Wulf Corbett wrote:
>
> On Tue, 27 Feb 2001 12:20:59 +0000, Benedict Adamson
> <badamson_at_...> wrote:
>
> >These seem to be Icelandic style long houses, and so are suitable
> >models for Heortlings in the highlands (such as the Fire Bull), but
> >not in the lowlands.
>
> Judging by the amount of wood used, maybe that's why Iceland is
> totally deforested...
Shipping good solid wood from the mainland was a frequent cargo for ships bound for Iceland. It even makes a good scenario (a-la RuneQuest Vikings).
Iceland's proble is that when the (SPARSE!) forests went, so did much of the soil. Goats and sheep are really rough on such marginal enviroments.
> >I have my doubts about the accuracy of the isometric views, however.
> >The point of dry stone walls is surely to reduce the need for timber,
> >yet the those illustrations seem to show the stone walls as merely
> >padding. Also, the turf on the roof seems much thicker than I'd have
> >expected.
>
> Certainly heavier & more elaborate than I'd expected. Are the roofs
> turfed or thatched? Looks turfed, I agree, but the thickness would
> suit thatching (and I'm relieved to see my earlier comment of no
> apparent smokehole seems to hold for these - although the section
> immediately above the hearth is cut out, there seems to be no
> provision for a hole in the timber construction).
I think that turfs were more appropos due to the climate. As stonework -- thick stone walls are cool in summer and can at least be not-quite-as-cold-as-all-that in winter. I suspect that the timber might require more skill to lay and join rather than simple drystone walls. Always remember that a frame or cottage made of wood actually takes a fair amount of skill to build.
> >The floorplans are good, however.
>
> They are good in general, and more elaborate in layout than the
> 'standard' longhouse described on this list, which gives a bit of
> variety.
>
Yes, I agree. Of course, none of them are a 'cheiftan's hall'
longhouse, which is where much of the game and RP takes place...
Jeff
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