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Object
Object

Ian's Chamber Exit Pitfall Trap

A concealed pitfall trap constructed by Ian Chesterton at the chamber exit. The trap consists of a dug hole in the ground, spanned by rough wooden planks, which are then disguised as solid floor by draping the Doctor's coat and Barbara's cardigan on top. The trap is designed to lure a pursuing Dalek into falling by exploiting its weight, breaking the disguised cover. The Doctor approves of Ian's quick thinking and improvisation, highlighting human ingenuity in a high-tension standoff. The trap is triggered in a dimly lit space, with the Doctor and companions hiding nearby as Ian lures the Dalek over it.
1 appearances

Purpose

Conceal pitfall and form trap base for Dalek

Significance

Enables Ian's trap plan, highlights his leadership and resourcefulness against Dalek threat as Doctor entrusts execution to him

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

1 moments
S2E31 · The Death of Time
Ian proposes the Dalek trap

The pitfall trap is the heart of Ian’s plan, a hole dug into the ground at the chamber exit and concealed by wood planks and the companions’ clothing. It is designed to exploit the Daleks’ aggressive nature, luring them into a false sense of security before they fall into the trap. The pitfall’s depth and the Daleks’ lack of mobility on uneven terrain make it a potentially lethal obstacle. Its existence is a testament to Ian’s quick thinking and the group’s desperation, as they rely on improvised solutions to survive against overwhelming odds.

Before: A freshly dug hole in the ground at the chamber exit, uncovered and ready to be concealed by the planks and clothing. It is deep enough to incapacitate a Dalek but not yet functional as a trap.
After: Covered by wood planks and the Doctor’s coat and Barbara’s cardigan, now fully functional as a trap. The pitfall remains hidden but primed to ensnare the Dalek when it steps on the deceptive surface.
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