- Return to Lunar Army Units & Irregulars
<Nick>
Moonboats were first introduced in White Bear & Red Moon as the means by which the Empire could rapidly redeploy its armies. I agree they aren't "optimum" -- you'd always prefer to use something else, esp. outside the Glowline -- but they would certainly be usable for bulk transport, if the situation required this. Also, given Tatius' penchant for overwhelming magical superiority, I can see him using them "just because he can." Which is to say, Truth Week 1619 sounds too early to be using moonboats for routine supplies, but they could certainly be used in this role later on, e.g. after Fire Season 1620.
I agree, while Jorkandros could well have a Moonboat for messages and similar errands I don't see there being enough for general military operations until late in 1620, or even 1621. <Donald>
So one or two to (barely) get around the initial supply crisis? I'll incorporate this. Again this is the chance for more texturing - frantic bridge building, lines of thralls climbing the plateau with supplies etc. <John>
I'm not too clear why there is a supply crisis, the route up Ramsdrift Climb is a bit of a way especially from where Jorkandros set up the main camp but not too bad even if it's inaccessible to wagons. So any interruption in supplies is either going to be failing in the Lunar supply system or Orlanthi raids intercepting supplies. Neither of these problems seem to be solveable by a Moonboat. <Donald>
No, but we don't want the problem fully solveable. Lunar sultling missions are a good pc activity for phase 1. The rationale is that the road to the top of the plateau involves a ravine-spanning bridge or two, easily taken out by a combat-Umbroli when the siege gets underway. This happens, and the main Lunar camp suddenly has its own serious problem of supply. <John>
Why not use wagons (in particular)? Thinking out loud... if the Larnsti are on Broyan's side, the Lunars may find that 'wheeled' vehicles aren't reliable. Moonboats don't have wheels... <Nick>
Well Ramsdrift Climb hasn't been used as a road since Tarkalor's Bridge was built if ever so it could easily be too narrow, too steep or too muddy. The reason I'm dubious about Moonboats is I can't see a justification for Jorkandros having enough to supply even a small camp. I rather think one of the first things Tatius does is to build a proper road up Ramsdrift Climb.<Donald>
Who said the besigers have to have it easy? :) An alternate road, and a sturdy bridge would certainly be a high priority. But we need to cement a common picture of the Heights as whole. <John>