I have been giving some more thought to the article. I like it (particularly the descriptive text boxes which add atmosphere to the place) but there are some points which niggle me...
1. "The bridge itself is... between 40 and 50 metres wide" (presumably thinning a little towards the mid-point), which is followed by "Rathurbosk consists of a single elongated street, between 4 and 5 metres wide that runs down the middle of the bridge". This allows for buildings some 17m to about 22m deep on either side of the street – relatively grand by medieval standards, depending how narrow they are (and there would probably be some variance. The depth allows for the "side lanes (which) end after a few metres, either in a narrow courtyard, in a front door, or out into the abyss"...
Note, however, that the description in DW Book 6, page 24, says "a tiered
plaza that climbs the curve of the bridge." 5m wide is hardly a plaza. I think it becomes necessary to increase the width of the bridge (by, say, 10m?) and then you can have a plaza which would be 5 + (however much you have widened the bridge by) across.
Wider plazas also allow for grander and stairs and impressive vistas.
2. We have already discussed potential issues with surrendering weapons and how these get across the bridge. But what about trade?
The map on pages 260 to 261 of DW book 6 shows that the Rathurbosk is a focal point for trade routes travelling from Krarth and down through Kurland. The book itself describes the bridge as "constructed in the distant past by the magi of Spyte... in order to facilitate trade between Krarth and the lands to the south." It then seems a nonsense to have constructed it in such a way as to have made "it impossible to cross the city with a cart" (as the article says).
Two possibilities spring to mind. Either there are ramps leading up the tiers of the central plaza, allowing laden wagons to be hauled over the bridge, or there is a tunnel (or more than one) running through the bridge’s structure which allow wagons to pass through. The description in Book 6 does say "a sprawling bridge-city covered with marvellous edifices and honeycombed with innumerable chambers and corridors that run throughout its structure."
I’m toying with introducing the following:
Inside the gates and at the far side of the first plaza are two vaulted entrance ways to tunnels that run inside the structure of the city. These two tunnels begin separate, but then merge as the city narrows slightly – traffic for each tunnel now separated by a row of massive stone pillars that support a barrel-vaulted ceiling.
A pale, silvery light of unknown source illuminates the interior of the tunnels, allowing travellers to see where they are going and revealing images and pictograms that cover the entire ceiling; depicting scenes from Krarth's myths and legends. These images can be quite disturbing to the new visitor, but those who travel the length of these tunnels regularly are used to them and spare barely a glance upwards.
Doors in the side of the tunnel give access to other corridors and chambers within the structure of the bridge. While some reveal stairs leading to the surface, others lead away or down to little-known places. The inner depths of the bridge comprise a warren, the furthest reaches of which are not well known. It is rumoured that the Guidor family have a plan of sorts but, if true, this is never shown to outsiders.
While practical for those who wish to cross the bridge, the experience is not all that pleasant. Despite several ventilation shafts, the air within the tunnel is often quite stuffy and the smell of animal dung (from the multitude of horses and mules that draw wagons along its length) is ever-present. A sturdy and tall pair of boots is recommended.Having corridors honeycombing the structure make practical sense too; they lighten the structure, making it less likely to collapse under its own weight.
3. "Only when the city sleeps may horses be led through the city"... Well,
possibly. But for a city that has grown fat on trade, to make things difficult for merchants seems a bit foolish. If you accept the idea of cross-bridge tunnels, then horses may simply not be led through the upper city (they would find stairs difficult anyway – especially going down the far side). Otherwise night-time would be very noisy for the bridge with the sound of hooves and the rumble of wheels.
(It wouldn't just be cross-bridge trade either; there would be visitors and deliveries of food and other essentials to the residents.)
4. If the Flynt Rydd is a narrow building then, presumably, the balconies and central atrium comprise the entire width of the building. That means that any rooms for guests would be to the rear (cheaper quarters mean sleeping on the balconies).* As it is the "first house on the Square" then it probably benefits from being at the widest part of the bridge and would stretch back some 20+ metres (see above).
* Or maybe there are no rooms – just one big room where everyone sleeps on the balconies (with sections curtained off)?
5. It also occurs to me that one thing is missing from any description I have read of The Rathurbosk; considering its location, it would be renowned as a
windy city.
Erm. I think that’s enough from me for now.