Stat drains are a special type of monster attack that decreases the PC's score on a particular stat. Stat drains are generally quite frustrating due to the fact that they are permanent--the lost points can only be regained through the usual means of training the stat. While the loss of a point or two of a stat is not particularly significant, fighting stat drainers unprepared or en masse can be devastating.
Stat drains can be divided into two types. They can be induced through a monster's physical attack or they can be induced through a magical cast by some powerful monsters. Physical attacks will only ever drain one point from one particular stat, and always either Strength or Toughness (though vampires and spectres can drain both). Magical stat drains will reduce a random stat by 1d3.
The table below lists all monsters who are capable of stat draining, their method of choice and the stat that they drain.
| Name | Type of Drain |
|---|---|
| Chaos Archmage (Nuurag-Vaarn) | Spell |
| Ancient sage (Khelevaster) | Spell |
| Black druid (Keethrax) | Spell |
| ElDeR cHaOs GoD (Andor Drakon) | Spell |
| Emperor lich | Spell |
| Great white wyrm | Spell |
| Greater daemon | Spell |
| Lich king | Spell |
| Living wall | Melee, Drains St |
| Minotaur mage | Spell |
| Multi-headed chaos dragon (Keriax) | Spell |
| Old crone (Gaab'Baay) | Spell |
| Quasit | Melee, Drains St |
| Shadow | Melee, Drains St |
| Shadow lord | Melee, Drains St |
| Shadow troll | Melee, Drains St |
| Slow shadow | Melee, Drains St |
| Shadow centipede | Melee, Drains St |
| Spectre | Melee, Drains St and To |
| Vampire | Melee, Drains St and To |
| Wight | Melee, Drains To |
| Wraith | Melee, Drains To |
Stat drains due to spells may be resisted based on a check of the PC's luck and Mana scores. Stat drains due to physical attack require the attack to actually strike and cause damage, and this may be avoided by high DV and PV, as well as a similar check. Paladins and Necromancers are more resistant to stat drains from melee attacks at higher levels due to class powers.
Stat drains may only be inflicted on the PC while in melee range, so missiles, spells, wands or disablers will help avoid excessive stat drains.