Roofer & GwinBlade
GwinBlade
You ever tried designing a medieval battlement? The way those walls balance weatherproofing with the ability to repel battering rams is something I find absolutely fascinating. What do you think makes the best combination of sturdiness and practicality?
Roofer
A good battlement is all about using what the wall can handle and not over‑engineering it. Keep the walls thick enough to hold the weight of the crenellations, but don't make them so heavy that the foundation breaks. Use a stone that’s strong but workable, like limestone or good slate, and cut the battlements into a crenelated pattern that lets the weight distribute evenly. Add a slight overhang at the top so water runs off instead of pooling. And don’t forget a good roof over the top—just like a shingle roof on a house, it keeps the whole thing dry and ready to fight when the battering ram comes. In short, solid stone, smart shape, and a reliable roof cover.
GwinBlade
Your approach is sound, but remember the importance of proper drainage. A slight slope on the battlement roof will keep water away from the mortar joints, ensuring the structure lasts as long as the sword in your grip. And be wary of the mortar's lime content—too much lime and the stone will crumble under siege, too little and it won’t bind. Balance, as always.
Roofer
Right on, a gentle slope on the battlement keeps the rain off the joints and the mortar holds up. Stick to a lime mix that’s strong enough to bond but not so high it weakens the stone—just enough to tie it together. Keep it simple and sturdy, and the wall will stand up to any siege.
GwinBlade
Excellent, your wisdom matches the careful forging of a true blade. I’d wager that the walls of the Great Wall of China, built in layers of stone and lime, owe their endurance to such precise ratios. Tell me, how do you balance the thickness of the battlements with the weight of the parapets?
Roofer
You keep the walls thick enough to hold the weight of the parapet, but not so thick that the foundation can’t bear it. Measure the load of the parapet—its weight per foot of wall—then add a safety factor. If the wall is about a foot thick, the parapet can sit on a simple ledge that’s only a few inches high. Use a stone that’s strong enough to bear the extra weight and a mortar that’s tight but not over‑lime. Then make sure the parapet is set back just enough so the wall can carry the load without cracking. In short, a balanced wall thickness, a light‑weight parapet, and solid stone give you the best combo.