Travel over land is the oldest form. It’s also the most laborious – virtually every TL0-4 option is powered by human or animal muscle. Technological advances help to apply that effort more efficiently, putting more of it into actual travel and less into overcoming gravity and friction.

The simplest land transportation devices don’t carry riders or passengers. Instead, they enable men on foot to cross difficult ground or bring along heavier loads.

The earliest skates were curved pieces of bone strapped to the feet with leather, developed in Finland around 3000 B.C. As they lack sharp edges, they don’t cut into the ice but glide over it. The skater can’t push against the ice with his feet; he uses hand-held wooden poles. Skating Move is half normal land Move. Lack of good traction gives -2 to DX-based Skating rolls to negotiate hazards. $25, 2 lbs.

A small platform mounted on two runners, used to drag heavy loads. The runners support all the weight, so the rider doesn’t need to lift it. This divides effective load by 2 on snow or ice, or by 1.5 on grass or hard, smooth ground; see Pulling and Dragging (p. B353). $50, 20 lbs.

The oldest known skis were used in Scandinavia around 5000 B.C. Skis allow cross-country movement over snow at normal hiking or running speeds; uphill, halve Move.

Downhill, the rules for gliding flight (p. B56) apply to movement over snow: descending 1 yard adds 1 yard/second to velocity, up to Basic Move x 4. To decelerate, the skier moves onto level ground, where he loses 1 yard/second each turn; on rising ground, he loses an additional 1 yard/second per yard of ascent. Deceleration stops when he’s at normal level or uphill speed. A skier may brake more aggressively, making a DX-based Skiing roll at -1 per 5 yards/second to stop in one second; he may travel up to his Basic Move while doing so. Anyone within 3 yards downhill of him must make a Dodge roll or be blinded for 1d seconds by a spray of snow! $175, 10 lbs.

Used by tribal people in cold regions of both the Old and New World since the Paleolithic, the snowshoe was later lost by Europeans, and then rediscovered when Canada was explored. The usual design is elliptical, and both longer and wider than the wearer’s foot, allowing movement on top of snow at -1 to Move. Treat all snow as “ankle-deep” regardless of its actual depth (see Hiking, p. B351). For long-distance movement, use the Hiking skill; those unfamiliar with snowshoes are at -2 (see Familiarity, p. B169). $100, 5 lbs.

This aid to hauling loads consists of two notched poles lashed together at the raised forward end, while the rear ends drag separately on the ground; a flexible platform of basketry, leather, or netting is suspended between them. More elaborate designs have small crosspieces. Divide the weight of any load by 2 on snow or ice, or by 1.5 on soft ground; see Pulling and Dragging (p. B353). Some models can be laid flat and hauled over harder ground like a oneman sledge (above). Travois to be pulled by a man: $25, 12 lbs. Smaller travois, to be pulled by a dog: $12, 6 lbs. Horse travois (TL1), to be pulled by a horse: $100, 50 lbs.

Litters are passenger carriers supported on the shoulders of porters instead of contacting the ground directly with wheels or runners. A litter moves no faster than walking speed, limited by its weight and that of its rider, but can be used on almost any terrain that can be walked over. Those carrying it use the Hiking skill – and if they try intricate maneuvers, each must make a DX-based Hiking roll at a penalty equal to the number of bearers.

Litters aren’t on the Land Vehicles Table (p. 137) because they use the lifting and hiking rules, not those for vehicles. Indeed, they could be seen as personal mobility devices – or even as riding gear!

Litter (TL0). The simplest litter is a stretcher made from two wooden poles with leather or heavy cloth fastened between them. The passenger lies down between the poles, which are lifted to the shoulders of two bearers. The design isn’t unlike a travois, but held up at both ends; thus, the porters must be able to support the full load. $100, 25 lbs.

Sedan Chair (TL1). This conveyance carries a seated passenger. The seat rests on two poles that extend to the front and back, which are carried on the shoulders of two bearers. A basic sedan chair is an exposed seat, but a common feature of ornate models is enclosure. Curtains add 5 lbs. to basic weight; actual walls and doors add 25 lbs. Such embellishments are common because sedan chairs are used mainly by the wealthy, and by ordinary people on special occasions (e.g., Chinese brides traditionally went to their weddings in enclosed sedan chairs). $250, 60 lbs.

Palanquin (TL2). A larger sedan chair used in ancient India. It’s long enough for the rider to stretch out on a cushioned floor, and always enclosed. The poles are more widely spaced and supported by four bearers. Often, six porters are employed, allowing pairs to take breaks in rotation. $1,000, 100 lbs.

Horse Litter (TL3). Developed by the Normans in about 1100 A.D., this device resembles a stretcher, but is borne by two horses harnessed between its shafts. Thus, it’s wider but requires longer poles. It enables faster transportation of the wounded. Controlling the horses requires a Teamster roll at -2. If the passenger is desperate enough to stand up and attack, he has -3 to combat skills for bad footing. $250, 75 lbs.

Wheelbarrow (TL2) A Chinese invention, attributed to a general named Liang Chuko (181-234 A.D.). The Chinese model has one large wheel in the middle and storage space on both sides. Divide the effective weight of any load carried in it by 5; see Pulling and Dragging (p. B353). The design is difficult to maneuver: -2 to DX rolls for tight turns or sudden stops. $60, 18 lbs.

Modern-style ice skates developed in the Netherlands between 1300 and 1400, when good steel blades became available. By actually cutting into the ice, they provide better traction and maneuverability: no penalty to DX-based Skating rolls to cope with hazards. Improved traction also allows pushing against the ice to attain higher speeds; treat ice skates as granting one level of Enhanced Move (p. B52). $60, 3 lbs.

Horseback riding was a major mode of transportation over much of Europe and Asia, especially after TL2. Camels and elephants were also ridden, albeit to a lesser extent. All such animal use – for both travel and warfare – benefited from improved riding gear. For additional equipment of interest to mounted warriors, see Animal Armor (p. 117).

Horse-taming goes back to the Chalcolithic; archaeological remains in Ukraine dated to 4000 B.C. show evidence that bits were in use. This technology only became widespread in the Bronze Age; the culture that first developed it is classified as TL0 but advanced in transportation. Since the oldest known wheels developed centuries later in the Middle East, it’s almost certain that horseback riding preceded harnessing horses to vehicles. The Asian steppes have been the source of many innovations in riding gear since then. Riding a horse without gear is difficult in several ways:

• Mounting the horse requires an Acrobatics, Jumping, or Riding roll to leap astride, at -3 plus a penalty equal to encumbrance level (p. B17). The encumbrance penalty also affects Riding rolls to stay seated or use weapons.
• Controlling it by leg pressure requires a Riding roll at -3; see Hands-Free Riding (p. 12).
• Riding bareback gives -2 to Riding rolls to stay mounted. It’s uncomfortable and fatiguing for both horse and rider, who get -2 to all HT-based rolls to resist FP loss.
• Hard surfaces (such as rock or many city streets) can damage an unshod horse’s hooves. Roll vs. HT after a full

day of travel, or after any run that lasts long enough to cost FP, at a penalty equal to the horse’s encumbrance level. Critical failure means one of the horse’s feet is crippled. Any other failure means a sore foot; treat it as crippled, but it will recover after one day of rest.

The equipment bonuses below are cumulative with and offset the penalties above; e.g., a war saddle gives +3 to Riding to stay mounted, canceling out the -2 for bareback riding and giving a net +1, as stated on p. B289. Skill bonuses from basic equipment are limited to negating penalties; they never give a net bonus to Riding. Similar gear can be used with mules and donkeys – but as these aren’t used as war mounts, specialized war tack is unavailable.

Blanket (TL1). A moderately heavy cloth, placed over a horse’s back before it’s ridden. This prevents chafing of the rider’s legs and the horse’s sides, and partially cushions the rider’s weight, giving both horse and rider +1 to HT-based rolls to resist FP loss. $25, 2.5 lbs.

Bridle (TL1). Developed in Ukraine around 4000 B.C., the bridle is a band that goes around a horse’s nose, with straps to keep it in place. It provides an attachment point for reins, and can also be used to lead the horse. A bridle gives a Riding bonus that partly offsets the -3 for controlling a horse by leg pressure: +1 if the reins are held one-handed (net -2), or +2 if they’re held two-handed (net -1). $10, 2 lbs.

Bridle and Bit (TL1). A bridle augmented by a mouthpiece – usually made of metal – that fits into a gap between the horse’s teeth. This gives the rider enhanced control: +2 to Riding if the reins are held one-handed (net -1), or +3 if they’re held two-handed (no penalty). $35, 3 lbs.

Halter (TL1). A piece of harness designed for tying up or leading a horse; it gives +1 to Animal Handling for this purpose. It resembles a bridle but provides no Riding bonus. Conversely, a bridle can’t safely be used to tether a horse; a horse struggling to free itself from a bridle can injure itself, suffering thrust-1 crushing damage based on its own ST. Halters are available for many other species of domesticated animals. $5, 1.5 lbs.

Riding Crop (TL2). A length of cane, typically 2’-3’, wrapped in braided leather, with a short length of flexible leather at the end. Used to tap or strike a horse’s sides, it gives +1 to Riding to control the mount. It can be wielded in the same hand that holds the reins. $10, 1 lb.

Saddle, Cushioned (TL2). Developed by the Scythians around 400 B.C., this is a pair of cushions, one for each side of the horse’s back, held together by wooden arches front and back. It distributes the rider’s weight more effectively, giving horse and rider +2 to HT-based rolls to resist FP loss. It also makes the rider’s seat more stable, giving +1 to Riding to stay mounted and halving encumbrance penalties to Riding (drop fractions). With horse blanket: $100, 10 lbs.

Saddle, Horned (TL2). Used by the Celts around 100 B.C. and adopted by the Roman army 300 years later, the horned saddle has a rigid frame with vertical protrusions at the four corners. These improve the bracing of the rider’s thighs, giving +3 to Riding to stay mounted; even an unconscious rider remains mounted on 10 or less on 3d. Dismounting quickly is tricky: -2 to skill rolls to jump off. A horned saddle eliminates encumbrance penalties to Riding, and gives horse and rider +2 to HT-based rolls to resist FP loss. With horse blanket: $200, 20 lbs.

Saddle, Riding (TL2). Used by the Thracians around 300 B.C., the standard riding saddle has a rigid frame that provides a more stable seat than a cushioned saddle, with a low pommel in front and a low cantle in back. It grants +2 to Riding to remain mounted, eliminates encumbrance penalties to Riding, and gives horse and rider +2 to HT-based rolls to resist FP loss. With horse blanket: $150, 15 lbs.

Saddlebags (TL2). Hold 40 lbs. $100, 3 lbs.

Spurs (TL2). This Roman invention dates to the first century B.C. In the later Middle Ages, spurs became emblems of nobility, and were often ornate, usually by being gilded or made of silver. Spurs give +1 to Riding to control a horse. $25, neg.

Horseshoes (TL3). Developed around 1000 A.D., horseshoes protect the horse’s feet, especially when it’s carrying heavy loads. They give the horse +2 to HT-based rolls to resist FP loss; as well, they prevent crippling on hard surfaces. Per set: $50, 4 lbs.

Saddle, War (TL3). This saddle has a pommel in front and a high cantle in back for the rider to brace against. It gives all the benefits of a horned saddle (above), but no penalty to dismount. With horse blanket: $250, 30 lbs.

Stirrups (TL3). Most likely invented in Central Asia, stirrups are shown in Chinese art dated 322 A.D., and reached Western Europe by 700 A.D. They allow vaulting onto a horse with no skill penalty, or climbing on more slowly without a skill roll (see p. B396). They give +1 to Riding to control a mount. The rider can stand in his stirrups to attack, gaining the benefit of an extra foot of height over his foe. With a war saddle (but not a horned saddle), he can use his leg muscles to press his back into the cantle, creating a firm base for a couched lance; this is standard for Lance skill. $125, 5 lbs.

Holsters (TL4). See p. 96.

Sidesaddle (TL4). Invented by Catherine de Medici, the sidesaddle allows a woman in a full skirt to ride facing forward. Medieval and earlier contraptions forced her to face sideways, with both feet on a footrest, and were unsafe at speeds above a walk: -3 to stay mounted and -2 to control the mount. The version described here has the rider’s right leg curled around the pommel so that it can dangle over the horse’s left side, braced by a secondary pommel at the saddle’s right side; it includes a single stirrup. This design improves effective Riding skill: -1 to stay mounted and no penalty to control the mount. It also gives the horse +2 to HT-based rolls to resist FP loss; the rider gets only +1, as the saddle requires an awkward twisted posture. Dismounting quickly is tricky: -2 to skill rolls to jump off. $225, 20 lbs.

One-humped camels, or dromedaries, were domesticated in southern Arabia in the Bronze Age, originally for meat, milk, and fiber. Merchants exported them to Somalia, where they were used to carry loads. Trade caravans to northern Arabia introduced them to tribes ancestral to modern Arabs. Camel saddles were invented around 1000 B.C.; saddles suited to combat developed between 500 and 1,000 years later.

Riding a camel offers more options than riding a horse: the rider can sit behind, on top of, or in front of the hump. A rider seated atop the hump gains an extra foot of height in combat. A bareback rider is at -1 to stay seated behind the hump, -2 in front, and -5 on top – the hump has no skeletal support! Riding rolls to control the mount are at -1 for a rider behind the hump, +1 for one in front of it. Riders without bit, bridle, or reins have additional penalties, as for horses (see Equines, pp. 133-134). Equipment can compensate for these penalties but not provide a net bonus. On the other hand, camels can be trained to kneel down; no skill roll is needed to mount a kneeling camel.

The two-humped or Bactrian camel – found in India, Persia, and Central Asia – was domesticated as a draft animal after 1000 A.D. It wasn’t ridden. Cold-tolerant dromedary breeds later replaced it.

Mats (TL1). An early design for camel gear: several thick mats piled up in front of the hump, creating a high platform. This is normally used for cargo; riders have -2 to Riding to stay seated. The weight is a major burden. $75, 100 lbs.

Bridle and Bit (TL2). Developed when camels came into use as riding animals, these items resemble similar horse equipment; differences of detail reflect the different mouth structure. Bridle and bit give +2 to Riding to control the mount when used one-handed, or +3 when used two-handed. $35, 3 lbs.

Camel Stick (TL2). Used by riders seated behind the hump to reach forward and tap or strike the camel’s sides, this stick gives +1 to Riding skill to control the mount. $10, 2 lbs.

Saddle, Cushion (TL2). This is purely a riding saddle. It consists of a loop of padding that circles the camel’s hump, held in place by wooden poles at front and back. It grants +1 to Riding to stay mounted. $150, 50 lbs.

Saddle, Early Riding (TL2). Developed in southern Arabia around 1200 B.C., this is the oldest design for a camel saddle. A saddlebow in front of the hump provides support for a cushion behind it. Cargo can be placed on the saddlebow. It gives +1 to Riding to stay mounted. $150, 25 lbs.

Saddle, Framed (TL2). The most familiar sort of camel saddle, this was developed in northern Arabia around 500 B.C. and allowed the use of camels in combat. Saddlebows at the front and back, supported by cushions, are linked by frames along the sides that support a platform on top, where the rider sits, atop the hump. The weight is transmitted to the camel’s ribs rather than resting on the hump. This gives +5 to Riding to stay seated (cancelling the -5 for sitting on the hump). $350, 50 lbs.

Saddle, Shoulder (TL2). This North African camel saddle puts the rider on the camel’s shoulders. A high pommel and cantle give +2 to Riding to stay seated; in addition, the rider can use his toes to help control the camel, for +1 to Riding. $250, 25 lbs.

Elephants have never been truly domesticated, but capture and training of wild elephants goes back to Vedic times in India (1100 B.C.). Ancient empires used them in war, with kings and soldiers riding in howdahs and shooting at their foes; the elephants themselves could attack with tusks or trunks, or trample the enemy (see p. 117). Elephants served as war beasts until the development of gunpowder made them too easy to kill.

The elephant’s handler, or mahout, sits on the elephant’s neck, which is broad enough that no skill roll is required to remain mounted. Any passengers ride further back, in a howdah.

Ankus (TL1). This goad is used by riders to control elephants. One end has a sharp metal hook used to tug at sensitive points on the elephant’s head or body, especially its ears. It can also be reversed and used to strike the elephant. An ankus gives +1 to Riding or Animal Handling rolls to control an elephant. To use it as a weapon, see its entry in Melee Weapons (p. 54). $45, 1 lb.

Howdah (TL2). A platform carried on an elephant’s back, strapped in place with ropes. Dimensions are 5’ long, 3’ wide, and 2’ from top to bottom. It provides seating for four riders. Often, a large umbrella is attached as a sunscreen. $675, 450 lbs.

The earliest land vehicles traveled on runners (TL0), which work best over snow and ice; thus, they developed mainly in regions with colder climates. Invention of the wheel (TL1) led to the adoption of wheeled vehicles in many environments. The wheel wasn’t universal, though – New World civilizations used it only as a toy, while the Near East abandoned it after the fall of Rome.

Land vehicles were almost always animal-drawn, and developed where draft animals were available.

These vehicles move on runners. Runners give a smaller contact area with the ground, thereby decreasing friction. On snow or ice, divide effective load by 2; on other smooth surfaces, such as grass or packed sand, divide by 1.5. Skis (p. 133) use the same principle.

For short hauls – as at construction sites – smoothed logs may be laid side by side as rollers. This expedient divides effective weight by 5. It’s a crude substitute for wheels, with the revolving surface on the ground rather than being part of the vehicle. Rollers are also used to launch water vehicles from work sites ashore.

Dogsled (TL0). The classic arctic vehicle, as used by Inuit tribes. Long enough for a man to lie down on; alternatively, he can load it with gear and run alongside. The version in the table is drawn by 14 dogs, each on a separate leather trace. It’s made of bone and leather rather than wood. Fifty-Man Sledge (TL1). Used for such tasks as hauling construction materials, this is similar to the one-man sledge (p. 133), but much more massive. The load sits on a flat platform, which rests directly on two runners.

Sleigh (TL4). Dating to the 17th century, this is a horsedrawn vehicle with runners, designed for use on snow. The model in the table is a one-horse vehicle with a seat wide enough for two people.

The wheel evolved through several stages. The earliest wheels were made from logs by cutting away most of the wood in the middle, leaving a narrow shaft joining two discs near the ends. Wheels and axle were a single, solid piece. Because such wheels couldn’t rotate at different speeds, vehicles that used them were hard to turn.

This design gives -2 to Handling. At the GM’s discretion, this flaw may be added to the oxcart or straddle car in the Land Vehicles Table (p. 137). Treat it as a variation on the cheap modification (see Cheap and Expensive Gadgets, p. 14): -0.5 CF.

Later wheels were separate from the axle and turned freely on it. The first such wheels were solid discs cut from single trees or, eventually, pieced together from smaller planks, making them heavy and stiff. More advanced models, starting with Egyptian and Chinese chariot wheels, had spokes.

Riders in a vehicle with wooden wheels endure considerable jolting. With spoked wheels, this costs 1 FP/hour on Good terrain, 2 FP/hour on Average terrain; with solid wheels, double these costs. Such vehicles can’t negotiate Bad or Very Bad terrain (for definitions of terrain types, see Terrain, p. B351). However, travelers can avoid the FP costs for carrying baggage by putting it on their vehicle.

Oxcart (TL1). One of the world’s oldest utility vehicles, found over most of Europe and Asia, where it has hauled farm products to market for millennia. Two oxen, yoked together, pull a two-wheeled cart. The “driver” usually walks, leading the oxen; this still calls for the Teamster skill, since he’s guiding animals that are pulling a vehicle. Oxcarts are driven at a walk, for no more than five hours a day; this limits the distance they can cover.

Wagon (TL3). This is a heavier vehicle drawn by two draft horses, with a seat in front for the driver.

War Wagon (TL3). The tabor or war wagon (hradba vozova, in Czech), developed by Jan Žižka during the Hussite revolts of the early 1400s, turned the wagon into a kind of early armored personnel carrier. The vehicle is drawn by four draft horses and has a 20’-long rectangular body. Its heavy wooden sides are 3’-4’ high, above which can be raised hinged boards with firing slits to provide cover to soldiers shooting bows, crossbows, or handheld gonnes; some tabors have additional hinged boards that swing down to provide shelter under the wagon. A typical force consists of 10 wagons, which are drawn up in a square formation with the protruding front wheels of one vehicle chained to the rear wheels of the next; the horses are unhitched and led into the formation’s interior by the drivers. The side of the tabor facing into the square may have doors for easier access. Pavises (see Movable Cover, pp. 116-117) can be placed to screen the gaps between wagons. The result is effectively a mobile fort that can be set up anywhere wagons can be driven. A tabor’s standard crew is two drivers, two men with gonnes, six crossbowmen, four men with flails, four halberdiers, and two men to handle the pavise. As a combat vehicle, the tabor is LC1 – but the Hussites who developed it were rebels who weren’t worried about legality!

Chariots were primarily war vehicles. From the Celtic tribes of Britain to the Chinese kingdoms, they dominated late Bronze Age warfare and remained in use for specialized functions into the Iron Age. They acquired nonmilitary functions during the latter period, from prestige transportation for rulers to racing in the Roman Coliseum.

Attacking from a chariot is challenging – it isn’t a smooth ride at the best of times! If the chariot has spoked wheels, all ranged attacks are at -1 even on good roads or level, smooth terrain. This falls to -3 on bad roads, mildly hilly terrain, or level ground with a slightly uneven surface. Melee attacks at Move 7+ are at -1; over uneven ground, apply another -2 to melee attacks and -1 to active defenses for bad footing. Solid disc wheels on early chariots absorb shock poorly, giving a further -2 to all attacks and -1 to active defenses.

While chariots are fundamentally military vehicles, any noble might own one. Treat them as LC2 prestige goods (see Luxuries, p. 36). Heavy Chariot (TL1). A large, massive chariot, drawn by four ponies and carrying three men: driver, warrior, and shield carrier. A U-shaped wooden screen rises to waist height at the front and sides, protecting the riders against attacks from foot soldiers. Such chariots are used to charge directly at infantry or other chariots, with the aim of forcing them to break formation. This design was particularly favored by the Hittites of Anatolia (now part of Turkey); it was also used in China during the Warring States period (481-221 B.C.). The scythed chariot (TL2) is a heavy chariot with cutting blades mounted on its axles at an angle, introduced by the Assyrians and later adopted by the Persians. Treat this as inflicting cutting damage, based on the chariot’s Move and HP as for a collision (p. B430). This only works well against close formations; soldiers in open formations normally have time to step aside.

Light Chariot (TL1). A vehicle designed as a shooting platform for an archer armed with a powerful composite bow. It carries two standing men – driver and archer – and is pulled by two ponies. It has a waist-height screen like the heavy chariot, but this is usually made of leather or basketry with a light wooden frame. The standard tactic is to ride past the enemy army, shooting at them. Such chariots are made light enough to be carried by one or two men over rough terrain.

Straddle Car (TL1). This early precursor to the chariot is drawn by an onager (a kind of donkey), not by a pony. It has no protection for the rider – and indeed, no floor! The driver sits just above the axle, legs dangling to either side of the central pole, on a seat resembling a lowtech bicycle saddle. Straddle cars normally aren’t driven into combat; they’re used mainly to ride to the battlefield, where the warrior fights on foot.

Battle Car (TL2). This Irish light chariot variant weighs even less than the usual Near Eastern version, and lacks a screen for the two riders. The warrior carries several javelins rather than a bow; he may throw them at foes, or run out onto the yoke to strike at them. Typically, he later dismounts to fight on foot.

Coaches and carriages provide a smoother, more comfortable ride than any earlier wheeled vehicle. The body isn’t mounted directly on the axles, but suspended by leather straps, providing shock absorption. Halve any FP costs for jolting, rounding down.

Carriage (TL4). A small vehicle, used for city transportation; both London and Paris had fleets of carriages for hire in the 17th century (from 1605, in London). The hackney carriage, described here, was drawn by two horses.

Coach (TL4). The coach on p. B464 is a stagecoach, one of the major types of four-in-hand coach, pulled by four horses with an advanced harness that lets a single driver manage them. This arrangement is also called a “coach and four.” It entered use around 1640.

Terms and notation are as defined in Vehicle Statistics (pp. B462-463).

TEAMSTER