Shallow water

Version 0.27: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.

A pool of cloudy, waist-deep water. It makes movement and combat cumbersome for landlubbers - sometimes dangerous, but never directly fatal.

Shallow water is difficult to maneuver in terrain. It increases the amount of time it takes to move, reduces the combat capabilities of anyone caught fighting in it, and reduces stealth. Anything invisible will displace water, showing their position. The effects of waters are negated when flying above. It is found throughout the dungeon and most branches, particularly the Swamp and the Shoals.

Any of your attacks while standing in shallow water if you are not a large or aquatic character* has a 37.5% chance to fail. Monsters have a 25% chance to fumble an attack. Movement delay is increased by 6. Octopodes negate all penalties and get a stealth bonus. Merfolk negate all penalties and get a stealth, speed, and EV bonus.

Unlike deep water, shallow water poses no risk of drowning.

• Playable exceptions are (Troll & Ogre are large, Naga and Palentonga are large with medium torsos) or being an aquatic species (Grey draconians, Octopodes and Merfolk).

Aquatic

Some monsters and species are aquatic, allowing them to ignore or even benefit from shallow water. They may have increased speed, damage, and accuracy, though the specifics vary by monster. For players, naga characters can ignore shallow water penalties, while merfolk significantly benefit from combat in it.

Monster behavior

Smart monsters will try to evade shallow water if it would set them under penalty standing inside.

History

• Prior to 0.20, wading in shallow water had a random speed penalty, which varied from 30% to 100%.
• Prior to 0.19, dexterous characters were less likely to fumble an attack while standing in shallow water.