diff --git a/races b/races
index 6c4aa5525..1a442ca69 100644
--- a/races
+++ b/races
@@ -1,28 +1,13 @@
+# Monster list by race, used for summoning cult monsters.
 #
-# the races file
+# To start a new race category, write a line with 'RACE' identifier then
+# list the name of the archetypes singly on lines below.
 #
-# To start a new race category w/ 'RACE' identifier
-# list the name of the archetypes singly on lines below
-#
-# Each arch entered will have thei op->race reset to
-# the value listed for the last occuring 'RACE'. Also,
-# if the arch is a creature, it is added to a linked
+# If the arch is a creature, it is added to a linked
 # list of monsters that all have the same race.
 # Any type of archetype may be listed, but monsters
-# should be ordered by inherent level value/exp
-#
-# This appears to be only used for summoning cult monsters.
-# Hence the need for order by level.
-#
-# Prepending a '!' will prevent an item from having its
-# op->race field reset to RACE.
-#
-# Prepending a '@' will prevent a creature from having its
-# arch listed on the summoning list.
-#
-# You can have an entry with both '@' and '!' (ie "@!<name>")
-# but that is the same as not listing the arch!
-#
+# should be ordered by inherent level value/exp, as higher summoning levels
+# should yield more powerful creatures.
 #
 RACE undead
   generate_ghost
@@ -145,7 +130,6 @@ RACE unnatural
   golem_necro
 RACE dragon
   generate_dragon
-  @pl_dragon
   dragon
   baby_dragon
   chinese_dragon
@@ -155,7 +139,7 @@ RACE dragon
   Cwyvern
   big_dragon_worthless
 RACE water_elemental
-  !para_mud
+  para_mud
   para_water
   para_ice
   water_elemental
@@ -229,9 +213,8 @@ RACE chaos
   living_chaos
   chaos_witch
 RACE dwarf
-  !gnome
+  gnome
   dwarf
-  @dwarf_player
   dwarf_priest
   dwarf_wiz
   lesser_dwarven_guard
@@ -250,19 +233,19 @@ RACE insect
   xan
 # this is the summoning list for the god ruggilli
 RACE consuming_fire_creatures
-  !para_fire
-  !fire_serpent
-  !fire_elemental
-  !fire_witch
-  !dragon
-  !baby_dragon
-  !big_dragon
+  para_fire
+  fire_serpent
+  fire_elemental
+  fire_witch
+  dragon
+  baby_dragon
+  big_dragon
 # this is the summoning list for the goddess Ixalovh
 RACE chaotic_water_creatures
-  !para_water
-  !water_elemental
-  !lokanth
-  !tentacle
-  !water_witch
-  !tentacle2
-  !chinese_dragon
+  para_water
+  water_elemental
+  lokanth
+  tentacle
+  water_witch
+  tentacle2
+  chinese_dragon