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Difference between revisions of "40d:Chasm"

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(Updated for SHOW_EMBARK_CHASM)
 
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'''Chasms''' are a feature that appear infrequently in [[mountain]]ous [[biome]]s. They are a [[cave]] system identified by not having a [[floor]] on the lowest level (which is instead marked {{key|#}} ''Chasm''). They are similar to the DFv0.23 chasms except that they are not guaranteed to occur.
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{{av}}{{Quality|Exceptional}}
  
They seem to have two forms: '''tributary''' chasms, with a similar appearance to a [[brook]] or [[river]] (a bottomless "Grand Canyon"), and '''vent''' chasms, which are like a [[volcano]] vent without the magma (a bottomless chamber).  Chasms are much more common on named mountains and [[volcano]]es, along with other special features such as [[cave river]]s.  Chasms may either be open to the sky or be enclosed [[underground]].
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'''Chasms''' are a feature that appear infrequently in [[mountain]]ous [[biome]]s. They are a [[cave]] system identified by not having a [[floor]] on the lowest level (which is instead marked <tt>#</tt> and described as "Chasm" when loo{{k|k}}ed at).
  
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 to ALWAYS in init.txt.
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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 [[magma pipe]] without the magma.  Chasms may either be open to the sky, or fully [[underground]] 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 [[announcement]] "'''You have discovered a large chasm cleft through the mountain.'''" or "'''You have discovered a deep pit in the mountain.'''".
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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 [[init.txt]].  They must also be set to be shown during [[advanced world generation|world generation]].  On the local map, standard chasms will show up as {{Tile|#|0:1}} (usually a line of them) and a bottomless pit as {{Tile|○|0:1}}.
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The presence of Extreme [[Cliff]]s (20+) on the Local Map is sometimes indicative of a chasm, though this may be coincidental.{{verify}}
  
The presence of Extreme [[Cliff]]s (20+) on the Local Map may be, but is not necessarily, indicative of a chasm.
 
 
==Forms==
 
==Forms==
===Tributary===
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===Standard===
A tributary chasm appears similar to the fringed tributary section of a brook sometimes seen in mountain areas.
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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 {{Tile|#|0:1}} on the embark map if enabled.
[[Image:Tributary chasm.JPG|Standard "tributary chasm" showing lowermost level descending to the depths]]
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[[Image:Tributary chasm.JPG|Standard chasm showing lowermost level descending to the depths]]
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===<span id="Vent"></span>Bottomless pit===
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:''Note: See [[Pit]] for other uses.''
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A bottomless pit, also called a vent chasm, has a similar appearance to a magma pipe, except it does not contain magma. Appears as {{Tile|○|0:1}} on the embark map if enabled.
  
===Vent===
 
A vent chasm has a similar appearance to a volcano vent, except it does not contain magma.
 
 
[[Image:chasm.PNG]]
 
[[Image:chasm.PNG]]
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==Uses==
 
==Uses==
 
=== Garbage dump ===
 
=== Garbage dump ===
'''Chasming''' [[refuse]] refers to disposing of items marked for dumping into the chasm.
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Chasms provide a convenient method for permanently disposing of any unwanted items. Simply designate a [[activity zone#Garbage Dump|garbage dump activity zone]] on a walkable tile adjacent to the chasm, then mark your unwanted items for {{key|d}}umping. [[Standing orders]] can be used to automatically dump particular types of refuse. If the chasm is inhabited by [[creatures]], [[dwarves]] may cancel the dump task if the creatures are too close, even if they are technically unreachable.
This is still possible as it was in earlier versions. Designate a garbage dump [[activity zone]] over the chasm and adjacent walkable tile.
 
 
 
Monsters may spring from the chasm, and were provoked by the chasming of refuse in previous versions. It is unknown if these events still occur. Given that this technique still works, you can dump anything in your fortress by selecting {{key|k}} and marking items for {{key|d}}umping. Also you can use [[standing orders]] to dump particular types of refuse.
 
  
[[Dwarves]] may cancel the dump task due to [[creatures]] in the chasm below, even if those creatures can't reach them {{version|0.27.176.38c}}
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Note that placing the garbage dump zone '''inside''' the chasm will cause its inhabitants to become angry when items are thrown in, though the ramifications can be largely dismissed unless the inhabitants have a direct path to the surface (or to the interior of your fortress).
  
 
=== Platform-chasming ===
 
=== Platform-chasming ===
A technique of dumping by building a platform over the chasm, and then severing the platform from the [[wall]], to permanently dispose of garbage, excess [[stone]] or [[noble]]s set on top. The severed platform will disappear into the darkness below, never to be seen again.
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A technique of dumping by building a platform over the chasm, and then severing the platform from the [[wall]], to permanently dispose of garbage, excess [[stone]] or [[Unfortunate accident#Sacred pulpit|nobles]] set on top. The severed platform will disappear into the darkness below, never to be seen again.
  
 
===Resources===
 
===Resources===
Often [[cave spider]]s are present near chasms, creating spider [[silk]] webs that can be collected. As the chasm exposes every layer to view they provide access to easily identified resources such as [[ore]] deposits.
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Chasms are frequently home to [[cave spider]]s and [[purring maggot]]s, making them a potential source of [[silk]] and [[dwarven milk]]. As the chasm exposes every layer to view, they provide access to easily identified resources such as [[ore]] deposits and [[gem]]s.
  
 
== Hazards ==
 
== Hazards ==
 
 
[[Dwarves]] fighting near the edges of cliffs have a propensity to dodge right off the precipice, falling to their deaths.
 
[[Dwarves]] 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 [[iron man|iron men]], [[troglodyte]]s, [[giant cave swallow]]s, [[antman|antmen]], [[giant cave spider]]s, [[ratman|ratmen]], [[batman|batmen]], [[troll]]s and [[gremlin]]s.
 
The chasm is also home to many types of hostile creatures, including [[iron man|iron men]], [[troglodyte]]s, [[giant cave swallow]]s, [[antman|antmen]], [[giant cave spider]]s, [[ratman|ratmen]], [[batman|batmen]], [[troll]]s and [[gremlin]]s.
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== Adventurers Beware ==
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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 [[fun]]!
  
 
{{World}}
 
{{World}}
  
[[Category:World]]
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{{Category|World}}

Latest revision as of 19:14, 30 August 2021

This article is about an older version of DF.

Chasms are a feature that appear infrequently in mountainous biomes. They are a cave system identified by not having a floor 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 magma pipe without the magma. Chasms may either be open to the sky, or fully underground 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 announcement "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 init.txt. They must also be set to be shown during world generation. On the local map, standard chasms will show up as # (usually a line of them) and a bottomless pit as .

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

Forms[edit]

Standard[edit]

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.

Standard chasm showing lowermost level descending to the depths

Bottomless pit[edit]

Note: See Pit 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.

Chasm.PNG

Uses[edit]

Garbage dump[edit]

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

Note that placing the garbage dump zone inside the chasm will cause its inhabitants to become angry when items are thrown in, though the ramifications can be largely dismissed unless the inhabitants have a direct path to the surface (or to the interior of your fortress).

Platform-chasming[edit]

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

Resources[edit]

Chasms are frequently home to cave spiders and purring maggots, making them a potential source of silk and dwarven milk. As the chasm exposes every layer to view, they provide access to easily identified resources such as ore deposits and gems.

Hazards[edit]

Dwarves 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 iron men, troglodytes, giant cave swallows, antmen, giant cave spiders, ratmen, batmen, trolls and gremlins.

Adventurers Beware[edit]

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 fun!

Worlds