Distance - HELP ME! - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

the real findorfin · 11-25-2002, 01:09 PM

I'm trying to create a fantasy trilogy at the moment and the distances are killing me.
I've drawn a map out but as I haven't a clue as to how far horses/men can travel in a day, I've had to scale it in to 'days on horseback', which is very difficult, (and rather stupid sounding now I've typed it out).
But its the only way I can do it.

Is there anyone out there who has a good knowledge of distance, for instance:

daily distances of...

Horseback travel, not a dash but quite urgent
Horseback travel, devil on your back speed
Walking, every second counts
Walking, making your way across country, but at a moderate pace.

Any help on the things I've said, or any other ways of travel would be MUCH appreciated.

THANKS

***Sharkû*** · 11-25-2002, 02:16 PM

Try to look up examples set by Tolkien (who was, at least in revision, quite precise mostly).

Gandalf on Shadowfax; army movements; the Three Hunters running across country; the Fellowship on the Anduin; all of those are good guidelines.

Manwe Sulimo · 11-25-2002, 02:29 PM

Well, average walking pace is allegedly between 2mph and 4mph. Hiking is generally not that fast, since you need to take breaks and set up camp. So, hiking is likely to be maybe 30-40 miles in a 15-hour day. I have no experience with horseback riding, but I'm sure horses can't run nonstop for more than a half an hour or so, at maybe 15mph? So, maybe (in a 10-hour-day) 80-100 miles? (That's without equipment, mind you. And even if 15x10 is 150, horses can't run nonstop.) With equipment, or in the company of walkers, would reduce to maybe 50-60 and 30-40, respectively.

Estelyn Telcontar · 11-25-2002, 02:36 PM

Here is a reference by Bethberry:

Quote:

The Atlas of Middle Earth has a small section called "Pathways" which charts distances travelled for each day travelled from September 3018 III to March 3019 III, pp.157-161.

This information, along with many other useful links for writers of RPGs and fan fiction, is on the RPG Resources thread.

Rimbaud · 11-25-2002, 02:41 PM

The Roman infantry, when fed, rested and motivated could march at most 40 miles in a day, on good terrain. This of course, is fully armoured. This pace could not be consistently repeated, even ignoring external factors such as weather, supplies and terrain.

[ November 25, 2002: Message edited by: Rimbaud ]

Lostgaeriel · 11-28-2002, 01:07 AM

See also HELP ME>>>>horses from a year ago.

[ November 28, 2002: Message edited by: Lostgaeriel ]

11-25-2002, 01:09 PM	#1
the real findorfin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Mirkwood Posts: 514	Distance - HELP ME! I'm trying to create a fantasy trilogy at the moment and the distances are killing me. I've drawn a map out but as I haven't a clue as to how far horses/men can travel in a day, I've had to scale it in to 'days on horseback', which is very difficult, (and rather stupid sounding now I've typed it out). But its the only way I can do it. Is there anyone out there who has a good knowledge of distance, for instance: daily distances of... Horseback travel, not a dash but quite urgent Horseback travel, devil on your back speed Walking, every second counts Walking, making your way across country, but at a moderate pace. Any help on the things I've said, or any other ways of travel would be MUCH appreciated. THANKS __________________ Legends of Middle Earth

11-25-2002, 02:29 PM	#3
Manwe Sulimo Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Taurelilómëa-tumbalemorna Tumbaletaurëa Lómëanor Posts: 553	Well, average walking pace is allegedly between 2mph and 4mph. Hiking is generally not that fast, since you need to take breaks and set up camp. So, hiking is likely to be maybe 30-40 miles in a 15-hour day. I have no experience with horseback riding, but I'm sure horses can't run nonstop for more than a half an hour or so, at maybe 15mph? So, maybe (in a 10-hour-day) 80-100 miles? (That's without equipment, mind you. And even if 15x10 is 150, horses can't run nonstop.) With equipment, or in the company of walkers, would reduce to maybe 50-60 and 30-40, respectively. __________________ "Monkeys learn sign language so they can tell the dolphins they love them."

11-25-2002, 02:41 PM	#5
Rimbaud The Perilous Poet Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Heart of the matter Posts: 1,062	The Roman infantry, when fed, rested and motivated could march at most 40 miles in a day, on good terrain. This of course, is fully armoured. This pace could not be consistently repeated, even ignoring external factors such as weather, supplies and terrain. [ November 25, 2002: Message edited by: Rimbaud ] __________________ And all the rest is literature

11-28-2002, 01:07 AM	#6
Lostgaeriel Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Toronto the Good Posts: 477	See also HELP ME>>>>horses from a year ago. [ November 28, 2002: Message edited by: Lostgaeriel ] __________________ Elen síla lúmenn’ omentielvo, a star shines on the hour of our meeting.

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11-25-2002, 02:16 PM	#2
*Sharkû* Hungry Ghoul Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 1,719	Try to look up examples set by Tolkien (who was, at least in revision, quite precise mostly). Gandalf on Shadowfax; army movements; the Three Hunters running across country; the Fellowship on the Anduin; all of those are good guidelines.