Description
The pier's foundation consists of massive hardwood pilings driven deep into the sandy seafloor using a combination of Vaitafe engineering knowledge and sheer physical effort. Teams of workers spent weeks pounding each piling into place using a heavy stone ram suspended from a wooden frame, a process accompanied by traditional chants meant to ask the ocean's permission and blessing for the intrusion. The pilings are arranged in clusters of four, bound together at the top with carved wooden caps featuring traditional wave patterns and protective symbols. These clusters support heavy crossbeams that form the pier's skeleton, all joints reinforced with carved wooden pegs and bound with waterproof rope made from specially treated coconut fiber. The entire structure is designed to flex slightly with wave action rather than rigidly resisting, allowing it to survive storms that would shatter a more inflexible construction.
The walking surface is constructed from thick planks of weather-resistant timber, laid with careful gaps to allow water to drain through during storms and heavy seas. The planks are regularly treated with a mixture of fish oil and natural resins that protect against saltwater decay while maintaining traction even when wet. Sturdy railings run along both sides of the pier, carved posts connected by rope lines at waist and shoulder height, providing safety without obstructing the loading and unloading of cargo. Every ten paces along the pier's length, carved posts rise higher than the railings, each one topped with a different tiki guardian figure facing outward toward the sea, their fierce expressions meant to ward off malevolent spirits and dangerous creatures while welcoming honest traders and travelers.
At the pier's end, the structure widens into a substantial platform large enough to accommodate multiple vessels simultaneously. Heavy mooring posts carved with rope-gripping grooves allow ships to tie off securely, and carved wooden cleats positioned at various heights accommodate vessels of different sizes. A small covered shelter on this end platform provides protection from sun and rain for those waiting to board vessels or oversee cargo transfer. The shelter's roof is thatched in the traditional Vaitafe style, and its support posts are decorated with carvings depicting famous sea journeys and legendary navigators from tribal history. Built-in benches offer seating, and carved storage boxes contain coils of spare mooring rope, boat hooks for pulling vessels alongside, and fire-starting materials for the large brazier that serves as a beacon at night.
The pier's maintenance requires constant attention from a dedicated keeper who inspects the structure daily for any signs of damage or weakness. Storm damage is repaired immediately, loose planks are secured, and the protective oil treatment is reapplied on a rotating schedule so that every section receives fresh coating monthly. The keeper also manages the pier's use, ensuring that visiting vessels dock in appropriate locations, that mooring fees are collected from commercial traders, and that local fishers have priority access during peak fishing times. The presence of this substantial pier has transformed the settlement's relationship with the wider world, changing it from an isolated sandbar community into a recognized port of call along coastal trade routes.
Benefits
The pier allows merchant vessels of substantial size to dock at the settlement regardless of tide conditions, increasing trade traffic by 200%. Once per week, 1d3 merchant ships arrive with goods worth 3d100 gold pieces available for trade. The settlement can now export larger quantities of fish, pearls, and sea salt, increasing potential monthly income from these resources by 25%. All Profession (sailor) and Profession (merchant) checks related to maritime commerce at the settlement gain a +3 bonus. The pier generates 6 Prestige.