Phase change: Waterbenders also possess the ability to alter the physical state of the water they manipulate, between liquid, solid and
gas, at will. Changing the phase of water allows for multiple techniques in the course of a battle, from encasing an opponent in ice
to hiding behind a wall of mist. Ice and
steam/fog can also be molded in a diverse range of shapes. Ice provides a degree of hard lethality since it can be molded into spikes or blades to pin down or impale opponents.
Steam or mist can obscure a battlefield and mask movement. Katara made good use of this to enhance her performance as the Painted Lady.
[22] Waterbenders also possess the ability to breathe an icy mist that freezes water and other substances.