Khond'toapath (Kond-TOH-ah-path)

The Khond'toapath, meaning "Ice Glider" in the Zhu’khondar tongue, is a massive, ice-reinforced sled used by the Zhu’khondar tribes to traverse the frozen tundras of Tanaria. Designed to endure the harshest winter conditions, it is pulled by teams of Frosthounds, whose strength and resilience make long-distance travel possible. The sled’s enchanted runners glide effortlessly over ice and snow, ensuring smooth and efficient transport of goods, supplies, or even people. While the Zhu’khondar imbue their sleds with cultural significance, including intricate carvings and blessings, outsiders commonly refer to these vehicles as Zhu'khon Haulers, recognizing their role as a vital tool for survival in the icy wilderness.

Propulsion

The Khond'toapath is primarily propelled by Frosthounds, massive and powerful dog-like creatures bred for their endurance, strength, and adaptability to harsh tundra conditions. These animals, capable of pulling heavy loads across frozen terrain, are the backbone of the sled's movement. Their immense size and muscular builds allow them to traverse snowdrifts, icy plains, and rugged landscapes with ease.

• Harness System: Frosthounds are connected to the sled via a durable harness system made of woven leather and reinforced rope. This system distributes the weight evenly across the team, reducing strain and maximizing their efficiency.
• Team Configuration: A typical propulsion setup includes 6 to 8 frosthounds, but larger teams can be employed for especially heavy loads or longer journeys. The lead dogs are highly trained, responsible for guiding the sled and responding to commands.
• Terrain Adaptation: The sled runners are designed to glide over snow and ice with minimal resistance, enhancing the frosthounds' ability to maintain momentum. On downhill slopes, the sled’s weight assists in propulsion, requiring less effort from the team.
• Alternative Propulsion in Emergencies: If frosthounds are unavailable or incapacitated, the sled can be pushed manually by groups of individuals, though this is far less effective and only suitable for short distances. Additionally, the Zhu’khondar have been known to use wind magic or ice manipulation to aid movement in extreme situations, but such methods are rare and reliant on specific skillsets within the tribe.

Armor and defense

The Khond'toapath is designed to endure the harshest conditions of the frozen tundra, and its defensive features reflect its importance to the Zhu’khondar tribes. While primarily a transport vehicle, its construction includes elements that ensure it can withstand both the environment and external threats.

• Reinforced Structure: The sled's frame is crafted from Frostpine Wood, a rare and durable material resistant to splintering in extreme cold. Thick, sturdy beams connect the runners to the base, ensuring stability against impacts and rough terrain.


• Icebound Plating: The sides of the sled are occasionally reinforced with frozen steel panels, enchanted to retain their strength in frigid temperatures. This reinforcement provides additional protection from stray arrows, collisions, or attacks from tundra predators.


• High Walls: The sled's design features high, angled sides to prevent cargo from falling out during travel while also shielding passengers or supplies from windblown snow and debris.


• Decorative Shields: Zhu’khondar tribes sometimes affix ceremonial shields carved from bone or leather onto the sled's exterior. These shields serve both a spiritual purpose—warding off hostile spirits—and a functional role as rudimentary armor against attacks.


• Defensive Ice Spikes: For sleds traveling through particularly dangerous regions, sharp ice spikes can be magically formed along the sled's runners and sides. These spikes deter attackers, particularly beasts or raiders, from getting too close.

Frosthound Defense
The frosthounds, which pull the Khond'toapath, are often armored in light leather barding reinforced with bone or frost-steel plating. This protective gear ensures the frosthounds remain agile while guarding against attacks from tundra predators, such as frostcrawlers or snowdrakes.
Together, the Khond'toapath and its frosthound team form a resilient, defensible unit, capable of withstanding the frozen wilds and any dangers they may encounter.

Nickname

Zhu'khon Hauler

Creation Date

350 HE

Price

500 gold pieces. Outsiders rarely acquire one without forging strong bonds or alliances with the tribes.

Rarity

Extremely rare outside of Zhu’khondar territory

Width

5-7 feet, providing ample space for cargo while maintaining maneuverability.

Length

20-25 feet (varies by design and intended use).

Height

3-4 feet, with raised sides to secure loads and protect passengers from the elements.

Weight

400-500 pounds, depending on the materials and enchantments used.

Speed

10-20 mph

Complement / Crew

1-2 drivers

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

Can carry up to 1,000 pounds of goods and/or 4 to 6 people