Dogsledding

1. Trade Skill Name:

Dogsledding/Mushing


2. Short Description:

This skill is the ability to drive a sled across long, snowy landscapes with a team of dogs at the lead. The musher learns how to train the dogs, and how to use the various commands to drive the team. They are also taught wilderness survival skills, and are required to complete tasks in order to advance through the various levels of mastery.


3. Background:

Dogsledding has been around for centuries and likely traces its origins to the Esh’lahier. Due to their natural resistance to colder climates, this race of elves was more adaptable to extreme temperatures than most other races. They were the first to discover the use of sleds as a faster means for carrying supplies over the snow. They were also one of the first to train dogs to support them in their hunting trips. Soon, it became apparent that the dogs could be far more beneficial than just as hunting companions. Thus, Dogsledding was born.

Legend speaks within Esh’lahier history of an elf named Elquis Myn’ornhamior who is largely recognized as being the first to devise a system of ropes called ganglines to attach dog and sled as one continuous means of transport. Though his first attempts were met with some failure, for the initial ganglines that Elquis made did not provide enough control, he learned a great deal about the power and ability of certain breeds of dogs to pull heavy weights. He also learned how these breeds could likewise survive in extremely cold temperatures. Despite nearly falling to his death in the heights of the Great Mountains, Elquis returned to make major improvements to his design and was soon operating across vast distances as a hunter, fur trader and guide. Soon others flocked to the elf to learn his trade. Even to the present day, most of what Elquis learned and devised is still being taught with only slight improvements.

As dogsledding developed and became the norm for some of the Esh’lahier settlements, knowledge of this new means of transportation began to spread throughout the known world. More durable toboggans were created, and other means of travelling through the snow were devised – such as snowshoes and skis. Each helped to enhance or further assist a musher who had the responsibility of travelling over wide tracts of snow covered land.

Another elvish race who have developed and enhanced their skills with dogsleds are the Nimalni. After the seas rose, and their once proud homes were washed away by water, the elves of Nimal were forced to retreat into the mountains of their homeland. A harsh existence presented itself to these elves, and it wasn’t long before they devised their own version of the dogsled. Dogsledding is not just seen as a means of transportation, but it also is seen as a major means for survival. Dogs are bred specifically for pulling the sleds, and are at times treated far better than the Nimalni would treat themselves. A good dog can pull a weakened Nimalni to safety. The dogs are not seen as mere tools, but as family who live and die with their owners. Though the Nimalni understand the master relationship they must have with their dogs, they also love and cherish them as one would a son or a daughter.

The first human to really become known for his dogsledding skills was Katmar Gruensen. Born in the Town of Frigid River, Katmar trained as a ranger in the Great and Khadran mountain ranges. Katmar was the first to design and build the basket sled as a means to keep ones gear as dry as possible. This new sled also provided greater speed as heavy loads were not driven through the snow. Katmar’s legend as a master ranger and musher becomes more mysterious due to his strange disappearance during his forty-second year. While travelling on a hunting trip with a fellow ranger through the Khadran Mountains near Arconis, Katmar disappeared through a large cavern never to be seen again. It was felt that he likely froze to death, but many believe that he had a more sinister demise.

Finally, the dogsledders of High Peak, the small town north of Frigid River, are reknowned for their skills. A mining community largely reliant on other towns to supply it with food and supplies, the dogsledders help to alleviate this pressure with their forays into the surrounding mountains. Furs, game and other naturally made tools and equipment are brought to the town where the citizens are able to sell or store for times of desperate need. Dogsledding is a way of life for the citizens of High Peak, much like the Nimalni, and it is believed that there are five times as many dogs as there are people in the high altitude mining town.


4. Tools of the Trade

There are several tools of the trade each having their own important uses. It is important for all mushers to think carefully about what they will require for a particular journey.

Dogs: Together with the sled, the dogs are the most important tool when one wants to dogsled. Without the dogs the sled won’t move. Generally, in Aelyria, there are three breeds of dogs that can withstand the colder climates and who have the strength to pull the heavy loads that are required of them: the Arium-Highland Shepherd, the Medonian Dragonhound and the Ghostbane. The first two are common to find in most locales in Aelyria, while the third is extremely rare and sought after. Please see Bestiary - Breeds of Aelyrian Dogs for more information on these dogs.

Dog Booties: Dog booties are generally made of strong fabric or flexible leather. They are intended to protect a dogs paws from injury, which can be caused by rough ice or on a snow less, hard surface.

Ganglines: Ganglines are a series of ropes that keeps the dogs, sled and musher all interconnected. They are designed to obtain maximum power from the dogs while ensuring that they are not harshly pulled by heavy loads. There are three components to the gangline, specifically, the tow line, the tug line and the neck line. The tow line connects to the sled and runs up between the dogs, which are placed side by side on either side of the tow line. The tug lines are braided into the tow line, and attach directly to the harnesses worn by the dogs. The neck line is likewise braided into the tow line, and fastened to the dogs collar. The function of all these ropes is to ensure the weight of the sled and cargo is evenly distributed while ensuring the dogs are not pulled too harshly or stray too far away from the tow line. It is important that mushers keep an extra set of the ganglines in cases of breakage or entanglement.

Harness: The harness is usually made from a flexible, yet durable fabric, which has extra padding to ensure they do not pull too harshly on the dog. Some are made of leather, while others are found that are made of several layers of canvas or thick rope-like material. There are essentially two types of harness: the x-back and the freighting/weight pulling. The x-back harness is used to provide the dog with the maximum ability for speed. It is designed to properly distribute the weight of the load across the dog’s body. It is important that this harness has padding and fits the dog properly. The freighting harness is used to pull heavier loads. They are designed with some similarity to the x-back harness, but differ in that they provide the dog with a different freedom of movement and different load distribution. At the rear of the harness is a spacer, primarily a wooden rod as long as the dog’s width, and hangs well back from the dog’s rear legs. The x-back harness is used with the basket sled or kit sled, and when a musher decides to skijor. The freighting harness is used with the toboggan and pulk sleds.

Runners: The two bottom pieces of the sled which make contact with the snow. They extend to the rear of the sled and provide something for the musher to stand on while driving their team.

Skis: Long pieces of wood about the width of a man’s foot that are strapped to a musher’s feet and used to glide across the snow. The are used while skijoring with a dog.

Sleds: There are primarily two main types of sleds: the basket and the toboggan. The basket sled (or stanchion sled) is used for travelling over a large area of land in the quickest amount of time. They are lightweight with the basket set up high from the ground and runners. The height of the basket allows the sled to travel faster through the snow and helps to keep a musher’s gear dry. They are fast on ice and hard packed trails, and are good in high wind conditions. The toboggan is heavier, more durable and stable than the basket sled. They are used for carrying heavy loads. Being more rigid and less manoeuvrable, the speed at which a musher can progress is not nearly as fast as one might obtain with a lighter, more agile basket sled. The bed of the toboggan is closer to the snow – being raised a mere two inches – and often times a load will be dragged through high drifts and snow banks. It not uncommon for a single dog to have the ability to pull over 2,000 pounds when properly harnessed and trained.

A third type of sled is the pulk, which is specifically used to carry supplies, and has no place for the musher to stand. Generally, the musher would be on snowshoes, or skis, leading the dogs and pulk through the trail towards their destination. Capable of carrying far heavier loads, the pulk is just a sled with a flattened top on which supplies can be tied down. Finally, one might find or use a kit sled, a smaller version of the basket sled, which can generally be pulled by one or two dogs with ease. It is generally used for day trips or training. It holds very little in the way of gear, and should never be used for journeys lasting more than one brightening.

Sled Bag: The sled bag is essentially a large sack made of canvas or cloth. They are used to carry an injured dog or gear.

Snow or Ice Hook: The snow hook is essentially the emergency brake. While all sleds are equipped with a brake, specifically being a spike that is pressed into the snow and acts to slow the sled, the snow hook ensures that the dogs and sled do not dart off when a musher stops the sled, or must get off for a variety of reasons. Being a large, metal hook, they are attached to the rear of the gangline and tossed into the snow keeping the dogs and sled firmly in place. If a snow hook is attached to the sled itself, the dogs have enough strength to destroy the sled by ripping it apart where the hook was fastened.

Snowshoes: There will be times when the musher must lead their dogs and sled through particularly rough terrain, or walk with sleds loaded down heavily with supplies. Snowshoes are made from a oval shaped piece of wood, which are fastened to each foot, and provide a webbing of leather that allows a musher to walk on top of deep snow. The musher is given greater ability to travel at a faster, less tiring pace, and provide them with the strength to help the dogs through times of trouble.

Snub Line: A piece of rope attached to the sled, which is used to tie it down to a tree or other object.

Stake: A metal or wooden post that is driven into the ground. The dogs are tied to these posts while not being used, or in their kennel.

Tether Line: A length of rope or chain with smaller lengths of rope or chain extending out from it. It is used to tie down the dogs when not in use or in their kennels.

Toggle: A small piece of ivory or wood that can be used to fasten the tug lines to the dog's harness.

Wheeled Cart: The wheeled cart is essentially the basket sled on wheels. They are used during periods when there is no snow, and can be used to train dogs indoors.

There are other items that are required for a musher, such as warm and dry clothing, including boots, wilderness survival equipment, blankets, flint to make a fire, maps of the terrain plus a myriad of other supplies that one may or may not find useful. These items are generally particular to the individual musher.


5. Commands

Hike: The command to start the team.

Gee: The command for the team to turn right.

Haw: The command for the team to turn left.

Come Gee: The command for the team to make a 180 degree turn to the right.

Come Haw: The command for the team to make a 180 degree turn to the left.

Easy: The command for the team to slow down.

Whoa: The command for the team to stop, which is accompanied by heavy pressure on the sled brake.

Heyup: The command for the dogs to speed up.

Line out: The command for the lead dog to pull the team straight out from the sled. Useful when wanting to hook or unhook the dogs from the gangline.

Trail: Not really a command for the dog, but used to request a right-of-way on the trail when another musher or hiker is ahead.

On-by: The command instructing the lead dog to go by a fork in the trail, or other distractions without going off the current path.


6. Types of Dogs Attached to Ganglines

Lead Dog: The lead dog is the most important dog on the team. They are the most intelligent and are required to run in front of all the other dogs. These dogs learn the specific commands that specify the speed and direction for the entire team. They must know and react when they are asked to turn right, left, speed up or slow down when the proper command is spoken in a firm, calm and not overly loud voice. There are times when one might find two lead dogs are necessary.

Swing Dog: The swing dog(s) run directly behind the leader. They are responsible for helping to swing the team into turns or curves.

Wheel Dog: The wheel dog(s) run closest to the sled, and are responsible for pulling the sled out and around corners or trees.

Team Dog: The team dog is any dog that does not fall in any of the definitions above. Most times, a sled will have seven or eight dogs, but there are times when extra strength is required, and ten or even a dozen dogs may find themselves tied to the ganglines.


7. Other Terms

Pedaling: The act of pushing the sled with one foot while the other remains on the runner.

Skijoring: Skijoring, or ski driving, is the act of riding on skis while being pulled by a dog. Useful for travelling great distances at a high speed with little or no equipment.

Strawing: The act of cleaning out the dog house or kennel.


8. Skill Tree

NOVICE:

At first, the student musher must learn to be around the dogs. A special bond develops between the musher and his team, and from the start, the student must learn how to properly treat their dogs. They spend a great deal of time learning about the animals that will eventually be under their care, including feeding, training and the various simple commands one must use while on the sled. Training of dogs is heavily emphasized for a musher must be able to understand how and why the dogs react to the commands given. The musher is taught about the important bond between the dogs and themselves, and how each animal has its own special duty while pulling the sled. Finally, a student is taught to drive using the kit sled and one dog. Mainly, they are given lessons on nearby trails and do not travel more than an hour away from their home or training ground.

APPRENTICE:

As an Apprentice, the student is required to purchase three of their own puppies. During the time that the puppies begin to grow, they are to attend to their training under the watchful eye of an instructor, and by the time the dogs are old enough to begin pulling a sled, the musher should have advanced their training skills to a proficient enough level to do so on their own. Also during this time, the musher is instructed in the construction of the basket and toboggan sleds, and by the time the three dogs have learned the proper commands, the musher should have their own sleds constructed. The musher is also taught the basics of cross-country skiing, which is to eventually lead them to learning how to skijor in more advanced skill levels. Finally, the musher and instructor take day long trips into the wild as the musher and his dogs become familiar with not only pulling the sled, but being with and depending on each other.

JOURNEYMAN:

In Journeyman training, the musher now learns winter wilderness survival, and is required to train two more dogs for pulling their sleds. They are taught how special shelters can be built from the snow, where to look for signs of caves and how to read signs along the trail. Other wilderness skills, such a fire building and hunting, are likewise emphasized. Furthermore, the musher is shown and helped to perfect their cross-country skiing abilities. When the instructor deems them to be ready, they are shown the various uses of skijoring, or ski driving, with a dog attached to the musher and pulling them across the snow at greater speeds. To complete this level of training, the musher must complete a trek of one hundred kilometres with only their dogs as their companion.

MASTER:

In Master training, the musher now brings his or her team up to seven dogs in total. They are shown the ways to help a dog pull immense weights across the snow, and are further instructed in winter wilderness skills. They are shown how to recognize certain signs in the snow that may be telling of an avalanche, coming storm or thin ice. Further instruction in skijoring is provided and perfected. In order to complete this level of training, a musher must complete a trek of two hundred and fifty kilometres proving that they are capable and proficient to travel immense distances while ensuring for not only their safety, but also for the safety of their dogs.

GRANDMASTER:

A Grandmaster level musher is one of the most highly regarded mushers in Aelyria. They are capable of travelling increasingly longer distances, and are sought after to lead large expeditions over snowy landscapes. By the time the musher is ready to progress to this skill level, the musher has relatively learned all that they are capable of learning. The only requirement for this level of mastery is to complete a journey of five hundred kilometres, following which a musher is recognized to be at the peak of their abilities.


9. Example Products:

In harsh, snowy climates a musher is a much needed individual. They are true masters of their terrain. They act as guides through snowy landscapes, or as shippers of products to arctic or high altitude towns. Many will find they are needed gatherers and hunters of food during the long winters, or traders in fur supplying the needed pelts for hats, shoes, gloves, jackets and other items. Some are just hermits preferring an existence in the wild than the lifestyle found in civilization. There are those who have trained as rangers plying the skills learned to act as scouts and guides to the military and elite classes. With the combination of ranger and winter wilderness survival skills, the musher is able to live in virtually any climate with success.