Messenger System
Messengers are flying couriers that usually fly the same routes to their destinations. They are handled by guilds that receive jobs based on their reputation. One of the most reputable messenger guids is the Aerial Couriers' Guild in Koruna (main location in Monabur) who are specialised for high security, high value transport of confidential letters and other goods.
Lone Wing
Single Messenger Flight
Example: Monabur → Nordberg
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Flight speed: 80–100 km/day
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realistic for large, strong winged species (pegasi, gryphons, sphinx, perytons, etc.)
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smaller birds might need more stops.
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Distance: 3,200 km straight-line
Total flight time (without extreme hazards)
Speed Calculation Result
80 km/day 3,200 ÷ 80 40 days
100 km/day 3,200 ÷ 100 32 days
Stops & Rest
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The messenger will need for food, water, and shelter.
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Resting places are probably : oasis stops in Koruna desert, mountain ledges or small villages in the Middle Lands, sheltered valleys near Nordberg.
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Realistically: 30–40 waypoints for a 3,200 km route, spaced ~80–100 km apart (a day’s flight for large winged species).
Hazards along the Route
Koruna desert: sandstorms, extreme heat, water scarcity.
Great Veil passes: strong winds, cliffs, thin air at high altitudes.
Middle Lands forests/meadows: predators, territorial wildlife, storms.
Approach to Nordberg: cold snaps, narrow mountain passes, snow/ice if early/late in season.
Multi Messenger Flight
Winged Relay
Example: Monabur → Nordberg
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Flight speed per leg: 80–100 km/day (each messenger flies a single leg)
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Large, strong species can cover a leg in a day (pegasi, gryphons, sphinx, perytons, etc.)
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Smaller winged species can participate but might require shorter legs
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Distance: 3,200 km straight-line
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Total effective travel time: 300–500 km/day using relays
Total flight time (without extreme hazards)
Relay Speed Calculation Result
300 km/day 3,200 ÷ 300 ≈ 10.7 → 11 days
400 km/day 3,200 ÷ 400 8 days
500 km/day 3,200 ÷ 500 6.4 → 6–7 days
Picking a Method
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Confidential letters: send via single messenger → 1–1.5 months to reach Nordberg.
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Time-critical information: relay network → 8 days, but higher risk of interception.
This trade-off would be well-known among merchants, nobles, and diplomats. Could even be codified in guild lore:
“Choose the Winged Relay for speed, the Lone Wing for trust.”