Difference between revisions of "Chalet (structure)"

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A '''chalet''' is a type of wooden house, found primarily in Swiss [[Alpine (range)|alpine ranges]], but comparable versions exist in other parts of the world. They are distinguished from other similar structures by a gently sloping roof, exposed structural elements, and large overhanging eaves at the front and sides. These eaves prevent rainwater from eroding the foundation. The overhanging roof is supported by large gables on the front of the house in order to withstand high levels of snowfall.
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[[File:Chalet_(structure).jpg|right|525px|thumb]]
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In the 17th-century game world, a '''chalet''' is a seasonal structure used by herdsmen who drive their cattle to graze on the alpine grass in the summer, traditionally between late April and September.  These herds are returned to [[Haymeadow|haymeadows]] in the lower valley, to feast on the hay grown in the summer, while throughout the winter contributing their part to the soil's vitality.
  
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Chalets are most used by [[Herder|herdsmen]] as seasonal [[Domestic Cattle|cattle]] farms during the summer months, often housing both the animals, who are gathered into a stall on the first story, and the herdsmen themselves. During this time, the herdsmen take advantage of the cold climate to make [[Butter|butter]] and [[Cheese|cheese]] from the cattle’s milk. These remote dwellings are empty and unoccupied during the winter, as the herds are driven back down to the warmer flatlands, taking the summer’s products with them. Any valuable items which needed to remain at the chalet during the winter would be locked in small huts called '''mazots''' near the main building.
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== Construction ==
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Period chalets are constructed of field stone and mortar, with little to no insulation; this offers protection against the wind and little else in the winter time.  While some have a chimney, most do not. The roof is gently sloping, with overhanging eaves on the front and sides to prevent snowmelt and rainwater from eroding the foundation. Large gables support the front of the house to withstand high levels of snowfall. Chalets are often embedded in the natural slope for temperature buffering and additional support.
  
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Despite these humble origins, chalet-style buildings found their way down into the cities and villages, and can be found in use as elaborate villas, inns, or parsonages. In contrast to the rural chalets, these buildings can feature extreme ornamentation, with detailed carvings on every surface. Consequently, a chalet finished in this manner may be considered a work of art in its own right.
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The lower floor, usually 18 ft. by 25, has a dirt floor.  Stone stalls covered with straw house birthing or sick animals in the summer, while the main herd remains exposed in the cool nights.  The upper floor is larger, 20 ft. by 28, divided between bunkrooms and an area for making [[Butter|butter]] and [[Cheese-making (sage ability)|cheese]] from cow's milk. The upper floor consists of flagstone laid on planks; the shape of the roof keeps the room cool in hot days.  Cooking is often done outdoors by herdsmen.
  
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== Layout ==
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== Access & Appropriation ==
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Because the chalet is left unoccupied from October to March, an understanding exists that hunters and others without malevolent intent may shelter there if necessary, especially if caught by a storm.  A store of wood is sufficient for several weeks, though [[Food|food]] cannot be counted upon.  The mages' guild sends out members to inscribe glyphs on these buildings and upon the "mazots" nearby (small huts used to store valuable private items).  These are harmless to good people, but will severely punish others — and help preserve the chalet from occupation by malicious humanoids and monsters.
  
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[[File:Chalet.png|frameless|right|Layout of a typical chalet]]
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Occasionally, a chalet will be occupied by a creature capable of deactivating the glyphs; whereupon, it becomes a lair from which the monster can prey upon persons in the lower valley throughout the winter. Expeditions to clean out these parasites are difficult due to the cold and prodigious snowfall, but multiple parties are sometimes collected for this very purpose.  Each party is sent to investigate a possible occupied chalet and either manage the problem or report back to the local village or town.
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A basic chalet is generally laid out as a square about 20 ft. on a side. The first story can be made of wood but is more commonly made of stone. Wooden support beams are then laid across the top of the stone layer. These beams extend several feet out to accommodate the porch, which itself provides additional shelter for the base of the structure.
 
  
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Each story is divided into 3–4 rooms. A smaller chalet will only have one or two stories at most.
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== Anachronisms ==
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The common perception of a beautiful "chalet" made entirely of wood, enriched with carvings and built as a private home is an 18-19th century phenomenon, far post-dating the game world.  Details about what these structures were in the 1600s is scant and unreliable ... but for game purposes the ideal of a pretty building in the Alps should be discarded in the players' imaginations.
  
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== Construction ==
 
  
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Placeholder.
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See also,<br>
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[[Alpine (range)]]<br>
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[[Rural Structures]]

Latest revision as of 01:40, 29 April 2023

Chalet (structure).jpg

In the 17th-century game world, a chalet is a seasonal structure used by herdsmen who drive their cattle to graze on the alpine grass in the summer, traditionally between late April and September. These herds are returned to haymeadows in the lower valley, to feast on the hay grown in the summer, while throughout the winter contributing their part to the soil's vitality.

Construction

Period chalets are constructed of field stone and mortar, with little to no insulation; this offers protection against the wind and little else in the winter time. While some have a chimney, most do not. The roof is gently sloping, with overhanging eaves on the front and sides to prevent snowmelt and rainwater from eroding the foundation. Large gables support the front of the house to withstand high levels of snowfall. Chalets are often embedded in the natural slope for temperature buffering and additional support.

The lower floor, usually 18 ft. by 25, has a dirt floor. Stone stalls covered with straw house birthing or sick animals in the summer, while the main herd remains exposed in the cool nights. The upper floor is larger, 20 ft. by 28, divided between bunkrooms and an area for making butter and cheese from cow's milk. The upper floor consists of flagstone laid on planks; the shape of the roof keeps the room cool in hot days. Cooking is often done outdoors by herdsmen.

Access & Appropriation

Because the chalet is left unoccupied from October to March, an understanding exists that hunters and others without malevolent intent may shelter there if necessary, especially if caught by a storm. A store of wood is sufficient for several weeks, though food cannot be counted upon. The mages' guild sends out members to inscribe glyphs on these buildings and upon the "mazots" nearby (small huts used to store valuable private items). These are harmless to good people, but will severely punish others — and help preserve the chalet from occupation by malicious humanoids and monsters.

Occasionally, a chalet will be occupied by a creature capable of deactivating the glyphs; whereupon, it becomes a lair from which the monster can prey upon persons in the lower valley throughout the winter. Expeditions to clean out these parasites are difficult due to the cold and prodigious snowfall, but multiple parties are sometimes collected for this very purpose. Each party is sent to investigate a possible occupied chalet and either manage the problem or report back to the local village or town.

Anachronisms

The common perception of a beautiful "chalet" made entirely of wood, enriched with carvings and built as a private home is an 18-19th century phenomenon, far post-dating the game world. Details about what these structures were in the 1600s is scant and unreliable ... but for game purposes the ideal of a pretty building in the Alps should be discarded in the players' imaginations.


See also,
Alpine (range)
Rural Structures

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