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 Corduroy streets?
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RodOdom
Senior Scribe

USA
509 Posts

Posted - 27 Jan 2007 :  18:36:21  Show Profile  Visit RodOdom's Homepage Send RodOdom a Private Message  Reply with Quote  Delete Topic
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of wood log "corduroy" streets over cobblestone or brick? I came across numerous mentions of these types of roads in the 2nd ed. City of Splendors.

scererar
Master of Realmslore

USA
1618 Posts

Posted - 27 Jan 2007 :  21:50:01  Show Profile Send scererar a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Hard to push a baby stroller . I would think the advantages would be to stay up and away from the mud. also, depending on the location, the costs are most likely less than cobblestone and such.
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31701 Posts

Posted - 27 Jan 2007 :  22:41:39  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
For the most part, you'll find corduroy roads being used for secondary streets -- those not as well traversed as the main roads for example -- and alleys and backstreets. And while cost is likely somewhat of a factor, or advantage, in this decision (though note that these logs roads are funded by private monies -- from nobles, local businesses and other individuals -- and not by the guilds), I'd assume there's also a little thought given over by the Loyal Order of Street Laborers toward what type of traffic will use these log streets. For example, the main cobblestone roads have likely been traversed by every manner of creature, vehicle, and race, each with their own individual modes of locamotion and all requiring pretty smooth or well-paved streets. Secondary roads and alleys and backstreets however, don't experience as much traffic as the main roads, and likely only usually cater to local Waterdhavians and/or the occasional visitor. There isn't as much concern given over by the laborers to ensure that such streets meet "every" pedestrian's needs.

The maintenance of such roads is likely another advantage, especially considering where the corduroy roads feature mostly throughout Waterdeep. Damaged or ruined logs can often be easily removed and replaced with a minimum of fuss by the Laborers, and likely involving little delay in how much time the individual Laborer groups spend maintaining them. Whereas, the cobblestone main roads require more time for repairs and maintenance when the need arises (perhaps even to the point of closing off entire sections of the street so repairs can be carried out).

One disadvantage of corduroy-styled streets is that they are likely prone to fire, and thus, can potentially put an entire street at risk of an inferno rather more quickly than a street paved with cobblestones. Also, the log roads will likely become well worn rather more quickly than cobblestone paths -- depending upon traffic -- meaning they'll either have to be maintained rather more frequently or replaced completely when necessary.

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Edited by - The Sage on 27 Jan 2007 22:44:29
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