As Nym and Johan made their way to Daggerford by way of the sailing vessel the rest of the Lady Narath Company prepared to head north along the merchant road. Although the LNC had grown some, the two most recent members, Shandri and the Lady Azeline stayed behind to help prepare the vessel.
The first two days of the journey were rather quiet - the company made quick work of the road in the well worn path north of Baldur's Gate. The third day they awoke to a swollen river and a damaged bridge.
"Well, this looks troublesome." Beranhond noted as they stopped. "I'm not sure if we want to play carpenter with this type of structure. Any recommendations Darvin, Talathel?"
Monday, April 25, 2016
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Perception check
ReplyDeleteRoll(1d20)+5:
9,+5
Total:14
Checking to see how damaged the bridge is. Would it be possible to cross with some good dexterity or is it going to give way soon?
Talathela closer inspection reveals that the main bridgespan relatives invest, although with large fractures. The bridge boards are mostly present. About every other board is missing while the middle of the bridge is making most of the boards.
ReplyDeleteStructurally it appears to be passable by nimble footed elves, buy the less dextorous might suffer and the horses but not be able to pass in the current shape.
(Question: Has it been raining heavily or are we really surprised at the volume of water?)
ReplyDelete"There would be no guarantee of a bridge if we go towards the sea, but in the other direction are the Troll Claws. I'm not sure how much we'd be delayed if we backtracked and went to Soubar and used the Boareskry Bridge."
Beranhond looked around suspiciously. "It rally hasn't been raining heavily so I'm not sure why the water is so high." He looked at the bridge. "We might wind up running across a similar issue at the hither bridge because this looks just a tad inordinate."
ReplyDelete"I wonder if there's a dam of some sort that's blocking things up. The water appears to be too deep to make it across as is though. But, if there is some sort of blockage, we could either cross there where it will be easier or remove the blockage and bring the water level down."
ReplyDelete"yes, a dam, combined with a damaged bridge seems like a perfect place for bandits teo appear as part of an ambush - keep on your toes." He looked over at Darvin. "Are you with us Captain?"
ReplyDelete"Agreed. There is likely trouble afoot. We could build a raft and cross here. There is probably enough timber around."
ReplyDeleteThis is not the first time I've had someone roll for 'create raft' as a skill...
ReplyDelete12+10=22
Darvin is able to locate a number of useful timbers that oculd be turned into a raft.
Evelaen coughed. "Yes, but I'm not sure we could get the horses across."
Talathel thought it over a bit...
ReplyDeleteSo, I know pretty much jack about physics and the such, but I did a bit of Googling and did some probably bad math, but couldn't a raft work for this?
I found from Yahoo Answers (I know, I know, not the most reliable place) an answer to how much weight could a raft hold. https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080628114659AAcVJvE
Bottom line: 3,700 pounds.
The average weight of a horse is ~2,000 pounds, but it varies. But, I like round numbers so, 2,000 it is. That leaves us with 1,700 pounds.
There are 4 of us in the party? Weighing on average 200 pounds? Let's say gear weighs on average 50 pounds. That totals 1,200 pounds.
With multiple trips, we could get the horses across the river. Of course, steering it might be difficult, but hey, I did pretty ok with the ending of Oregon Trail back in the day, so it is doable.
Or am I way off here?
"It might be possible to get the horses across, one at a time. But, some investigating down river to see if there's a blockage might be more prudent. We could split up, but in case there is a band of thieves around here, I'd prefer not to at this time."
So this all depends on the size of the raft you're trying to make. Let's start with the fact that rafts come in different sizes and therefore can carry different amounts of weight. In order to carry 3500 pounds, the raft needs to be at least 15 feet. Reference Photo
ReplyDeleteYour numbers on the horses are a bit conservative. A light horse is closer to 1,000 pounds, whereas a draft horse weighs more. I would guess you'd have something more like the former, so let's say 1,250 just for good measure.
However, I think your gear estimate is very light. If you have weapons and armor and provisions, you'll be carrying much more, let's say 150 per person.
So, we have:
4 horses x 1,250 pounds = 5,000 pounds (4 horses, right?)
4 adventurers x 200 pounds = 800 pounds
4 people's gear x 150 pounds = 600 pounds
You could get across in 2 trips:
1st trip: 3 people, 2 horses, and 2 people's gear = 600 + 2,500 + 300 = 3,400 pounds.
Return trip: 1 person
2nd trip: 2 people, 2 horses, and 1 person's gear = 400 + 2,500 + 150 = 3,050 pounds
Note: This will not be an especially maneuverable craft, so you will most likely be in a bit of trouble if you need to turn around or dodge arrows in the middle of the crossing.
Darvin considered what Talathel said before adding,
ReplyDelete"I think the fastest way across is by using the raft. Sure we have to make two trips but we know we have the materials here. We may not find a spot downriver."
"We will have to be careful crossing. It will be hard to control the raft and we will be open to attack. Plus, during the duration of the crossing, we will be split into smaller groups."
ReplyDeleteDarvin would like to do a perception check to find out if there are any threats that he can detect.
ReplyDeletePerrception:
Roll(1d20)+12:
8,+12
Total:20
The flat ground around the stream is covered in numerous stumps. Short saplings have started to grow closer to the stream. East and west of the stream the same stump covered terrain continues and Darvin is unable to see anything in either direction.
ReplyDelete"Well, the rafting idea might work - any idea how long that would take?" Beranhond asked as he looked over the slightly portly horses.
ReplyDelete"It will take us at least a couple of hours. Probably more. If we want to get across the river before nightfall, we should begin work soon."
ReplyDeleteDarvin looked at Talathel and Beranhond. It appeared as if they were looking to him for the next step. He was technically "Captain Darvin" after all. He still wasn't quite as confident as he had been a few years ago but it was starting to come back to him. The more he thought about his raft idea the less he liked it.
ReplyDelete"On second thought, let's not build a raft, tis a silly idea. I agree with Beranhond, the river is running high and fast for this time of year. Perhaps there is a bottleneck upstream. Let's head that way and see what we find. Stay sharp."
Darvin nodded at the group, drew a cutlass and headed upstream.
Talathel gathered his staff and followed the captain. He hoped to find some answers upstream.
ReplyDeleteBeranhond and Evelaen shrugged their shoulders, following along. Beranhond wasn't sure why there would be a bottleneck upstream that would cause the river to be more swollen downstream. It seemed more likely for a bottleneck further downstream that would back the water up - but Darvin was the pirate and knew a bit more about streams, river, and wastes.
ReplyDeleteThe river continued to be impassible as they traveled up. After a couple more hours, as early evening was starting to set, they came across a large thicket of trees that blocked their path.
"It's a little strange that these trees are right out to the river. Most of the rest of the bank is all cleared." Evelaen noted.
Question for the fearless captain. Did you mean to say downstream (going towards the mouth) or are we really travelling upstream (towards the source). I was confused as well.
ReplyDeleteOr we can just chalk this up to the captain being rusty with his navigational terms, what with not navigating for three years and see what's in the trees.
"Perhaps it's a logging operation of sorts? Maybe they haven't cleared this high upstream. If anything, we now have plenty of lumber, should we want to build that raft."
Secondary question, what is the speed of the current. If it's blocked up, then it should be slowed down, and in theory passable on a good raft. If it's flooding, then it would be faster or normal speed and not as easy to cross.
I am thinking way too much about rafts lately.
I did intend to head upstream because the initial post suggested to me that the river was running high and fast. And because I am reading Ken Follet's World Without End, where a bridge collapses because the river became to narrow upstream thus creating a high and fast flow which resulted in significant erosion and deterioration. I figured that perhaps was happening here. However, if I am wrong and the river is instead backed up, then I meant downstream. I do hope this explanation clarifies things.
ReplyDeleteOk. Downstream it is! Everything else remains.
ReplyDelete"The river does look a little more passable here." Beranhond said looking at stream. "Still, this set of trees is really suspicious."
"The rafting plan could work well here." He kept looking into the woods blocking the path.
"Perhaps it's a logging operation....I'm getting the strangest sense of deja vu..." Talathel said.
ReplyDelete"I don't like the look of these woods. They may prove to be impassable, and even if we do find trails within them, we would easily get lost."
"I'd believe a logging operation based on the rest of the area." Evelaen said gesturing about at the stumps. "Why not this patch, it looks almost like an old growth."
ReplyDeleteAs they look about and Talathel examines the woods to make a raft they hear the sounds of limbs and the rustling of bushes deep in the woods.
ReplyDeleteTalathel holds his staff in a defensive position.
ReplyDelete"Be ready. Something may come out of the woods."
Talathel waited for what seemed like an eternity.
ReplyDeleteDiplomacy:
Roll(1d20)+5:
18,+5
Total:23
"Hello, you who dwells in these woods. My travelers and I mean you no harm! Please, can you tell us what happened to the trees here?
The shaking of the trees and bushes increased until finally a harried and unkempt man bursr from the bushes.
ReplyDelete"beware!" He shouted as he staggered forward.
Talathel takes a step back, but does not lower his staff.
ReplyDelete"Kind sir, we wish you no harm and bear you no ill will. Please be calm."
"the winds... They brought rain being reason..." He move forward a bit more. "my village... Gone!"
ReplyDeleteHe looked over at darvin and narrowed his eyes. "knife ears like you did this!"
"Darvin was not part of that, I can assure you."
ReplyDeleteThe rains might explain the washed out bridge, Talathel thought. He did not like the sound of "they brought the rain".
"Sit with us, tell us what happened." Talathel bade the man to sit, and lowered himself to the ground.
Darvin did not know what to think of the newest developments. He was concerned about the blatant racism that had been displayed towards him. He joined Tala the on ground but kept his hand on his pistol.
ReplyDelete"Your kind created this rain that flooded the valley." He screamed now. "I mean... It wasn't probably you... But... Your kind..." He collapsed on the ground and looked at the four of them. "please, end my suffering..."
ReplyDeleteTalathel reached into his pack and pulled out some hardtack and gave some to the man.
ReplyDelete"We are simple adventurers, perhaps we can assist you in other ways. Can you tell is about what happened?"
The man begins his story:
ReplyDeleteFor the last year the area has been getting more and more wild, the trees themselves more radiated to clearing along the riverbank, and the creatures of the wild more dangerous. A month ago stories spread about elves and half elves who had then up residence at the source of the rivers. Apparently they had been searching for the resting place of stolen treasure and had learned that it was nearby. Any a week ago a large thunderclap filled the sky and the rains poured so heavily that it destroyed the bridges and flooded the village destroying nearly everything.
Darvin listened to the man's story and then added, "Surely there is vile sorcery afoot. What is your name good sir? Can you lead us to these elven camps?"
ReplyDeleteEvelaen coughed. "This sounds more like druid magic than sorcery. Though, the elven ways are not mine. I thought that the druids had been decimated, so it is surprising."
ReplyDeleteThe man looked over them. "No, I won't go that way, but if you follow the river to it source it should take you there. Apparently they were after some kind of treasure of the skin of an eel and a jackrabbit?"
"They brought rain being reason being reason..." Pure gold. Also, do you HAVE to bring Mr. Jack back into this? He was content to leave the world behind and go live in the mountains. Why must everyone and their dog come traipsing into his seclusion to find him?
ReplyDelete"Of course, the mountain pirate Eelskin Jack is involved in this. I think I shall spit on his bones should I ever find them.
ReplyDeleteWhat does anyone know of the druids?"
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"Er, well, the main group of druids in the area had been destroyed. The elves have different forms of magic that can mimic druidic powers."
ReplyDelete"All I can do is use a bit of ki," Talathel thought.
ReplyDelete"Darvin, should we go check out these elves?"
"I am always up for checking out naughty wood elves," replied Darvin as he stood and prepared himself to go.
ReplyDeleteBeranhond shrugged his shoulders. "well, we were looking for treasure, this will work as well as anything. I do hope that Nym and Johan aren't running into any problems."
ReplyDeleteElf villages post coming this afternoon!