Difference between revisions of "Moat"

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{{features}}
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'''Moats''', '''pools''' and '''swamps''', {{blue|<nowiki>}</nowiki>}}, are bodies of deep water.
  
'''Moats''', '''pools''' and '''swamps''', {{blue|<nowiki>}</nowiki>}}, are bodies of water.
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[[You]] cannot swim in your natural form. Entering a water [[square]] without any precautions will cause you to fall in ("You sink like a rock!"). If there is a floor tile next to the water (with no monster on it), you will try to climb out safely;{{refsrc|trap.c|2902}} otherwise you can [[drown]]. If your [[encumbrance]] status is at least stressed (or burdened, if you are [[punished]]), you will automatically drop some of your gear into the water to lose enough weight to be able to climb out and avoid drowning.{{refsrc|trap.c|2930}} However, you might not be able to drop worn armor or a cursed [[loadstone]] in time to avoid drowning.{{refsrc|trap.c|2772}} Even if you make it out, you risk [[wet|water damage to your items]].
  
Entering a water [[square]] without any precautions risks [[wet|water damage to your items]] ("You sink like a rock!"). If there is a floor tile next to the water (with no monster on it), you will climb out safely, otherwise you can [[drown]]. If your [[Encumbrance|encumbrance]] status is at least stressed, you will automatically drop some of your gear into the water to lose enough weight and avoid drowning. However, you might not be able to drop worn armor or a loadstone in time to avoid drowning.
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Water can be found at [[Fort Ludios]], the [[Castle]], the [[Wizard of Yendor]]'s room, [[Juiblex's swamp]] and [[Medusa's Island|Medusa's level]], and after digging down on a [[fountain]], among other places; see [[#where it is|below]] for a complete list.
  
Water can be found at [[Fort Ludios]], the [[Castle]], the [[Wizard of Yendor]]'s room, [[Juiblex]]'s and [[Medusa]]'s level, and after digging down on a [[fountain]]. [[#where it is|See below for a complete list]].
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Many [[sea monster]]s live in water areas. They will try to grab you and drown you. To avoid this, you should detect and evade the relatively slow eels, or wear a non-cursed [[oilskin cloak]] or [[grease]]d armor. If you can detect the sea monsters from afar, you may kill them with some [[spell]]s, [[missile]]s or [[polearm]]s. In case this is not an option, you should always have some [[escape item]]s in your inventory.
 
 
Many [[sea monster]]s live in water areas. They will try to grab you and drown you. To avoid this, you should detect and evade the relatively slow eels, or wear an [[oilskin cloak]] or [[grease]]d armor. If you can detect the sea monsters from afar, you may kill them with some [[missile]]s or [[polearm]]s. In case this is not an option, you should always have some [[escape item]]s in your inventory.
 
  
 
==Destroying water==
 
==Destroying water==
 
===Boil it away===
 
===Boil it away===
  
Water can be evaporated with a [[wand of fire]], [[fire horn]], [[potion of oil]], or [[fireball|the fireball spell]]. You can also [[polyself]] into or exploit nearby [[red dragon]]s and [[red naga]] who's breath attacks can evaporate water. Only water in pools can be evaporated, see [[Moat#Pool_vs._Moat_vs._Water|below]].
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Water can be evaporated with a [[wand of fire]], [[fire horn]], [[potion of oil]], or [[fireball|the fireball spell]]. You can also [[polyself]] into or exploit nearby [[red dragon]]s and [[red naga]]s whose breath attacks can evaporate water. Only water in pools can be evaporated; see {{sa|Pool vs. moat vs. water|sectionsign=1}} below.
  
'''[[Some water evaporates]].'''
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{{message|Some water evaporates.|Something evaporated a water tile.}}
:Something evaporated a water tile.
 
  
 
===Freeze it solid===
 
===Freeze it solid===
  
Water can be frozen into [[ice]] with a [[wand of cold]], [[frost horn]], or [[cone of cold|the cone of cold spell]]. You can also [[polyself]] into or exploit nearby [[silver dragon|silver]] and [[white dragon]]s and [[winter wolf|winter wolves]] who's breath attacks can freeze water. Beware of [[red naga]] and [[red dragon]]s which can melt the ice.
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Water can be frozen into [[ice]] with a [[wand of cold]], [[frost horn]], or [[cone of cold|the cone of cold spell]]. You can also [[polyself]] into or exploit nearby [[silver dragon|silver]] and [[white dragon]]s and [[winter wolf|winter wolves]] whose breath attacks can freeze water. Beware of [[red naga]]s and [[red dragon]]s which can melt the ice, and note that ice may melt over time.
  
The [[amulet of Yendor]] and [[invocation items]] will appear on top of the newly-created [[ice]]. For other items, dig a pit in the resulting [[ice]] to retrieve the objects. Beware the pit filling back up from adjoining non-frozen water - see the [[Moat#Pool_vs._Moat_vs._Water|"moat vs pool"]] section.
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The [[Amulet of Yendor]] and [[invocation items]] will appear on top of the newly-created [[ice]]. For other items, dig a pit in the resulting [[ice]] to retrieve the objects. Beware the pit filling back up from adjoining non-frozen water&mdash;see {{sa|Pool vs. moat vs. water|sectionsign=1}} below.
  
'''[[The water freezes]].'''
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{{message|The water freezes.|Something froze a water tile.}}
:Something froze a water tile.
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{{message|The moat is bridged with ice.|As above, but with the water tiles around a structure.}}
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{{message|You hear a crackling sound.|As above, while out of your character's sight.}}
  
 
===Fill it in===
 
===Fill it in===
  
Use boulders to fill up the tile, leaving behind [[floor|solid ground]]. This has a 90% chance of working per boulder, with the boulder being used up either way.
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Use a boulder to fill up the tile, making it [[floor|solid ground]]. This has a 90% chance of success, and always consumes the boulder.
 
 
Just like freezing the water, the amulet and invocation items float, others will need to be dug out.
 
 
 
'''[[You push the boulder into the water]].'''
 
:You pushed a boulder into a water tile.
 
  
'''[[Now you can cross it!]]'''
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Just as when the water freezes, the amulet and invocation items float, while others will need to be dug out.
:The water tile was filled in.
 
  
'''[[It sinks without a trace!]]'''
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{{message|You push the boulder into the water.|You pushed a boulder onto a water tile.}}
:The water tile was not filled in. Happens 10% of the time.
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{{message|Now you can cross it!|The water tile was filled in.}}
 +
{{message|It sinks without a trace!|The water tile was not filled in. This happens 10% of the time.}}
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{{message|There is a large splash as the boulder fills the water.|A boulder generated by [[scroll of earth]] or thrown landed directly on a water tile and filled it in.}}
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{{message|There is a large splash as the boulder falls into the water. It sinks without a trace!|As above, but the boulder failed to fill in the water tile.}}
  
'''[[There is a large splash as the boulder fills the water]].'''
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==Getting across water==
:A [[scroll of earth]] generated or thrown boulder landed directly in and filled a water tile.
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Water squares can be passed in several ways. These include (roughly in order of usefulness and desirability):
  
'''[[There is a large splash as the boulder falls into the water]].'''
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* [[levitation|Levitate]] over the water.
:Just like the above, but the water tile was NOT filled. Always followed by "It sinks without a trace!"
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* Wear [[water walking boots]] and walk over them.
 
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* [[Jumping|Jump]] over the water. There need to be closely spaced islands for this method to work (this is the case, for example, on [[Medusa's Island]]).
==Passing water==
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* [[Teleport]] to the other side of the water. This is only occasionally helpful, as most bodies of water are on [[no-teleport level]]s.
Water squares can be passed in several ways. You may:
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* Fill in the water using [[boulder]]s, perhaps from a [[scroll of earth]].
*Step into the water and hope to climb back up on the correct side (your objects will become [[wet]].) You can repeat this process as many times as necessary, but you can only cross a one-tile wide water barrier this way (perfect for the [[Castle]]'s moat.)
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* Freeze the water using a [[wand of cold]], the [[cone of cold]] spell, or some other means such as a breath attack. Be aware that fire can melt the ice and drown you if you're walking on it.
*[[jumping|Jump]] over the water.
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* Evaporate the water with a [[wand of fire]], the [[fireball]] spell, or some other means such as a breath attack. This only works with pools (see {{sa|Pool vs. moat vs. water|sectionsign=1}} below).
*[[Teleport]] to the other side of the water--but many moats are on [[no-teleport level]]s.
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* Wear an [[amulet of magical breathing]] and walk through the water (your objects will become [[wet]]).
*[[levitation|Levitate]] over the water. You cannot dip items into water when levitating. ("You are floating high above the water.")
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*[[Saddle]] and [[ride]] a [[flying]] or [[levitating]] [[pet]]. (There are no rideable [[amphibious]] or floating monsters. A rideable [[breathless]] monster would just drown you, if one existed.)
*Wear an [[amulet of magical breathing]] and walk into the water (your objects will become [[wet]].)
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* [[Polymorph]] into a [[flying]], [[levitating]], [[floating]], [[amphibious]], or [[breathless]] monster.
*Wear [[water walking boots]] and walk over them. Then you may #[[dip]] potions and scrolls ad infinitum.
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* Get [[Punishment|punished]], pick up your [[iron ball]], and throw it over the water, having the ball pull you along. Be careful where the ball lands&mdash;if it lands in the water, it will pull you down and drown you!
*[[Polymorph]] into a [[flying]], [[levitating]], [[floating]], [[amphibious]], or [[unbreathing]] monster.
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* Step into the water and hope to climb back up on the correct side (your objects will become [[wet]]). You can repeat this process as many times as necessary, but you can only cross a one-tile-wide water barrier this way. (This works for the [[Castle]]'s moat if you have no other means of getting across.)
*[[Saddle]], and [[ride]] a [[flying]] or [[levitating]] [[pet]]. There are no ride-able [[amphibious]] or [[floating]] monsters. A ride-able [[unbreathing]] monster would just drown you, if one existed.
 
*Get [[punishment|punished]], pick up your [[iron ball]] and throw it over the water, having the ball pull you along. Careful where the ball lands, if it lands in the water it will pull you down and drown you!
 
*Freeze the water.
 
*Fill in the water.
 
*Evaporate the water.
 
  
 
==Retrieving items==
 
==Retrieving items==
  
Items that have fallen into a pool or moat do not disappear, rather they remain at the bottom. They can be retrieved in one of several ways:
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Items that have fallen into a pool or moat do not disappear; rather they remain at the bottom. They can be retrieved in one of several ways:
  
*Zap a [[wand of teleportation]] or [[Spellbook of teleport away|spell of teleport away]] at the pool or moat and find the teleported items.
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*Zap a [[wand of teleportation]] or [[Spellbook of teleport away|spell of teleport away]] at the pool or moat and find the teleported items. (This works all right on levels that are mostly land, but is generally a bad idea on watery levels, as the item will likely end up in the water someplace else and be difficult to find again.)
 
*Wear an [[amulet of magical breathing]].
 
*Wear an [[amulet of magical breathing]].
*Polymorph into a [[amphibious]] or [[unbreathing]] monster. [[Flying]], [[levitating]], and [[floating]] monsters cannot pick up underwater items. This includes monsters that are also [[unbreathing]] (wraiths). <ref>{{sourcecode|hack.c|1858}}</ref>
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*Polymorph into a [[M1_amphibious|amphibious]] or [[breathless]] monster. [[Flying]], [[levitating]], and [[floating]] monsters cannot pick up underwater items. This includes monsters that are also [[breathless]] (wraiths).{{refsrc|hack.c|1858}}
*Freeze the water.
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*Successfully apply a [[bullwhip]] downward while [[flying]] or [[levitating]] over the square.
*Fill in the water.
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*Freeze the water, then dig out the item.
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*Fill in the water, then dig out the item.
 
*Evaporate the water.
 
*Evaporate the water.
  
If you use any other method to get above the water and try to pick things up you will receive the message "You cannot dive into the water to pick things up." ("You can't even see the bottom, let alone pick up something." if [[unbreathing]] and [[flying]]/[[levitating]]/[[floating]].) This is a generic message and does not reveal if the square actually contains items to retrieve.
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If you use any other method to get above the water and try to pick things up, you will fail. ("You cannot dive into the water to pick things up", or "You can't even see the bottom, let alone pick up something" if [[breathless]] and [[flying]]/[[levitating]]/[[floating]].) This is a generic message and does not reveal if the square actually contains items to retrieve.
  
==Pool vs. Moat vs. Water==
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==Pool vs. moat vs. water==
  
From the point of view of the source code, there are three types of watery terrain; "WATER" terrain is found only on the [[Plane of Water]], and cannot be altered directly by the player. All other watery terrain is either "POOL" or "MOAT".
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According to the source code, there are three types of watery terrain; "WATER" terrain is found only on the [[Plane of Water]], and cannot be altered directly by the player. All other watery terrain is either "POOL" or "MOAT".
  
Note that NetHack does not necessarily report "MOAT" as "moat"; it may be described as "swamp" ([[Juiblex's Swamp]]), "water" ([[Medusa's Island]]) or "moat" (any other level)<ref>{{sourcecode|mkmaze.c|1147}}</ref>.
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Note that NetHack does not necessarily report "MOAT" as "moat"; it may be described as "swamp" ([[Juiblex's Swamp]]), "water" ([[Medusa's Island]]) or "moat" (any other level).{{refsrc|mkmaze.c|1147}}
  
In most respects, the terrain types "POOL" and "MOAT" behave identically. They cannot be distinguished easily by the [[hero]]. However, moats are considered to have considerably more water in them than pools. Their behaviour differs in the following respects:
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In most respects, the terrain types "POOL" and "MOAT" behave identically. They cannot be distinguished easily by the player. However, moats are considered to have considerably more water in them than pools. Their behavior differs in the following respects:
  
* Pools can be evaporated with [[ray]]s or [[explosion]]s of [[fire]]. Moats cannot.<ref>{{sourcecode|zap.c|3576}}</ref>
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* Pools can be evaporated with [[ray]]s or [[explosion]]s of [[fire]]; moats cannot.{{refsrc|zap.c|3576}}
* You need three adjacent pools to have a chance of filling a [[pit]] you [[dig]] with water. You only require a single adjacent moat square.<ref>{{sourcecode|dig.c|443}}</ref>
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* You need three adjacent pools to have a chance of having a [[pit]] you [[dig]] filled with water. You only require a single adjacent moat square.{{refsrc|dig.c|443}}
* 1/10 of pools contain a [[kelp frond]]. Only 1/30 of moat squares contain it.<ref>{{sourcecode|mklev.c|850}}</ref>
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* Pools have a {{frac|10}} chance of containing a [[kelp frond]], while moat squares have a {{frac|30}} chance of containing one.{{refsrc|mklev.c|850}}
* Moat squares are considered contiguous with adjacent moat squares for the purposes of [[punished|dragging a heavy iron ball]]. Pools are not.<ref>{{sourcecode|ball.c|564}}</ref>
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* Moat squares are considered contiguous with adjacent moat squares for the purposes of [[punished|dragging a heavy iron ball]]; pools are not.{{refsrc|ball.c|564}}
* When you die from [[drowning]], moats are reported as "moat"s unless you are on the Medusa's Island level. Otherwise, you drowned in a "pool of water". This means that the MOAT terrain of Juiblex's swamp counts as a "moat" for this death message.<ref>{{sourcecode|mhitu.c|1233}}</ref><ref>{{sourcecode|trap.c|2947}}</ref>
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* When you die from [[drowning]], moats are reported as "moat" unless you are on the Medusa's Island level. Otherwise, you drowned in a "pool of water". This means that the MOAT terrain of Juiblex's swamp counts as a "moat" for this death message.{{refsrc|mhitu.c|1233}}{{refsrc|trap.c|2947}}
* Water under a [[drawbridge]] is always a moat.<ref>{{sourcecode|dbridge.c|171}}</ref>
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* Water under a [[drawbridge]] is always a moat.{{refsrc|dbridge.c|171}}
 
* In [[wizard mode]], you can only wish for pools, not moats (or water).
 
* In [[wizard mode]], you can only wish for pools, not moats (or water).
  
The easiest way to distinguish the type of water you are dealing with is by {{anchor|where it is}}:
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The easiest way to distinguish the type of water you are dealing with is by {{va|where it is}}:
  
* Overflowing [[fountain]]s produce pools<ref>{{sourcecode|fountain.c|104}}</ref>.
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* Overflowing [[fountain]]s produce pools.{{refsrc|fountain.c|104}}
* The [[swamp]] special room contains pools<ref>{{sourcecode|mkroom.c|446}}</ref>.
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* The [[swamp]] special room contains pools.{{refsrc|mkroom.c|446}}
* The water created during the [[invocation ritual]] is moat<ref>{{sourcecode|mklev.c|1467}}</ref>.
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* The water created during the [[invocation ritual]] is moat.{{refsrc|mklev.c|1467}}
 
* The following special levels contain only moats at the start (any water produced from a fountain will still be pools):
 
* The following special levels contain only moats at the start (any water produced from a fountain will still be pools):
 
** [[Fort Ludios]]
 
** [[Fort Ludios]]
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** The [[Samurai quest]]; almost all the water is pools. On the locate level, there are a small number of moat squares within the castle.
 
** The [[Samurai quest]]; almost all the water is pools. On the locate level, there are a small number of moat squares within the castle.
  
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==FIQHack==
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Monsters in [[FIQHack]] can crawl (or teleport) out of water to save themselves from drowning.
  
 
==Encyclopaedia entry==
 
==Encyclopaedia entry==
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<references/>
 
<references/>
  
{{nethack-343}}
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{{nethack-366}}
 
[[Category:Dungeon features]]
 
[[Category:Dungeon features]]

Latest revision as of 04:06, 17 January 2024

Moats, pools and swamps, }, are bodies of deep water.

You cannot swim in your natural form. Entering a water square without any precautions will cause you to fall in ("You sink like a rock!"). If there is a floor tile next to the water (with no monster on it), you will try to climb out safely;[1] otherwise you can drown. If your encumbrance status is at least stressed (or burdened, if you are punished), you will automatically drop some of your gear into the water to lose enough weight to be able to climb out and avoid drowning.[2] However, you might not be able to drop worn armor or a cursed loadstone in time to avoid drowning.[3] Even if you make it out, you risk water damage to your items.

Water can be found at Fort Ludios, the Castle, the Wizard of Yendor's room, Juiblex's swamp and Medusa's level, and after digging down on a fountain, among other places; see below for a complete list.

Many sea monsters live in water areas. They will try to grab you and drown you. To avoid this, you should detect and evade the relatively slow eels, or wear a non-cursed oilskin cloak or greased armor. If you can detect the sea monsters from afar, you may kill them with some spells, missiles or polearms. In case this is not an option, you should always have some escape items in your inventory.

Destroying water

Boil it away

Water can be evaporated with a wand of fire, fire horn, potion of oil, or the fireball spell. You can also polyself into or exploit nearby red dragons and red nagas whose breath attacks can evaporate water. Only water in pools can be evaporated; see § Pool vs. moat vs. water below.

Some water evaporates.
Something evaporated a water tile.

Freeze it solid

Water can be frozen into ice with a wand of cold, frost horn, or the cone of cold spell. You can also polyself into or exploit nearby silver and white dragons and winter wolves whose breath attacks can freeze water. Beware of red nagas and red dragons which can melt the ice, and note that ice may melt over time.

The Amulet of Yendor and invocation items will appear on top of the newly-created ice. For other items, dig a pit in the resulting ice to retrieve the objects. Beware the pit filling back up from adjoining non-frozen water—see § Pool vs. moat vs. water below.

The water freezes.
Something froze a water tile.
The moat is bridged with ice.
As above, but with the water tiles around a structure.
You hear a crackling sound.
As above, while out of your character's sight.

Fill it in

Use a boulder to fill up the tile, making it solid ground. This has a 90% chance of success, and always consumes the boulder.

Just as when the water freezes, the amulet and invocation items float, while others will need to be dug out.

You push the boulder into the water.
You pushed a boulder onto a water tile.
Now you can cross it!
The water tile was filled in.
It sinks without a trace!
The water tile was not filled in. This happens 10% of the time.
There is a large splash as the boulder fills the water.
A boulder generated by scroll of earth or thrown landed directly on a water tile and filled it in.
There is a large splash as the boulder falls into the water. It sinks without a trace!
As above, but the boulder failed to fill in the water tile.

Getting across water

Water squares can be passed in several ways. These include (roughly in order of usefulness and desirability):

Retrieving items

Items that have fallen into a pool or moat do not disappear; rather they remain at the bottom. They can be retrieved in one of several ways:

If you use any other method to get above the water and try to pick things up, you will fail. ("You cannot dive into the water to pick things up", or "You can't even see the bottom, let alone pick up something" if breathless and flying/levitating/floating.) This is a generic message and does not reveal if the square actually contains items to retrieve.

Pool vs. moat vs. water

According to the source code, there are three types of watery terrain; "WATER" terrain is found only on the Plane of Water, and cannot be altered directly by the player. All other watery terrain is either "POOL" or "MOAT".

Note that NetHack does not necessarily report "MOAT" as "moat"; it may be described as "swamp" (Juiblex's Swamp), "water" (Medusa's Island) or "moat" (any other level).[5]

In most respects, the terrain types "POOL" and "MOAT" behave identically. They cannot be distinguished easily by the player. However, moats are considered to have considerably more water in them than pools. Their behavior differs in the following respects:

  • Pools can be evaporated with rays or explosions of fire; moats cannot.[6]
  • You need three adjacent pools to have a chance of having a pit you dig filled with water. You only require a single adjacent moat square.[7]
  • Pools have a 110 chance of containing a kelp frond, while moat squares have a 130 chance of containing one.[8]
  • Moat squares are considered contiguous with adjacent moat squares for the purposes of dragging a heavy iron ball; pools are not.[9]
  • When you die from drowning, moats are reported as "moat" unless you are on the Medusa's Island level. Otherwise, you drowned in a "pool of water". This means that the MOAT terrain of Juiblex's swamp counts as a "moat" for this death message.[10][11]
  • Water under a drawbridge is always a moat.[12]
  • In wizard mode, you can only wish for pools, not moats (or water).

The easiest way to distinguish the type of water you are dealing with is by where it is:


FIQHack

Monsters in FIQHack can crawl (or teleport) out of water to save themselves from drowning.

Encyclopaedia entry

Day after day, day after day,
We stuck, nor breath nor motion;
As idle as a painted ship
Upon a painted ocean.

Water, water, everywhere,
And all the boards did shrink;
Water, water, everywhere
Nor any drop to drink.

[ The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, by Samuel Taylor
           Coleridge ]

References