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Posts tagged waystations

Architecture: Wolfcat Platforms

Architecture: Wolfcat Platforms published on

Valley of the Silk Sky - wolfcat platformsA wolfcat platform is a platform you climb to get away from wolfcats. How about that.

While the pillar structure itself is naturally-occurring, it has been augmented to accommodate an about-to-be-eaten person. You will typically find wolfcat platforms clustered near waystations.

The platform itself is about 20 feet up and is accessible only by climbing some steep pillars with narrow footholds. The pillars angle out slightly, making it extremely difficult for a four-legged, dog-footed creature to amble up. The large, flat area allows you to lay low enough to get out of the line of sight of the wolfcat. Once you’re out of sight you wait it out until the wolfcat loses interest and moves on.

The nearest waystation’s attendant works to keep the area clear around the platform so you can actually get to it should you need to. (The attendant does this work during daylight hours when wolfcats are less active, and carries with xer some repellent just to be on the safe side.)

Architecture: Waystations

Architecture: Waystations published on

Valley of the Silk Sky - waystationsWaystations are a common feature of Muru Province, serving as safe ports of call throughout the wilderness. They’re generally roughly a day’s travel from one another or from a city or settlement, since it’s not really a good idea to sleep outside in Muru if you can help it.

The domicile, accessible via a long staircase, is located well up off the ground as a defensive measure, with a freight elevator leading to a storage area. The elevator has to be operated manually, and it usually rests in the “up” position to keep critters out.

A waystation is typically attended by an older runner who has retired from the more death-inducing parts of the biz. They keep the place clean and welcoming to weary travelers. Inside there are dormitory beds, cold running water (that huge bowl on top is a cistern), some not-very-fancy food, a medical kit, and a limited amount of replacement gear like clothing or knapsacks. Don’t get your hopes up re: hot showers.

The cistern collects what little rainwater falls here, and has a supplemental stream from a water source in the next province up. The water is run through a filtration system and mostly uses gravity to produce water pressure flow. If the cistern is full, excess water filters down to the next province below.

In exchange for use of the facility, it’s polite to leave something of value: a coin, a useful thing you found, or (if the attendant trusts you) a promise to bring something on your way back through.

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