40d:Chasm

v50.14 · v0.47 · v0.34 · v0.31 · v0.28.181.40d · v0.23 This article is about an older version of DF. More Info · V

Chasms are a feature that appear infrequently in Template:Lous Template:Ls. They are a Template:L system identified by not having a Template:L on the lowest level (which is instead marked # and described as "Chasm" when looked at).

Chasms come in two forms: standard chasms, which look something like a river system (a bottomless "Grand Canyon"), and "bottomless pits", which are like a Template:L without the magma. Chasms are much more common on named mountains and Template:Les, along with other special features such as Template:Ls.<is this still true?> Chasms may either be open to the sky, or fully Template:L and not visible until breached by a miner, at which point the entire chasm is revealed. When this happens, the game will pause with the Template:L "You have discovered a large chasm cleft through the mountain." or "You have discovered a deep pit in the mountain.".

Chasms are not visible on the Region/World maps or the Local maps by default, but can be turned visible by setting SHOW_EMBARK_CHASM (for tributaries) and SHOW_EMBARK_PIT (for pits) to ALWAYS in Template:L. They must also be set to be shown during Template:L. On the local map, standard chasms will show up as a gray '#' (usually a line of them) and a bottomless pit as a gray "○" / '○' (the Template:L also used for Template:Ls).

The presence of Extreme Template:Ls (20+) on the Local Map is sometimes indicative of a chasm, though this may be coincidental.^[Verify]

Forms

Standard

The beginning of a standard chasm appears similar to the fringed tributary section of a brook sometimes seen in mountain areas, and the rest looks pretty much like the watercourse of a brook or river (though with small caves in the walls). Appears as # on the embark map if enabled.

Bottomless pit

Note: See Template:L for other uses.

A bottomless pit, also called a vent chasm, has a similar appearance to a magma pipe, except it does not contain magma. Appears as ○ on the embark map if enabled.

Uses

Garbage dump

Chasms provide a convenient method for permanently disposing of any unwanted items. Simply designate a Template:L on a walkable tile adjacent to the chasm, then mark your unwanted items for dumping. Template:L can be used to automatically dump particular types of refuse. If the chasm is inhabited by Template:L, Template:L may cancel the dump task if the creatures are too close, even if they are technically unreachable.

Platform-chasming

A technique of dumping by building a platform over the chasm, and then severing the platform from the Template:L, to permanently dispose of garbage, excess Template:L or Template:L set on top. The severed platform will disappear into the darkness below, never to be seen again.

Resources

Chasms are frequently home to Template:Ls and Template:Ls, making them a potential source of Template:L and Template:L. As the chasm exposes every layer to view, they provide access to easily identified resources such as Template:L deposits and Template:Ls.

Hazards

Template:L fighting near the edges of cliffs have a propensity to dodge right off the precipice, falling to their deaths.

The chasm is also home to many types of hostile creatures, including Template:L, Template:Ls, Template:Ls, Template:L, Template:Ls, Template:L, Template:L, Template:Ls and Template:Ls.

Adventurers Beware

Creatures will spawn near chasms every time you enter the region, leading to the death of any fortress you visit. This only applies to adventure mode. A sure formula for Template:L!

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