# Greywater Reach — Ridgeford Starting Packet

**Status:** GM_APPROVED PLAYER PACKET — not delivered

## Early spring, Year 1

Cold rain has replaced snow in the valley. Meltwater runs hard and brown along the Greywater, carrying branches and plates of rotten ice. Nights still freeze shallow mud. The upland track is patchy with snow, and grazing has not begun.

You are Ridgeford's Bridgewarden. One hundred fifty-one people live on the gravel terrace and nearby slopes. They accepted you after you organized a roof rescue during winter sickness and made skilled households work under one visible plan.

You remember modern life but not your former identity.

## Opening scene

The western end of the foot crossing moves when the current strikes it.

Evin has tied a red-dyed rope across the approach. Beyond it, two stone steps sit lower than yesterday, and water pulses through a dark gap beneath the abutment.

Dorr, the master stoneworker, points upstream. “The whole end must come apart while we can still choose the work.”

Sila arrives with three lean cattle and six herders. “Choose quickly, then. The upland fodder is nearly gone. A bridge closed for a month is not a bridge.”

Mara stands behind them with a grain measure under her arm. She says nothing until both look at her.

## What you can see

### People and authority

- **Dorr**, master stoneworker, commands the most experienced repair crew. He wants a durable rebuild and rejects work he considers cosmetic.
- **Sila**, herd speaker, coordinates cattle, goats, and seven herding households. She needs safe passage soon.
- **Mara**, store keeper, releases project grain only through witnessed counts.
- **Evin**, rope maker and river worker, maintains current markers, crossing ropes, and two small boats. He closed the foot approach this morning.
- **Pell**, a young ridge runner, knows part of the northeastern path and wants a recognized scouting role.
- **Orra**, shelter carpenter, warns that spring roof and drainage work still needs skilled hands.

People generally accept your office. They do not agree on whether its first duty is a permanent crossing, immediate stock passage, or protection of stores and homes.

### Food and livestock

- Grain and dried legumes can cover roughly eleven disciplined weeks.
- Seed is protected.
- Livestock survived winter but are lean.
- Heavy repair labor will need planned rations.
- Upland fodder is running out before new grazing is ready.

### Shelter and tools

- Most homes are dry stone and timber.
- Ridgeford has strong stone hammers, wedges, rope, sledges, and basic woodworking tools.
- There is little metal.
- Skilled stoneworkers, carpenters, herders, and river workers overlap less than people assume.

### Water and crossing

- Springs and ordinary drinking water are reliable.
- The main foot crossing is unsafe at its western end.
- A broader shallow exists in summer, but spring current covers its markers.
- Two small boats can carry people or light loads, not cattle or mass stone.
- Fresh gaps are visible among stones low on the damaged side. Evin says the pattern deserves inspection.

## Local map

```text
                 Slateback uplands
                        ^
            path toward Northbarrow
                        |
    west slopes --- Ridgeford === Greywater downstream
                       \
                        \ seasonal track toward Ford Meadow
```

You know Northbarrow lies beyond the northeastern track. Its cattle people have used the wider meadow in other years. You do not know their current plans.

Downstream travel is possible when water falls, but you do not possess a reliable settlement map.

## Customs you know

- The crossing has traditionally been a common service, not private property.
- Households contribute labor according to use and capacity, with public witnesses for large calls.
- Store releases for major work are counted before witnesses.
- Herders may seek another safe route if a crossing authority cannot provide one.
- Outside labor creates a claim to witnessed terms, not automatic ownership.

## Immediate pressure

The crossing cannot safely remain as it is. Stock need passage within weeks, but a rushed repair could fail under people or animals. A full rebuild competes with shelter, drainage, field, and store labor.

## Opportunities and warnings

- Inspection may reveal whether the damage is local or structural.
- A temporary rope, boat, or alternate-shallow system might buy time.
- A durable crossing could shape future travel and Ridgeford's regional role.
- Northbarrow may possess labor, cattle knowledge, or competing expectations.
- Closing the ford without an alternative may split herders from stone crews.
- Opening it without a test may kill someone.

## Your Turn 1 submission

Describe what you lead Ridgeford to do during Early spring. You may use any format and attempt anything supported by the situation.

Maximum: 1,500 words.