Hitching post

Hitching post
Type	Logistics
Timber cost	1
Workplaces	2
Construction
Upgrade info	Small stables Adds an extra space for a pack animal. Requirements: 2 Planks
Relocation	Yes
Flexible plot	No

A hitching post is a logistics building that acts as a rudimentary form of animal stables. It provides "stable space" (like a stall) which can be used to keep pack animals.

Pack animals initially only means oxen, which can pull timber from felled trees cut down by logging camps, and distribute them to building sites, sawpits or other locations that require the resource. As a general rule, timber cannot be moved without the help of an ox. Oxen can also plough fields with the correct town development unlocked.

Uses

Upon placement, the hitching post will require 1 timber to be constructed. Once fully built, up to two families can be assigned to work there.

Oxen will stay here while they are not being guided to work by a family member (eg transporting lumber). In the default state, any worker that is doing a task requiring an ox can approach an idle one at a hitching post and guide it to the appropriate task. However, a family working here will always be prioritised to guide the ox and automatically seek out those tasks. This can save time for workers from other families, as without a permanent ox guide, those other workers would have to retrieve the ox for themselves and spend time guiding the ox themselves.

As an example of the process, a construction worker could need timber to construct a burgage plot, go to the burgage plot to pick up the ox and guide it, bring it to the woods to pick up lumber, go to the site to drop off the lumber, return the ox, and only then be able to start work on the construction. By contrast with an ox guide, they can go to their construction or assigned task immediately and focus.

One of the hitching posts's main purposes is to provide stabling for animals in the form of stable spaces, essentially as a rudimentary form of a stables building (which this building will later upgrade to). If the total amount of stable space in the village is insufficient, animals may run away.

Actions

The player can also purchase another ox for 20 regional wealth, or purchase horses for 30 regional wealth to assist with trading. It will be delivered by a trader within the next 30 days or so. Note that livestock can still be purchased if insufficient stable space will be remaining after the ox is delivered. It is up to the player to manage the stable space available in the village at the time of delivery and ensure that enough is available by the time the new animal arrives.

Horses are used to assist trading. According to the FAQ, they do this by pulling trade carts. As of the current build in 2024, horses cannot perform the same tasks as oxen (eg a horse cannot pull lumber).

Upgrades

Small stables: The stable space can be increased by +1, to a total of 2 animals.

This upgrade requires 2 planks to construct. The current stable space will still be provided; the second stable space will only be provided upon the completion of construction.

History

April 26, 2024	Added hitching posts.