Moat

Moats, {{blue| } }}, are manmade bodies of water. Entering a moat square without any precautions causes you to "Sink like a rock!" but if there is floor next to the moat, you will climb there and not drown. However, your potions may dilute and your scrolls may be blanked.

The Fort Ludios and the Castle are surrounded by moats.

Many sea monsters live in moats. They will try to grab you and drown you. To avoid this, you should wear an oilskin cloak or just greased armor. In case this is not an option, you should have some escape items in your inventory.

Passing moats
Moats can be passed several ways. You may
 * levitate over them
 * freeze them with a wand of cold or cone of cold (creating ice)
 * push a boulder into it and fill it
 * wear water walking boots and walk over it
 * teleport around it (often not a choice, as many moats are on no-teleport levels)
 * wear an amulet of magical breathing and walk in it (causes potions to dilute and blanks scrolls)
 * polymorph into a flying or swimming monster
 * jump into it and hope to climb up to the opposing side