Moat
Moats, pools and swamps, }, are bodies of water. Entering a water square without any precautions causes you to "Sink like a rock!". If there is a floor next to the water, you will climb out and not drown. If your burden status is at least stressed, you will automatically drop some of your gear to lose enough weight to avoid drowning. However, your objects may become wet.
Fort Ludios, the Castle, and the Wizard of Yendor's room are surrounded by moats. Swamps are found on Juiblex's and Medusa's level, and pools are formed, for example, when a fountain is broken with a pick-axe.
Many sea monsters live in water areas. They will try to grab you and drown you. To avoid this, you should wear an oilskin cloak or greased armor. If you can detect the sea monsters from afar, you may kill them with some missiles or polearms. In case this is not an option, you should have some escape items in your inventory.
Passing water
Water squares can be passed several ways. You may
- jump over them
- levitate over them
- freeze them with a wand of cold or cone of cold (creating ice)
- push a boulder into the water square to remove the water
- wear water walking boots and walk over them
- teleport to the other side of the water (not often a choice, as many moats are on no-teleport levels)
- wear an amulet of magical breathing and walk into the water (your objects will become wet)
- polymorph into a flying or swimming monster
- saddle and ride a flying pet monster
- jump into the water and hope to climb back up on the correct side
- get punished, pick up your iron ball and throw it over the moat, having the ball pull you along
