Crannogmen and the Neck Discussion: Migratory Ideas

AerioOndos

Donkey Lord
Staff member
Pronouns
they/them
Hi all,

So I've been thinking that in the north we hear some migratory patterns. Northern Clans sending women and children to the winter town, Umbers taking their flocks into the high meadows west of the kingsroad in summer and the Northern Clans themselves shifting livestock around between the hills and high mountains.
So today I heard an interesting thought from GentleIron on Greywater Watch; what if there are multiple locations and the Reeds move from location to location and set it up again, disguising the crannog before they leave.

This made me think on how Crannogmen in general are closer to 'the Green' than other men and so understand natural processes better. If so, wouldn't they move not want to overpredate plants and animals, especially in the winter, and move from area to area within the Neck. Maybe we could have crannogs in some larger waterways that are used as bases that then boats are tied to form larger structures and dwellings. These could be everything from basic barges to small patrol vessels, 8 to 10 man mini longships without the distinctive prow (
2667
) and when the crannogmen move camp, they detach these and move away, taking with them the materials needed to set up on the next crannog.

Now, some more detail on these crannogs. Perhaps they could be barebones - not much more than artificial islands.
When uninhabited the top covering of dirt and the structure underneath seeded with grasses, sedges and other vegetation to disguise any pylons visible and disturbances made, logs and dead branches are moved in and tied under the water to make it seem like it seem like another shiftable island.

When inhabited, these islands become a floating gord/burgwall. A line of small barges are used for the making of a floating stockade, perhaps with underwater extensions to keep out lizard lions (which are probably not crocodiles but something different again, like his approach to unicorns), smoke rises from some the communal cooking fire on the main crannog and some lithe people grind up grass seeds into a flour on rocks traded for with another tribe that roam towards cape kraken. Most of the people live in small houses built on their own immediate family vessel which is passed down and repaired as much as possible. There is a small wooden tower built on top of the crannog that gives a good view of the lake they are in the middle of. The next spot is not so spacious and houses will have to be assembled partly in trees.

The process to shift camp takes some time. The community goes for at least several days without cooking and clears all traces of earth and ash from the area with children given the task of making sure that ash from fires is hidden beneath the water. The outer wall is dismantled and tied onto barges and the same is done with the structures on the crannog. The boats are then untied and the disguising of the site begins, with planting of grass, bushes and moss performed alongside the faking of old dead plants. The community then moves to the next site, clears the growth on the crannog and begins setting up all over again.

So, what are your thoughts? This is more for all Neck communities rather than just a singular project
 
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