUMMY ? 3 : 0))
    {
    case 0:
        description += " It stinks of brimstone.";
        break;
    case 1:
        description += " It smells like rotting flesh";
        if (you.species == SP_GHOUL)
            description += " - yum!";
        else
            description += ".";
        break;
    case 2:
        description += " It is surrounded by a sickening stench.";
        break;
    case 3:
        description += " It seethes with hatred of the living.";
        break;
    case 4:
        description += " Tiny orange flames dance around it.";
        break;
    case 5:
        description += " Tiny purple flames dance around it.";
        break;
    case 6:
        description += " It is surrounded by a weird haze.";
        break;
    case 7:
        description += " It glows with a malevolent light.";
        break;
    case 8:
        description += " It looks incredibly angry.";
        break;
    case 9:
        description += " It oozes with slime.";
        break;
    case 10:
        description += " It dribbles constantly.";
        break;
    case 11:
        description += " Mould grows all over it.";
        break;
    case 12:
        description += " It looks diseased.";
        break;
    case 13:
        description += " It looks as frightened of you as you are of it.";
        break;
    case 14:
        description += " It moves in a series of hideous convulsions.";
        break;
    case 15:
        description += " It moves with an unearthly grace.";
        break;
    case 16:
        description += " It hungers for your soul!";
        break;
    case 17:
        description += " It leaves a glistening oily trail.";
        break;
    case 18:
        description += " It shimmers before your eyes.";
        break;
    case 19:
        description += " It is surrounded by a brilliant glow.";
        break;
    case 20:
        description += " It radiates an aura of extreme power.";
        break;
    default:
        break;
    }

    pop_rng_state();
    return description;
}                               // end describe_demon()


//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// describe_weapon
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
static std::string describe_weapon( const item_def &item, char verbose)
{
    std::string description;

    description.reserve(200);

    description = "";

    if (is_fixed_artefact( item ))
    {
        if (item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_PROPERTIES ))
        {
            description += "$";

            switch (item.special)
            {
            case SPWPN_SINGING_SWORD:
                description += "This blessed weapon loves nothing more "
                    "than to sing to its owner, "
                    "whether they want it to or not. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_WRATH_OF_TROG:
                description += "This was the favourite weapon of "
                    "the old god Trog, before he lost it one day. "
                    "It induces a bloodthirsty berserker rage in "
                    "anyone who uses it to strike another. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_SCYTHE_OF_CURSES:
                description += "This weapon carries a "
                    "terrible and highly irritating curse. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_MACE_OF_VARIABILITY:
                description += "It is rather unreliable. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_GLAIVE_OF_PRUNE:
                description += "It is the creation of a mad god, and "
                    "carries a curse which transforms anyone "
                    "possessing it into a prune. Fortunately, "
                    "the curse works very slowly, and one can "
                    "use it briefly with no consequences "
                    "worse than slightly purple skin and a few wrinkles. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_SCEPTRE_OF_TORMENT:
                description += "This truly accursed weapon is "
                    "an instrument of Hell. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_SWORD_OF_ZONGULDROK:
                description += "This dreadful weapon is used "
                    "at the user's peril. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_SWORD_OF_CEREBOV:
                description += "Eerie flames cover its twisted blade. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_STAFF_OF_DISPATER:
                description += "This legendary item can unleash "
                    "the fury of Hell. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_SCEPTRE_OF_ASMODEUS:
                description += "It carries some of the powers of "
                    "the arch-fiend Asmodeus. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_SWORD_OF_POWER:
                description += "It rewards the powerful with power "
                    "and the meek with weakness. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_KNIFE_OF_ACCURACY:
                description += "It is almost unerringly accurate. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_STAFF_OF_OLGREB:
                description += "It was the magical weapon wielded by the "
                    "mighty wizard Olgreb before he met his "
                    "fate somewhere within these dungeons. It "
                    "grants its wielder resistance to the "
                    "effects of poison and increases their "
                    "ability to use venomous magic, and "
                    "carries magical powers which can be evoked. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_VAMPIRES_TOOTH:
                description += "It is lethally vampiric. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_STAFF_OF_WUCAD_MU:
                description += "Its power varies in proportion to "
                    "its wielder's intelligence. "
                    "Using it can be a bit risky. ";
                break;
            }

            description += "$";
        }
        else if (item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_TYPE ))
        {
            // We know it's an artefact type weapon, but not what it does.
            description += "$This weapon may have some hidden properties.$";
        }
    }
    else if (is_unrandom_artefact( item )
        && strlen(unrandart_descrip(1, item)) != 0)
    {
        description += unrandart_descrip(1, item);
        description += "$";
    }
    else
    {
        if (verbose == 1)
        {
            switch (item.sub_type)
            {
            case WPN_CLUB:
                description += "A heavy piece of wood. ";
                break;

            case WPN_MACE:
                description += "A long handle "
                    "with a heavy lump on one end. ";
                break;

            case WPN_FLAIL:
                description += "Like a mace, but with a length of chain "
                    "between the handle and the lump of metal. ";
                break;

            case WPN_DAGGER:
                description += "A long knife or a very short sword, "
                    "which can be held or thrown. ";
                break;

            case WPN_KNIFE:
                description += "A simple survival knife. "
                    "Designed more for utility than combat, "
                    "it looks quite capable of butchering a corpse. ";
                break;

            case WPN_MORNINGSTAR:
                description += "A mace covered in spikes. ";
                break;

            case WPN_SHORT_SWORD:
                description += "A sword with a short, slashing blade. ";
                break;

            case WPN_LONG_SWORD:
                description += "A sword with a long, slashing blade. ";
                break;

            case WPN_GREAT_SWORD:
                description += "A sword with a very long, heavy blade "
                    "and a long handle. ";
                break;

            case WPN_SCIMITAR:
                description += "A long sword with a curved blade. ";
                break;

            case WPN_HAND_AXE:
                description += "An small axe designed for either hand combat "
                               "or throwing. ";
                               // "It might also make a good tool.";
                break;

            case WPN_BATTLEAXE:
                description += "A large axe with a double-headed blade. ";
                break;

            case WPN_SPEAR:
                description += "A long stick with a pointy blade on one end, "
                    "to be held or thrown. ";
                break;

            case WPN_TRIDENT:
                description +=
                    "A hafted weapon with three points at one end. ";
                break;

            case WPN_HALBERD:
                description +=
                    "A long pole with a spiked axe head on one end. ";
                break;

            case WPN_SLING:
                description +=
                    "A piece of cloth and leather for launching stones, "
                    "which do a small amount of damage on impact. ";
                break;

            case WPN_BOW:
                description += "A curved piece of wood and string, "
                    "for shooting arrows. It does good damage in combat, "
                    "and a skilled user can use it to great effect. ";
                break;

            case WPN_LONGBOW:
                description += "A long, strong bow made of yew. "
                    "It does excellent damage in combat "
                    "and a skilled archer can use it to great effect. ";
                break;

            case WPN_BLOWGUN:
                description += "A long, light tube, open at both ends.  Doing "
                    "very little damage,  its main use is to fire poisoned "
                    "needles from afar.  It makes very little noise. ";
                break;

            case WPN_CROSSBOW:
                description += "A piece of machinery used for firing bolts, "
                    "which takes some time to load and fire. "
                    "It does very good damage in combat. ";
                break;

            case WPN_HAND_CROSSBOW:
                description += "A small crossbow, for firing darts. ";
                break;

            case WPN_GLAIVE:
                description +=
                    "A pole with a large, heavy blade on one end. ";
                break;

            case WPN_QUARTERSTAFF:
                description += "A sturdy wooden pole. ";
                break;

            case WPN_SCYTHE:
                description +=
                    "A farm implement, usually unsuited to combat. ";
                break;

            case WPN_GIANT_CLUB:
                description += "A giant lump of wood, "
                    "shaped for an ogre's hands. ";
                break;

            case WPN_GIANT_SPIKED_CLUB:
                description +=
                    "A giant lump of wood with sharp spikes at one end. ";
                break;

            case WPN_EVENINGSTAR:
                description += "The opposite of a morningstar. ";
                break;

            case WPN_QUICK_BLADE:
                description += "A small and magically quick sword. ";
                break;

            case WPN_KATANA:
                description += "A very rare and extremely effective "
                    "imported weapon, featuring a long "
                    "single-edged blade. ";
                break;

            case WPN_LAJATANG:
                description += "A very rare and extremely effective "
                    "imported weapon, featuring a pole with half-moon blades "
                    "at both ends. ";
                break;

            case WPN_LOCHABER_AXE:
                description += "An enormous combination of a pike "
                               "and a battle axe.";
                break;

            case WPN_EXECUTIONERS_AXE:
                description += "A huge axe. ";
                break;

            case WPN_DOUBLE_SWORD:
                description +=
                    "A magical weapon with two razor-sharp blades. ";
                break;

            case WPN_TRIPLE_SWORD:
                description += "A magical weapon with three "
                    "great razor-sharp blades. ";
                break;

            case WPN_HAMMER:
                description += "The kind of thing you hit nails with, "
                    "adapted for battle. ";
                break;

            case WPN_ANCUS:
                description += "A large and vicious toothed club. ";
                break;

            case WPN_WHIP:
                description += "A whip. ";
                break;

            case WPN_SABRE:
                description += "A sword with a medium length slashing blade. ";
                break;

            case WPN_DEMON_BLADE:
                description +=
                    "A terrible weapon, forged in the fires of Hell. ";
                break;

            case WPN_BLESSED_BLADE:
                description += "A blade blessed by the Shining One. ";
                break;

            case WPN_DEMON_WHIP:
                description += "A terrible weapon, woven "
                    "in the depths of the inferno. ";
                break;

            case WPN_DEMON_TRIDENT:
                description +=
                    "A terrible weapon, molded by fire and brimstone. ";
                break;

            case WPN_BROAD_AXE:
                description += "An axe with a large blade. ";
                break;

            case WPN_WAR_AXE:
                description += "An axe intended for hand to hand combat. ";
                break;

            case WPN_SPIKED_FLAIL:
                description +=
                    "A flail with large spikes on the metal lump. ";
                break;

            case WPN_GREAT_MACE:
                description += "A large and heavy mace. ";
                break;

            case WPN_DIRE_FLAIL:
                description += "A flail with spiked lumps on both ends.";
                break;

            case WPN_FALCHION:
                description += "A sword with a broad slashing blade. ";
                break;

            default:
                DEBUGSTR("Unknown weapon");
            }

            description += "$";
        }
    }

    if (verbose == 1 && !is_range_weapon( item ))
    {
        description += "$Damage rating: ";
        append_value(description, property( item, PWPN_DAMAGE ), false);

        description += "$Accuracy rating: ";
        append_value(description, property( item, PWPN_HIT ), true);

        description += "$Base attack delay: ";
        append_value(description, property( item, PWPN_SPEED ) * 10, false);
        description += "%%";
    }
    description += "$";

    if (!is_fixed_artefact( item ))
    {
        int spec_ench = get_weapon_brand( item );

        if (!is_random_artefact( item ) && verbose == 0)
            spec_ench = SPWPN_NORMAL;

        // special weapon descrip
        if (spec_ench != SPWPN_NORMAL && item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_TYPE ))
        {
            description += "$";

            switch (spec_ench)
            {
            case SPWPN_FLAMING:
                description += "It emits flame when wielded, "
                    "causing extra injury to most foes "
                    "and up to double damage against "
                    "particularly susceptible opponents. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_FREEZING:
                description += "It has been specially enchanted to "
                    "freeze those struck by it, causing "
                    "extra injury to most foes and "
                    "up to double damage against "
                    "particularly susceptible opponents. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_HOLY_WRATH:
                description += "It has been blessed by the Shining One "
                    "to harm undead and cause great damage to "
                    "the unholy creatures of Hell or Pandemonium. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_ELECTROCUTION:
                description += "Occasionally upon striking a foe "
                    "it will discharge some electrical energy "
                    "and cause terrible harm. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_ORC_SLAYING:
                description += "It is especially effective against "
                    "all of orcish descent. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_VENOM:
                if (is_range_weapon(item))
                    description += "It poisons the unbranded ammo it fires. ";
                else
                    description += "It poisons the flesh of those it strikes. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_PROTECTION:
                description += "It protects the one who wields it against "
                    "injury (+5 to AC). ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_DRAINING:
                description += "A truly terrible weapon, "
                    "it drains the life of those it strikes. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_SPEED:
                if (is_range_weapon(item))
                {
                    description += "It allows its wielder to fire twice when "
                           "they would otherwise have fired only once. ";
                }
                else
                {
                    description += "It allows its wielder to attack twice when "
                           "they would otherwise have struck only once. ";
                }
                break;
            case SPWPN_VORPAL:
                if (is_range_weapon(item))
                {
                    description += "Any ";
                    description += ammo_name( item );
                    description += " fired from it inflicts extra damage."; 
                }
                else
                {
                    description += "It inflicts extra damage upon your enemies. ";
                }
                break;
            case SPWPN_FLAME:
                description += "It turns projectiles fired from it into "
                    "bolts of fire. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_FROST:
                description += "It turns projectiles fired from it into "
                    "bolts of frost. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_VAMPIRICISM:
                description += "It inflicts no extra harm, "
                    "but heals its wielder somewhat when "
                    "he or she strikes a living foe. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_DISRUPTION:
                description += "It is a weapon blessed by Zin, "
                    "and can inflict up to fourfold damage "
                    "when used against the undead. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_PAIN:
                description += "In the hands of one skilled in "
                    "necromantic magic it inflicts "
                    "extra damage on living creatures. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_DISTORTION:
                description += "It warps and distorts space around it. ";
                break;
            case SPWPN_REACHING:
                description += "It can be evoked to extend its reach. ";
                break;
            }
        }

        if (is_random_artefact( item ))
        {
            if (item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_PROPERTIES ))
            {
                unsigned int old_length = description.length();
                randart_descpr( description, item );

                if (description.length() == old_length)
                    description += "$";
            }
            else if (item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_TYPE ))
            {
                description += "$This weapon may have some hidden properties.$";
            }
        }
        else if (spec_ench != SPWPN_NORMAL && item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_TYPE ))
        {
            description += "$";
        }
    }

    if (item_known_cursed( item ))
    {
        description += "$It has a curse placed upon it.";
    }

    if (verbose == 1 && !is_range_weapon(item))
    {
#ifdef USE_NEW_COMBAT_STATS
        const int str_weight = weapon_str_weight( item.base_type, item.sub_type );

        if (str_weight >= 8)
            description += "$This weapon is best used by the strong.";
        else if (str_weight > 5)
            description += "$This weapon is better for the strong.";
        else if (str_weight <= 2)
            description += "$This weapon is best used by the dexterous.";
        else if (str_weight < 5)
            description += "$This weapon is better for the dexterous.";
#endif

        switch (hands_reqd_for_weapon(item.base_type, item.sub_type))
        {
        case HANDS_ONE:
            description += "$It is a one handed weapon.";
            break;
        case HANDS_HALF:
            description += "$It can be used with one hand, or more "
                    "effectively with two (i.e. when not using a shield).";
            break;
        case HANDS_TWO:
            description += "$It is a two handed weapon.";
            break;
        }
    }

    if (!is_random_artefact( item ))
    {
        switch (get_equip_race( item ))
        {
        case ISFLAG_DWARVEN:
            description += "$It is well-crafted and very durable.";
            break;
        }

        if (is_range_weapon(item))
        {
            switch (get_equip_race( item ))
            {
            case ISFLAG_DWARVEN:
                description += "$It is most deadly when used with "
                    "dwarven ammunition.";
                break;
            case ISFLAG_ELVEN:
                description += "$It is most deadly when used with "
                    "elven ammunition.";
                break;
            case ISFLAG_ORCISH:
                description += "$It is most deadly when used with "
                    "orcish ammunition.";
                break;
            }
        }
    }

    if (verbose == 1)
    {
        description += "$It falls into the";

        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case WPN_SLING:
            description += " 'slings' category. ";
            break;
        case WPN_BOW:
        case WPN_LONGBOW:
            description += " 'bows' category. ";
            break;
        case WPN_HAND_CROSSBOW:
        case WPN_CROSSBOW:
            description += " 'crossbows' category. ";
            break;
        case WPN_BLOWGUN:
            description += " 'darts' category. ";
            break;
        default:
            // Melee weapons
            switch (weapon_skill(item.base_type, item.sub_type))
            {
            case SK_SHORT_BLADES:
                description += " 'short blades' category. ";
                break;
            case SK_LONG_SWORDS:
                description += " 'long swords' category. ";
                break;
            case SK_AXES:
                description += " 'axes' category. ";
                break;
            case SK_MACES_FLAILS:
                description += " 'maces and flails' category. ";
                break;
            case SK_POLEARMS:
                description += " 'pole-arms' category. ";
                break;
            case SK_STAVES:
                description += " 'staves' category. ";
                break;
            default:
                description += " 'bug' category. ";
                DEBUGSTR("Unknown weapon type");
                break;
            }
        }
    }

    return (description);
}


//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// describe_ammo
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
static std::string describe_ammo( const item_def &item )
{
    std::string description;

    description.reserve(64);

    switch (item.sub_type)
    {
    case MI_STONE:
        description += "A stone. ";
        break;
    case MI_ARROW:
        description += "An arrow. ";
        break;
    case MI_NEEDLE:
        description += "A needle. ";
        break;
    case MI_BOLT:
        description += "A crossbow bolt. ";
        break;
    case MI_DART:
        description += "A small throwing weapon. ";
        break;
    case MI_LARGE_ROCK:
        description += "A rock, used by giants as a missile. ";
        break;
    case MI_NONE:   // was eggplant
        description += "A purple vegetable. "
            "The presence of this object in the game "
            "indicates a bug (or some kind of cheating on your part). ";
        break;
    default:
        DEBUGSTR("Unknown ammo type");
        break;
    }

    if (item.special != 0 && item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_TYPE ))
    {
        switch (item.special)
        {
        case 1:
            description += "$When fired from an appropriate launcher, "
                "it turns into a bolt of flame. ";
            break;
        case 2:
            description += "$When fired from an appropriate launcher, "
                "it turns into a bolt of ice. ";
            break;
        case 3:
        case 4:
            description += "$It is coated with poison. ";
            break;
        }
    }

    description += "$";

    return (description);
}


//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// describe_armour
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
static std::string describe_armour( const item_def &item, char verbose )
{
    std::string description;

    description.reserve(200);

    if (is_unrandom_artefact( item )
        && strlen(unrandart_descrip(1, item)) != 0)
    {
        description += "$";
        description += unrandart_descrip(1, item);
        description += "$$";
    }
    else
    {
        if (verbose == 1)
        {
            switch (item.sub_type)
            {
            case ARM_ROBE:
                description += "A cloth robe. ";
                break;
            case ARM_LEATHER_ARMOUR:
                description += "A suit made of hardened leather. ";
                break;
            case ARM_RING_MAIL:
                description += "A leather suit covered in little rings. ";
                break;
            case ARM_SCALE_MAIL:
                description +=
                    "A leather suit covered in little metal plates. ";
                break;
            case ARM_CHAIN_MAIL:
                description += "A suit made of interlocking metal rings. ";
                break;
            case ARM_SPLINT_MAIL:
                description += "A suit made of splints of metal. ";
                break;
            case ARM_BANDED_MAIL:
                description += "A suit made of bands of metal. ";
                break;
            case ARM_PLATE_MAIL:
                description += "A suit of mail and large plates of metal. ";
                break;
            case ARM_SHIELD:
                description +=
                    "A piece of metal, to be strapped on one's arm. "
                    "It is cumbersome to wear, and slightly slows "
                    "the rate at which you may attack. ";
                break;
            case ARM_CLOAK:
                description += "A cloth cloak. ";
                break;

            case ARM_HELMET:
                switch (get_helmet_type( item ))
                {
                case THELM_HELMET:
                case THELM_HELM:
                    description += "A piece of metal headgear. ";
                    break;
                case THELM_CAP:
                    description += "A cloth or leather cap. ";
                    break;
                case THELM_WIZARD_HAT:
                    description += "A conical cloth hat. ";
                    break;
                }
                break;

            case ARM_GLOVES:
                description += "A pair of gloves. ";
                break;

            case ARM_CENTAUR_BARDING:
                description += "An armour made for centaurs, "
                               "to wear over their equine half.";
                break;

            case ARM_NAGA_BARDING:
                description += "A special armour made for nagas, "
                               "to wear over their tails.";
                break;

            case ARM_BOOTS:
                description += "A pair of boots.";
                break;

            case ARM_BUCKLER:
                description += "A small shield. ";
                break;
            case ARM_LARGE_SHIELD:
                description += "Like a normal shield, only larger. ";
                if (you.species == SP_TROLL || you.species == SP_OGRE
                    || you.species == SP_OGRE_MAGE
                    || player_genus(GENPC_DRACONIAN))
                {
                    description += "It looks like it would fit you well. ";
                }
                else
                {
                    description += "It is very cumbersome to wear, and "
                        "slows the rate at which you may attack. ";
                }
                break;
            case ARM_DRAGON_HIDE:
                description += "The scaly skin of a dragon. I suppose "
                    "you could wear it if you really wanted to. ";
                break;
            case ARM_TROLL_HIDE:
                description += "The stiff and knobbly hide of a troll. "
                    "I suppose you could wear it "
                    "if you really wanted to. ";
                break;
            case ARM_CRYSTAL_PLATE_MAIL:
                description += "An incredibly heavy but extremely effective "
                    "suit of crystalline armour. "
                    "It is somewhat resistant to corrosion. ";
                break;
            case ARM_DRAGON_ARMOUR:
                description += "A magical armour, made from the scales of "
                    "a fire-breathing dragon. It provides "
                    "great protection from the effects of fire, "
                    "but renders its wearer more susceptible to "
                    "the effects of cold. ";
                break;
            case ARM_TROLL_LEATHER_ARMOUR:
                description += "A magical armour, made from the stiff and "
                    "knobbly skin of a common troll. It magically regenerates "
                    "its wearer's flesh at a fairly slow rate "
                    "(unless already a troll). ";
                break;
            case ARM_ICE_DRAGON_HIDE:
                description += "The scaly skin of a dragon. I suppose "
                    "you could wear it if you really wanted to. ";
                break;
            case ARM_ICE_DRAGON_ARMOUR:
                description += "A magical armour, made from the scales of "
                    "a cold-breathing dragon. It provides "
                    "great protection from the effects of cold, "
                    "but renders its wearer more susceptible to "
                    "the effects of fire and heat. ";
                break;
            case ARM_STEAM_DRAGON_HIDE:
                description += "The soft and supple scaley skin of "
                    "a steam dragon. I suppose you could "
                    "wear it if you really wanted to. ";
                break;
            case ARM_STEAM_DRAGON_ARMOUR:
                description += "A magical armour, made from the scales of "
                    "a steam-breathing dragon. Although unlike "
                    "the armour made from the scales of some "
                    "larger dragons it does not provide its wearer "
                    "with much in the way of special magical "
                    "protection, it is extremely light and "
                    "as supple as cloth. ";
                break;          /* Protects from steam */
            case ARM_MOTTLED_DRAGON_HIDE:
                description += "The weirdly-patterned scaley skin of "
                    "a mottled dragon. I suppose you could "
                    "wear it if you really wanted to. ";
                break;
            case ARM_MOTTLED_DRAGON_ARMOUR:
                description += "A magical armour made from the scales of a "
                    "mottled dragon. Although unlike the armour "
                    "made from the scales of some larger dragons "
                    "it does not provide its wearer with much in "
                    "the way of special magical protection, it is "
                    "as light and relatively uncumbersome as "
                    "leather armour. ";
                break;          /* Protects from napalm */
            case ARM_STORM_DRAGON_HIDE:
                description += "The hide of a storm dragon, covered in "
                    "extremely hard blue scales. I suppose "
                    "you could wear it if you really wanted to. ";
                break;
            case ARM_STORM_DRAGON_ARMOUR:
                description += "A magical armour made from the scales of "
                    "a lightning-breathing dragon. It is heavier "
                    "than most dragon scale armours, but gives "
                    "its wearer great resistance to "
                    "electrical discharges. ";
                break;
            case ARM_GOLD_DRAGON_HIDE:
                description += "The extremely tough and heavy skin of a "
                    "golden dragon, covered in shimmering golden "
                    "scales. I suppose you could wear it if "
                    "you really wanted to. ";
                break;
            case ARM_GOLD_DRAGON_ARMOUR:
                description += "A magical armour made from the golden scales "
                    "of a golden dragon. It is extremely heavy and "
                    "cumbersome, but confers resistances to fire, "
                    "cold, and poison on its wearer. ";
                break;
            case ARM_ANIMAL_SKIN:
                description += "The skins of several animals. ";
                break;
            case ARM_SWAMP_DRAGON_HIDE:
                description += "The slimy";
                if (you.species != SP_MUMMY)
                    description += ", smelly";
                description += " skin of a swamp-dwelling dragon. I suppose "
                    "you could wear it if you really wanted to. ";
                break;
            case ARM_SWAMP_DRAGON_ARMOUR:
                description += "A magical armour made from the scales of "
                    "a swamp dragon. It confers resistance to "
                    "poison on its wearer. ";
                break;
            default:
                DEBUGSTR("Unknown armour");
            }

            description += "$";
        }
    }

    if (verbose == 1 
            && item.sub_type != ARM_SHIELD 
            && item.sub_type != ARM_BUCKLER
            && item.sub_type != ARM_LARGE_SHIELD)
    {
        description += "$Armour rating: ";

        if (item.sub_type == ARM_HELMET 
            && (get_helmet_type( item ) == THELM_CAP 
                || get_helmet_type( item ) == THELM_WIZARD_HAT))
        {
            // caps and wizard hats don't have a base AC
            append_value(description, 0, false);
        }
        else if (item.sub_type == ARM_NAGA_BARDING 
                || item.sub_type == ARM_CENTAUR_BARDING)
        {
            // Barding has AC value 4.
            append_value(description, 4, false);
        }
        else
        {
            append_value(description, property( item, PARM_AC ), false);
        }

        description += "$Evasion modifier: ";
        append_value(description, property( item, PARM_EVASION ), true);
        description += "$";
    }

    int ego = get_armour_ego_type( item );
    if (ego != SPARM_NORMAL 
        && item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_TYPE ) 
        && verbose == 1)
    {
        description += "$";

        switch (ego)
        {
        case SPARM_RUNNING:
            description += "It allows its wearer to run at a great speed. ";
            break;
        case SPARM_FIRE_RESISTANCE:
            description += "It protects its wearer from heat and fire. ";
            break;
        case SPARM_COLD_RESISTANCE:
            description += "It protects its wearer from cold. ";
            break;
        case SPARM_POISON_RESISTANCE:
            description += "It protects its wearer from poison. ";
            break;
        case SPARM_SEE_INVISIBLE:
            description += "It allows its wearer to see invisible things. ";
            break;
        case SPARM_DARKNESS:
            description += "When activated it hides its wearer from "
                "the sight of others, but also increases "
                "their metabolic rate by a large amount. ";
            break;
        case SPARM_STRENGTH:
            description += "It increases the physical power of its wearer (+3 to strength). ";
            break;
        case SPARM_DEXTERITY:
            description += "It increases the dexterity of its wearer (+3 to dexterity). ";
            break;
        case SPARM_INTELLIGENCE:
            description += "It makes you more clever (+3 to intelligence). ";
            break;
        case SPARM_PONDEROUSNESS:
            description += "It is very cumbersome (-2 to EV, slows movement). ";
            break;
        case SPARM_LEVITATION:
            description += "It can be activated to allow its wearer to "
                "float above the ground and remain so indefinitely. ";
            break;
        case SPARM_MAGIC_RESISTANCE:
            description += "It increases its wearer's resistance "
                "to enchantments. ";
            break;
        case SPARM_PROTECTION:
            description += "It protects its wearer from harm (+3 to AC). ";
            break;
        case SPARM_STEALTH:
            description += "It enhances the stealth of its wearer. ";
            break;
        case SPARM_RESISTANCE:
            description += "It protects its wearer from the effects "
                "of both cold and heat. ";
            break;

        // these two are robes only:
        case SPARM_POSITIVE_ENERGY:
            description += "It partially protects its wearer from "
                "the effects of negative energy. ";
            break;
        case SPARM_ARCHMAGI:
            description += "It greatly increases the power of its "
                "wearer's magical spells, but is only "
                "intended for those who have " "very little left to learn. ";
            break;

        case SPARM_PRESERVATION:
            description += "It protects its wearer's possessions "
                "from damage and destruction. ";
            break;
        }

        description += "$";
    }

    if (is_random_artefact( item ))
    {
        if (item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_PROPERTIES ))
            randart_descpr( description, item );
        else if (item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_TYPE ))
            description += "$This armour may have some hidden properties.$";
    }
    else 
    {
        switch (get_equip_race( item ))  
        {
        case ISFLAG_ELVEN:
            //jmf: not light
            description += "$It is well-crafted and unobstructive";

            if (item.sub_type == ARM_CLOAK || item.sub_type == ARM_BOOTS)
                description += ", and helps its wearer avoid being noticed";

            description += ".";
            break;

        case ISFLAG_DWARVEN:
            description += "$It is well-crafted and very durable.";
            break;
        
        case ISFLAG_ORCISH:
        default:
            break;
        }
    }

    if (item_known_cursed( item ))
    {
        description += "$It has a curse placed upon it.";
    }

    return description;
}

//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// describe_stick
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
static std::string describe_stick( const item_def &item )
{
    std::string description;

    description.reserve(64);

    if (get_ident_type( OBJ_WANDS, item.sub_type ) != ID_KNOWN_TYPE)
        description += "A stick. Maybe it's magical. ";
    else
    {
        description += "A magical device which ";
        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case WAND_FLAME:
            description += "throws little bits of flame. ";
            break;

        case WAND_FROST:
            description += "throws little bits of frost. ";
            break;

        case WAND_SLOWING:
            description += "casts enchantments to slow down the actions of "
                "a creature at which it is directed. ";
            break;

        case WAND_HASTING:
            description += "casts enchantments to speed up the actions of "
                "a creature at which it is directed. ";
            break;

        case WAND_MAGIC_DARTS:
            description += "throws small bolts of destructive energy. ";
            break;

        case WAND_HEALING:
            description += "can heal a creature's wounds. ";
            break;

        case WAND_PARALYSIS:
            description += "can render a creature immobile. ";
            break;

        case WAND_FIRE:
            description += "throws great bolts of fire. ";
            break;

        case WAND_COLD:
            description += "throws great bolts of cold. ";
            break;

        case WAND_CONFUSION:
            description += "induces confusion and bewilderment in "
                "a target creature. ";
            break;

        case WAND_INVISIBILITY:
            description += "hides a creature from the view of others. ";
            break;

        case WAND_DIGGING:
            description += "drills tunnels through unworked rock. ";
            break;

        case WAND_FIREBALL:
            description += "throws exploding blasts of flame. ";
            break;

        case WAND_TELEPORTATION:
            description += "causes a creature to be randomly translocated. ";
            break;

        case WAND_LIGHTNING:
            description += "throws great bolts of lightning. ";
            break;

        case WAND_POLYMORPH_OTHER:
            description += "causes a creature to be transmogrified into "
                "another form. "
                "It doesn't work on you, so don't even try. ";
            break;

        case WAND_ENSLAVEMENT:
            description += "causes slavish obedience in a creature. ";
            break;

        case WAND_DRAINING:
            description += "throws a bolt of negative energy which "
                "drains the life essences of living creatures, "
                "but is useless against the undead. ";
            break;

        case WAND_RANDOM_EFFECTS:
            description += "can produce a variety of effects. ";
            break;

        case WAND_DISINTEGRATION:
            description += "disrupts the physical structure of "
                "an object, especially a creature's body. ";
            break;

        default:
            DEBUGSTR("Unknown stick");
        }

        if (item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_PLUSES ) && item.plus == 0)
            description += "Unfortunately, it has no charges left. ";
    }

    return description;
}


//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// describe_food
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
static std::string describe_food( const item_def &item )
{
    std::string description;

    description.reserve(100);

    switch (item.sub_type)
    {
    // rations
    case FOOD_MEAT_RATION:
    case FOOD_BREAD_RATION:
        description += "A filling ration of ";
        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case FOOD_MEAT_RATION:
            description += "dried and preserved meats";
            break;
        case FOOD_BREAD_RATION:
            description += "breads";
            break;
        }
        description += ". ";
        break;

    // fruits
    case FOOD_PEAR:
    case FOOD_APPLE:
    case FOOD_APRICOT:
    case FOOD_ORANGE:
    case FOOD_BANANA:
    case FOOD_STRAWBERRY:
    case FOOD_RAMBUTAN:
    case FOOD_LEMON:
    case FOOD_GRAPE:
    case FOOD_LYCHEE:
    case FOOD_SULTANA:
        description += "A";
        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case FOOD_PEAR:
            description += " delicious juicy";
            break;
        case FOOD_APPLE:
            description += " delicious red or green";
            break;
        case FOOD_APRICOT:
            description += " delicious orange";
            break;
        case FOOD_ORANGE:
            description += " delicious juicy orange";
            break;
        case FOOD_BANANA:
            description += " delicious yellow";
            break;
        case FOOD_STRAWBERRY:
            description += " small but delicious red";
            break;
        case FOOD_RAMBUTAN:
            description += " small but delicious tropical";
            break;
        case FOOD_LEMON:
            description += " yellow";
            break;
        case FOOD_GRAPE:
            description += " small";
            break;
        case FOOD_LYCHEE:
            description += " tropical";
            break;
        case FOOD_SULTANA:
            description += " dried";
            break;
        }

        description += " fruit";

        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case FOOD_BANANA:
            description += ", probably grown and imported by "
                "some amoral multinational as the "
                "result of a corrupt trade deal";
            break;
        case FOOD_RAMBUTAN:
            description += ". How it got into this dungeon "
                "is anyone's guess";
            break;
        case FOOD_SULTANA:
            description += " of some sort, possibly a grape";
            break;
        }
        description += ". ";
        break;

    // vegetables
    case FOOD_CHOKO:
    case FOOD_SNOZZCUMBER:
        description += "A";
        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case FOOD_CHOKO:
            description += "n almost tasteless green";
            break;
        case FOOD_SNOZZCUMBER:
            description += " repulsive cucumber-shaped";
            break;
        }
        description += " vegetable";
        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case FOOD_CHOKO:
            description += ", which grows on a vine";
            break;
        }
        description += ". ";
        break;

    // lumps, slices, chunks, and strips
    case FOOD_HONEYCOMB:
    case FOOD_ROYAL_JELLY:
    case FOOD_PIZZA:
    case FOOD_CHEESE:
    case FOOD_BEEF_JERKY:
    case FOOD_SAUSAGE:
    case FOOD_CHUNK:
        description += "A";
        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case FOOD_SAUSAGE:
            description += "n elongated";
            break;
        }
        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case FOOD_HONEYCOMB:
        case FOOD_ROYAL_JELLY:
        case FOOD_CHEESE:
        case FOOD_SAUSAGE:
            description += " lump";
            break;
        case FOOD_PIZZA:
            description += " slice";
            break;
        case FOOD_BEEF_JERKY:
            description += " strip";
            break;
        case FOOD_CHUNK:
            description += " piece";
        }
        description += " of ";
        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case FOOD_SAUSAGE:
            description += "low-grade gristle, entrails and "
                "cereal products encased in an intestine";
            break;
        case FOOD_HONEYCOMB:
            description += "the delicious honeycomb made by giant bees";
            break;
        case FOOD_ROYAL_JELLY:
            description += "the magical substance produced by giant bees "
                "to be fed to their queens";
            break;
        case FOOD_PIZZA:
            description += "pizza";
            break;
        case FOOD_CHEESE:
            description += "cheese";
            break;
        case FOOD_BEEF_JERKY:
            description += "preserved dead cow or bull";
            break;
        case FOOD_CHUNK:
            description += "dungeon meat";
            break;
        }
        description += ". ";
        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case FOOD_SAUSAGE:
            description += "Yum! ";
            break;
        case FOOD_PIZZA:
            description += "Don't tell me you don't know what that is! ";
            break;
        case FOOD_CHUNK:
            if (you.species != SP_GHOUL)
                description += "It looks rather unpleasant. ";

            if (item.special < 100)
            {
                if (you.species == SP_GHOUL)
                    description += "It looks nice and ripe. ";
                else if (you.species != SP_MUMMY)
                {
                    description += "In fact, it is "
                        "rotting away before your eyes. "
                        "Eating it would probably be unwise. ";
                }
            }
            break;
        }
        break;

    default:
        DEBUGSTR("Unknown food");
    }

    description += "$";

    return (description);
}

//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// describe_potion
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
static std::string describe_potion( const item_def &item )
{
    std::string description;

    description.reserve(64);

    if (get_ident_type( OBJ_POTIONS, item.sub_type ) != ID_KNOWN_TYPE)
        description += "A small bottle of liquid.";
    else
    {
        description += "A";

        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case POT_HEALING:
            description += " blessed";
            break;
        case POT_HEAL_WOUNDS:
            description += " magical healing";
            break;
        case POT_SPEED:
            description += "n enchanted";
            break;
        case POT_MIGHT:
            description += " magic";
            break;
        case POT_POISON:
            description += " nasty poisonous";
            break;
        case POT_PORRIDGE:
            description += " filling";
            break;
        case POT_DEGENERATION:
            description += " noxious";
            break;
        case POT_DECAY:
            description += " vile and putrid cursed";
            break;
        case POT_WATER:
            description += " unique";
            break;
        case POT_EXPERIENCE:
            description += " truly wonderful and very rare";
            break;
        case POT_MAGIC:
            description += " valuable";
            break;
        case POT_STRONG_POISON:
            description += " terribly venomous";
            break;
        }

        description += " ";

        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case POT_MIGHT:
        case POT_GAIN_STRENGTH:
        case POT_GAIN_DEXTERITY:
        case POT_GAIN_INTELLIGENCE:
        case POT_LEVITATION:
        case POT_SLOWING:
        case POT_PARALYSIS:
        case POT_CONFUSION:
        case POT_INVISIBILITY:
        case POT_PORRIDGE:
        case POT_MAGIC:
        case POT_RESTORE_ABILITIES:
        case POT_STRONG_POISON:
        case POT_BERSERK_RAGE:
        case POT_CURE_MUTATION:
        case POT_MUTATION:
            description += "potion";
            break;
        case POT_HEALING:
            description += "fluid";
            break;
        case POT_HEAL_WOUNDS:
            description += "elixir";
            break;
        case POT_SPEED:
            description += "beverage";
            break;
        case POT_POISON:
        case POT_DECAY:
            description += "liquid";
            break;
        case POT_DEGENERATION:
            description += "concoction";
            break;
        case POT_WATER:
            description += "substance";
            break;
        case POT_EXPERIENCE:
            description += "drink";
            break;
        }

        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case POT_HEALING:
        case POT_HEAL_WOUNDS:
        case POT_SPEED:
        case POT_MIGHT:
        case POT_LEVITATION:
        case POT_SLOWING:
        case POT_PARALYSIS:
        case POT_CONFUSION:
        case POT_INVISIBILITY:
        case POT_DEGENERATION:
        case POT_DECAY:
        case POT_MAGIC:
        case POT_RESTORE_ABILITIES:
        case POT_BERSERK_RAGE:
        case POT_CURE_MUTATION:
        case POT_MUTATION:
            description += " which ";
            break;
        case POT_GAIN_STRENGTH:
        case POT_GAIN_DEXTERITY:
        case POT_GAIN_INTELLIGENCE:
        case POT_PORRIDGE:
            description += " of ";
            break;
        }

        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case POT_HEALING:
            description += "heals some wounds, clears the mind, "
                "and cures diseases";
            break;
        case POT_HEAL_WOUNDS:
            description += "causes wounds to close and heal "
                "almost instantly";
            break;
        case POT_SPEED:
            description += "speeds the actions of anyone who drinks it";
            break;
        case POT_MIGHT:
            description += "greatly increases the strength and "
                "physical power of one who drinks it";
            break;
        case POT_GAIN_STRENGTH:
        case POT_GAIN_DEXTERITY:
        case POT_GAIN_INTELLIGENCE:
            description += "beneficial mutation";
            break;
        case POT_LEVITATION:
            description += "confers great buoyancy on one who consumes it";
            break;
        case POT_SLOWING:
            description += "slows your actions";
            break;
        case POT_PARALYSIS:
            description += "eliminates your control over your own body";
            break;
        case POT_CONFUSION:
            description += "confuses your perceptions and reduces "
                "your control over your own actions";
            break;
        case POT_INVISIBILITY:
            description += "hides you from the sight of others";
            break;
        case POT_PORRIDGE:
            description += "sludge, high in cereal fibre";
            break;
        case POT_DEGENERATION:
            description += "can do terrible things to your "
                "body, brain and reflexes";
            break;
        case POT_DECAY:
            description += "causes your flesh to decay "
                "before your very eyes";
            break;
        case POT_WATER:
            description += ", vital for the existence of most life";
            break;
        case POT_MAGIC:
            description += "grants a person with an "
                "infusion of magical energy";
            break;
        case POT_RESTORE_ABILITIES:
            description += "restores the abilities of one who drinks it";
            break;
        case POT_BERSERK_RAGE:
            description += "can send one into an incoherent rage";
            break;
        case POT_CURE_MUTATION:
            description += "removes some or all of any mutations "
                "which may be afflicting you";
            break;
        case POT_MUTATION:
            description += "does very strange things to you";
            break;
        }

        description += ". ";

        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case POT_HEALING:
        case POT_HEAL_WOUNDS:
            description += "If one uses it when they are "
                "at or near full health, it can also ";

            if (item.sub_type == POT_HEALING)
                description += "slightly ";
            description += "repair permanent injuries. ";
            break;
        }

        //default:
        //    DEBUGSTR("Unknown potion");          // I had no idea where to put this back 16jan2000 {dlb}
    }

    description += "$";

    return (description);
}


//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// describe_scroll
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
static std::string describe_scroll( const item_def &item )
{
    std::string description;

    description.reserve(64);

    if (get_ident_type( OBJ_SCROLLS, item.sub_type ) != ID_KNOWN_TYPE)
        description += "A scroll of paper covered in magical writing.";
    else
    {
        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case SCR_IDENTIFY:
            description += "This useful magic scroll allows you to "
                "determine the properties of any object. ";
            break;

        case SCR_TELEPORTATION:
            description += "Reading the words on this scroll "
                "translocates you to a random position. ";
            break;

        case SCR_FEAR:
            description += "This scroll causes great fear in those "
                "who see the one who reads it. ";
            break;

        case SCR_NOISE:
            description += "This prank scroll, often slipped into a wizard's "
                "backpack by a devious apprentice, causes a loud noise. "
                "It is not otherwise noted for its usefulness. ";
            break;

        case SCR_REMOVE_CURSE:
            description += "Reading this scroll removes curses from "
                "the items you are using. ";
            break;

        case SCR_DETECT_CURSE:
            description += "This scroll allows you to detect the presence "
                "of cursed items among your possessions. ";
            break;

        case SCR_SUMMONING:
            description += "This scroll opens a conduit to the Abyss "
                "and draws a terrible beast to this world "
                "for a limited time. ";
            break;

        case SCR_ENCHANT_WEAPON_I:
            description += "This scroll places an enchantment on a weapon, "
                "making it more accurate in combat. It may fail "
                "to affect weapons already heavily enchanted. ";
            break;

        case SCR_ENCHANT_ARMOUR:
            description += "This scroll places an enchantment "
                "on a piece of armour. ";
            break;

        case SCR_TORMENT:
            description += "This scroll calls on the powers of Hell to "
                "inflict great pain on any nearby creature - "
                "including you! ";
            break;

        case SCR_RANDOM_USELESSNESS:
            description += "It is easy to be blinded to the essential "
                "uselessness of this scroll by the sense of achievement "
                "you get from getting it to work at all.";
                // -- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (paraphrase)
            break;

        case SCR_CURSE_WEAPON:
            description += "This scroll places a curse on a weapon. ";
            break;

        case SCR_CURSE_ARMOUR:
            description += "This scroll places a curse "
                "on a piece of armour. ";
            break;

        case SCR_IMMOLATION:
            description += "Small writing on the back of the scroll reads: "
                "\"Warning: contents under pressure.  Do not use near"
                " flammable objects.\"";
            break;

        case SCR_BLINKING:
            description += "This scroll allows its reader to teleport "
                "a short distance, with precise control.  Be wary that "
                "controlled teleports will cause the subject to "
                "become contaminated with magical energy. ";
            break;

        case SCR_PAPER:
            description += "Apart from a label, this scroll is blank. ";
            break;

        case SCR_MAGIC_MAPPING:
            description += "This scroll reveals the nearby surroundings "
                "of one who reads it. ";
            break;

        case SCR_FORGETFULNESS:
            description += "This scroll induces "
                "an irritating disorientation. ";
            break;

        case SCR_ACQUIREMENT:
            description += "This wonderful scroll causes the "
                "creation of a valuable item to "
                "appear before the reader. "
                "It is especially treasured by specialist "
                "magicians, as they can use it to obtain "
                "the powerful spells of their specialty. ";
            break;

        case SCR_ENCHANT_WEAPON_II:
            description += "This scroll places an enchantment on a weapon, "
                "making it inflict greater damage in combat. "
                "It may fail to affect weapons already "
                "heavily enchanted. ";
            break;

        case SCR_VORPALISE_WEAPON:
            description += "This scroll enchants a weapon so as to make "
                "it far more effective at inflicting harm on "
                "its wielder's enemies. Using it on a weapon "
                "already affected by some kind of special "
                "enchantment (other than that produced by a "
                "normal scroll of enchant weapon) is not advised. ";
            break;

        case SCR_RECHARGING:
            description += "This scroll restores the charges of "
                "any magical wand wielded by its reader. ";
            break;

        case SCR_ENCHANT_WEAPON_III:
            description += "This scroll enchants a weapon to be "
                "far more effective in combat. Although "
                "it can be used in the creation of especially "
                "enchanted weapons, it may fail to affect those "
                "already heavily enchanted. ";
            break;

        default:
            DEBUGSTR("Unknown scroll");
        }
    }

    description += "$";

    return (description);
}


//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// describe_jewellery
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
static std::string describe_jewellery( const item_def &item, char verbose)
{
    std::string description;

    description.reserve(200);

    if (is_unrandom_artefact( item ) && strlen(unrandart_descrip(1, item)) != 0)
    {
        description += "$";
        description += unrandart_descrip(1, item);
        description += "$$";
    }
    else if ((!is_random_artefact( item ) 
            && get_ident_type( OBJ_JEWELLERY, item.sub_type ) != ID_KNOWN_TYPE)
        || (is_random_artefact( item ) 
            && !item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_TYPE )))
    {
        description += "A piece of jewellery.";
    }
    else if (verbose == 1 || is_random_artefact( item ))
    {
        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case RING_REGENERATION:
            description += "This wonderful ring greatly increases the "
                "recuperative powers of its wearer, but also "
                "considerably speeds his or her metabolism. ";
            break;

        case RING_PROTECTION:
            description +=
                "This ring either protects its wearer from harm or makes "
                "them more vulnerable to injury, to a degree dependent "
                "on its power. ";
            break;

        case RING_PROTECTION_FROM_FIRE:
            description +=
                "This ring provides protection from heat and fire. ";
            break;

        case RING_POISON_RESISTANCE:
            description +=
                "This ring provides protection from the effects of poisons and venom. ";
            break;

        case RING_PROTECTION_FROM_COLD:
            description += "This ring provides protection from cold. ";
            break;

        case RING_STRENGTH:
            description +=
                "This ring increases or decreases the physical strength "
                "of its wearer, to a degree dependent on its power. ";
            break;

        case RING_SLAYING:
            description +=
                "This ring increases the hand-to-hand and missile combat "
                "skills of its wearer.";
            break;

        case RING_SEE_INVISIBLE:
            description +=
                "This ring allows its wearer to see those things hidden "
                "from view by magic. ";
            break;

        case RING_INVISIBILITY:
            description +=
                "This powerful ring can be activated to hide its wearer "
                "from the view of others, but increases the speed of his "
                "or her metabolism greatly while doing so. ";
            break;

        case RING_HUNGER:
            description +=
                "This accursed ring causes its wearer to hunger "
                "considerably more quickly. ";
            break;

        case RING_TELEPORTATION:
            description +=
                "This ring occasionally exerts its power to randomly "
                "translocate its wearer to another place, and can be "
                "deliberately activated for the same effect. ";
            break;

        case RING_EVASION:
            description +=
                "This ring makes its wearer either more or less capable "
                "of avoiding attacks, depending on its degree "
                "of enchantment. ";
            break;

        case RING_SUSTAIN_ABILITIES:
            description +=
                "This ring protects its wearer from the loss of their "
                "strength, dexterity and intelligence. ";
            break;

        case RING_SUSTENANCE:
            description +=
                "This ring provides energy to its wearer, so that they "
                "need eat less often. ";
            break;

        case RING_DEXTERITY:
            description +=
                "This ring increases or decreases the dexterity of its "
                "wearer, depending on the degree to which it has been "
                "enchanted. ";
            break;

        case RING_INTELLIGENCE:
            description +=
                "This ring increases or decreases the mental ability of "
                "its wearer, depending on the degree to which it has "
                "been enchanted. ";
            break;

        case RING_WIZARDRY:
            description +=
                "This ring increases the ability of its wearer to use "
                "magical spells. ";
            break;

        case RING_MAGICAL_POWER:
            description +=
                "This ring increases its wearer's reserves of magical "
                "power. ";
            break;

        case RING_LEVITATION:
            description +=
                "This ring allows its wearer to hover above the floor. ";
            break;

        case RING_LIFE_PROTECTION:
            description +=
                "This blessed ring protects the life-force of its wearer "
                "from negative energy, making them partially immune to "
                "the draining effects of undead and necromantic magic. ";
            break;

        case RING_PROTECTION_FROM_MAGIC:
            description +=
                "This ring increases its wearer's resistance to "
                "hostile enchantments. ";
            break;

        case RING_FIRE:
            description +=
                "This ring brings its wearer more in contact with "
                "the powers of fire. He or she gains resistance to "
                "heat and can use fire magic more effectively, but "
                "becomes more vulnerable to the effects of cold. ";
            break;

        case RING_ICE:
            description +=
                "This ring brings its wearer more in contact with "
                "the powers of cold and ice. He or she gains resistance "
                "to cold and can use ice magic more effectively, but "
                "becomes more vulnerable to the effects of fire. ";
            break;

        case RING_TELEPORT_CONTROL:
            description += "This ring allows its wearer to control the "
                "destination of any teleportation, although without "
                "perfect accuracy.  Trying to teleport into a solid "
                "object will result in a random teleportation, at "
                "least in the case of a normal teleportation.  Also "
                "be wary that controlled teleports will contaminate "
                "the subject with residual magical energy.";
            break;

        case AMU_RAGE:
            description +=
                "This amulet enables its wearer to attempt to enter "
                "a state of berserk rage, and increases their chance "
                "of successfully doing so.  It also partially protects "
                "the user from passing out when coming out of that rage. ";
            break;

        case AMU_RESIST_SLOW:
            description +=
                "This amulet protects its wearer from some magically "
                "induced forms of slowness, and increases the duration "
                "of enchantments which speed his or her actions. ";
            break;

        case AMU_CLARITY:
            description +=
                "This amulet protects its wearer from some forms of "
                "mental confusion. ";
            break;

        case AMU_WARDING:
            description +=
                "This amulet repels some of the attacks of creatures "
                "which have been magically summoned. ";
            break;

        case AMU_RESIST_CORROSION:
            description +=
                "This amulet protects the armour and weaponry of its "
                "wearer from corrosion caused by acids, although not "
                "infallibly so. ";
            break;

        case AMU_THE_GOURMAND:
            description +=
                "This amulet allows its wearer to consume meat in "
                "various states of decay without suffering unduly as "
                "a result. Poisonous or cursed flesh is still not "
                "recommended. ";
            break;

        case AMU_CONSERVATION:
            description +=
                "This amulet protects some of the possessions of "
                "its wearer from outright destruction, but not "
                "infallibly so. ";
            break;

        case AMU_CONTROLLED_FLIGHT:
            description +=
                "Should the wearer of this amulet be levitated "
                "by magical means, he or she will be able to exercise "
                "some control over the resulting motion. This allows "
                "the descent of staircases and the retrieval of items "
                "lying on the ground, for example, but does not "
                "deprive the wearer of the benefits of levitation. ";
            break;

        case AMU_INACCURACY:
            description +=
                "This amulet makes its wearer less accurate in hand combat. ";
            break;

        case AMU_RESIST_MUTATION:
            description +=
                "This amulet protects its wearer from mutations, "
                "although not infallibly so. ";
            break;

        default:
            DEBUGSTR("Unknown jewellery");
        }

        description += "$";
    }

    if ((verbose == 1 || is_random_artefact( item ))
        && item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_PLUSES ))
    {
        // Explicit description of ring power (useful for randarts)
        // Note that for randarts we'll print out the pluses even
        // in the case that its zero, just to avoid confusion. -- bwr
        if (item.plus != 0 
            || (item.sub_type == RING_SLAYING && item.plus2 != 0)
            || is_random_artefact( item ))
        {
            switch (item.sub_type)
            {
            case RING_PROTECTION:
                description += "$It affects your AC (";
                append_value( description, item.plus, true );
                description += ").";
                break;

            case RING_EVASION:
                description += "$It affects your evasion (";
                append_value( description, item.plus, true );
                description += ").";
                break;

            case RING_STRENGTH:
                description += "$It affects your strength (";
                append_value( description, item.plus, true );
                description += ").";
                break;

            case RING_INTELLIGENCE:
                description += "$It affects your intelligence (";
                append_value( description, item.plus, true );
                description += ").";
                break;

            case RING_DEXTERITY:
                description += "$It affects your dexterity (";
                append_value( description, item.plus, true );
                description += ").";
                break;

            case RING_SLAYING:
                if (item.plus != 0 || is_random_artefact( item ))
                {
                    description += "$It affects your accuracy (";
                    append_value( description, item.plus, true );
                    description += ").";
                }

                if (item.plus2 != 0 || is_random_artefact( item ))
                {
                    description += "$It affects your damage-dealing abilities (";
                    append_value( description, item.plus2, true );
                    description += ").";
                }
                break;
            
            default:
                break;
            }
        }
    }

    // randart properties
    if (is_random_artefact( item ))
    {
        if (item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_PROPERTIES ))
            randart_descpr( description, item );
        else if (item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_TYPE ))
        {
            if (item.sub_type >= AMU_RAGE)
                description += "$This amulet may have hidden properties.$";
            else
                description += "$This ring may have hidden properties.$";
        }
    }

    if (item_known_cursed( item ))
    {
        description += "$It has a curse placed upon it.";
    }

    return (description);
}                               // end describe_jewellery()

//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// describe_staff
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
static std::string describe_staff( const item_def &item )
{
    std::string description;

    description.reserve(200);

    if (item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_TYPE ))
    {
        // NB: the leading space is here {dlb}
        description += "This " + std::string( item_is_staff( item ) ? "staff " 
                                                                    : "rod " );

        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case STAFF_WIZARDRY:
            description +=
                "increases the magical proficiency of its wielder by "
                "a considerable degree, increasing the power of their spells. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_POWER:
            description +=
                "provides a reservoir of magical power to its wielder. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_FIRE:
            description +=
                "increases the power of fire spells cast by its wielder, "
                "and protects him or her from the effects of heat and fire. "
                "It can burn those struck by it. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_COLD:
            description +=
                "increases the power of ice spells cast by its wielder, "
                "and protects him or her from the effects of cold. It can "
                "freeze those struck by it. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_POISON:
            description +=
                "increases the power of poisoning spells cast by its "
                "wielder, and protects him or her from the effects of "
                "poison. It can poison those struck by it. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_ENERGY:
            description +=
                "allows its wielder to cast magical spells without "
                "hungering as a result. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_DEATH:
            description +=
                "increases the power of necromantic spells cast by its "
                "wielder. It can cause great pain in those living souls "
                "its wielder strikes. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_CONJURATION:
            description +=
                "increases the power of conjurations cast by its wielder. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_ENCHANTMENT:
            description +=
                "increases the power of enchantments cast by its wielder. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_SUMMONING:
            description +=
                "increases the power of summonings cast by its wielder. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_SMITING:
            description +=
                "allows its wielder to smite foes from afar. The wielder "
                "must be at least level four to safely use this ability, "
                "which drains four charges. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_STRIKING:
            description += "allows its wielder to strike foes from afar "
                "with force bolts. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_SPELL_SUMMONING:
            description += "contains spells of summoning. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_WARDING:
            description +=
                "contains spells designed to repel one's enemies. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_DISCOVERY:
            description +=
                "contains spells which reveal various aspects of "
                "an explorer's surroundings to them. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_AIR:
            description +=
                "increases the power of air spells cast by its wielder. "
                "It can shock those struck by it. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_EARTH:
            description +=
                "increases the power of earth spells cast by its wielder. "
                "It can crush those struck by it. ";
            break;

        case STAFF_CHANNELING:
            description +=
                "allows its caster to channel ambient magical energy for "
                "his or her own purposes. ";
            break;

        default:
            description +=
                "contains spells of mayhem and destruction. ";
            break;
        }

        if (item_is_rod( item ))
        {
            if (item.sub_type != STAFF_STRIKING)
                description += 
                    "$$It uses its own mana reservoir for casting spells, and "
                    "recharges automatically by channeling mana from its "
                    "wielder.";
        }
        else
        {
            description +=
                "$$Damage rating: 7 $Accuracy rating: +6 $Attack delay: 120%%";

            description += "$$It falls into the 'staves' category. ";
        }
    }
    else
    {
        description += "A stick imbued with magical properties.$";
    }

    return (description);
}


//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// describe_misc_item
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
static std::string describe_misc_item( const item_def &item )
{
    std::string description;

    description.reserve(100);

    if (item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_TYPE ))
    {
        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case MISC_BOTTLED_EFREET:
            description +=
                "A mighty efreet, captured by some wizard and bound into "
                "a bronze flask. Breaking the flask's seal will release it "
                "to wreak havoc - possibly on you. ";
            break;
        case MISC_CRYSTAL_BALL_OF_SEEING:
            description +=
                "A magical device which allows one to see the layout of "
                "their surroundings. It requires a degree of magical "
                "ability to be used reliably, otherwise it can produce "
                "unpredictable and possibly harmful results. ";
            break;
        case MISC_AIR_ELEMENTAL_FAN:
            description += "A magical device for summoning air "
                "elementals. It is rather unreliable, and usually requires "
                "several attempts to function correctly. Using it carries "
                "an element of risk, which is reduced if one is skilled in "
                "the appropriate elemental magic. ";
            break;
        case MISC_LAMP_OF_FIRE:
            description += "A magical device for summoning fire "
                "elementals. It is rather unreliable, and usually "
                "requires several attempts to function correctly. Using "
                "it carries an element of risk, which is reduced if one "
                "is skilled in the appropriate elemental magic.";
            break;
        case MISC_STONE_OF_EARTH_ELEMENTALS:
            description += "A magical device for summoning earth "
                "elementals. It is rather unreliable, and usually "
                "requires several attempts to function correctly. "
                "Using it carries an element of risk, which is reduced "
                "if one is skilled in the appropriate elemental magic.";
            break;
        case MISC_LANTERN_OF_SHADOWS:
            description +=
                "An unholy device which calls on the powers of darkness "
                "to assist its user, with a small cost attached. ";
            break;
        case MISC_HORN_OF_GERYON:
            description +=
                "The horn belonging to Geryon, guardian of the Vestibule "
                "of Hell. Legends say that a mortal who desires access "
                "into one of the Hells must use it in order to gain entry. ";
            break;
        case MISC_BOX_OF_BEASTS:
            description +=
                "A magical box containing many wild beasts. One may "
                "allow them to escape by opening the box's lid. ";
            break;
        case MISC_DECK_OF_WONDERS:
            description +=
                "A deck of highly mysterious and magical cards. One may "
                "draw a random card from it, but should be prepared to "
                "suffer the possible consequences! ";
            break;
        case MISC_DECK_OF_SUMMONINGS:
            description +=
                "A deck of magical cards, depicting a range of weird and "
                "wondrous creatures. ";
            break;
        case MISC_CRYSTAL_BALL_OF_ENERGY:
            description +=
                "A magical device which can be used to restore one's "
                "reserves of magical energy, but the use of which carries "
                "the risk of draining all of those energies completely. "
                "This risk varies inversely with the proportion of their "
                "maximum energy which the user possesses; a user near his "
                "or her full potential will find this item most beneficial. ";
            break;
        case MISC_EMPTY_EBONY_CASKET:
            description += "A magical box after its power is spent. ";
            break;
        case MISC_CRYSTAL_BALL_OF_FIXATION:
            description +=
                "A dangerous item which hypnotises anyone so unwise as "
                "to gaze into it, leaving them helpless for a significant "
                "length of time. ";
            break;
        case MISC_DISC_OF_STORMS:
            description +=
                "This extremely powerful item can unleash a destructive "
                "storm of electricity. It is especially effective in the "
                "hands of one skilled in air elemental magic, but cannot "
                "be used by one who is not a conductor. ";
            break;
        case MISC_RUNE_OF_ZOT:
            description +=
                "A talisman which allows entry into Zot's domain. ";
            break;
        case MISC_DECK_OF_TRICKS:
            description +=
                "A deck of magical cards, full of amusing tricks. ";
            break;
        case MISC_DECK_OF_POWER:
            description += "A deck of powerful magical cards. ";
            break;
        case MISC_PORTABLE_ALTAR_OF_NEMELEX:
            description +=
                "An altar to Nemelex Xobeh, built for easy assembly and "
                "disassembly.  Evoke it to place it on a clear patch of floor, "
                "then pick it up again when you've finished. ";
            break;
        default:
            DEBUGSTR("Unknown misc item (2)");
        }
    }
    else
    {
        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case MISC_BOTTLED_EFREET:
            description += "A heavy bronze flask, warm to the touch. ";
            break;
        case MISC_CRYSTAL_BALL_OF_ENERGY:
        case MISC_CRYSTAL_BALL_OF_FIXATION:
        case MISC_CRYSTAL_BALL_OF_SEEING:
            description += "A sphere of clear crystal. ";
            break;
        case MISC_AIR_ELEMENTAL_FAN:
            description += "A fan. ";
            break;
        case MISC_LAMP_OF_FIRE:
            description += "A lamp. ";
            break;
        case MISC_STONE_OF_EARTH_ELEMENTALS:
            description += "A lump of rock. ";
            break;
        case MISC_LANTERN_OF_SHADOWS:
            description += "A strange lantern made out of ancient bones. ";
            break;
        case MISC_HORN_OF_GERYON:
            description += "A great silver horn, radiating unholy energies. ";
            break;
        case MISC_BOX_OF_BEASTS:
        case MISC_EMPTY_EBONY_CASKET:
            description += "A small black box. I wonder what's inside? ";
            break;
        case MISC_DECK_OF_WONDERS:
        case MISC_DECK_OF_TRICKS:
        case MISC_DECK_OF_POWER:
        case MISC_DECK_OF_SUMMONINGS:
            description += "A deck of cards. ";
            break;
        case MISC_RUNE_OF_ZOT:
            description += "A talisman of some sort. ";
            break;
        case MISC_DISC_OF_STORMS:
            description += "A grey disc. ";
            break;
        case MISC_PORTABLE_ALTAR_OF_NEMELEX:
            description +=
                "An altar to Nemelex Xobeh, built for easy assembly and "
                "disassembly.  Evoke it to place on a clear patch of floor, "
                "then pick it up again when you've finished. ";
            break;
        default:
            DEBUGSTR("Unknown misc item");
        }
    }

    description += "$";

    return (description);
}

// ========================================================================
//      Public Functions
// ========================================================================

bool is_dumpable_artifact( const item_def &item, char verbose)
{
    bool ret = false;

    if (is_random_artefact( item ) || is_fixed_artefact( item ))
    {
        ret = item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_PROPERTIES );
    }
    else if (item.base_type == OBJ_ARMOUR
        && (verbose == 1 && item_ident( item, ISFLAG_KNOW_TYPE )))
    {
        const int spec_ench = get_armour_ego_type( item );
        ret = (spec_ench >= SPARM_RUNNING && spec_ench <= SPARM_PRESERVATION);
    }
    else if (item.base_type == OBJ_JEWELLERY 
        && (verbose == 1 
            && get_ident_type(OBJ_JEWELLERY, item.sub_type) == ID_KNOWN_TYPE))
    {
        ret = true;
    }

    return (ret);
}                               // end is_dumpable_artifact()


//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// get_item_description
//
// Note that the string will include dollar signs which should
// be interpreted as carriage returns.
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
std::string get_item_description( const item_def &item, char verbose, bool dump )
{
    std::string description;
    description.reserve(500);

    if (!dump)
    {
        char str_pass[ ITEMNAME_SIZE ];
        item_name( item, DESC_INVENTORY_EQUIP, str_pass );
        description += std::string(str_pass);
    }

    description += "$$";

#if DEBUG_DIAGNOSTICS
    if (!dump)
    {
        snprintf( info, INFO_SIZE, 
                  "base: %d; sub: %d; plus: %d; plus2: %d; special: %ld$"
                  "quant: %d; colour: %d; flags: 0x%08lx$"
                  "x: %d; y: %d; link: %d$ident_type: %d$$", 
                  item.base_type, item.sub_type, item.plus, item.plus2,
                  item.special, item.quantity, item.colour, item.flags,
                  item.x, item.y, item.link, 
                  get_ident_type( item.base_type, item.sub_type ) );

        description += info;
    }
#endif

    switch (item.base_type)
    {
    case OBJ_WEAPONS:
        description += describe_weapon( item, verbose );
        break;
    case OBJ_MISSILES:
        description += describe_ammo( item );
        break;
    case OBJ_ARMOUR:
        description += describe_armour( item, verbose );
        break;
    case OBJ_WANDS:
        description += describe_stick( item );
        break;
    case OBJ_FOOD:
        description += describe_food( item );
        break;
    case OBJ_SCROLLS:
        description += describe_scroll( item );
        break;
    case OBJ_JEWELLERY:
        description += describe_jewellery( item, verbose );
        break;
    case OBJ_POTIONS:
        description += describe_potion( item );
        break;
    case OBJ_STAVES:
        description += describe_staff( item );
        break;

    case OBJ_BOOKS:
        switch (item.sub_type)
        {
        case BOOK_DESTRUCTION:
            description += "An extremely powerful but unpredictable book "
                "of magic. ";
            break;

        case BOOK_MANUAL:
            description += "A valuable book of magic which allows one to "
                "practise a certain skill greatly. As it is used, it gradually "
                "disintegrates and will eventually fall apart. ";
            break;

        default:
            description += "A book of magic spells. Beware, for some of the "
                "more powerful grimoires are not to be toyed with. ";
            break;
        }
        break;

    case OBJ_ORBS:
        description += "Once you have escaped to the surface with "
            "this invaluable artefact, your quest is complete. ";
        break;

    case OBJ_MISCELLANY:
        description += describe_misc_item( item );
        break;

    case OBJ_CORPSES:
        description +=
            ((item.sub_type == CORPSE_BODY) ? "A corpse. "
                                        : "A decaying skeleton. ");
        break;

    default:
        DEBUGSTR("Bad item class");
        description += "This item should not exist. Mayday! Mayday! ";
    }

    if (verbose == 1)
    {
        description += "$It weighs around ";

        const int mass = item_mass( item );

        char item_mass[16];
        itoa( mass / 10, item_mass, 10 ); 
        
        for (int i = 0; i < 14; i++) 
        {
            if (item_mass[i] == '\0')
            {
                item_mass[i] = '.';
                item_mass[i+1] = (mass % 10) + '0';
                item_mass[i+2] = '\0';
                break;
            }
        }

        description += item_mass;
        description += " aum. ";        // arbitrary unit of mass
    }

    return (description);
}                               // end get_item_description()


//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// describe_item
//
// Describes all items in the game.
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
void describe_item( const item_def &item )
{
#ifdef DOS_TERM
    char buffer[3400];

    gettext(25, 1, 80, 25, buffer);

    window(25, 1, 80, 25);
#endif

    clrscr();

    std::string description = get_item_description( item, 1 );
    print_description(description);

    if ( (item.base_type == OBJ_BOOKS && item_type_known(item)
            && item.sub_type != BOOK_DESTRUCTION
            && item.sub_type != BOOK_MANUAL)
         ||
         count_staff_spells(item, true) > 1 )
    {
        formatted_string fs;
        item_def dup = item;
        spellbook_contents( dup, 
                item.base_type == OBJ_BOOKS? 
                    RBOOK_READ_SPELL
                  : RBOOK_USE_STAFF, 
                &fs );
        fs.display(2, -2);
    }

    if (getch() == 0)
        getch();

#ifdef DOS_TERM
    puttext(25, 1, 80, 25, buffer);
    window(1, 1, 80, 25);
#endif
}                               // end describe_item()


//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// describe_spell
//
// Describes (most) every spell in the game.
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
void describe_spell(int spelled)
{
    std::string description;

    description.reserve(500);

#ifdef DOS_TERM
    char buffer[3400];

    gettext(25, 1, 80, 25, buffer);
    window(25, 1, 80, 25);
#endif

    clrscr();
    description += spell_title( spelled );
    description += "$$This spell ";   // NB: the leading space is here {dlb}

    switch (spelled)
    {
    case SPELL_IDENTIFY:
        description += "allows the caster to determine the properties of "
            "an otherwise inscrutable magic item. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_TELEPORT_SELF:
        description += "teleports the caster to a random location. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CAUSE_FEAR:
        description += "causes fear in those near to the caster. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CREATE_NOISE:
        description += "causes a loud noise to be heard. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_REMOVE_CURSE:
        description += "removes curses from any items which are "
            "being used by the caster. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_MAGIC_DART:
        description += "hurls a small bolt of magical energy. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_FIREBALL:
        description += "hurls an exploding bolt of fire.  This spell "
            "does not cost additional spell levels if the learner already "
            "knows Delayed Fireball. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_DELAYED_FIREBALL:
        description = "$$Successfully casting this spell gives the caster "
            "the ability to instantaneously release a fireball at a later "
            "time.  Knowing this spell allows the learner to memorise "
            "Fireball for no additional spell levels. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_BOLT_OF_MAGMA:
        description += "hurls a sizzling bolt of molten rock. ";
        break;

// spells 7 through 12 ??? {dlb}

    case SPELL_CONJURE_FLAME:
        description += "creates a column of roaring flame. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_DIG:
        description += "digs a tunnel through unworked rock. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_BOLT_OF_FIRE:
        description += "hurls a great bolt of flames. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_BOLT_OF_COLD:
        description += "hurls a great bolt of ice and frost. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_LIGHTNING_BOLT:
        description += "hurls a mighty bolt of lightning. "
            "Although this spell inflicts less damage than "
            "similar fire and ice spells, it can at once "
            "rip through whole rows of creatures. ";
        break;

// spells 18 and 19 ??? {dlb}

    case SPELL_POLYMORPH_OTHER:
        description += "randomly alters the form of another creature. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SLOW:
        description += "slows the actions of a creature. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_HASTE:
        description += "speeds the actions of a creature. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_PARALYZE:
        description += "prevents a creature from moving. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CONFUSING_TOUCH:
        description += "enchants the casters hands with magical energy. "
            "This energy is released when the caster touches "
            "a monster with their bare hands, and may induce "
            "a state of confusing in the monster. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CONFUSE:
        description += "induces a state of bewilderment and confusion "
            "in a creature's mind. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SURE_BLADE:
        description += "forms a mystical bond between the caster and "
            "a wielded short blade, making the blade much " "easier to use. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_INVISIBILITY:
        description += "hides a creature from the sight of others. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_THROW_FLAME:
        description += "throws a small bolt of flame. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_THROW_FROST:
        description += "throws a small bolt of frost. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CONTROLLED_BLINK:
        description +=
            "allows short-range translocation, with precise control. "
            "Be wary that controlled teleports will cause the subject to "
            "become contaminated with magical energy. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_FREEZING_CLOUD:
        description += "conjures up a large cloud of lethally cold vapour. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_MEPHITIC_CLOUD:
        description +=
            "conjures up a large but short-lived cloud of vile fumes. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_RING_OF_FLAMES:
        description += "surrounds the caster with a mobile ring of searing "
            "flame, and keeps other fire clouds away from the caster.  "
            "This spell attunes the caster to the forces of fire, "
            "increasing their fire magic and giving protection from fire.  "
            "However, it also makes them much more susceptible to the forces "
            "of ice. "; // well, if it survives the fire wall it's a risk -- bwr
        break;

    case SPELL_RESTORE_STRENGTH:
        description += "restores the physical strength of the caster. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_RESTORE_INTELLIGENCE:
        description += "restores the intelligence of the caster. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_RESTORE_DEXTERITY:
        description += "restores the dexterity of the caster. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_VENOM_BOLT:
        description += "throws a bolt of poison. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_POISON_ARROW:
        description += 
            "hurls a magical arrow of the most vile and noxious toxin.  "
            "No living thing is completely immune to it's effects. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_OLGREBS_TOXIC_RADIANCE:
        description +=
            "bathes the caster's surroundings in poisonous green light. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_TELEPORT_OTHER:
        description += "randomly translocates another creature. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_LESSER_HEALING:
        description +=
            "heals a small amount of damage to the caster's body. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_GREATER_HEALING:
        description +=
            "heals a large amount of damage to the caster's body. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CURE_POISON_I:
        description += "removes poison from the caster's system. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_PURIFICATION:
        description += "purifies the caster's body, removing "
            "poison, disease, and certain malign enchantments. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_DEATHS_DOOR:
        description += "is extremely powerful, but carries a degree of risk. "
            "It renders living casters nigh invulnerable to harm "
            "for a brief period, but can bring them dangerously "
            "close to death (how close depends on one's necromantic "
            "abilities). The spell can be cancelled at any time by "
            "any healing effect, and the caster will receive one "
            "warning shortly before the spell expires. "
            "Undead cannot use this spell. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SELECTIVE_AMNESIA:
        description += "allows the caster to selectively erase one spell "
            "from memory to recapture the magical energy bound "
            "up with it. Casters will be able to memorise this "
            "spell should even their minds be otherwise full of "
            "magic (i.e., already possessing the maximum number "
            "of spells). ";
        break;

    case SPELL_MASS_CONFUSION:
        description += "causes confusion in all who gaze upon the caster. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_STRIKING:
        description += "hurls a small bolt of force. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SMITING:
        description += "smites one creature of the caster's choice. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_REPEL_UNDEAD:
        description += "calls on a divine power to repel the unholy. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_HOLY_WORD:
        description += "involves the intonation of a word of power "
            "which repels and can destroy unholy creatures. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_DETECT_CURSE:
        description += "alerts the caster to the presence of curses "
            "on his or her possessions. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SUMMON_SMALL_MAMMAL:
        description += "summons one or more "
            "small creatures to the caster's aid. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_ABJURATION_I:
        description += "attempts to send hostile summoned creatures to "
            "the place from whence they came, or at least "
            "shorten their stay in the caster's locality. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SUMMON_SCORPIONS:
        description += "summons one or more "
            "giant scorpions to the caster's assistance. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_LEVITATION:
        description += "allows the caster to float in the air. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_BOLT_OF_DRAINING:
        description += "hurls a deadly bolt of negative energy, "
            "which drains the life from any living creature " "it strikes. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_LEHUDIBS_CRYSTAL_SPEAR:
        description += "hurls a lethally sharp bolt of crystal. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_BOLT_OF_INACCURACY:
        description += "inflicts enormous damage upon any creature struck "
            "by the bolt of incandescent energy conjured into "
            "existence. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to "
            "aim and very rarely hits anything. Pity, that. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_POISONOUS_CLOUD:
        description += "conjures forth a great cloud of lethal gasses. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_FIRE_STORM:
        description += "creates a mighty storm of roaring flame. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_DETECT_TRAPS:
        description += "reveals traps in the caster's vicinity. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_BLINK:
        description += "randomly translocates the caster a short distance. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_ISKENDERUNS_MYSTIC_BLAST:
        description += "throws a crackling sphere of destructive energy. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SWARM:
        description += "summons forth a pestilential swarm. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SUMMON_HORRIBLE_THINGS:
        description += "opens a gate to the Abyss and calls through "
            "one or more hideous abominations from that dreadful place."
            "  The powers who answer this invocation require of casters "
            "a portion of their intellect in exchange for this service.";
        break;

    case SPELL_ENSLAVEMENT:
        description += "causes an otherwise hostile creature "
            "to fight on your side for a while. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_MAGIC_MAPPING:
        description += "reveals details about the caster's surroundings. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_HEAL_OTHER:
        description += "heals another creature from a distance. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_ANIMATE_DEAD:
        description += "causes the dead to rise up and serve the caster; "
            "every corpse within a certain distance of the caster "
            "is affected. By means of this spell, powerful casters "
            "could press into service an army of the mindless undead. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_PAIN:
        description += "inflicts an extremely painful injury "
            "upon one living creature. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_EXTENSION:
        description +=
            "extends the duration of most beneficial enchantments "
            "affecting the caster. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CONTROL_UNDEAD:
        description +=
            "attempts to enslave any undead in the vicinity of the caster. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_ANIMATE_SKELETON:
        description += "raises an inert skeleton to a state of unlife. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_VAMPIRIC_DRAINING:
        description += "steals the life of a living creature and grants it "
            "to the caster. Life will not be drained in excess of "
            "what the caster can capably absorb. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SUMMON_WRAITHS:
        description +=
            "calls on the powers of the undead to aid the caster. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_DETECT_ITEMS:
        description +=
            "detects any items lying about the caster's general vicinity. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_BORGNJORS_REVIVIFICATION:
        description += "instantly heals any and all wounds suffered by the "
            "caster with an attendant, but also permanently lessens his or her "
            "resilience to injury -- the severity of which is dependent on "
            "(and inverse to) magical skill. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_BURN:
        description += "burns a creature. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_FREEZE:
        description += "freezes a creature. This may temporarily slow the "
            "metabolism of a cold-blooded creature. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SUMMON_ELEMENTAL:
        description += "calls forth "
            "a spirit from the elemental planes to aid the caster. "
            "A large quantity of the desired element must be "
            "available; this is rarely a problem for earth and air, "
            "but may be for fire or water. The elemental will usually "
            "be friendly to casters -- especially those skilled in "
            "the appropriate form of elemental magic.";
        break;

    case SPELL_OZOCUBUS_REFRIGERATION:
        description += "drains the heat from the caster and her "
            "surroundings, causing harm to all creatures not resistant to "
            "cold. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_STICKY_FLAME:
        description += "conjures a sticky glob of liquid fire, which will "
            "adhere to and burn any creature it strikes. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SUMMON_ICE_BEAST:
        description += "calls forth " "a beast of ice to serve the caster. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_OZOCUBUS_ARMOUR:
        description += "encases the caster's body in a protective layer "
            "of ice, the power of which depends on his or her "
            "skill with Ice magic. The caster and the caster's "
            "equipment are protected from the cold, but the "
            "spell will not function for casters already wearing "
            "heavy armour.  The effects of this spell are boosted "
            "if the caster is in Ice Form. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CALL_IMP:
        description += "calls forth " "a minor demon from the pits of Hell. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_REPEL_MISSILES:
        description += "reduces the chance of projectile attacks striking "
            "the caster. Even powerful attacks such as "
            "lightning bolts or dragon breath are affected, "
            "although smaller missiles are repelled to a "
            "much greater extent. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_BERSERKER_RAGE:
        description += "sends the caster into a temporary psychotic rage. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_DISPEL_UNDEAD:
        description +=
            "inflicts a great deal of damage on an undead creature. ";
        break;

        // spell  86 - Guardian
        // spell  87 - Pestilence
        // spell  99 - Thunderbolt
        // spell 100 - Flame of Cleansing
        // spell 101 - Shining Light
        // spell 102 - Summon Daeva
        // spell 103 - Abjuration II

    case SPELL_TWISTED_RESURRECTION:
        description += "allows its caster to imbue a mass of deceased flesh "
            "with a magical life force. Casting this spell involves "
            "the assembling several corpses together; the greater "
            "the combined mass of flesh available, the greater the "
            "chances of success. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_REGENERATION:
        description += "dramatically but temporarily increases the caster's "
            "recuperative abilities, while also increasing the rate "
            "of food consumption. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_BONE_SHARDS:
        description += "uses the bones of a skeleton (or similar materials: "
            "the rigid exoskeleton of an insect, for example) to "
            "dispense a lethal spray of slicing fragments, allowing "
            "its caster to dispense with conjurations in favour of "
            "necromancy alone to provide a low-level yet very "
            "powerful offensive spell. The use of a large and "
            "heavy skeleton (by wielding it) amplifies this spell's "
            "effect. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_BANISHMENT:
        description += "banishes one creature to the Abyss. Those wishing "
            "to visit that unpleasant place in person may always "
            "banish themselves. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CIGOTUVIS_DEGENERATION:
        description +=
            "mutates one creature into a pulsating mass of flesh. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_STING:
        description += "throws a magical dart of poison. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SUBLIMATION_OF_BLOOD:
        description += "converts flesh, blood, and other bodily fluids "
            "into magical energy. Casters may focus this spell "
            "on their own bodies (which can be dangerous but "
            "never directly lethal) or can wield freshly butchered "
            "flesh in order to draw power into themselves. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_TUKIMAS_DANCE:
        description += "causes a weapon held in the caster's hand to dance "
            "into the air and strike the caster's enemies. It will "
            "not function on magical staves and certain "
            "willful artefacts. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_HELLFIRE:        // basically, a debug message {dlb}
        description += "should only be available from Dispater's staff. "
            "So how are you reading this? (describe.cc)";
        break;

    case SPELL_SUMMON_DEMON:
        description += "opens a gate to the realm of Pandemonium "
            "and draws forth one of its inhabitants "
            "to serve the caster for a time. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_DEMONIC_HORDE:
        description += "calls forth "
            "a small swarm of small demons "
            "to do battle with the caster's foes. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SUMMON_GREATER_DEMON:
        description += "calls forth one of the greater demons of Pandemonium "
            "to serve the caster. Beware, for the spell binding it "
            "to service may not outlast "
            "that which binds it to this world! ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CORPSE_ROT:
        description += "rapidly accelerates the decomposition of any "
            "corpses lying around the caster, emitting in"
            "process a foul miasmic vapour, which eats away "
            "at the life force of any creature it envelops. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_TUKIMAS_VORPAL_BLADE:
        description += "bestows a lethal but temporary sharpness "
            "on a sword held by the caster. It will not affect "
            "weapons otherwise subject to special enchantments. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_FIRE_BRAND:
        description += "sets a weapon held by the caster ablaze. It will not "
            "affect weapons otherwise subject to special enchantments. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_FREEZING_AURA:
        description +=
            "surrounds a weapon held by the caster with an aura of "
            "freezing cold. It will not affect weapons which are "
            "otherwise subject to special enchantments. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_LETHAL_INFUSION:
        description += "infuses a weapon held by the caster with unholy "
            "energies. It will not affect weapons which are "
            "otherwise subject to special enchantments. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CRUSH:           // a theory of gravity in Crawl? {dlb}
        description += "crushes a nearby creature with waves of "
            "gravitational force. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_BOLT_OF_IRON:
        description += "hurls "
            "a large and heavy metal bolt " "at the caster's foes. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_STONE_ARROW:
        description += "hurls "
            "a sharp spine of rock outward from the caster. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_TOMB_OF_DOROKLOHE:
        description += "entombs the caster within four walls of rock. These "
            "walls will destroy most objects in their way, but "
            "their growth is obstructed by the presence of any "
            "creature. Beware - only the unwise cast this spell "
            "without reliable means of escape. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_STONEMAIL:
        description += "covers the caster with chunky scales of stone, "
            "the durability of which depends on his or her "
            "skill with Earth magic. These scales can coexist "
            "with other forms of armour, but are in and of "
            "themselves extremely heavy and cumbersome.  The effects "
            "of this spell are increased if the caster is in Statue Form. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SHOCK:
        description += "throws a bolt of electricity. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SWIFTNESS:
        description += "imbues its caster with the ability to achieve "
            "great movement speeds.  Flying spellcasters can move even "
            "faster.";
        break;

    case SPELL_FLY:
        description +=
            "grants to the caster the ability to fly through the air. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_INSULATION:
        description += "protects the caster from electric shocks. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_ORB_OF_ELECTROCUTION:
        description += "hurls "
            "a crackling orb of electrical energy "
            "which explodes with immense force on impact. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_DETECT_CREATURES:
        description += "allows the caster to detect any creatures "
            "within a certain radius. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CURE_POISON_II:
        description +=
            "removes some or all toxins from the caster's system. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CONTROL_TELEPORT:
        description += "allows the caster to control translocations.  Be "
            "wary that controlled teleports will cause the subject to "
            "become contaminated with magical energy. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_POISON_AMMUNITION:
        description += "envenoms missile ammunition held by the caster. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_POISON_WEAPON:
        description +=
            "temporarily coats any sharp bladed weapon with poison.  Will only "
            "work on weapons without an existing enchantment.";
        break;

    case SPELL_RESIST_POISON:
        description += "protects the caster from exposure to all poisons "
            "for a period of time. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_PROJECTED_NOISE:
        description += "produces a noise emanating "
            "from a place of the caster's own choosing. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_ALTER_SELF:
        description += "causes aberrations to form in the caster's body, "
            "leaving the caster in a weakened state "
            "(though it is not fatal in and of itself). "
            "It may fail to affect those who are already "
            "heavily mutated. ";
        break;

// spell 145 - debugging ray

    case SPELL_RECALL:
        description += "is greatly prized by summoners and necromancers, "
            "as it allows the caster to recall any friendly "
            "creatures nearby to a position adjacent to the caster. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_PORTAL:
        description += "creates a gate allowing long-distance travel "
            "in relatively ordinary environments "
            "(i.e., the Dungeon only). The portal lasts "
            "long enough for the caster and nearby creatures "
            "to enter. Casters are never taken past the level "
            "limits of the current area. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_AGONY:
        description += "cuts the resilience of a target creature in half, "
            "although it will never cause death directly. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SPIDER_FORM:
        description += "temporarily transforms the caster into a venomous, "
            "spider-like creature.  Spellcasting is slightly more difficult "
            "in this form.  This spell is not powerful enough to allow "
            "the caster to slip out of cursed equipment. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_DISRUPT:
        description += "disrupts space around another creature, "
            "causing injury.";
        break;

    case SPELL_DISINTEGRATE:
        description += "violently rends apart anything in a small volume of "
            "space.  Can be used to cause severe damage.";
        break;

    case SPELL_BLADE_HANDS:
        description += "causes long, scythe-shaped blades to grow "
            "from the caster's hands.  It makes spellcasting somewhat "
            "difficult.  This spell is not powerful enough to force "
            "a cursed weapon from the caster's hands.";
        break;

    case SPELL_STATUE_FORM:
        description += "temporarily transforms the caster into a "
            "slow-moving (but extremely robust) stone statue. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_ICE_FORM:
        description += "temporarily transforms the caster's body into a "
            "frozen ice-creature. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_DRAGON_FORM:
        description += "temporarily transforms the caster into a "
            "great, fire-breathing dragon. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_NECROMUTATION:
        description += "first transforms the caster into a "
            "semi-corporeal apparition receptive to negative energy, "
            "then infuses that form with the powers of Death. "
            "The caster becomes resistant to "
            "cold, poison, magic and hostile negative energies. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_DEATH_CHANNEL:
        description += "raises living creatures slain by the caster "
            "into a state of unliving slavery as spectral horrors. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SYMBOL_OF_TORMENT:
        description += "calls on the powers of Hell to cause agonising "
            "injury to any living thing in the caster's vicinity. "
            "It carries within itself a degree of danger, "
            "for any brave enough to invoke it, for the Symbol "
            "also affects its caller and indeed will not function "
            "if he or she is immune to its terrible effects. "
            "Despite its ominous power, this spell is never lethal. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_DEFLECT_MISSILES:
        description += "protects the caster from "
            "any kind of projectile attack, "
            "although particularly powerful attacks "
            "(lightning bolts, etc.) are deflected "
            "to a lesser extent than lighter missiles. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_ORB_OF_FRAGMENTATION:
        description += "throws a heavy sphere of metal "
            "which explodes on impact into a rain of "
            "deadly, jagged fragments. "
            "It can rip a creature to shreds, "
            "but proves ineffective against heavily-armoured targets. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_ICE_BOLT:
        description += "throws forth a chunk of ice. "
            "It is particularly effective against "
            "those creatures not immune to the effects of freezing, "
            "but the half of its destructive potential that comes from "
            "its weight and cutting edges "
            "cannot be ignored by even cold-resistant creatures. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_ICE_STORM:
        description += "conjures forth "
            "a raging blizzard of ice, sleet and freezing gasses. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_ARC:
        description += "zaps at random a nearby creature with a powerful "
            "electrical current.";
        break;

    case SPELL_AIRSTRIKE:       // jet planes in Crawl ??? {dlb}
        description +=
            "causes the air around a creature to twist itself into "
            "a whirling vortex of meteorological fury. This spell "
	    "is especially effective against flying enemies.";
        break;

    case SPELL_SHADOW_CREATURES:
        description += "weaves a creature from shadows and threads of "
            "Abyssal matter. The creature thus brought into "
            "existence will recreate some type of creature "
            "found in the caster's immediate vicinity. "
            "The spell even creates appropriate equipment for "
            "the creature, which are given a lasting substance "
            //jmf: if also conjuration:
            //"by the spell's conjuration component. ";
            //jmf: else:
            "by their firm contact with reality. ";
        break;

        //jmf: new spells
    case SPELL_FLAME_TONGUE:
        description += "creates a short burst of flame.";
        break;

    case SPELL_PASSWALL:
        description += "tunes the caster's body such that it can instantly "
            "pass through solid rock. This can be dangerous, "
            "since it is possible for the spell to expire while "
            "the caster is en route, and it also takes time for the "
            "caster to attune to the rock, during which time they will "
            "be helpless. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_IGNITE_POISON:
        description += "attempts to convert all poison within the caster's "
            "view into liquid flame. It is very effective against "
            "poisonous creatures or those carrying poison potions. "
            "It is also an amazingly painful way to eliminate "
            "poison from one's own system. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_STICKS_TO_SNAKES:        // FIXME: description sucks
        description += "uses wooden items in the caster's grasp as raw "
            "material for a powerful summoning. Note that highly "
            "enchanted items, such as wizard's staves, will not be "
            "affected. ";
        // "Good examples of sticks include arrows, quarterstaves and clubs.";
        break;

    case SPELL_SUMMON_LARGE_MAMMAL:
        description += "summons a canine to the caster's aid.";
        break;

    case SPELL_SUMMON_DRAGON:   //jmf: reworking, currently unavailable
        description += "summons and binds a powerful dragon to perform the "
            "caster's bidding. Beware, for the summons may succeed "
            "even as the binding fails. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_TAME_BEASTS:
        description += "attempts to tame animals in the caster's vicinity. "
            "It works best on animals amenable to domestication. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SLEEP:
        description += "tries to lower its target's metabolic rate, "
            "inducing hypothermic hibernation. It may have side effects "
            "on cold-blooded creatures. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_MASS_SLEEP:
        description += "tries to lower the metabolic rate of every creature "
            "within the caster's view enough to induce hypothermic hibernation. "
            "It may have side effects on cold-blooded creatures. ";
        break;

/* ******************************************************************
// not implemented {dlb}:
    case SPELL_DETECT_MAGIC:
      description += "probes one or more items lying nearby for enchantment. "
         "An experienced diviner may glean additional information. ";
      break;
****************************************************************** */

    case SPELL_DETECT_SECRET_DOORS:
        description += "is beloved by lazy dungeoneers everywhere, for it can "
            "greatly reduce time-consuming searches. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SEE_INVISIBLE:
        description += "enables the caster to perceive things that are "
            "shielded from ordinary sight. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_FORESCRY:
        description += "makes the caster aware of the immediate future; "
            "while not far enough to predict the result of a "
            "fight, it does give the caster ample time to get "
            "out of the way of a punch (reflexes allowing). ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SUMMON_BUTTERFLIES:
        description +=
            "creates a shower of colourful butterflies. How pretty!";
        break;

    case SPELL_WARP_BRAND:
        description += "temporarily binds a localized warp field to the "
            "invoker's weapon. This spell is very dangerous to cast, "
            "as the field is likely to effect the caster as well. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SILENCE:
        description += "eliminates all sound near the caster. This makes "
            "reading scrolls, casting spells, praying or yelling "
            "in the caster's vicinity impossible. (Applies to "
            "caster too, of course.)  This spell will not hide your "
            "presence, since its oppressive, unnatural effect "
            "will almost certainly alert any living creature that something "
            "is very wrong. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SHATTER:
        description +=
            "causes a burst of concussive force around the caster, "
            "which will damage most creatures, although those "
            "composed of stone, metal or crystal, or otherwise "
            "brittle, will particularly suffer. The magic has been "
            "known to adversely affect walls. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_DISPERSAL:
        description += "tries to teleport away any monsters directly beside "
                       "the caster. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_DISCHARGE:
        description += "releases electric charges against those "
                       "next to the caster.  These may arc to "
                       "adjacent monsters (or even the caster) before "
                       "they eventually ground out. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_BEND:
        description +=
            "applies a localized spatial distortion to the detriment"
            " of some nearby creature. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_BACKLIGHT:
        description += "causes a halo of glowing light to surround and "
            "effectively outline a creature. This glow offsets "
            "the dark, musty atmosphere of the dungeon, and "
            "thereby makes the affected creature appreciably easier to hit.";
        break;

    case SPELL_INTOXICATE:
        description += "works by converting a small portion of brain matter "
            "into alcohol. It affects all intelligent humanoids within "
            "the caster's view (presumably including the caster). It "
            "is frequently used as an icebreaker at wizard parties. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_GLAMOUR: // intended only as Grey Elf ability
        description += "is an Elvish magic, which draws upon the viewing "
            "creature's credulity and the caster's comeliness "
            "to charm, confuse or render comatose. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_EVAPORATE:
        description += "heats a potion causing it to explode into a large "
            "cloud when thrown.  The potion must be thrown immediately, "
            "as part of the spell, for this to work. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_FULSOME_DISTILLATION:
        description += "extracts the vile and poisonous essences from a "
            "corpse.  A rotten corpse may produce a stronger potion."
            "$$You probably don't want to drink the results. ";
        break;

/* ******************************************************************
// not implemented {dlb}:
    case SPELL_ERINGYAS_SURPRISING_BOUQUET:
      description += "transmutes any wooden items in the caster's grasp "
                     "into a bouquet of beautiful flowers. ";
      break;
****************************************************************** */

    case SPELL_FRAGMENTATION:
        description +=
            "creates a concussive explosion within a large body of "
            "rock (or other hard material), to the detriment of "
            "any who happen to be standing nearby. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_AIR_WALK:
        description += "transforms the caster's body into an insubstantial "
            "cloud. The caster becomes immaterial and nearly immune "
            "to physical harm, but is vulnerable to magical fire "
            "and ice. While insubstantial the caster is, of course, "
            "unable to interact with physical objects (but may still "
            "cast spells). ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SANDBLAST:
        description += "creates a short blast of high-velocity particles. "
            "It works best when the caster provides some source "
            "(by wielding a stone), but will do what it can with "
            "whatever ambient grit is available. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_ROTTING:
        description += "causes the flesh of all those near the caster to "
            "rot. It will affect the living and many of the "
            "corporeal undead. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_MAXWELLS_SILVER_HAMMER:
        description += "bestows a lethal but temporary gravitic field "
            "to a crushing implement held by the caster. "
            "It will not affect weapons otherwise subject to "
            "special enchantments. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CONDENSATION_SHIELD:
        description += "causes a disc of dense vapour to condense out of the "
            "air surrounding the caster. It acts like a normal "
            "shield, but its density (and therefore stopping power) "
            "depends upon the caster's skill with Ice Magic. The "
            "disc is controlled by the caster's mind and thus will "
            "not conflict with the wielding of a two-handed weapon. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_STONESKIN:
        description += "hardens the one's skin to a degree determined "
            "by one's skill in Earth Magic. This only works on relatively "
            "normal flesh; it will aid neither the undead nor the bodily "
            "transformed.  The effects of this spell are boosted if the "
            "caster is in Statue Form. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SIMULACRUM:
        description += "uses a piece of a flesh in hand to create a replica "
                       "of the original being out of ice. This magic is "
                       "unstable so eventually the replica will sublimate "
                       "into a freezing cloud, if it isn't hacked or melted "
                       "into a small puddle of water first. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CONJURE_BALL_LIGHTNING:
        description += "allows the conjurer to create ball lightning.  "
                        "Using the spell is not without risk - ball lighting "
                        "can be difficult to control. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_CHAIN_LIGHTNING:
        description += "releases a massive electrical discharge that "
                       "arcs from target to target until it grounds out.";
        break;

    case SPELL_TWIST:
        description += "causes a slight spatial distortion around a monster "
                       "in line of sight of the caster, causing injury. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_FAR_STRIKE:
        description += "allows the caster to transfer the force of a "
                       "weapon strike to any target the caster can see.  "
                       "This spell will only deliver the impact of the blow; "
                       "magical side-effects and enchantments cannot be "
                       "transferred in this way.  The force transferred by "
	                   "this spell has little to do with one's skill with "
	                   "weapons, and more to do with personal strength, "
	                   "translocation skill, and magic ability. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_SWAP:
        description += "allows the caster to swap positions with an adjacent "
                       "being. ";
        break;

    case SPELL_APPORTATION:
        description += "allows the caster to pull the top item or group of "
                       "similar items from a distant pile to the floor "
                       "near the caster.  The mass of the target item(s) will "
                       "make the task more difficult, with some items too "
                       "massive to ever be moved by this spell.   Using this "
                       "spell on a group of items can be risky;  insufficient "
                       "power will cause some of the items to be lost in the "
                       "infinite void.";
        break;

    default:
        DEBUGSTR("Bad spell");
        description += "apparently does not exist. "
            "Casting it may therefore be unwise. "
#if DEBUG
            "Instead, go fix it. ";
#else
            "Please contact Dungeon Tech Support "
            "at /dev/null for details. ";
#endif // DEBUG
    }

    print_description(description);

    if (getch() == 0)
        getch();

#ifdef DOS_TERM
    puttext(25, 1, 80, 25, buffer);
    window(1, 1, 80, 25);
#endif
}                               // end describe_spell()


//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// describe_monsters
//
// Contains sketchy descriptions of every monster in the game.
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
void describe_monsters(int class_described, unsigned char which_mons)
{
    std::string description;

    description.reserve(200);

#ifdef DOS_TERM
    char buffer[3400];

    gettext(25, 1, 80, 25, buffer);
    window(25, 1, 80, 25);
#endif

    clrscr();
    description = std::string( ptr_monam( &(menv[ which_mons ]), DESC_CAP_A ) );
    description += "$$";

    switch (class_described)
    {
        // (missing) case 423 - MONS_ANOTHER_LAVA_THING ??? 15jan2000 {dlb}
        //                      no entry in m_list.h 17jan200 {dlb}
        //          monster has no stats!
        // mv: changed ANOTHER_LAVA_THING to SALAMANDER, added stats and
        //     description
        // (missing) case 250 - MONS_PROGRAM_BUG ??? 16jan2000 {dlb}
    case MONS_KILLER_BEE_LARVA:
        description += "A small, powerless larva of killer bee.";
        break;

    case MONS_QUASIT:
        description += "A small twisted demon with long sharply pointed tail.";
        break;

    case MONS_ANGEL:
        description += "A winged holy being of unnatural beauty. "
            "It's surrounded by aura of brilliant golden light. ";
        break;

    case MONS_HUMAN: 
        // These should only be possible from polymorphing or shapeshifting.
        description += "A remarkably nondescript person.  How odd!";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_ANT:
        description += "A black ant with poisonous pincers,"
            " about the size of a large dog.";
        break;

    case MONS_SOLDIER_ANT:
        description += "A giant ant with large mandibles and a vicious sting.";
        break;

    case MONS_QUEEN_ANT:
        description += "A bloated insect, covered in thick chitinous armour."
            "Now you know where all those ants keep coming from!";
        break;

    case MONS_ANT_LARVA:
        description += "A baby ant. Isn't it cute?";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_BAT:
        description += "A huge black bat.";
        break;

    case MONS_CENTAUR:
    case MONS_CENTAUR_WARRIOR:
        description += "A hybrid with the torso of a "
            "human atop the body of a large horse. ";
        if (class_described == MONS_CENTAUR_WARRIOR)
            description += "It looks strong and aggressive. ";
        break;

    case MONS_YAKTAUR:
    case MONS_YAKTAUR_CAPTAIN:
        description += "Like a centaur, but half yak. ";
        if (class_described == MONS_YAKTAUR_CAPTAIN)
            description += "It looks very strong and aggressive. ";
        break;

    case MONS_RED_DEVIL:
        description += "The Red Devil is slightly shorter than a human, "
            "but muscular and covered in spikes and horns. Two "
            "short wings sprout from its shoulders.";
        break;

    case MONS_ROTTING_DEVIL:
        description += "A hideous decaying form.";
        if (you.species == SP_GHOUL)
            description += "$It smells great!";
        else if (you.species != SP_MUMMY)
            description += "$It stinks.";
        break;

    case MONS_HAIRY_DEVIL:
        description += "A small humanoid demon covered in brown hair. "
            "Watch out - it may have fleas!";
        break;

    case MONS_ICE_DEVIL:
        description += "A man-sized demon covered in glittering ice.";
        break;

    case MONS_BLUE_DEVIL:
        description += "A strange and nasty blue thing. It looks cold.";
        break;

    case MONS_IRON_DEVIL:
        description += "A hideous humanoid figure with metal skin.";
        break;

    case MONS_ETTIN:
        description += "A large, two headed humanoid. Most often seen "
            "wielding two weapons, so that the heads will have one less "
            "thing to bicker about.";
        break;

    case MONS_FUNGUS:
        description += "A lumpy grey fungus, "
            "growing well in the dank underground dungeon.";
        break;

    case MONS_GOBLIN:
        description += "A race of short, ugly and unfriendly humanoids.";
        break;

    case MONS_HOUND:
        description += "A fearsome hunting dog.";
        break;

    case MONS_HELL_HOUND:
        description += "A huge black dog, with glowing red eyes and "
            "smoke pouring from its fanged mouth.";
        break;

    case MONS_WAR_DOG:
        description += "A vicious dog, trained to kill."
            "Its neck is protected by massive spiked collar.";
        break;

    case MONS_IMP:
        description += "A small, ugly minor demon.";
        break;

    case MONS_JACKAL:
        description += "A small, dog-like scavenger. Packs of these creatures "
            "roam the underworld, searching for carrion to devour.";
        break;

    case MONS_KILLER_BEE:
        description += "A giant bee, bearing a deadly barb which can sting "
            "repeatedly.";
        break;

    case MONS_QUEEN_BEE:
        description += "Even larger and more dangerous-looking than its "
            "offspring, this creature wants you out of its hive. Now!";
        break;

    case MONS_BUMBLEBEE:
        description += "A very large and fat hairy bee.";
        break;

    case MONS_MANTICORE:
        description += "A hideous cross-breed, bearing the features of a "
            "human and a lion, with great bat-like wings. Its tail "
            "bristles with spikes, which can be loosed at potential prey.";
        break;

    case MONS_NECROPHAGE:
        description += "A vile undead creation of the most unholy necromancy,"
            " these creatures are made from the decaying corpses "
            "of humanoid creatures.  They exist to spread disease "
            "and decay, and gain power from the decaying corpses "
            "of other beings.";
        break;

    case MONS_GHOUL:
        description += "An undead humanoid creature created from the decaying "
            "corpse by some unholy means of necromancy. It "
            "exists to spread disease and decay, and gains power"
            "from the decaying corpses same way as necrophage does.";
        break;

    case MONS_ORC:
        description += "An ugly subterranean race, orcs combine the"
            " worst features of humans, pigs, and several"
            " other unpleasant creatures.";
        break;

    case MONS_ORC_KNIGHT:
        description += "A heavily armoured orc, covered in scars from many "
            "past battles.";
        break;

    case MONS_ORC_PRIEST:
        description += "A servant of the ancient and cruel gods of the orcs,"
            " dressed in long robe. he's mumbling some strange prayers. "
            "Hope that they will remain unheard.";
        break;

    case MONS_ORC_HIGH_PRIEST:
        description += "An exalted servant of the orc god.";
        break;

    case MONS_ORC_SORCERER:
        description += "An orc who draws magical power from Hell.";
        break;

    case MONS_ORC_WARLORD:
        description += "A very large and strong looking orc.";
        break;

    case MONS_ORC_WARRIOR:
        description += "An armoured orc, obviously experienced in the ways of "
            "hacking other creatures apart.";
        break;

    case MONS_ORC_WIZARD:
        description += "While orcs are generally quite stupid, occasionally"
            " one develops an aptitude for magic.";
        break;

    case MONS_PHANTOM:
        description += "A transparent man-like undead spirit.";
        break;

    case MONS_RAT:
        description += "Rats which have grown large and aggressive in "
            "the pestilential dungeon environment.";
        break;

    case MONS_GREY_RAT:
        description += "A very large grey rat.";
        break;

    case MONS_GREEN_RAT:
        description += "A very large rat, with hair and skin of a "
            "most peculiar green colour.";
        break;

    case MONS_ORANGE_RAT:
        description += "A huge rat, with weird knobbly orange skin."
            "It glows with unholy energies. ";
        break;

    case MONS_SCORPION:
        description += "A giant black scorpion, its body covered in thick"
            " armour plating, and its tail tipped by a nasty "
            "venomous sting.";
        break;

/* ******************************************************************
// the tunneling worm is no more ...
// not until it can be re-implemented safely {dlb}
    case MONS_TUNNELING_WORM:
    case MONS_WORM_TAIL:
        description += "A gargantuan worm, its huge maw capable of crushing rock into dust with little trouble.";
        break;
****************************************************************** */

    case MONS_BRAIN_WORM:
        description += "A slimy mauve worm with a greatly distended head.";
        break;

    case MONS_LAVA_WORM:
        description += "A vicious red worm which swims through molten rock.";
        break;

    case MONS_SPINY_WORM:
        description += "A great black worm, its many-segmented body covered "
            "in spiky plates of chitinous armour. Acidic venom drips "
            "from its toothy maw.";
        break;

    case MONS_SWAMP_WORM:
        description += "A large slimy worm, adept at swimming through the "
            "muck of this foul swamp.";
        break;

    case MONS_WORM:
        description += "A giant worm, with unusually large teeth.";
        break;

    case MONS_UGLY_THING:
        description += "An ugly thing. Yuck.";
        break;

    case MONS_VERY_UGLY_THING:
        description += "A very ugly thing. Double yuck.";
        break;

    case MONS_FIRE_VORTEX:
        description += "A swirling cloud of flame.";
        break;

    case MONS_SPATIAL_VORTEX:
        description += "A crazily shifting twist in the fabric of reality.";
        break;

    case MONS_ABOMINATION_SMALL:
        description +=
            "A hideous form, created or summoned by some arcane process.";
        break;

    case MONS_ABOMINATION_LARGE:
        description += "A huge and hideous form, created or summoned "
            "by some arcane process.";
        break;

    case MONS_YELLOW_WASP:
        description += "A giant wasp covered with thick plates of yellow "
            "chitinous armour.";
        break;

    case MONS_RED_WASP:
        description += "A huge red wasp with a viciously barbed stinger.";
        break;

    case MONS_ZOMBIE_SMALL:
        description += "A corpse raised to undeath by necromancy. ";
        break;
    case MONS_ZOMBIE_LARGE:
        description += "A large corpse raised to undeath by necromancy. ";
        break;

    case MONS_SIMULACRUM_LARGE:
    case MONS_SIMULACRUM_SMALL:
        description += "An ice replica of a monster, that's animated by "
            "the powers of necromancy. ";
        break;

    case MONS_CYCLOPS:
        description += "A giant with one eye in the centre of its forehead."
            " Despite their lack of binocular vision, cyclopes "
            "throw boulders with fearsomely accuracy.";
        break;

    case MONS_DRAGON:
        description += "A great reptilian beast, covered in thick green "
            "scales and with two huge bat-like wings. Little trails "
            "of smoke spill from its toothy maw.";
        break;

    case MONS_GOLDEN_DRAGON:
        description += "A great dragon covered in shining golden scales. ";
        break;

    case MONS_ICE_DRAGON:
        description +=
            "Like a normal dragon, only white and covered in frost.";
        break;

    case MONS_IRON_DRAGON:
        description += "A very heavy and apparently flightless dragon.";
        break;

    case MONS_MOTTLED_DRAGON:
        description += "A small dragon with strangely mottled scales.";
        break;

    case MONS_QUICKSILVER_DRAGON:
        description += "A long and sinuous dragon, seemingly more neck and "
            "tail than anything else. Its skin shines like molten mercury, "
            "and magical energies arc from its pointed snout.";
        break;

    case MONS_SHADOW_DRAGON:
        description += "A great shadowy shape, radiating evil and death.";
        break;

    case MONS_SKELETAL_DRAGON:
        description += "A huge undead abomination, pieced together from "
            "the broken bones of many dragons.";
        break;

    case MONS_STEAM_DRAGON:
        description += "A relatively small grey dragon, with steam pouring "
            "from its mouth.";
        break;

    case MONS_STORM_DRAGON:
        description += "A huge and very powerful dragon. "
            "Sparks crackle along its enormous scaly wings.";
        break;

    case MONS_SWAMP_DRAGON:
        description += "A slimy dragon, covered in swamp muck. "
            "Poisonous gasses dribble from its snout.";
        break;

    case MONS_SERPENT_OF_HELL:
        description += "A huge red glowing dragon, burning with hellfire. ";
        break;

    case MONS_SWAMP_DRAKE:
        description += "A small and slimy dragon, covered in swamp muck. ";
        if (you.species != SP_MUMMY)
            description += "It smells horrible.";
        break;

    case MONS_FIREDRAKE:
        description += "A small dragon, puffing clouds of smoke.";
        break;

    case MONS_TWO_HEADED_OGRE:
        description += "A huge ogre with two heads on top of a "
            "bloated ogre body. It is capable of holding a weapon "
            "in each giant hand.";
        break;

    case MONS_FIEND:
        description += "One of the most fearsome denizens of any Hell. "
            "A huge and powerful demon wreathed in hellfire,"
            " with great scaly wings.";
        break;

    case MONS_ICE_FIEND:
        description += "One of the most terrible denizens of the "
            "many Hells, the Ice Fiend is a huge icy figure, "
            "covered in frost and wreathed in freezing air.";
        break;

    case MONS_SHADOW_FIEND:
        description += "One of the most terrible denizens of the many Hells, "
            "this horrible being appears as a great mass of "
            "writhing shadows which occasionally reveal a huge, "
            "horned skeleton.";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_SPORE:
        description += "A volatile floating ball of spores, "
            "covered in knobbly rhizome growths.";
        break;

    case MONS_HOBGOBLIN:
        description += "A larger and stronger relatives of goblins.";
        break;

    case MONS_ICE_BEAST:
        description +=
            "A terrible creature, formed of snow and crystalline ice. "
            "Its feet leave puddles of icy water on the floor.";
        break;

    case MONS_KOBOLD:
        description += "Reputedly the creation of an ancient demon-god, "
            "kobolds are small goblin-like creatures with canine heads.";
        break;

    case MONS_BIG_KOBOLD:
        description += "An unusually large kobold.";
        break;

    case MONS_KOBOLD_DEMONOLOGIST:
        description += "A kobold who has learned to summon and direct demons.";
        break;

    case MONS_LICH:
        description +=
            "A wizard who didn't want to die, a Lich is a skeletal,"
            " desiccated corpse kept alive by a mighty exercise of "
            "necromancy.  These undead creatures can wield great "
            "magic and are best avoided by all but the most confident.";
        break;

    case MONS_ANCIENT_LICH:
        description += "A lich who has grown mighty over countless years. ";
        break;

    case MONS_MUMMY:
        description += "An undead figure covered in "
            "bandages and embalming fluids, "
            "compelled to walk by an ancient curse. "
            "It radiates a malign aura to those who intrude on its domain. ";
        break;

    case MONS_GUARDIAN_MUMMY:
        description += "An ancient warrior, embalmed "
            "and cursed to walk in undeath for eternity.";
        break;

    case MONS_GREATER_MUMMY:
    case MONS_MUMMY_PRIEST:
        description += "The embalmed and undead corpse of an ancient ";
        if (class_described == MONS_GREATER_MUMMY)
            description += "ruler";
        else
            description += "servant of darkness";
        description += ".";
        break;

    case MONS_NAGA:
    case MONS_NAGA_MAGE:
    case MONS_NAGA_WARRIOR:
    case MONS_GUARDIAN_NAGA:
    case MONS_GREATER_NAGA:
        if (you.species == SP_NAGA)
            description = "An attractive";
        else
            description = "A strange";

        description += " hybrid; human from the chest up,"
            " with a scaly, muscular torso trailing off like "
            " that of a snake.  ";

        switch (class_described)
        {
        case MONS_GUARDIAN_NAGA:
            description += "These nagas are "
                "often used as guardians by powerful creatures.";
            break;
        case MONS_GREATER_NAGA:
            description += "It looks strong and aggressive.";
            break;
        case MONS_NAGA_MAGE:
            description += "An eldritch nimbus trails its motions. ";
            break;
        case MONS_NAGA_WARRIOR:
            description += "It bears scars of many past battles. ";
            break;
        }
        break;

    case MONS_OGRE:
        description += "A larger, uglier and fatter relative "
            "of orcs and goblins.";
        break;

    case MONS_OGRE_MAGE:
        description += "A rare breed of ogre, skilled in the use of magic.";
        break;

    case MONS_PLANT:
        description += "Few plants can grow in the unpleasant dungeon "
            "environment, but some have managed to adapt and even thrive "
            "underground in the absence of the sun.";
        break;

    case MONS_OKLOB_PLANT:
        description += "A vicious plant, dripping with vitriol.";
        break;

    case MONS_RAKSHASA:
    case MONS_RAKSHASA_FAKE:
        description += "A type of demon who comes to the material world in "
            "search of power and knowledge. Rakshasas are experts"
            " in the art of illusion, among other things.";
        break;

    case MONS_SNAKE:
        description += "The common dungeon snake. ";
        break;

    case MONS_BLACK_SNAKE:
        description += "A large black snake. ";
        break;

    case MONS_BROWN_SNAKE:
        description += "A large brown snake.";
        break;

    case MONS_GREY_SNAKE:
        description += "A very large grey python.";
        break;

    case MONS_LAVA_SNAKE:
        description += "A burning red snake which rears up from pools "
            "of lava and tries to bite you.";
        break;

    case MONS_SMALL_SNAKE:
        description += "The lesser dungeon snake.";
        break;

    case MONS_YELLOW_SNAKE:
        description += "A large yellow tubular reptile.";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_NEWT:
        description += "Several times the size of a normal newt, but still "
            "not really impressive.";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_GECKO:
        description += "A lizard with pads on its toes allowing it to cling "
            "to walls and ceilings.  It's much larger than a normal gecko... "
            "perhaps it's something in the water?";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_IGUANA:
    case MONS_GIANT_LIZARD:
        description += "A huge lizard with great crunching jaws.";
        break;

    case MONS_GILA_MONSTER:
        description += "A large lizard with brightly coloured stripes and "
            "splotches.";
        break;

    case MONS_KOMODO_DRAGON:
        description += "An enormous monitor lizard.  It's more than capable "
            "of preying on large animals.  Bits of fetid and rotting flesh "
            "from its last few meals are stuck in its teeth.";
        break;

    case MONS_LINDWURM: 
        description += "A small serpentine dragon with a pair of strong "
            "forelimbs.  Its thick scales give off an eerie green glow.";
        break;

    case MONS_TROLL:
        description +=
            "A huge, nasty-looking creature. Its thick and knobbly hide "
            "seems to heal almost instantly from most wounds.";
        break;

    case MONS_DEEP_TROLL:
        description += "A stooped troll.";
        break;

    case MONS_IRON_TROLL:
        description +=
            "A great troll, plated with thick scales of rusty iron.";
        // you can't see its hide, but think it's thick and kobbly, too :P {dlb}
        //jmf: I thought its skin *was* the rusty iron. If so, ought to change
        //     shatter_monsters in spells4.cc.
        break;

    case MONS_ROCK_TROLL:
        description +=
            "An enormous and very nasty-looking humanoid creature. Its "
            "rocky hide seems to heal almost instantaneously from most wounds.";
        break;

    case MONS_UNSEEN_HORROR:
        description +=
            "These creatures are usually unseen by the eyes of most,"
            " and those few who have seen them would rather not have.";
        break;

    case MONS_VAMPIRE:
        description += "A powerful undead.";
        if (you.is_undead == US_ALIVE)
            description += " It wants to drink your blood! ";
        break;

    case MONS_VAMPIRE_KNIGHT:
        description +=
            "A powerful warrior, with skills undiminished by undeath.";
        if (you.is_undead == US_ALIVE)
            description += " It wants to drink your blood! ";
        break;

    case MONS_VAMPIRE_MAGE:
        description += "Undeath has not lessened this powerful mage.";
        if (you.is_undead == US_ALIVE)
            description += " It wants to drink your blood! ";
        break;

    case MONS_WRAITH:
        description += "This undead spirit appears as a cloud of black mist "
            "surrounding an insubstantial skeletal form. Its eyes "
            "burn bright with unholy malevolence.";
        break;

    case MONS_FREEZING_WRAITH:
        description += "A cloud of freezing air surrounding an incorporeal "
            "skeletal form.";
        break;

    case MONS_SHADOW_WRAITH:
        description += "A mist-wreathed skeletal shadow hanging in mid-air, "
            "this creature is almost invisible even to your enhanced sight. ";
        // assumes: to read this message, has see invis
        break;

    case MONS_YAK:
        description += "The common dungeon yak, covered in shaggy yak hair "
            "and bearing a nasty pair of yak horns.";
        break;

    case MONS_DEATH_YAK:
        description += "A larger and beefier relative of the common dungeon "
            "yak. Its little red eyes gleam with hunger for living flesh.";
        break;

    case MONS_WYVERN:
        description += "A dragon-like creature with long sharply pointed tail."
            " Although smaller and less formidable than true dragons, "
            "wyverns are nonetheless a foe to be reckoned with.";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_EYEBALL:
        description += "A giant eyeball, with a captivating stare.";
        break;

    case MONS_GREAT_ORB_OF_EYES:
        description += "A levitating ball, covered in malignant eyes.";
        break;

    case MONS_EYE_OF_DEVASTATION:
        description += "A huge eyeball, encased in a levitating globe of "
            "incandescent energy. ";
        break;

    case MONS_SHINING_EYE:
        description += "A huge and strangely deformed eyeball, "
            "pulsating with light. "
            "Beauty is certainly nowhere to be found " "in this beholder. ";
        break;

    case MONS_EYE_OF_DRAINING:
        description +=
            "These hovering horrors are especially loathed by wizards.";
        break;

    case MONS_WIGHT:
        description += "An ancient warrior, kept in a state of undeath "
            "by its will to live.";
        break;

    case MONS_WOLF_SPIDER:
        description += "A large hairy spider with vicious mandibles, "
            "roaming the dungeon in search of food.";
        break;

    case MONS_REDBACK:
        description += "A vicious black spider with a splash of red on its "
            "swollen abdomen. Its mandibles drip with lethal poison.";
        break;

    case MONS_SHADOW:
        description +=
            "An wisp of unliving shadow, drifting on the edge of vision.";
        break;

    case MONS_HUNGRY_GHOST:
        description += "The undead form of someone who died of starvation,"
            " this creature wants the same thing to happen to you!";
        break;

    case MONS_BUTTERFLY:
        description += "A large multicoloured butterfly with beautifully "
            "patterned wings.";
        break;

    case MONS_WANDERING_MUSHROOM:
        description += "A large, fat mushroom.";
        break;

    case MONS_EFREET:
        description +=
            "A huge and muscular figure engulfed in a cloud of searing flame.";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_ORANGE_BRAIN:
        description += "A huge wrinkled brain, floating just off the floor."
            " Every now and then it seems to pulsate.";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_BEETLE:
        description += "A huge black beetle with great crunching mandibles "
            "and very hard chitinous armour.";
        break;

    case MONS_BORING_BEETLE:
        description +=
            "A large brown beetle with huge, rock-crushing mandibles.";
        break;

    case MONS_BOULDER_BEETLE:
        description +=
            "A huge grey beetle with an almost impenetrable rocky carapace.";
        break;

    case MONS_FLYING_SKULL:
        description +=
            "Unholy magic keeps a disembodied undead skull hovering "
            "above the floor. It has a nasty set of teeth.";
        break;

    case MONS_MINOTAUR:
        description += "A large muscular human with the head of a bull. "
            "It makes its home in secluded labyrinths.";
        break;

    case MONS_SLIME_CREATURE:
        description +=
            "An icky glob of slime, which slithers along the ground.";
        break;

    case MONS_HELLION:
        description += "A frightful demon, covered in roaring hellfire.";
        break;

    case MONS_TORMENTOR:
        description += "This malign devil is covered in all manner "
            "of claws, spines and cruel hooks.";
        break;

    case MONS_REAPER:
        description += "A skeletal form wielding a giant scythe. ";
        if (you.is_undead == US_ALIVE)
            description += "It has come for your soul!";
        break;

    case MONS_SOUL_EATER:
        description +=
            "This greater demon looks like a shadow gliding through "
            "the air towards you. It radiates an intense aura of negative power.";
        break;

    case MONS_BEAST:
        description += "A weird and hideous cross between beast and human.";
        break;

    case MONS_GLOWING_SHAPESHIFTER:
        description += "A shapeshifter who has lost control over its "
            "transformations, and is constantly changing form.";
        break;

    case MONS_SHAPESHIFTER:
        description += "A weird creature with the power to change its form. "
            "It is very rarely observed alive in its natural state.";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_MITE:
        description += "A large arachnid with vicious poisoned mouth-parts.";
        break;

    case MONS_GRIFFON:
    case MONS_HIPPOGRIFF:
        description += "A large creature with the hindquarters of a ";
        if (class_described == MONS_HIPPOGRIFF)
            description += "horse";
        else
            description += "lion";
        description += " and the wings, head, and talons of a great eagle. ";
        break;

    case MONS_HYDRA:
        description +=
            "A great reptilian beast, distantly related to the dragon."
            " It has many heads, and the potential to grow many more!";
        break;

    case MONS_SKELETON_SMALL:   //MONS_SMALL_SKELETON:
    case MONS_SKELETON_LARGE:   //MONS_LARGE_SKELETON:
        description +=
            "A skeleton compelled to unlife by the exercise of necromancy.";
        break;

    case MONS_SKELETAL_WARRIOR:
        description += "The vicious and heavily armed skeleton of a humanoid "
            "creature, animated by unholy power.";
        break;

    case MONS_HELL_KNIGHT:
        description += "A heavily armoured warrior, in league with the powers"
            " of Hell.";
        break;

    case MONS_WIZARD:
        description += "An rather eccentric person, dabbling in all sorts of"
            " arcanities.";
        break;

    case MONS_NECROMANCER:
        description +=
            "A wizard specializing in the practices of necromantic magic.";
        break;

    case MONS_GNOLL:
        description +=
            "A taller and better equipt relative of goblins and orcs.";
        break;

    case MONS_CLAY_GOLEM:
        description += "A huge animated clay statue.";
        break;

    case MONS_WOOD_GOLEM:
        description += "An animated wooden statue.";
        break;

    case MONS_STONE_GOLEM:
        description += "A huge animated stone statue.";
        break;

    case MONS_IRON_GOLEM:
        description += "A huge animated metal statue.";
        break;

    case MONS_CRYSTAL_GOLEM:
        description += "A huge animated crystal statue.";
        break;

    case MONS_TOENAIL_GOLEM:
        description += "A huge animated statue made entirely from toenail "
            "clippings. Some people just have too much time on their hands.";
        break;

    case MONS_ELECTRIC_GOLEM:
        description += "An animated figure made completely of electricity. ";
        break;

    case MONS_EARTH_ELEMENTAL:
        description += "A spirit drawn from the elemental plane of earth, "
            "which exists in this world by inhabiting a lump of earth and rocks.";
        break;

    case MONS_FIRE_ELEMENTAL:
        description += "A spirit drawn from the elemental plane of fire, "
            "which exists in this world as a brilliant column of raging flames.";
        break;

    case MONS_AIR_ELEMENTAL:
        description += "A spirit drawn from the elemental plane of air. "
            "It exists in this world as a swirling vortex of air, "
            "often dissipating and reforming.";
        break;

    case MONS_WATER_ELEMENTAL:
        description += "A spirit drawn from the elemental plane of water. "
            "It exists on this world as part of a body of water.";
        break;

    case MONS_SPECTRAL_WARRIOR: // spectre
        description += "A hideous translucent green undead spirit.";
        break;

    case MONS_CURSE_TOE:
        description += "A disembodied toe, hanging in the air and"
            " radiating an intense field of negative energy.";
        break;

    case MONS_PULSATING_LUMP:
        description += "A revolting glob of writhing flesh.";
        break;

    case MONS_OOZE:
        description += "A disgusting glob of grey sludge.";
        break;

    case MONS_BROWN_OOZE:
        description += "A viscous liquid, flowing along the floor "
            "in search of organic matter to corrode. ";
        break;

    case MONS_DEATH_OOZE:
        description += "A putrid mass of decaying flesh. ";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_AMOEBA:
        description += "A pulsating lump of protoplasm. ";
        break;

    case MONS_JELLY:
        description += "A pulsating mass of acidic protoplasm. It can and "
            "will eat almost anything, and grows a little each time...";
        break;

    case MONS_AZURE_JELLY:
        description += "A frosty blob of bright blue cytoplasm. ";
        break;

    case MONS_ACID_BLOB:
        description +=
            "A lump of sickly green flesh, dripping with lethal acid.";
        break;

    case MONS_JELLYFISH:
        description += "A pulsating glob of transparent flesh, waiting just "
            "below the surface to sting you with its many tentacles.";
        break;

    case MONS_ROYAL_JELLY:
        description += "A particularly rich and golden gelatinous thing. ";
        break;

    case MONS_FIRE_GIANT:
        description += "A huge ruddy humanoid with bright hair. ";
        break;

    case MONS_FROST_GIANT:
        description += "A huge blue humanoid with hoarfrost hair.";
        break;

    case MONS_HILL_GIANT:
        description +=
            "Although one of the smaller giant varieties, this hill giant is still big enough to be dangerous.";
        break;

    case MONS_STONE_GIANT:
        description +=
            "A gigantic humanoid with grey skin almost as hard as rock. "
            "It carries several boulders - are you up for a game of 'catch'?";
        break;

    case MONS_TITAN:
        description += "This lightning-limned humanoid is unusually large "
            "and powerful, even among giants.";
        break;

    case MONS_FLAYED_GHOST:
        description += "A hideous undead creature, with torn skin hanging "
            "from an emaciated body.";
        break;

    case MONS_INSUBSTANTIAL_WISP:
        description += "A thin wisp of floating gas.";
        break;

    case MONS_VAPOUR:
        description += "A normally invisible cloud of weird-looking vapour.";
        break;

    case MONS_DANCING_WEAPON:
        description += "A weapon dancing in the air. ";
        break;

    case MONS_ELEPHANT_SLUG:
        description += "A huge grey slug with folds of wrinkled skin. ";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_SLUG:
        description += "A huge and disgusting gastropod. ";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_SNAIL:
        description +=
            "A huge and disgusting gastropod with light green shell. ";
        break;

    case MONS_SHEEP:
        description += "A stupid woolly animal, with murder in its eyes. ";
        break;

    case MONS_HOG:
        description += "A large, fat and very ugly pig. ";
        break;

    case MONS_HELL_HOG:
        description += "A large, fat and very ugly pig, suckled "
            "in the pits of Hell. ";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_MOSQUITO:
        description += "A huge, bloated mosquito. It looks diseased.";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_CENTIPEDE:
        description += "It has a lot of legs.";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_BLOWFLY:
        description += "A huge and irritating fly.";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_FROG:
        description +=
            "It probably didn't get this big by eating little insects.";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_BROWN_FROG:
        description += "A very large and vicious-looking carnivorous frog. "
            "Its knobbly brown skin blends in with the rough rock of your surroundings.";
        break;

    case MONS_SPINY_FROG:
        description +=
            "Although slightly smaller than its cousin, the giant brown"
            " frog, the spiny frog makes up for lack of size by being"
            " covered in wickedly barbed spines and spurs.";
        break;

    case MONS_BLINK_FROG:
        description +=
            "A weird-looking frog, constantly blinking in and out of reality.";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_COCKROACH:
        description += "A large brown cockroach.";
        break;

    case MONS_PIT_FIEND:
        description += "A huge winged fiend with incredibly tough skin.";
        break;

    case MONS_GARGOYLE:
        description += "A hideous stone statue come to life.";
        break;

    case MONS_METAL_GARGOYLE:
        description += "A hideous metal statue come to life.";
        break;

    case MONS_MOLTEN_GARGOYLE:
        description += "A hideous melting stone statue come to life.";
        break;

    case MONS_ELF: 
    case MONS_DEEP_ELF_SOLDIER:
    case MONS_DEEP_ELF_FIGHTER:
    case MONS_DEEP_ELF_KNIGHT:
    case MONS_DEEP_ELF_MAGE:
    case MONS_DEEP_ELF_SUMMONER:
    case MONS_DEEP_ELF_CONJURER:
    case MONS_DEEP_ELF_PRIEST:
    case MONS_DEEP_ELF_HIGH_PRIEST:
    case MONS_DEEP_ELF_DEMONOLOGIST:
    case MONS_DEEP_ELF_ANNIHILATOR:
    case MONS_DEEP_ELF_SORCERER:
    case MONS_DEEP_ELF_DEATH_MAGE:
        description +=
            "One of the race of elves which inhabits this dreary cave.$";
        switch (class_described)
        {

        case MONS_DEEP_ELF_SOLDIER:
            description += "This one is just common soldier.";
            break;

        case MONS_DEEP_ELF_FIGHTER:
            description += "This soldier has learned some magic.";
            break;

        case MONS_DEEP_ELF_KNIGHT:
            description += "This one bears the scars of battles past.";
            break;

        case MONS_DEEP_ELF_MAGE:
            description += "Mana crackles between this one's long fingers.";
            break;

        case MONS_DEEP_ELF_SUMMONER:
        case MONS_DEEP_ELF_CONJURER:
            description += "This one is a mage specialized in the ancient art ";
            if (class_described == MONS_DEEP_ELF_SUMMONER)
                description += "of summoning servants";
            else
                description += "of hurling energies";
            description += " of destruction.";
            break;

        case MONS_DEEP_ELF_PRIEST:
            description += "This one is a servant of the deep elves' god.";
            break;

        case MONS_DEEP_ELF_HIGH_PRIEST:
            description +=
                "This one is an exalted servant of the deep elves' god.";
            break;

        case MONS_DEEP_ELF_DEMONOLOGIST:
            description +=
                "This mage specialized in demonology, and is marked heavily "
                "from long years in contact with unnatural demonic forces.";
            break;

        case MONS_DEEP_ELF_ANNIHILATOR:
            description += "This one likes destructive magics more than most, "
                "and is better at them.";
            break;

        case MONS_DEEP_ELF_SORCERER:
            description += "This mighty spellcaster draws power from Hell.";
            break;

        case MONS_DEEP_ELF_DEATH_MAGE:
            description += "A strong negative aura surrounds this one.";
            break;
        
        case MONS_ELF:
            // These are only possible from polymorphing or shapeshifting.
            description += "This one is remarkably plain looking.";
            break;
        }
        break;

    case MONS_WHITE_IMP:
        description += "A small and mischievous minor demon. ";
        break;

    case MONS_LEMURE:
        description += "A vaguely humanoid blob of putrid white flesh. ";
        break;

    case MONS_UFETUBUS:
        description += "A chattering and shrieking minor demon. ";
        break;

    case MONS_MANES:
        description += "An ugly, twisted little minor demon. ";
        break;

    case MONS_MIDGE:
        description += "A small flying demon. ";
        break;

    case MONS_NEQOXEC:
        description += "A weirdly shaped demon. ";
        break;

    case MONS_ORANGE_DEMON:
        description += "A bright orange demon with a venomous stinger. ";
        break;

    case MONS_HELLWING:
        description +=
            "A hideous skeletal demon, with wings of ancient withered skin. ";
        break;

    case MONS_SMOKE_DEMON:
        description += "A writhing cloud of smoke hanging in the air. ";
        break;

    case MONS_YNOXINUL:
        description += "A demon with shiny metallic scales. ";
        break;

    case MONS_EXECUTIONER:
        description += "A horribly powerful demon. ";
        break;

    case MONS_GREEN_DEATH:
        description +=
            "A bloated form covered in oozing sores and exhaling clouds of lethal poison. ";
        break;

    case MONS_BLUE_DEATH:
        description += "A blue greater demon. ";
        break;

    case MONS_BALRUG:
        description +=
            "A huge and very powerful demon, wreathed in fire and shadows. ";
        break;

    case MONS_CACODEMON:
        description += "A hideously ugly demon of rage and legendary power. ";
        break;

    case MONS_DEMONIC_CRAWLER:
        description += "A long and bloated body, supported by "
            "dozens of short legs and topped with an evil-looking head. ";
        break;

    case MONS_SUN_DEMON:
        description +=
            "A demonic figure shining with the light and fury of a fallen star.";
        break;

    case MONS_SHADOW_IMP:
        description += "A small and shadowy minor demon.";
        break;

    case MONS_SHADOW_DEMON:
        description += "A mysterious demonic figure,"
            " constantly blurring into multiple shadows of itself.";
        break;

    case MONS_LOROCYPROCA:
        description += "A tall and gaunt figure, "
            "draped in long robes which flow as if alive.";
        break;

    case MONS_GERYON:
        description +=
            "A huge and slithery arch-demon, guarding the gates of Hell. ";
        break;

    case MONS_DISPATER:
        description += "The lord of the Iron City of Dis. ";
        break;

    case MONS_ASMODEUS:
        description +=
            "One of the arch-demons who dwell in the depths of Hell. ";
        break;

    case MONS_ANTAEUS:
        description += "A great titan who lives in the depths of Cocytus. ";
        break;

    case MONS_ERESHKIGAL:
        description +=
            "A fearsome arch-fiend who rules the deathly netherworld of Tartarus. ";
        break;

    case MONS_VAULT_GUARD:
        description += "A heavily armed and armoured guardian of the Vaults. ";
        break;

    case MONS_CURSE_SKULL:
        description +=
            "A charred skull floating in the air and rotating slowly. "
            "Mystic symbols carved into its blackened surface indicate "
            "its resistance to almost any form of attack. ";
        break;

    case MONS_ORB_GUARDIAN:
        description +=
            "A huge and glowing purple creature, created by the Orb to "
            "defend itself. ";
        break;

    case MONS_DAEVA:
        description +=
            "A divine agent of the Shining One. It manifests as a winged "
            "figure obscured by an aura of brilliant golden light. ";
        break;

    case MONS_SPECTRAL_THING:
        description += "A hideous glowing apparition.";
        break;

    case MONS_TENTACLED_MONSTROSITY:
        description +=
            "A writhing mass of tentacles, all covered in putrid mucous.";
        break;

    case MONS_SPHINX:
        description +=
            "A large creature with a human head, the body of a lion, and "
            "the wings of a huge bird.";
        break;

    case MONS_ROTTING_HULK:
        description += "A shambling undead, related to the ghoul.";
        break;

    case MONS_KILLER_KLOWN:
        description += "A comical figure full of life and laughter.  It"
            " looks very happy to see you... but is there a slightly malicious"
            " cast to its features?  Is that red facepaint or something"
            " altogether less pleasant?  Join in the fun, and maybe you'll"
            " find out!";
        break;

    case MONS_MOTH_OF_WRATH:
        description += "A huge moth, as violent as it is hairy.";
        break;

    case MONS_DEATH_COB:
        description += "A dreadful undead cob of corn.";
        break;

    case MONS_BOGGART:
        description +=
            "A twisted little sprite-goblin. Beware of its magical tricks!";
        break;

    case MONS_LAVA_FISH:
        description += "A fish which lives in lava.";
        break;

    case MONS_BIG_FISH:
        description += "A fish of unusual size.";
        break;

    case MONS_GIANT_GOLDFISH:
        description +=
            "This is what happens when you give your pet goldfish too much food!";
        break;

    case MONS_ELECTRICAL_EEL:
        description +=
            "A small and slimy eel, crackling with electrical discharge.";
        break;

    case MONS_DRACONIAN:
    case MONS_RED_DRACONIAN:
    case MONS_WHITE_DRACONIAN:
    case MONS_GREEN_DRACONIAN:
    case MONS_PALE_DRACONIAN:
    case MONS_MOTTLED_DRACONIAN:
    case MONS_BLACK_DRACONIAN:
    case MONS_YELLOW_DRACONIAN:
    case MONS_PURPLE_DRACONIAN:
    case MONS_DRACONIAN_SHIFTER:
    case MONS_DRACONIAN_SCORCHER:
    case MONS_DRACONIAN_ZEALOT:
    case MONS_DRACONIAN_ANNIHILATOR:
    case MONS_DRACONIAN_CALLER:
    case MONS_DRACONIAN_MONK:
    case MONS_DRACONIAN_KNIGHT:
    {
        description += "A ";

        const int subsp = draco_subspecies( &menv[which_mons] );
        switch (subsp)
        {
        case MONS_DRACONIAN:            description += "brown ";   break;
        case MONS_BLACK_DRACONIAN:      description += "black ";   break;
        case MONS_MOTTLED_DRACONIAN:    description += "mottled "; break;
        case MONS_YELLOW_DRACONIAN:     description += "yellow ";  break;
        case MONS_GREEN_DRACONIAN:      description += "green ";   break;
        case MONS_PURPLE_DRACONIAN:     description += "purple ";  break;
        case MONS_RED_DRACONIAN:        description += "red ";     break;
        case MONS_WHITE_DRACONIAN:      description += "white ";   break;
        case MONS_PALE_DRACONIAN:       description += "pale ";    break;
        default:
            break;
        }

        description += "scaled humanoid with wings.";
        break;        
    }
    case MONS_PLAYER_GHOST:
        description += "The apparition of ";
        description += ghost_description();
        description += ".$";
        break;

    case MONS_PANDEMONIUM_DEMON:
        description += describe_demon();
        break;

    // mimics -- I'm not considering these descriptions a bug. -- bwr
    case MONS_GOLD_MIMIC:
        description +=
            "An apparently harmless pile of gold coins hides a nasty "
            "venomous shapechanging predator.";
        break;

    case MONS_WEAPON_MIMIC:
        description +=
            "An apparently abandoned weapon, actually a vicious little "
            "beast in disguise.";
        break;

    case MONS_ARMOUR_MIMIC:
        description +=
            "An apparently abandoned suit of finely-made armour, actually "
            "a vicious little beast in disguise.";
        break;

    case MONS_SCROLL_MIMIC:
        description +=
            "An ancient parchment covered in arcane runes. Did it just twitch?";
        break;

    case MONS_POTION_MIMIC:
        description += "A delicious looking magical drink. Go on, pick it up!";
        break;

    case MONS_BALL_LIGHTNING:
        description += "An oddity of nature, ball lightning bounces around "
                      "behaving almost, but not quite, entirely unlike "
                      "regular lightning. ";
        break;

    case MONS_ORB_OF_FIRE:
        description += "A globe of raw primordial fire, capable of "
                       "impressive pyrotechnics.";
        break;

    // the quokka is no more ... {dlb}
    // the quokka is back, without cyberware -- bwr
    case MONS_QUOKKA:
        description += "A small marsupial.  Don't call it a rat.";
        break;

    // uniques
    case MONS_MNOLEG:           // was: Nemelex Xobeh - and wrong! {dlb}
        description += "A weirdly glowing figure, "
            "dancing through the twisted air of Pandemonium. ";
        break;

    case MONS_LOM_LOBON:        // was: Sif Muna - and wrong! {dlb}
        description += "An ancient and strangely serene demon. "
            "It regards you coldly from "
            "the huge glowing eye in the centre of its forehead. ";
        break;

    case MONS_CEREBOV:          // was: Okawaru - and wrong! {dlb}
        description += "A violent and wrathful demon, "
            "Cerebov appears as a giant human "
            "covered in shining golden armour "
            "and wielding a huge twisted sword. ";
        break;

    case MONS_GLOORX_VLOQ:      // was: Kikubaaqudgha - and wrong! {dlb}
        description += "A shadowy figure clothed in profound darkness. ";
        break;

    case MONS_TERENCE:
        description += "An evil human fighter.";
        break;

    case MONS_JESSICA:
        description += "An evil apprentice sorceress.";
        break;

    case MONS_SIGMUND:
        description += "An evil and spry old human, whose eyes "
               "twinkle with madness.  Sigmund wields a nasty looking scythe.";
        break;

    case MONS_EDMUND:
        description += "A lightly armoured warrior.";
        break;

    case MONS_PSYCHE:
        description += "A fair-haired magess.";
        break;

    case MONS_DONALD:
        description += "An adventurer like you, trying to find the Orb.";
        break;

    case MONS_MICHAEL:
        description += "A powerful spellcaster, dressed in a long robe.";
        break;

    case MONS_JOSEPH:
        description += "Looks like a mercenary.";
        break;

    case MONS_ERICA:
        description += "A comely spellweaver.";
        break;

    case MONS_JOSEPHINE:
        description += "An ugly elderly figure, dressed in Druidic clothes.";
        break;

    case MONS_HAROLD:
        description += "An evil human bounty hunter.";
        break;

    case MONS_NORBERT:
        description += "A skilled warrior.";
        break;

    case MONS_JOZEF:
        description += "A tall bounty hunter.";
        break;

    case MONS_AGNES:
        description += "A lanky warrior.";
        break;

    case MONS_MAUD:
        description += "An evil warrior who looks inexplicably like a rodent.";
        break;

    case MONS_LOUISE:
        description += "An unusually heavily armoured spellcaster.";
        break;

    case MONS_FRANCIS:
        description += "A wizened spellcaster.";
        break;

    case MONS_FRANCES:
        description += "A stout warrior, bearing a deep facial scar.";
        break;

    case MONS_RUPERT:
        description += "An evil berserker.";
        break;

    case MONS_WAYNE:
        description += "A fat, evil dwarf in a stupid looking hat.";
        break;

    case MONS_DUANE:
        description += "An evil mercenary with unusually large ears.";
        break;

    case MONS_NORRIS:
        description += "A tan, fit and thoroughly evil surfer.";
        break;

    case MONS_ADOLF:
        description += "A svelte fighter-mage with unfortunate facial hair.";
        break;

    case MONS_MARGERY:
        description += "A lithe spellcaster.";
        break;

    case MONS_IJYB:
        description += "A small and twisted goblin, wearing some ugly blue rags.";
        break;

    case MONS_BLORK_THE_ORC:
        description += "A particularly fat and ugly orc.";
        break;

    case MONS_EROLCHA:
        description += "An especially cunning ogre magess.";
        break;

    case MONS_URUG:
        description += "A rude";
        if (you.species != SP_MUMMY)
            description += ", smelly";
        description += " orc.";
        break;

    case MONS_SNORG:
        description += "A hairy troll.";
        break;

    case MONS_XTAHUA:
        description += "An ancient and mighty dragon.";
        break;

    case MONS_BORIS:
        description +=
            "An ancient lich. The air around his shrouded form crackles with evil energy. ";
        break;

    case MONS_SHUGGOTH:
        description += "A vile creature with an elongated head, spiked tail "
            "and wicked six-fingered claws. Its awesome strength is matched by "
            "its umbrage at being transported to this backwater dimension. ";
        break;

    case MONS_WOLF:
        description += "A large and strong grey canine.";
        break;

    case MONS_WARG:
        description += "A particularly large and evil looking wolf, usually "
            "found in the company of orcs.";
        break;

    case MONS_BEAR:
        description += "The common dungeon bear.";
        break;

    case MONS_GRIZZLY_BEAR:
        description += "A large, nasty bear with grey fur.";
        break;

    case MONS_POLAR_BEAR:
        description += "A large and very strong bear covered in glistening "
            "white fur. ";
        break;

    case MONS_BLACK_BEAR:
        description += "A small black bear.";
        break;

    case MONS_SALAMANDER:   // mv: was ANOTHER_LAVA_THING
        description += "A strange half-human half-snake creature "
            "covered in thick red scales and thorns.";
        break;

    case MONS_PROGRAM_BUG:
    default:
        description += "If this monster is a \"program bug\", then it's "
            "recommended that you save your game and reload.  Please report "
            "monsters who masquerade as program bugs or run around the "
            "dungeon without a proper description to the authorities.";
        break;
        // onocentaur - donkey
    }

#if DEBUG_DIAGNOSTICS

    if (mons_class_flag( menv[ which_mons ].type, M_SPELLCASTER ))
    {
        int hspell_pass[6] = { MS_NO_SPELL, MS_NO_SPELL, MS_NO_SPELL,
                               MS_NO_SPELL, MS_NO_SPELL, MS_NO_SPELL };

        int msecc = ((class_described == MONS_HELLION)    ? MST_BURNING_DEVIL :
                     (class_described == MONS_PANDEMONIUM_DEMON) ? MST_GHOST
                                                 : menv[ which_mons ].number);

        mons_spell_list(msecc, hspell_pass);

        bool found_spell = false;

        for (int i = 0; i < 6; i++)
        {
            if (hspell_pass[i] != MS_NO_SPELL)
            {
                if (!found_spell)
                {
                    description += "$Monster Spells:$";
                    found_spell = true;
                }

                snprintf( info, INFO_SIZE, "    %d: %s$", i, 
                         mons_spell_name( hspell_pass[i] ) );

                description += info;
            }
        }
    }

    bool has_item = false;
    for (int i = 0; i < NUM_MONSTER_SLOTS; i++)
    {
        if (menv[ which_mons ].inv[i] != NON_ITEM)
        {
            if (!has_item)
            {
                description += "$Monster Inventory:$";
                has_item = true;
            }

            char buff[ ITEMNAME_SIZE ];

            item_def item = mitm[ menv[which_mons].inv[i] ];
            set_ident_flags( item, ISFLAG_IDENT_MASK );

            item_name( item, DESC_NOCAP_A, buff );
            snprintf( info, INFO_SIZE, "    %d: %s$", i, buff );
            description += info;
        }
    }

#endif

    print_description(description);

    if (getch() == 0)
        getch();

#ifdef DOS_TERM
    puttext(25, 1, 80, 25, buffer);
    window(1, 1, 80, 25);
#endif
}                               // end describe_monsters

//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// ghost_description
//
// Describes the current ghost's previous owner. The caller must
// prepend "The apparition of" or whatever and append any trailing
// punctuation that's wanted.
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------
std::string ghost_description(bool concise)
{
    char tmp_buff[ INFO_SIZE ];

    // We're fudging stats so that unarmed combat gets based off
    // of the ghost's species, not the player's stats... exact 
    // stats are required anyways, all that matters is whether
    // dex >= str. -- bwr
    const int dex = 10;
    int str;
    switch (ghost.values[GVAL_SPECIES])
    {
      case SP_HILL_DWARF:
      case SP_MOUNTAIN_DWARF:
      case SP_TROLL:
      case SP_OGRE:
      case SP_OGRE_MAGE:
      case SP_MINOTAUR:
      case SP_HILL_ORC:
      case SP_CENTAUR:
      case SP_NAGA:
      case SP_MUMMY:
      case SP_GHOUL:
      str = 15;
      break;

      case SP_HUMAN:
      case SP_DEMIGOD:
      case SP_DEMONSPAWN:
      str = 10;
      break;

      default:
      str = 5;
      break;
    }

    snprintf( tmp_buff, sizeof(tmp_buff), 
            "%s the %s, a%s %s %s",
            ghost.name, 

            skill_title( ghost.values[GVAL_BEST_SKILL], 
                ghost.values[GVAL_SKILL_LEVEL],
                ghost.values[GVAL_SPECIES], 
                str, dex, GOD_NO_GOD ), 

            (ghost.values[GVAL_EXP_LEVEL] <  4) ? " weakling" :
            (ghost.values[GVAL_EXP_LEVEL] <  7) ? "n average" :
            (ghost.values[GVAL_EXP_LEVEL] < 11) ? "n experienced" :
            (ghost.values[GVAL_EXP_LEVEL] < 16) ? " powerful" :
            (ghost.values[GVAL_EXP_LEVEL] < 22) ? " mighty" :
            (ghost.values[GVAL_EXP_LEVEL] < 26) ? " great" :
            (ghost.values[GVAL_EXP_LEVEL] < 27) ? "n awesomely powerful"
            : " legendary", 

            ( concise? get_species_abbrev(ghost.values[GVAL_SPECIES]) :
                species_name( ghost.values[GVAL_SPECIES], 
                    ghost.values[GVAL_EXP_LEVEL] ) ),

            ( concise? get_class_abbrev(ghost.values[GVAL_CLASS]) :
                get_class_name( ghost.values[GVAL_CLASS] ) ) );

    return std::string(tmp_buff);
}

static void print_god_abil_desc( int abil )
{
    const ability_def &abil_info = get_ability_def( abil );

    const std::string cost = "(" + make_cost_description( abil_info ) + ")";

    // Produce a 79 character string with cost right justified:
    std::string str( abil_info.name );
    str += std::string( 79 - str.length() - cost.length(), ' ' ) + cost + EOL;

    cprintf( str.c_str() );
}


//---------------------------------------------------------------
//
// describe_god
//
// Describes all gods. Accessible through altars (by praying), or
// by the ^ key if player is a worshipper.
//
//---------------------------------------------------------------

void describe_god( int which_god, bool give_title )
{

    const char *description; // mv: tmp string used for printing description
    int         colour;      // mv: colour used for some messages

#ifdef DOS_TERM
    char buffer[4000];
    gettext( 1, 1, 80, 25, buffer );
    window( 1, 1, 80, 25 );
#endif

    clrscr();

    if (give_title)
    {
        textcolor( WHITE );
        cprintf( "                                  Religion" EOL );
        textcolor( LIGHTGREY );
    }

    if (which_god == GOD_NO_GOD) //mv:no god -> say it and go away
    {
        cprintf( EOL "You are not religious." );
        goto end_god_info;
    }

    colour = god_colour(which_god);

    //mv: print god's name and title - if you can think up better titles
    //I have nothing against
    textcolor(colour);
    cprintf (god_name(which_god,true)); //print long god's name
    cprintf (EOL EOL);

    //mv: print god's description
    textcolor (LIGHTGRAY);

    switch (which_god)
    {
    case GOD_ZIN:
        description = "Zin is an ancient and revered God, dedicated to the establishment of order" EOL
                      "and the destruction of the forces of chaos and night. Valued worshippers " EOL
                      "can gain blessings on their weapons and a variety of powers useful in the" EOL
                      "fight against the evil, but must abstain from the use of necromancy and other" EOL
                      "forms of unholy magic. Zin appreciates long-standing faith as well as " EOL
                      "sacrifices of valued objects.";
        break;

    case GOD_SHINING_ONE:
        description = "The Shining One is a powerful crusading deity, allied with Zin in the fight" EOL
                      "against evil. Followers may be granted blessings on their weapons and the " EOL
                      "ability to summarily dispense the wrath of heaven, but must never use any " EOL
                      "form of evil magic and should fight honourably. The Shining One appreciates" EOL
                      "long-standing persistence in the endless crusade, as well as the dedicated " EOL
                      "destruction of unholy creatures.";
        break;

    case GOD_KIKUBAAQUDGHA:
        description = "Kikubaaqudgha is a terrible Demon-God, served by those who seek knowledge of" EOL
                      "the powers of death. Followers gain special powers over the undead, and " EOL
                      "especially favoured servants can call on mighty demons to slay their foes." EOL
                      "Kikubaaqudgha requires the deaths of living creatures as often as possible," EOL
                      "but is not interested in the offering of corpses except at an appropriate" EOL
                      "altar.";
        break;

    case GOD_YREDELEMNUL:
        description = "Yredelemnul is worshipped by those who seek powers over death and the undead" EOL
                      "without having to learn to use necromancy. Followers can raise legions of " EOL
                      "servile undead and gain a number of other useful (if unpleasant) powers." EOL
                      "Yredelemnul appreciates killing, but prefers corpses to be put to use rather" EOL
                      "than sacrificed.";
        break;

    case GOD_XOM:
        description = "Xom is a wild and unpredictable God of chaos, who seeks not worshippers but" EOL
                      "playthings to toy with. Many choose to follow Xom in the hope of receiving" EOL
                      "fabulous rewards and mighty powers, but Xom is nothing if not capricious. ";
        break;

    case GOD_VEHUMET:
        description = "Vehumet is a God of the destructive powers of magic. Followers gain various" EOL
                      "useful powers to enhance their command of the hermetic arts, and the most" EOL
                      "favoured stand to gain access to some of the fearsome spells in Vehumet's" EOL
                      "library. One's devotion to Vehumet can be proved by the causing of as much" EOL
                      "carnage and destruction as possible.";
        break;

    case GOD_OKAWARU:
        description = "Okawaru is a dangerous and powerful God of battle. Followers can gain a " EOL
                      "number of powers useful in combat as well as various rewards, but must " EOL
                      "constantly prove themselves through battle and the sacrifice of corpses" EOL
                      "and valuable items.";
        break;

    case GOD_MAKHLEB:
        description = "Makhleb the Destroyer is a fearsome God of chaos and violent death. Followers," EOL
                      "who must constantly appease Makhleb with blood, stand to gain various powers " EOL
                      "of death and destruction. The Destroyer appreciates sacrifices of corpses and" EOL
                      "valuable items.";
        break;

    case GOD_SIF_MUNA:
        description = "Sif Muna is a contemplative but powerful deity, served by those who seek" EOL
                      "magical knowledge. Sif Muna appreciates sacrifices of valuable items, and" EOL
                      "the casting of spells as often as possible.";
        break;

    case GOD_TROG:
        description = "Trog is an ancient God of anger and violence. Followers are expected to kill" EOL
                      "in Trog's name and sacrifice the dead, and in return gain power in battle and" EOL
                      "occasional rewards. Trog hates wizards, and followers are forbidden the use" EOL
                      "of spell magic. ";
        break;

    case GOD_NEMELEX_XOBEH:
        description = "Nemelex is a strange and unpredictable trickster God, whose powers can be" EOL
                      "invoked through the magical packs of cards which Nemelex paints in the ichor" EOL
                      "of demons. Followers receive occasional gifts, and should use these gifts as" EOL
                      "as much as possible. Offerings of any type of item are also appreciated.";
        break;

    case GOD_ELYVILON:
        description = "Elyvilon the Healer is worshipped by the healers (among others), who gain" EOL
                      "their healing powers by long worship and devotion. Although Elyvilon prefers" EOL
                      "a creed of pacifism, those who crusade against evil are not excluded. Elyvilon" EOL
                      "appreciates the offering of weapons. ";
        break;

    default:
        description = "God of Program Bugs is a weird and dangerous God and his presence should" EOL
                      "be reported to dev-team.";
    }

    cprintf(description);
    //end of printing description

    // title only shown for our own god
    if (you.religion == which_god)
    {
        //mv: print title based on piety
        cprintf( EOL EOL "Title - " );
        textcolor(colour);

        // mv: if your piety is high enough you get title
        // based on your god
        if (you.piety > 160) 
        { 
            cprintf((which_god == GOD_SHINING_ONE) ? "Champion of Law" :
                    (which_god == GOD_ZIN) ? "Divine Warrior" :
                    (which_god == GOD_ELYVILON) ? "Champion of Light" :
                    (which_god == GOD_OKAWARU) ? "Master of Thousand Battles" :
                    (which_god == GOD_YREDELEMNUL) ? "Master of Eternal Death" :
                    (which_god == GOD_KIKUBAAQUDGHA) ? "Lord of Darkness" :
                    (which_god == GOD_MAKHLEB) ? "Champion of Chaos" :
                    (which_god == GOD_VEHUMET) ? "Lord of Destruction" :
                    (which_god == GOD_TROG) ? "Great Slayer" :
                    (which_god == GOD_NEMELEX_XOBEH) ? "Great Trickster" :
                    (which_god == GOD_SIF_MUNA) ? "Master of Arcane" :
                    (which_god == GOD_XOM) ? "Teddy Bear" : 
                        "Bogy the Lord of the Bugs"); // Xom and no god is handled before
        }
        else
        {
            //mv: most titles are still universal - if any one wants to
            //he might write specific titles for all gods or rewrite current
            //ones (I know they are not perfect)
            //btw. titles are divided according to piety levels on which you get
            //new abilities.In the main it means - new ability = new title
            switch (which_god)
            {
            case GOD_ZIN:
            case GOD_SHINING_ONE:
            case GOD_KIKUBAAQUDGHA:
            case GOD_YREDELEMNUL:
            case GOD_VEHUMET:
            case GOD_OKAWARU:
            case GOD_MAKHLEB:
            case GOD_SIF_MUNA:
            //mv: what about
            //sinner, believer, apprentice, disciple, adept, scholar, oracle
            case GOD_TROG:
            case GOD_NEMELEX_XOBEH:
            case GOD_ELYVILON:
                cprintf ( (you.piety >= 120) ? "High Priest" :
                          (you.piety >= 100) ? "Elder" :
                          (you.piety >=  75) ? "Priest" :
                          (you.piety >=  50) ? "Deacon" :
                          (you.piety >=  30) ? "Novice" :
                          (you.piety >    5) ? "Believer"
                                             : "Sinner" );
                break;

            case GOD_XOM:
                cprintf( (you.experience_level >= 20) ? "Xom's favourite toy"
                                                      : "Toy" );
            break;

            default: 
                cprintf ("Bug");
            }
        }
    }
    // end of print title

    // mv: now let's print favor as Brent suggested
    // I know these messages aren't perfect so if you can
    // think up something better, do it

    textcolor(LIGHTGRAY);
    cprintf(EOL EOL "Favour - ");
    textcolor(colour);

    //mv: player is praying at altar without appropriate religion
    //it means player isn't checking his own religion and so we only
    //display favour and will go out
    if (you.religion != which_god)
    {
        textcolor (colour);
        snprintf( info, INFO_SIZE, 
                 (you.penance[which_god] >= 50) ? "%s's wrath is upon you!" :
                 (you.penance[which_god] >= 20) ? "%s is annoyed with you." :
                 (you.penance[which_god] >=  5) ? "%s well remembers your sins." :
                 (you.penance[which_god] >   0) ? "%s is ready to forgive your sins." :
                 (you.worshipped[which_god])    ? "%s is ambivalent towards you." 
                                                : "%s is neutral towards you.",
                 god_name(which_god) );

        cprintf(info);
    } 
    else
    {
        if (player_under_penance()) //mv: penance check
        {
            cprintf( (you.penance[which_god] >= 50) ? "Godly wrath is upon you!" :
                     (you.penance[which_god] >= 20) ? "You've transgressed heavily! Be penitent!" :
                     (you.penance[which_god] >= 5 ) ? "You are under penance." 
                                                    : "You should show more discipline." );

        }
        else
        {
            if (which_god == GOD_XOM)
                cprintf("You are ignored.");
            else
            {
                snprintf( info, INFO_SIZE, 

                         (you.piety > 130) ? "A prized avatar of %s.":
                         (you.piety > 100) ? "A shining star in the eyes of %s." :
                         (you.piety >  70) ? "A rising star in the eyes of %s." :
                         (you.piety >  40) ? "%s is most pleased with you." :
                         (you.piety >  20) ? "%s has noted your presence." :
                         (you.piety >   5) ? "%s is noncommittal."
                                           : "You are beneath notice.",

                         god_name(which_god)
                       );

                cprintf(info);
            }
        }
        //end of favour

        //mv: following code shows abilities given from god (if any)


        textcolor(LIGHTGRAY);
        cprintf(EOL EOL "Granted powers :                                                         (Cost)" EOL);
        textcolor(colour);


        // mv: these gods protects you during your prayer (not mentioning XOM)
        // chance for doing so is (random2(you.piety) >= 30)
        // Note that it's not depending on penance.
        // Btw. I'm not sure how to explain such divine protection
        // because god isn't really protecting player - he only sometimes
        // saves his life (probably it shouldn't be displayed at all).
        // What about this ?
        if ((which_god == GOD_ZIN
                || which_god == GOD_SHINING_ONE
                || which_god == GOD_ELYVILON
                || which_god == GOD_YREDELEMNUL)
            && you.piety >= 30)
        {
            snprintf( info, INFO_SIZE, 
                      "%s %s watches over you during prayer." EOL,
                      god_name(which_god),
                      (you.piety >= 150) ? "carefully":   // > 4/5
                      (you.piety >=  90) ? "often" :      // > 2/3
                                           "sometimes"    // less than 2:3
                    );

            cprintf(info);
        }

        // mv: No abilities (except divine protection)
        // under penance (fix me if I'm wrong)
        if (player_under_penance()) 
        { 
            cprintf( "None." EOL );
        }
        else
        {
            switch (which_god) //mv: finaly let's print abilities
            {
            case GOD_ZIN:
                if (you.piety >= 30)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_ZIN_REPEL_UNDEAD );
                else 
                    cprintf( "None." EOL ); 

                if (you.piety >= 50)  
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_ZIN_HEALING );

                if (you.piety >= 75)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_ZIN_PESTILENCE );

                if (you.piety >= 100) 
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_ZIN_HOLY_WORD );

                if (you.piety >= 120) 
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_ZIN_SUMMON_GUARDIAN );
                break;

            case GOD_SHINING_ONE:
                if (you.piety >= 30)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_TSO_REPEL_UNDEAD );
                else 
                    cprintf( "None." EOL );

                if (you.piety >= 50)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_TSO_SMITING );

                if (you.piety >= 75)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_TSO_ANNIHILATE_UNDEAD );

                if (you.piety >= 100)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_TSO_CLEANSING_FLAME );

                if (you.piety >= 120)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_TSO_SUMMON_DAEVA );
                break;

            case GOD_KIKUBAAQUDGHA:
                if (you.piety >= 30)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_KIKU_RECALL_UNDEAD_SLAVES );
                else 
                    cprintf( "None." EOL );

                if (you.piety >= 50)
                    cprintf("You are protected from some of the side-effects of death magic." EOL);

                if (you.piety >= 75)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_KIKU_ENSLAVE_UNDEAD );

                if (you.piety >= 120) 
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_KIKU_INVOKE_DEATH );
                break;

            case GOD_YREDELEMNUL:
                if (you.piety >= 30)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_YRED_ANIMATE_CORPSE );
                else 
                    cprintf( "None." EOL );

                if (you.piety >= 50)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_YRED_RECALL_UNDEAD );

                if (you.piety >= 75)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_YRED_ANIMATE_DEAD );

                if (you.piety >= 100)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_YRED_DRAIN_LIFE );

                if (you.piety >= 120)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_YRED_CONTROL_UNDEAD );
                break;


            case GOD_VEHUMET:
                if (you.piety >= 30)  
                {
                    cprintf( "You can gain power from the those you kill " EOL
                             "   in Vehumet's name, or those slain by your servants." EOL );
                }
                else 
                    cprintf( "None." EOL );

                if (you.piety >= 50)  
                    cprintf( "Vehumet assists with destructive magics during prayer." EOL );

                if (you.piety >= 75)  
                    cprintf( "During prayer you have some protection from summoned creatures." EOL );

                if (you.piety >= 100)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_VEHUMET_CHANNEL_ENERGY );
                break;


            case GOD_OKAWARU:
                if (you.piety >= 30)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_OKAWARU_MIGHT );
                else 
                    cprintf( "None." EOL );

                if (you.piety >= 50)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_OKAWARU_HEALING );

                if (you.piety >= 120)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_OKAWARU_HASTE );
                break;

            case GOD_MAKHLEB:
                if (you.piety >= 30)
                {
                    cprintf( "You can gain power from the deaths " EOL
                             "   of those you kill in Makhleb's name." EOL );
                }
                else 
                    cprintf( "None." EOL );

                if (you.piety >= 50)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_MAKHLEB_MINOR_DESTRUCTION );

                if (you.piety >= 75)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_MAKHLEB_LESSER_SERVANT_OF_MAKHLEB );

                if (you.piety >= 100)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_MAKHLEB_MAJOR_DESTRUCTION );

                if (you.piety >= 120)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_MAKHLEB_GREATER_SERVANT_OF_MAKHLEB );
                break;

            case GOD_SIF_MUNA:
                if (you.piety >= 50)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_SIF_MUNA_FORGET_SPELL );
                else 
                    cprintf( "None." EOL );

                if (you.piety >= 100) 
                    cprintf( "You are protected from some side-effects of spellcasting." EOL );
                break;

            case GOD_TROG:
                if (you.piety >= 30)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_TROG_BERSERK );
                else 
                    cprintf( "None." EOL );

                if (you.piety >= 50)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_TROG_MIGHT );

                if (you.piety >= 100)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_TROG_HASTE_SELF );
                break;

            case GOD_ELYVILON:
                if (you.piety >= 30)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_ELYVILON_LESSER_HEALING );
                else 
                    cprintf( "None." EOL );

                if (you.piety >= 50)  
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_ELYVILON_PURIFICATION );

                if (you.piety >= 75) 
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_ELYVILON_HEALING );

                if (you.piety >= 100)
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_ELYVILON_RESTORATION );

                if (you.piety >= 120) 
                    print_god_abil_desc( ABIL_ELYVILON_GREATER_HEALING );
                break;

            default:   //mv: default is Xom, Nemelex and all bugs.
                cprintf( "None." EOL );
            } //end of printing abilities
        }
    }


end_god_info: //end of everything (life, world, universe etc.)

    getch(); // wait until keypressed

#ifdef DOS_TERM //mv: if DOS_TERM is defined than buffer is returned to screen
                //if not redraw_screen() is called everytime when this function is
                //called
    puttext(1, 1, 80, 25, buffer);
    window(1, 1, 80, 25);
#endif
}          //mv: That's all folks.