Land Feasibility Survey
This humble apprentice of the Most Illustrious Office of Cartography and Surveyors of the Sultan's Domain - Also known as Apû-Mû, which is rendered in the modern tongue as "Seekers of Life-Bearing Waters" - has prepared for your benefit a ground assessment survey to describe and evaluate the viability and potential impact of fortified construction upon the chosen sites.
The purpose of the proposed action is to determine the suitability and viability of the selected regions for the construction and maintenance of a military fortification which shall, by request of the client, be capable of hosting 30 armed men and stable an unspecified number of horses (I have selected 4 horses on semi-permanent station as this seems to be a reasonable number of horses).
Tomes on the matter and the informed opinion of experts state that a fortification to host the specified force should have dimensions measuring no smaller than 40 feet x 40 feet, and at that size, it would need to be three stories tall, or two stories with one sub-ground level. The ground must be of sufficient strength and stability to support such a structure.
In addition, although we are not experts on military matters, and have not received advanced tuition on the matter, we have deferred to the opinions of experts and have also applied "common sense" to the matters of defense and survival, and have included these findings in our assessment of each site.
Tools used:
Shovel
Crystal Plumb-Bob
Magnifying Glass
Sifting Sand Separation Vase (S3 Vase)
10 Foot Pole (Collapsable)
Light Separation Device
Measuring String, knotted in 10ft increments
In the grand tradition of Surveyors of Baz'eel dating back to antiquity, mineral samples were collected from the sites for the purpose of producing coloured pigments for the painted representations of the land, for it has been handed down from antiquity that the land must be the land and the stars must be the stars.
Zelpha Nesendya al-Faltarnis
Scribe of the Sublime Garden
Apprentice Cartographer of the Lands and Skies
In loyal service to Ephia's Well
(https://i.imgur.com/7q0eL2O.png)
Plate 1 - Site 1
1.1 - Cartographical rendering of the survey site, to scale of 1":10'
1.2 - Simple rendering of a 40'x40' fortress, to scale of 1":10'
1.3 - Cut-away rendering showing the different layer compositions of the ground, as well as the ground fault discovered. Vertical scale is not representative of true depth of bedrock and water table, which are unknown.
Site 1
Ground Composition Report (fig 3)
Top Layer - Soft Sand
Depth of 0ft - 3ft
Sand (65%), Ash (30%), Traces of silt, salt, iron, quartz, calcium.
Low to non-existent water content.
Deep Sand / Rough Sand
Depth of 3ft-10ft
Sand (60%), Dirt (10%), Sandstone (10%), Ash (5%), Traces of silt, salt, iron, quartz, calcium.
Low water content.
Clay deposits
Depth of 8ft-10ft
Clay (100%)
Moderate water content. Likely absorbs water from the water table through cracks and faults in the bedrock as well as through the desiccation and drainage of the upper layers of sand. Excessive water absorption can result in the phenomenon known as "upswelling" where sand is pushed upwards and outwards with slow but inexorable force.
Bedrock
Depth of 10ft+
Bedrock (100%)
Water Table
Unknown depth
Features of Site 1
The location is a wide canyon valley in between two hamada. Miles to the south, the sand gives way to desert pavement, but in this location the top layers of sand are quite loose and soft. A road, in disrepair and ruin, runs North to South, and bridges a chasm that runs East-West. Nearby caves are inhabited by monsters and cultists and the area is known to be patrolled by remnants of the Thousand Clans, Sibilant, Ogres as well as other roaming monsters. Despite all this and the condition of the road itself this route is favored by many travelers and traders.
"The Broken Road"
This ancient road runs mostly North and South, with some deviations in its course for terrain. It may have originally provided passage all the way to Baz'eel in antiquity, but terrain upheaval and time have made this passage unviable as it is overtaken by chasms, hamada and ergs. In our current era, this road is used by caravans and traders, providing a semi-stable route between the various hisars and settlements within the Windy Plateau region as well as passage to Ephia's Well and the regions beyond.
Many sections of the road are in disrepair, being broken or submerged partially or fully by sand and debris. Despite this sorrowful condition, it is able to provide a stable enough ground for wheeled caravans, which are otherwise unable to efficiently traverse the deep sands.
"The Giant's Bridge"
The bridge spans a chasm of around 50 feet wide and of indeterminate depth. It is my initial hypothesis that the chasm was once a river-bed in antiquity; but further investigation would be required to determine the truth of this.
I was unable to determine if the bridge was of original giant construction or if it was rebuilt or repaired by the Orentid in emulation of the giants they so perversely adore. The bridge is of solid and stable construction and does not appear to be in any risk of immediate collapse at this time despite the conditions of the nearby road, indicating that the chasm itself has not grown or shrank beyond the bridge's tolerances.
There are cliffs and plateau that run parallel to the bridge, which permit forces to conduct scouting and ranged assault from higher ground upon travelers across it.
"The Gap"
There are two outcrops upon which giant statues were once situated - one has since fallen. Upon investigation, it was determined that there exists a vertical shift in the bedrock below the sand, indicated on fig 1. This is likely a fault line and it is the survey team's informed opinion that the bedrock has gone through periods of geological instability and shifting, which explains the apparent offset in the two outcrops as well as the fallen statue. Clay deposits were found along this fault line, which combined with the geological movement, contributed to a phenomenon known as upswelling which explains the damage to the road and subsequent movement of the debris with time.
Assessment of Site 1
The geological instability of the underlying bedrock makes this a poor location for the construction of a permanent structure. It is our esteemed learned opinion that any structure built atop the fault line would last, at best, 10 to 20 years before succumbing to the inexorable sheering force of the geological activity.
While one might fancy that this is a strategic location due to being able to build a gate across the road to both control and safeguard access, the location is flanked by plateaus on both sides which would permit raiders and siege weapons to be easily brought to bear upon the fortification. Given the aforementioned ogres known the raid the region, one would have to be extremely wary of boulder attacks from high cliffs.
Nearby caves and canyons - which are known to be filled with monsters and cultists - afford easy, undetected approaches to the location, making it vulnerable to raids.
It is our opinion that Site 1 is not a feasible location for a fortress in semi-hostile territory, but it might be feasible for a small toll-gate if the monsters and barbarians are ever driven away to more distant territories.
(https://i.imgur.com/XlNWq7R.png)
Plate 2 - Site 2
2.1 - Cartographical rendering of the survey site, to scale of 1":10'
Site 2
Ground Composition Report
Top Layer - Soft Sand
Depth of 0ft - 1ft
Sand (60%), Ash (35%), Traces of silt, salt, iron, quartz, calcium.
Non-existent water content.
Hamada Stone (Basalt)
Depth of 20ft+
Basalt
Features of Site 2
This site is located a few hundred feet north and west of Site 1, across the bridge and chasm. The location here is marked by several hamada ranging in height from a few feet to several dozen feet tall. The tallest rock formation is the one of notable interest for the purposes of this survey as it potentially offers a strategic commanding view of the surroundings including the Giant's Road that passes nearby.
"The Lovers"
A nearby hamada within walking distance, where one can view the remains of a wagon - an indication that particular patch of land may have once been more accessible and part of a trade route. A small pond survives atop this bluff, which can serve as a source of water.
"The Sentinel"
The largest outcrop and the one of interest to the client as a site for the fortress. The ground here has about a foot of loose "soft" sand, and under that is the hard, lifeless basalt of the hamada. In past eras, I believe these surfaces would have been entirely bare of sand, but the presence of ash in the sand lends it some ability to smudge and "cling" to the stone which has subsequently allowed a sand layer to develop. It is possible that this sand layer may continue to develop, eventually culminating in the formation of "deep sand" and the ability to retain some water - but for now only the smallest and hardiest of plants can survive in such inhospitable conditions.
The top of the bluff contains several rock formations that would need to be cleared for there to be enough space to build a fortress of the requested capabilities. We have heard some people mention Tlonsiyyan explosives, however these are not among the approved methods recognized by the Ba'zeelian Order of Cartography and so I cannot comment on their efficacy or cost for this purpose. Clearing them by pick and hand would be a time consuming endeavor, and dangerous due to the untamed nature of the area - and would require guards and temporary fortifications. Retaining the services of a Notarized Geomancer would be the best option, of course, but such would be difficult and expensive (or impossible) without existing social connections.
Assessment of Site 2
The bluff will require significant work to clear and level it for construction, but it offers a very defensive position with a commanding view of the nearby road and other passages through the hamada. The presence of a nearby source of water is a good sign and would reduce the amount of water that would need to be transported in. However, due to it not being enclosed within the fortress walls there is the possibility that attackers can deny the fortress access to it.
There exists a walled fortress to the west of the location. If it is occupied then it is possible that construction may provoke a response from its occupiers.
The proximity to the Giant's Road would allow the fortress to safeguard portions of it, and additional taxes and fees can be collected by allowing the fortress to be used as a wayfort for traders.
Basalt is very difficult to work so clearing the site will be the most significant hurdle, but in this cartographer's esteemed opinion, this site is viable both structurally and defensively.
(https://i.imgur.com/xpIsSox.png)
Plate 3 - Site 3
3.1 - Cartographical rendering of the survey site, to scale of 1":10'
Site 3
Ground Composition Report
Top Layer - Soft Sand
Depth of 0ft - 5ft
Sand (60%), Ash (25%), Dirt(10%), Traces of silt, salt, iron, quartz, calcium.
Low to non-existent water content.
Deep Sand / Rough Sand
Depth of 5ft-15ft
Sand (60%), Dirt (10%), Sandstone (10%), Ash (5%), Traces of silt, salt, iron, quartz, calcium.
Low water content.
Bedrock
Depth of 10ft+
Bedrock (100%)
Water Table
Unknown depth
Features of Site 3
Site 3 is several hundred feet to the west and south of Site 1, located on the opposite side of a chasm with no immediate means of crossing.
Similar in composition to Site 1, although here we find a slightly higher hydration in the deep sand. This is accompanied by the increased presence of hardier desert plants in the region, particularly among an alcove in the north-facing rock which has been purposed into a herbalist's chamber.
This location is dominated by hamada and there are passages through rocky canyons that grant access to a clearing terminating in the cliff edge, which is the location of interest.
"The Shrine"
There is a large shrine to the Wheel in the area, west of the surveyed site. Additionally, several cave entrances can be found in the cliffs encircling the shrine - and there may be more caves hidden from view.
Assessment of Site 3
The bedrock layer is stable, and it is this cartographer's opinion that the site is capable of supporting a fortress of the requested size. It is viable, but strategically questionable.
The location will require the excavation and clearing of some of the cliff-faces to clear enough land to allow for construction.
The surrounding cliffs present a tactical vulnerability, same as Site 1.
The region is more hydrated and may be able to sustain some grazing animals.
The canyons pose a risk as the location does not command a high position to overlook the ground.
These are all bundled up and collected by a very pleased looking Aurelio. A response forthcoming.