Difference between revisions of "Ice cave"

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{{flavour|A desolate cavern shaped from solid ice and filled with the echoes of bestial howls. The intricate carvings and statues which once lined its walls have been warped and obscured by centuries of slow melting and refreezing.}}
  
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{{flavour|A desolate cavern shaped from solid ice and filled with the echoes of bestial howls. The intricate carvings and statues which once lined its walls have been warped and obscured by centuries of slow melting and refreezing.
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The '''Ice cave''' is a temporary [[portal]] level of varying difficulty, filled with frost-themed creatures (including [[undead]] and [[demon]]ic creatures) and [[freezing vapour]]s.
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}}
 
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{{Flavour|A permanent cold front seems to surround this portal. Whatever lives on the other side, they will be full of grim and arctic fury. You note that the archway is melting away.}}
 
  
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The '''ice cave''' is a temporary sub-[[branch]] filled with frost-themed (and sometimes [[undead]] or [[demon]]ic) creatures. It can be found in the middle-[[Dungeon]] (D:11-16), [[the Lair]], [[the Orcish Mines]], [[the Elven Halls]], [[Swamp]], [[Snake]], [[Shoals]], or [[Spider]], though not all games will have one. These entrances are often guarded by a pack of [[ice beast]]s, [[white imp]]s or [[freezing wraith]]s, and you can tell when you're near one when you see ice-covered floors and walls.
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Ice caves can appear in various locations:
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*[[File:Ice cave portal.png]] "Easy" ice caves (entrance: glacial archway) can be found on [[Dungeon]] levels 11-13, [[Lair]], and [[Orc]].
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*[[File:Glacial chasm portal.png]] "Hard" ice caves (entrance: glacial chasm) can be found on [[Dungeon]] levels 14-15, [[Elf]], and the Lair branches ([[Swamp]], [[Snake Pit]], [[Shoals]], or [[Spider's Nest]]).
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Entrances to an ice cave are often guarded by a pack of [[ice beast]]s, [[white imp]]s, [[ice devil]]s, or (for hard ice caves) an [[ice dragon]]. You can tell when you're near one when you see ice-covered floors and walls.
  
 
==Layout==
 
==Layout==
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There are many different layouts possible for the ice cave. A common simple one is a series of large rooms, each of which is defended by [[ice beast]]s or [[ice statue]]s. An even shorter, simpler one tosses you into one large room filled with foes which has a strangely colored tile in the middle of the room. Stepping on it will teleport you to an identical chamber with even more guards. More elaborate ice caves will be long, narrow tunnels, often choked with harmful freezing [[cloud]]s and concluded with a well-defended stone structure. In all cases, the majority of the loot will be found in the very back of the cave, though lesser caches can sometimes be found along the way.
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There are many possible layouts. A common simple one is a series of large rooms, each of which is defended by [[ice beast]]s or [[ice statue]]s. An even simpler one tosses you into one large room filled with foes, with a [[teleporter]] bringing you to a second monster-filled room. More elaborate ice caves will have long, narrow tunnels, often choked with harmful freezing [[cloud]]s and concluded with a well-defended stone structure. In all cases, the majority of the loot will be found in the very back of the cave, though lesser caches can sometimes be found along the way.
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Many items found in ice caves will be ice-themed; [[freezing]] weapons, armour with [[cold resistance]], and [[spellbook]]s with [[Ice Magic]].
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Hard ice caves feature more difficult monsters, and often have better loot.
  
 
==Strategy==
 
==Strategy==
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*While [[Fire Magic]] or a [[flaming]] weapon will go a long toward wiping out anything you find in the caves, having [[cold resistance]] is much more important. Without it, almost all enemies will be dealing significant amounts of extra damage to you, and walking through freezing clouds without resistance can drain you quickly. Fortunately for those who come in without rC+++, much of the equipment you find will provide cold resistance. Unfortunately, most of this equipment will only be found at the very end of the cave.
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* [[Fire Magic]] or a [[flaming]] weapon can go a long way towards killing ice-themed monsters, but you'll always want to have [[cold resistance]]. Without it, almost all enemies deal significantly more damage. [[Simulacra]] deal massive damage, walking through ice clouds is quickly lethal, and boss enemies are even scarier. "Easy" ice caves can spawn with a [[frost giant]], while "Hard" ice caves can spawn [[ice fiend]]s or even a [[shard shrike]].
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*If you have [[Mephitic Cloud]] and [[poison]] resistance, a safe way past areas with freezing clouds is to place mephitic clouds in empty tiles and only walk on them; new clouds cannot form in tiles that already have another kind of cloud. If you have [[scrolls of fog]] to spare (or the [[cloak of the Thief]]), simple fog clouds also work nicely.
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* Clouds cannot replace other clouds. If you have [[Mephitic Cloud]] and [[poison]] resistance, you can place a mephitic cloud to prevent freezing vapours from spawning. In a pinch, a [[scroll of fog]] or [[scroll of poison]] can be used instead.
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*Use [[wands of digging]] to get past areas guarded by [[ice statue]]s or to bypass freezing cloud zones. Many ice caves have rivers of deep water designed to make you walk the long way around, but flight or controlled blink will get you over them, allowing you to skip much of the level.
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* You can use [[wands of digging]] to get past areas guarded by [[ice statue]]s, or to bypass freezing cloud zones. Many ice caves have rivers of deep water designed to make you walk the long way around, but [[flight]] will get you over them, allowing you to skip much of the level.
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*If you start encountering powerful demons midway through your explorations, be aware that an [[Ice fiend]] is probably waiting for you at the end, along with a pack of [[simulacra]] and [[ice devil]]s. Act cautiously from this point on! You don't want to enter melee with the Ice fiend if you have any alternative, but getting mobbed by its friends while it torments you can be just as deadly. Lure enemies into combat one at a time as best you can, and don't be afraid to run or teleport away if need be: discretion is the better part of valor.
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*If you start encountering powerful demons midway through a hard ice cave, be aware that an [[ice fiend]] is probably waiting for you at the end, along with a pack of [[simulacra]] and [[ice devil]]s. Act cautiously from this point on! You don't want to enter melee with the Ice fiend if you have any alternative, but getting mobbed by its friends while it torments you can be just as deadly. Lure enemies into combat one at a time as best you can, and don't be afraid to run or teleport away if need be: discretion is the better part of valor.
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*Characters who specialize in [[Hexes]] and [[Stabbing]] ([[spriggan]] [[enchanter]]s, for instance) should bear in mind that monsters with cold resistance are immune to [[Ensorcelled Hibernation]]. Stick with [[Confusion]] and [[Enslavement]] instead.
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*Characters who specialize in [[Hexes]] and [[Stabbing]] ([[spriggan]] [[enchanter]]s, for instance) should bear in mind that monsters with cold resistance are immune to [[Ensorcelled Hibernation]]. Stick with [[Confusing Touch]] or use [[net]]s instead.
  
 
==Monsters==
 
==Monsters==
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{{monsterlink|Yak}}
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{| class="prettytable" style="border:none; margin:0; padding:0;"
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|-
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{{monsterlink|Death yak}}
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| {{monsterlink|Yak}} || {{monsterlink|Death yak}} || {{monsterlink|Wolf}} || {{monsterlink|Polar bear}}  
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|-
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{{monsterlink|Wolf}}
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| {{monsterlink|Ice beast}} || {{monsterlink|Rime drake}} || {{monsterlink|Ice statue}} || {{Blue|Z}} [[File:Simulacrum small humanoid.png]] '''[[Simulacrum (monster)|Simulacrum]]'''
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|-
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{{monsterlink|Polar bear}}
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| {{monsterlink|Ufetubus}} || {{monsterlink|White imp}} || {{monsterlink|Ice devil}} || {{monsterlink|Freezing wraith}}
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|}
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{{monsterlink|Ice dragon}}
 
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{{monsterlink|Frost giant}}
 
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{{monsterlink|Ice beast}}
 
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{{monsterlink|Ice statue}}
 
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{{monsterlink|Simulacrum}}
 
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{{monsterlink|Freezing wraith}}
 
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{{monsterlink|Ufetubus}}
 
  
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{{monsterlink|White imp}}
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==Boss monsters==
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'''Easy'''
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{| class="prettytable" style="border:none; margin:0; padding:0;"
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|-
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| {{White|u}} [[File:Ugly_thing5.png]] '''White [[ugly thing]]''' ||  {{White|p}} [[File:Necromancer_(monster).png]] '''[[Necromancer_(monster)|Necromancer]]''' || {{monsterlink|Bog body}}
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|-
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| {{monsterlink|Ice dragon}} || {{monsterlink|White draconian}}
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|-
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| {{monsterlink|Ironbound frostheart}} || {{monsterlink|Reaper}} || {{monsterlink|Frost giant}}
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|}
  
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{{monsterlink|Ice devil}}
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'''Hard'''
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{| class="prettytable" style="border:none; margin:0; padding:0;"
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|-
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| {{monsterlink|Bog body}} || {{White|u}} [[File:Very_ugly_thing5.png]] '''White [[very ugly thing]]''' || {{monsterlink|White draconian}} || {{White|d}} [[File:White_draconian.png]] '''White [[draconian knight]]'''
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|-
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| {{monsterlink|Blizzard demon}} ||  {{monsterlink|Reaper}} || {{monsterlink|Frost giant}} || {{monsterlink|Azure jelly}}
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|-
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| {{monsterlink|Golden dragon}} || {{monsterlink|Lich}} || {{monsterlink|Ice fiend}} || {{monsterlink|Shard shrike}}
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|}
  
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{{monsterlink|Ice fiend}}
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==History==
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*In [[0.27]], ice caves were adjusted.  All maps and some entrance vaults were rebalanced. Easy ice caves no longer appear on D:14-D:15.
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*In [[0.14]], Ice caves received fancy new ice block walls and new floor tiles.
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*In [[0.8]], Ice caves were given two difficulty levels, depending on where they are generated in the dungeon.
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*Ice caves were added in [[0.5]].
  
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{{monsterlink|blizzard demon}}
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{{Portals}}
  
 
[[Category:Portals]]
 
[[Category:Portals]]

Latest revision as of 18:52, 10 February 2024

Version 0.31: This article is up to date for the latest stable release of Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup.
A desolate cavern shaped from solid ice and filled with the echoes of bestial howls. The intricate carvings and statues which once lined its walls have been warped and obscured by centuries of slow melting and refreezing.

The Ice cave is a temporary portal level of varying difficulty, filled with frost-themed creatures (including undead and demonic creatures) and freezing vapours.

Ice caves can appear in various locations:

Entrances to an ice cave are often guarded by a pack of ice beasts, white imps, ice devils, or (for hard ice caves) an ice dragon. You can tell when you're near one when you see ice-covered floors and walls.

Layout

There are many possible layouts. A common simple one is a series of large rooms, each of which is defended by ice beasts or ice statues. An even simpler one tosses you into one large room filled with foes, with a teleporter bringing you to a second monster-filled room. More elaborate ice caves will have long, narrow tunnels, often choked with harmful freezing clouds and concluded with a well-defended stone structure. In all cases, the majority of the loot will be found in the very back of the cave, though lesser caches can sometimes be found along the way.

Many items found in ice caves will be ice-themed; freezing weapons, armour with cold resistance, and spellbooks with Ice Magic.

Hard ice caves feature more difficult monsters, and often have better loot.

Strategy

  • Fire Magic or a flaming weapon can go a long way towards killing ice-themed monsters, but you'll always want to have cold resistance. Without it, almost all enemies deal significantly more damage. Simulacra deal massive damage, walking through ice clouds is quickly lethal, and boss enemies are even scarier. "Easy" ice caves can spawn with a frost giant, while "Hard" ice caves can spawn ice fiends or even a shard shrike.
  • Clouds cannot replace other clouds. If you have Mephitic Cloud and poison resistance, you can place a mephitic cloud to prevent freezing vapours from spawning. In a pinch, a scroll of fog or scroll of poison can be used instead.
  • You can use wands of digging to get past areas guarded by ice statues, or to bypass freezing cloud zones. Many ice caves have rivers of deep water designed to make you walk the long way around, but flight will get you over them, allowing you to skip much of the level.
  • If you start encountering powerful demons midway through a hard ice cave, be aware that an ice fiend is probably waiting for you at the end, along with a pack of simulacra and ice devils. Act cautiously from this point on! You don't want to enter melee with the Ice fiend if you have any alternative, but getting mobbed by its friends while it torments you can be just as deadly. Lure enemies into combat one at a time as best you can, and don't be afraid to run or teleport away if need be: discretion is the better part of valor.
  • Characters who specialize in Hexes and Stabbing (spriggan enchanters, for instance) should bear in mind that monsters with cold resistance are immune to Ensorcelled Hibernation. Stick with Confusing Touch or use nets instead.

Monsters

Y Yak.png Yak Y Death yak.png Death yak h Wolf.png Wolf h Polar bear.png Polar bear
Y Ice beast.png Ice beast k Rime drake.png Rime drake 8 Ice statue.png Ice statue Z Simulacrum small humanoid.png Simulacrum
5 Ufetubus.png Ufetubus 5 White imp.png White imp 4 Ice devil.png Ice devil W Freezing wraith.png Freezing wraith

Boss monsters

Easy

u Ugly thing5.png White ugly thing p Necromancer.png Necromancer n Bog body.png Bog body
D Ice dragon.png Ice dragon d White draconian.png White draconian
p Ironbound frostheart.png Ironbound frostheart 2 Reaper.png Reaper C Frost giant.png Frost giant

Hard

n Bog body.png Bog body u Very ugly thing5.png White very ugly thing d White draconian.png White draconian d White draconian.png White draconian knight
2 Blizzard demon.png Blizzard demon 2 Reaper.png Reaper C Frost giant.png Frost giant J Azure jelly.png Azure jelly
D Golden dragon.png Golden dragon L Lich.png Lich 1 Ice Fiend.png Ice fiend b Shard shrike.png Shard shrike

History

  • In 0.27, ice caves were adjusted. All maps and some entrance vaults were rebalanced. Easy ice caves no longer appear on D:14-D:15.
  • In 0.14, Ice caves received fancy new ice block walls and new floor tiles.
  • In 0.8, Ice caves were given two difficulty levels, depending on where they are generated in the dungeon.
  • Ice caves were added in 0.5.
Temporary Portals
Early Game Ossuary • Sewers
Mid Game Bailey • Gauntlet • Ice cave • Volcano
Late Game Desolation of Salt • Wizard Laboratory • Ziggurat (Mega-Zig)
Peaceful Bazaar • Treasure trove
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