Peregrine Cart

The Peregrine Cart, an essential element of the Pathway of the Peregrine, is a testament to non-magical engineering. Crafted for speed, endurance, and versatility, it mirrors the very essence of the Peregrines - tenacious, swift, and unyielding in the face of adversity.
Upon initial observation, the Peregrine Cart seems simple, almost modest. Its framework is constructed from the resilient wood of the Ferrowood Trees, renowned for its lightweight strength. The cart is compact, tailored to the smaller stature of the Halfling Peregrines, yet spacious enough to transport a substantial load of goods.
The most distinguishing feature of the Peregrine Cart is its wheels. Made from a blend of Ferrowood and reinforced with bands of durable, non-corrosive Rolara steel, these wheels are designed to endure the diverse terrains of Rolara. The front wheels, smaller and capable of pivoting, allow for quick, sharp turns, while the larger rear wheels provide stability and traction.
The interior of the cart is a masterclass in efficient space utilization. It is partitioned into several compartments, each designed to accommodate different types of goods. Some compartments are lined with soft materials to cushion fragile items, while others are reinforced to bear heavier loads. A series of ingeniously designed pulleys and levers enable the Peregrines to load and unload the goods with ease.
The Peregrine Cart is also fitted with a retractable canopy made from robust, weather-resistant fabric. This canopy can be extended to shield the goods from the elements, or retracted to allow for improved visibility and ventilation.

Propulsion

Pedal Powered Peregrines

The Peregrine Cart's pedal propulsion system is a marvel of non-magical engineering, a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Halflings who designed and operate these vehicles. This system serves as an alternative to beast-drawn power, providing a reliable means of propulsion when beasts of burden are unavailable or impractical.
The pedal system is ingeniously integrated into the cart's design, located centrally within the cart's frame to maintain balance and stability. It consists of a pair of pedals connected to a rotating axle via a chain drive, similar to the mechanism found in a bicycle. As a crew member pedals, the chain drive turns the axle, which in turn rotates the rear wheels, propelling the cart forward.
The pedals are designed to accommodate the smaller stature of the Halfling Peregrines, positioned so that a Peregrine can comfortably reach them while seated. The pedal resistance can be adjusted, allowing the crew to manage their exertion levels over long journeys.
The steering is managed by the second crew member, who operates a lever connected to the front wheels. This allows for precise control over the cart's direction, ensuring the Peregrines can navigate the diverse and often treacherous terrains of Rolara.

Issues of Speed

The pedal propulsion system of the Peregrine Cart, while inherently slower than a beast-drawn cart due to the limitations of Human strength and endurance, offers a significant advantage in terms of adaptability and maneuverability. This is particularly valuable when navigating the diverse and often treacherous terrains of Rolara, some of which are imbued with residual magical properties.
The pedal system allows for a more controlled and steady pace, which can be crucial when traversing difficult terrains such as rocky outcrops, narrow mountain paths, or dense forests. The ability to instantly adjust the speed and direction of the cart in response to the terrain's demands is a significant advantage. In contrast, a beast of burden may panic or stumble in such conditions, potentially leading to accidents or delays.
Furthermore, some areas of Rolara are known to possess residual magical properties, remnants of the time when Magic was more prevalent in the world. These areas can have unpredictable effects on living creatures, making them risky for beasts of burden. The pedal system allows the Peregrines to traverse these areas without exposing a beast to potential harm.
The pedal system also allows for silent operation, a valuable asset when trying to avoid attracting the attention of hostile creatures or bandits. While the system does require more physical effort, the Peregrines are known for their endurance and tenacity, traits that serve them well in their vital role.
In essence, while the pedal propulsion system of the Peregrine Cart may be slower than beast-drawn alternatives, its advantages in terms of adaptability, maneuverability, and safety make it an invaluable asset in the challenging landscapes of Rolara.

Communication Tools & Systems

The Peregrines, in their role as the lifeline of Rolara, have developed a comprehensive communication system that allows them to stay connected despite the vast distances and challenging conditions they face. This system is a combination of visual signals, sound cues, and physical tokens, each serving a specific purpose.

1. Communication Between Carts

   When multiple Peregrine Carts are traveling together, they use a series of hand signals to communicate. These signals can convey a variety of messages, such as changes in speed or direction, upcoming rest stops, or potential dangers ahead. At night, they use lanterns with colored filters to convey the same messages.



2. Communication Between Pedal/Steering Stations

   Within a single cart, the pedaler and the steerer communicate primarily through a set of simple verbal cues. Given the close proximity, this allows for quick and efficient communication. In situations where silence is necessary, they switch to a series of light taps on the cart's frame, each pattern of taps corresponding to a specific message.



3. Long Distance Communication Between Waypoints

   For communication between waypoints, the Peregrines use a system of signal fires and smoke signals. Each waypoint has a designated lookout who keeps an eye on the horizon for these signals. The color, pattern, and duration of the smoke can convey a wide range of information, from the expected arrival time of a cart to warnings about potential dangers.



4. Silent Communication

   In situations where silence is crucial, such as when monsters or bandits are near, the Peregrines rely on a system of hand signals and visual markers. They carry a set of small, brightly colored flags that can be placed in specific patterns to convey messages. These flags are made from a reflective material that catches the light, making them visible from a distance.

In addition to these systems, each Peregrine carries a whistle for emergencies. The whistle can produce a variety of tones, each corresponding to a specific type of emergency. This allows a Peregrine in distress to quickly alert others to their situation, even from a distance.
Through these methods, the Peregrines maintain a constant line of communication, ensuring they can respond quickly and effectively to the myriad challenges they face on the Pathway.

Owning Organization

Peregrines

Price

5 GP/Day

Rarity

Common

Length

10 ft.

Height

5 ft.

Weight

200 lbs

Speed

20 ft (without a beast of burden)

Complement / Crew

2 (1 minimum)

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

500 lbs