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Editing Moat
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− | {{ | + | {{quality|Exceptional}} |
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{{projects}}{{av}} | {{projects}}{{av}} | ||
− | A | + | A moat is a simple and universally applicable piece of [[defense design]], and often the first defense-oriented piece of engineering that players will embark upon. A basic moat is nothing more than a dug-out trench encircling your entrance with a single three-tile wide (for [[caravan]]s) [[bridge]] over it attached to a [[lever]]. In the event of an attack, the lever can be pulled and the bridge raised, forcing enemies to get creative. |
==Creating a moat== | ==Creating a moat== | ||
− | There are two ways to construct a moat. The first is to dig out the moat level and then channel down to it from the above. The second is to channel down to that level first and then remove all ramps. In both cases | + | There are two ways to construct a moat. The first is to dig out the moat level and then channel down to it from the above. The second is to channel down to that level first and then remove all ramps. In both cases it is necessary to have either a [[ramp]] leading out of the moat or a sealed-off access tunnel, to avoid stranding your miners. If you absolutely must have an absolutely clean moat, the effect can be achieved by building a support, attaching a floor to it above the ramp in question, linking it to a lever, and then collapsing the support. The floor will fall down and obliterate the ramp. |
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==Defense considerations== | ==Defense considerations== | ||
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===Climb-proofing your moat=== | ===Climb-proofing your moat=== | ||
− | These days, a goblin can just climb down a trench and climb right back out the other side. Here are a few strategies to prevent | + | These days, a goblin can just climb down a trench and climb right back out the other side. Here are a few strategies to prevent climbing out of the trench: |
* 7/7 water at the bottom of the moat will drown many guests, and deter others. | * 7/7 water at the bottom of the moat will drown many guests, and deter others. | ||
* Magma is always appropriate. | * Magma is always appropriate. | ||
* Cage, weapon, or repeating spike traps make it less likely that your enemies will survive crossing the trench. | * Cage, weapon, or repeating spike traps make it less likely that your enemies will survive crossing the trench. | ||
− | * | + | * Smoothed natural walls are slippery and difficult to climb; and fortifications, whether natural or constructed, are currently ''impossible'' to climb. |
− | * An overhang or "lip" on the moat will prevent trapped enemies from climbing out of the moat on that side. The lip must | + | * An overhang or "lip" on the moat will prevent trapped enemies from climbing out of the moat on that side. The bottom of the lip must be at least 2 Z levels above the bottom of the moat to prevent would-be escapees from grabbing it and hauling themselves up. |
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===Trees=== | ===Trees=== | ||
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The greatest threat to the effectiveness of a moat is the common tree. Two trees on opposite sides of a moat are as good as a bridge if their branches come within a tile of each other; and a tree growing at the bottom of a moat makes a mockery of fortress defense. | The greatest threat to the effectiveness of a moat is the common tree. Two trees on opposite sides of a moat are as good as a bridge if their branches come within a tile of each other; and a tree growing at the bottom of a moat makes a mockery of fortress defense. | ||
− | Trees at the bottom of the moat can be prevented by digging down far enough that there is no soil at the bottom of the trench | + | Trees at the bottom of the moat can be prevented by digging down far enough that there is no soil at the bottom of the trench; alternatively, pavement, constructions, and/or 7/7 water or magma will also prevent tree growth. |
− | There are two primary ways of preventing poorly-timed tree growth from compromising your moat: you can either pave a 4-tile-wide collar around the outside of the moat; or you can dig a moat so wide that trees on either side will be unable to reach each other | + | There are two primary ways of preventing poorly-timed tree growth from compromising your moat: you can either pave a 4-tile-wide collar around the outside of the moat; or you can dig a moat so wide that trees on either side will be unable to reach each other. |
==Lethality Improvements== | ==Lethality Improvements== | ||
− | As one can guess, a moat can be filled with [[water]] to drown sentients, but filling it with [[magma]] is obviously far more dwarven. Although a dry moat is perfectly functional, doing so will render it more lethal to enemies that [[Dodger|slip]] in [[Trap|by accident]], especially if [[Menacing spike|something]] waits for them down below. This is a double-edged sword, however; you should make sure there are no dwarves standing on bridges when you pull levers, and have your military engage the enemy far from your moat | + | As one can guess, a moat can be filled with [[water]] to drown sentients, but filling it with [[magma]] is obviously far more dwarven. Although a dry moat is perfectly functional, doing so will render it more lethal to enemies that [[Dodger|slip]] in [[Trap|by accident]], especially if [[Menacing spike|something]] waits for them down below. This is a double-edged sword, however; you should make sure there are no dwarves standing on bridges when you pull levers, and have your military engage the enemy far from your moat. |
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− | A moat can also be filled with dangerous animals, such as dogs, bears, [[alligator]]s or the ever-dreaded [[carp]]. This is most effective for dry or water-filled moats (since the animals will not kill the hapless dwarf | + | A moat can also be filled with dangerous animals, such as dogs, bears, [[alligator]]s or the ever-dreaded [[carp]]. This is most effective for dry or water-filled moats (since the animals will not kill the hapless dwarf than falls inside by accident, [[Fun|although he may just die of thirst inside it]]), but no one is stopping you from filling your magma moat with [[magma crab]]s. |
==Drawbacks== | ==Drawbacks== | ||
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===Amphibious/Fireimmune Enemies=== | ===Amphibious/Fireimmune Enemies=== | ||
− | It should be noted that water-filled moats can be easily crossed by natural [[Swimming|swimmers]] such as [[Creature token#A|amphibians]] and/or non-breathing creatures; this is ground for a hilarious bug{{Bug|926}} causing [[giant toad]]s to drown the [[elite]] goblins riding them as they path through your defences during a [[siege]]. Likewise, magma-filled moats will be ineffective against [[Fire|fire-immune]] creatures who don't need to breathe, although only [[dragon]]s and | + | It should be noted that water-filled moats can be easily crossed by natural [[Swimming|swimmers]] such as [[Creature token#A|amphibians]] and/or non-breathing creatures; this is ground for a hilarious bug{{Bug|926}} causing [[giant toad]]s to drown the [[elite]] goblins riding them as they path through your defences during a [[siege]]. Likewise, magma-filled moats will be ineffective against [[Fire|fire-immune]] creatures who don't need to breathe, although only [[dragon]]s and [[fire imp|the]] [[magma crab|various]] [[magma man|inhabitants]] [[fire man|of magma]] are actually immune to magma's heat, and dragons may just drown inside a magma moat. |
===Winter=== | ===Winter=== | ||
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{{Category|Fortress defense}} | {{Category|Fortress defense}} | ||
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