A block and tackle was a set of ropes and pulleys that enabled a user to vertically lift objects heavier than their strength would normally be capable of lifting.[1][2]
Description[]
A block and tackle typically consisted of a set of square, wooden blocks with greased internal wheels. These blocks were attached to something, such as a wall or tree branch, by multiple straps and harnesses in order to securely suspend it above the desired object. Finally, a rope, typically 50 feet (15 meters) in length, was then threaded through these series of internal wheels[1] and then a hook that attached to the desired object.[2]
A block and tackle was commonly sold in three different weight classes. A light version was capable of lifting objects less than 200 pounds (91 kilograms), a medium version was capable of lifting objects up to 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms), and a heavy version was capable of lifting objects up to 5,000 pounds (2,300 kilograms) in weight.[1]
Availability[]
- In Athkatla, one could find block and tackles for sale at the market Waukeen's Promenade.[5][note 1]
- In Zhentil Keep, one could find block and tackles for sale at Lita's Equipment.[6][note 2]
History[]
Some time between the First and Second Mulhorandi Empires, around −1048 DR to −105 DR,[7][8] people in the land of Mulhorand invented the block and tackle system. This enabled them to construct buildings with greater ease.[9]
In the Year of the Agate Hammer, 1174 DR, the Lords of Waterdeep construct a massive system of blocks and tackles that they dubbed "the hoist." A system capable of lifting and manipulating seagoing vessels into or out of the locks that led to and from Waterdeep's underground neighbor, the city of Skullport.[10]
Notable Users[]
A block and tackle was a common tool in the skill of stonemasonry.[11]
Appendix[]
Notes[]
- ↑ For Duty & Deity states that every nonmagical item featured in the Arms and Equipment Guide can be purchased at Waukeen's Promenade.
- ↑ Ruins of Zhentil Keep states that everything from the Arms and Equipment Guide, except for arms and armor, can be purchased at Lita's Equipment.
Appearances[]
- Adventures
- The Shattered Statue
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Grant Boucher, Troy Christensen, Jon Pickens, John Terra and Scott Davis (1991). Arms and Equipment Guide. (TSR, Inc.), p. 110. ISBN 1-56076-109-1.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford (2014). Player's Handbook 5th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 150–151. ISBN 978-0-7869-6560-1.
- ↑ Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 128. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
- ↑ Jeremy Crawford, Stephen Schubert, et al. (September 2011). Mordenkainen's Magnificent Emporium. Edited by Cal Moore, Tanis O'Connor. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 124. ISBN 978-0-7869-5744-6.
- ↑ Dale Donovan (May 1998). For Duty & Deity. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 10. ISBN 0-7869-1234-0.
- ↑ Kevin Melka, John Terra (March 1995). “Campaign Book”. In Julia Martin ed. Ruins of Zhentil Keep (TSR, Inc.), p. 97. ISBN 0-7869-0109-8.
- ↑ Scott Bennie (February 1990). Old Empires. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 4–5. ISBN 978-0880388214.
- ↑ Richard Baker, Ed Bonny, Travis Stout (February 2005). Lost Empires of Faerûn. Edited by Penny Williams. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 62. ISBN 0-7869-3654-1.
- ↑ Scott Bennie (February 1990). Old Empires. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), p. 86. ISBN 978-0880388214.
- ↑ Brian R. James, Ed Greenwood (September 2007). The Grand History of the Realms. Edited by Kim Mohan, Penny Williams. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 123. ISBN 978-0-7869-4731-7.
- ↑ Douglas Niles (1995). Player's Option: Skills & Powers. (TSR, Inc), p. 103. ISBN 0-7869-0149-7.