Roads

The road access to a settlement is pretty important as it not only governs ease of access to the settlement, but also the trade and inns supported by the settlement. As normal, local level is determined by rolling 1d6, regional level is determined by rolling 2d6, kingdom level is determined by rolling 3d6, all capped by the level of the settlement. Note that within a settlement the grade of road may be higher than the road that accesses it. Also magical construction may substitute for certain materials. For example mud to rock may replace concrete in a road's construction, although the advice of an engineer may still be required. to ensure durability.

Level	Road Type
13+	Imperial Highway (AA+)
11-12	Royal Road (A)
9-10	Military Road (B)
7-8	Paved Road (C)
5-6	Gravelled Road (D)
3-4	Dirt Road (E)
1-2	Track (F)

Track (f)

This is a simple track winding through the terrain to the settlement. It is simply made by the locals traversing the path repeatedly. Generally not suitable for the passage of wheeled vehicles, especially in difficult terrain such as forests, jungles, badlands, and mountains. Note that if the settlement is concealed (such as a bandit camp), then the road will also generally be concealed. Trade is not a factor at this grade of road.

Dirt Road (E)

A formal right of way consisting of levelled earth, with very little additional improvemkents. The surface is not particularly robust and often marked by ruts made by the farm carts that make use of use it. During bad weather the road surface often turns to mud, especially when subjected to heavy traffic (such as moving troops along it). Trade is entirely local, moving farm (or other) produce to roads connecting larger settlements. The Romans referred to this type of road as via terrene (literally "dirt road").

Gravelled Road (D)

The surface of the road has been hardened by the simple addition of gravel. This makes the road more durable but it still requires considerable annual maintenance. Minor improvements, such as small drainage ditches and walls around fields, may be included. Streams and the like are generally crossed by fords. The Romans called this type of road via glareata. May also include variations such as corduroy roads, where logs are laid into the earth. Trade is common, and rural inns (of limited capacity) may line the road.

Paved Road (C)

The first true multi-layer road construction. The earth has been levelled and a layer of gravel added to provide drainage. The surface is then covered by paving stones to provide a durable hard surface. Relatively expensive to make and does require maintenance to avoid potholes. Streams are crossed by culverts and rivers are crossed by wooden bridges or ferries. The road is generally cambered and often feature drainage ditches to carry the water away. In hilly terrain the road may split into a high road and a low road. The low road goes around the terrain and is thus easier on any draught animals, but may be closed by bad weather. the high road goes over terrain, which means less goods can be carried, but are generally usable even in bad weather. A modern tarmac road would be considered to be of this grade.

Military Road (B)

A pit is dug and filled with rocks, rubble, and sand. A layer of gravel is added and tamped down to aid drainage. Paving stones set in cement are then laid over the gravel to create a very durable all-weather surface. Very expensive to construct. Many improvements are part of the construction, such as wide verges and a good drainage system to carry water away from the road. Rivers are generally crossed by stone bridges, and the road may pass through cuttings in the terrain. The Romans called them via munita and are what most people think of when the term Roman road is mentioned. Unless raided by locals for building materials they can last a long time. Large inns and carriage houses can be found along it catering to both travellers and merchants. There are often watchtowers and small forts to guard the road and perform checks on travellers.

Royal Road (A)

Like a military road, but with additional layers of concrete, sand and cement on top, and finished with closely-fitted paving stones on top. The mopre layers, the more durable the road, and the more expensive it is to make. Generally elevated above the surrounding terrain, with lots of improvements. It may even cross small valleys via an elevated viaduct to ensure that the road is as level as possible. Shrines may also be built along the road to protect travellers.

Imperial Highway (AA+)

This type of road is definitely making a statement of imperial power. The higher the grade, the more fantastical the highway. Perhaps it might have multiple levels for the different castes to travel upon, separated from their lessers. Or magical improvements may be included to aid travel along it or protect those who use it.