Entry Last Update: 04/15/2001
Description: Swimming is the knowledge of and training in how to move through water. It includes staying on the surface of the water so as not to drown (often called "treading" water) and moving under the water while holding one's breath (called diving). The actual motion that one does in order to move through the water is called a stroke, and there are many different types (butterfly stroke, breast stroke, etc..).
Who Can Learn It: Anyone can learn swimming.
What It is Supposed to Do: Swimming allows you to "comfortably" swim in water areas more often and while carrying more weight. This drains less fatigue, which means you can swim longer and move through more dangerous areas without running out of fatigue and drowning.
What it Does: Swimming appears to be fully implemented at this time.
Activation: Automatic, SWIM (SWIM [Direction]).
Usefulness (Low Levels): Moderate. It is easy (though time consuming) to raise in level.
Usefulness (Mid-Levels): Moderate. Swimming is easier, and you can carry more while doing it.
Usefulness (High Levels): Low. There is no major benefit to getting extremely high swimming levels.
How to Practice: Just go into a "water" area and you will automatically tread water. Every time you tread water, you gain skill. Also, if you use the "swim" command to move through certain areas, you will gain skill more quickly (but also become more drained). You can use other skills while swimming, but they will take more time to execute than usual.
Tips: Decrease your inventory weight as much as possible. The more you carry, the more fatigue is drained by swimming (especially at low levels).
Unconfirmed Rumors (May or May Not Be True): Removing your weapon and shield may make swimming easier.