Shallow water
| 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 time. 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* is subject to two failure checks, one at a flat 20%, the other at 4/Dexterity*. If either fails, the attack is negated. Monsters are merely subject to a single flat check against 25%. Movement is slowed by a random 30% to 100%. Octopodes negate all penalties and get a stealth bonus. Merfolk negate all penaliities and get a stealth, speed, and EV bonus.
Unlike deep water, shallow water poses no risk of drowning.
- Playable exeptions are (Troll & Ogre are large, Naga and Palentonga are large with medium torsos) or being an aquatic species (Grey draconians, Octopodess 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 behaviour
Smart monsters will try to evade shallow water if it would set them under penalty standing inside.
