Istharian Ice Sledges Sleighs and Boards - Vehicle

Ice Sledges, Sleighs and Boards are the primary vehicles in Isthramir. Their use is ancient, dating back to shortly after the town's establishment. While typically made from cold and water resistent wood, occasionally ice is used.
They are land based vehicles designed to slide over the ice and snow that covers most of Isthramir. While they have a variety of designs for different tasks, the base invovles a flat body with either a smooth, slightly curved, under side, or runners that the body area sits on. Most also have a "Flexible Flyer" type steering that allowed flexible runners to bend and steer the Sledge. Originally, these were developed to aid transport of goods around the settlement.
Due to the cold climate of Isthramir permanent Ice Paths run through the town. Originally naturally occuring, formed by rough materials such as rock being thrown along paths by wind and water flows, they were refined by the residents for ease of use, with more crafted in and around buildings. This creates a mesh network of Ice Paths that connect the town. These almost all run downwards from North-West to South East, following the slope of the plateau.
These play a key role in Isthramir's industry by allowing transport of goods away from the three rivers, which is how most goods are transported from outside the town to the centre.
They're also key in personal transport, with most residents owning some form of Ice Sledge for personal transport around town.
The size of Ice Sledges varies based on design. The largest used on Ice Paths are approximately 3 meters in length, as larger won't fit, but larger ones are occasionally used in other areas.
Designs vary depending on use, with wealthier residents often having custom Ice Sledges. Outside of the basic designs some categorical examples include:
1. Warm Box: Based on the real life Vozok. These have an enclosed box on the back that is designed to retain heat. Designed for comfortable travel, these typically hold 1-2 individuals, with usually padded seats and lining around the inner. Expensive Warm Box's may have a small furnace or other heater inside. Due to their enclosed design, at least 1 driver is needed to steer the Warm Box.
2. Single Runner: Designed for single person use. These have a one runner that is wider than normal with a curved edge, and a thinner platform that is stood on. This allows the rider to lean and steer the Sledge to change direction. Often used for personal transport. Allows for more control over direction, but requires more skill than typical design.
3. Ice Platforms: Some seldges are made from, or contain parts made of, ice. These are easy to move but temporary. They are usually used for custom jobs where wood designs have too much friction, or built extravegantly for show. A particularly famous case from history had the Adhara family attend the Festival of [Saga with an Ice Platform etched with images re-telling the Hero's story around its shell.
4. Standing Sledge: Designed for small goods transport. These are longer than normal sledges with hook points built in so goods can be held down. A standing platform is at the back so the driver can steer. This position lets the driver have more control over the heavier loads, and see further than other riders. These were invented and are most commonly used by Isthramir's postal service.
5. Log Sledges: Designed to have larger, thicker runners and sturdier frames to carry large weights. Originally designed for carrying logs, so had "log slots" built in for wood to be loaded in to. These were often lowered into Isthramir's rivers - which were used to transport logs from the Woodyards - to allow easier loading, so commonly had floats added for bouyancy. These were adapted into general large goods Sledges, which alter the design depending on the goods.

Propulsion

Ice Sledges have no inherent means of propulsion, needing outside input to move. Most used on the Ice Paths use gravity, with any used on flat plains typically being pulled by the owner. Though some animals are used depending on availabilty. Some instances had kites being flown so wind could be used to pull Sledges, though this is less reliable than other methods.

Current location

Isthramir

Rarity

Common (Specific Models are Rarer)

Length

0.5m - 5m

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

1-6