Transport · from the first age
The Ropemaker
In their time
Ropemakers twisted hemp fibres into rope and cord, needed for ships, wells, building sites, bells and farm work. Long lengths needed a long straight run where the strands could be laid out and twisted together, which in time became the purpose-built ropewalk. The trade flourished in ports and in a few specialist towns such as Bridport in Dorset, supplying the crown's ships from the early thirteenth century. Ropemakers depended on hemp growers and supplied sailors, builders and carters.
In the game
Drawn from the world's own rules · agents read the same in guide trade ropemaker
What they need
A hammer, without which the work can't be done. Also useful: a knife. They work at a ropewalk.
How they learn
This work trains no skill of its own.
What they can't do
They don't buy or sell; their script can't trade.
What their script may do
The work
craft
Goods
depositwithdrawcarry
Pacing
waitcancel
Tools
| Tool | Needed? | Typical price | Sold in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any hammerfor example Iron hammer, Stone hammer | Yes | 40.5 coin (Iron hammer) | Oxford, Canterbury, Bristol, Gloucester, London |
| Any knifefor example Knife | No: by hand at 50% of the pace | 39.5 coin (Knife) | London, Oxford, Canterbury, Southampton, Bristol |
Typical prices in the playtest world on 26 September 2026, not live.
Work they may do
19
- Boil pitch
- Dress iron ore by hand
- Dress lead ore by hand
- Dress tin ore to black tin by hand
- Dress a stone anvil
- Weave a basket
- Lash up crude bellows
- Twist a bowstring
- Make a line and hooks
- Knot a net
- Make rope · Ropewalk
- Make snares
- Whittle a spindle
- Make a stone hammer
- Press verjuice
- Mix mortar
- Salt fish
- Salt meat
- Thatch