> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://overthecloud.gitbook.io/underpunks/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://overthecloud.gitbook.io/underpunks/gameplay-guides/navigate-the-rankle-river.md).

# Navigate the Rankle River

{% hint style="info" %}
Not a river to be trifled with - preparation and persistence are your only allies

* 🎮 Accessibility: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) \[High STR and/or boat with sails recommended]
* 💰Entry cost: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5) \[Free - Time-intensive]
  {% endhint %}

***

Rankle River extends east from East Shire, presenting a challenging frontier for adventurers. This uncharted waterway holds mysteries within its depths, including the promise of multiplayer boss encounters and valuable resources. This guide reflects current knowledge, as the room/gameplay remains partially unexplored and subject to changes.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Note that this guide reflects current knowledge, as the room/gameplay remains partially unexplored and subject to changes.
{% endhint %}

* Location: East of east shire
* Timers:
  * 2 hours when swimming
  * 1 hour by boat

## Navigation Options

### Movement Methods

Explorers can traverse Rankle River either by swimming or using a vessel:

* **Swimming**: Requires no special equipment but consumes additional stamina and is influenced by currents and player's strength
* **Vessel**: Influenced by the number of "sails"

### Available Vessels

* **Rat Raft**: Primary vessel currently available
* **Reserved Options**: Pirate Ship, Rowboat and Explorer

{% hint style="warning" %}
The canoe navigation feature is pending confirmation as it needs to be converted from follower status to vessel status.
{% endhint %}

### **Basic Movement Commands**

To move within Rankle River, players use the command:

```
!move <N, S, E, W>
```

This command moves the player from one zone to another but does not change their room:

* Without vessel: The player remains in the "Rankle River" room
* With vessel: The player remains in the "Watercraft" instance-room

After a movement command, the game will provide feedback on the player's new location, unless something prevents movement.

## Obstacles and Hazards

Unlike in open areas, movement in Rankle River is never guaranteed. Various environmental hazards may impede progress:

### Types of Obstacles

* **Rocks & Reefs** – Striking a rock while moving results in immediate, full damage to a raft. The vessel will be **completely destroyed**, leaving the player stranded in the river with no choice but to swim. Rocks are scattered throughout the river, and some zones are impassable.
* **Currents** – The river’s natural flow pushes everything southward. If a player attempts to move east or west but encounters a strong current, they may be dragged **south instead**. In some cases, this unexpected movement can send them straight into obstacles, increasing the risk of damage.
* **Winds** – Though not yet widely reported, it has been suggested that northern winds exist. These would act in opposition to the currents, potentially counteracting southward drifts or even pushing players north instead of their intended direction.

Because of these hazards, **moving without prior knowledge of the terrain is highly dangerous**. Even experienced players should tread carefully and stay away from areas that might contain clusters of rocks or uncharted obstacles.

### **Swimming vs. Using a Raft**

Both swimming and using a raft allow players to move through Rankle River, but each has distinct mechanics and risks:

* **Swimming** (entering the river without a vessel):
  * Possible, but highly exhausting as every movement consumes stamina
  * Being caught in a current will drain stamina even faster
  * Strength is a key attribute for resisting currents
* **Using a raft**:
  * Allows movement without consuming extra stamina
  * Introduces the risk of collision damage
  * Raft users will not lose stamina due to currents
  * If a raft is broken, the player will be forced to swim and/or repair the raft

For those choosing to navigate without a vessel, currents will be a pain. The stronger a player's physical abilities, the better they will be at resisting the pull of the river and maintaining control over their movement.

## The Rat Raft specifications

The Rat Raft represents a crucial investment for serious explorers:

* Limited to 99 specimens (RATR-01 to RATR-99)
* 10 currently minted
* Crafting occurs in Eastshire
* Requires 128 wood and 32 rocks through the `!craft raft` command

Vessel maintenance is a critical consideration. If your watercraft becomes damaged, it remains immobilized until repaired. While any player can repair a vessel provided they have the necessary resources and are at the correct location, having approximately 50 wood on hand (If the player knows where to go to find wood, much more if he discovers the MAP) is recommended before starting your journey.\
The `!recall` command, available at hangar locations including Eastshire Jetty (east from east shire), allows distant vessel recovery for a fee ([coins + stamina + leadership](#user-content-fn-1)[^1]).

## Essential requirements

### Fortitude

You can use the `!take` command to collect loot, with the following rules:

* **In zones without wood**:
  * If you and your equipped follower have less than 111 Fortitude, nothing happens
  * If you have 111 or more Fortitude, you roll a dice to determine whether you recover an asset or face demise
* **In wreck zones with wood**:
  * If you have less than 111 Fortitude, you roll a D6 to either collect wood or get nothing
  * If you have 111 or more Fortitude, you automatically collect wood

### Fishing gear

Don't forget to equip your fishing gear to improve your odds.

{% hint style="info" %}
This is true as long as there is no gear that could be useful for other gameplays like combat, navigation or ship repair, yet...
{% endhint %}

## Mapping and environmental features

Rankle River's layout presents numerous challenges and opportunities. The 6x16 grid contains various obstacles including reefs that block passage, wreck zones for wood salvage and hidden secrets. Future updates will introduce multiplayer boss encounters throughout the region.

<figure><img src="/files/ETQNgexTrkuoBDd9xjIo" alt=""><figcaption><p>Rankle River Map (2025 February 4th)</p></figcaption></figure>

## Fishing depths and equipment

The river's ecosystem supports diverse fishing opportunities across eight distinct depths, each requiring specific colored poles:

The ecosystem ranges from shallow ponds suitable for prawn fishing with Brown Poles near Tadpole Tarn, to the mysterious depths of the Kraken's Lair where Abyssal Finfiends can be caught using Black Poles. Each depth tier introduces new challenges and rewards, with notable locations like Long John's Lagoon (Purple Pole, Blowfish) and Dead Man's Drop (Blue Pole, Shark) marking your progression through the waters.

{% hint style="danger" %}

#### Important notice regarding Shavi Drosha

Interactions with the Shavi Drosha faction require careful consideration. Maintaining a reputation (REP) of at least 1 is crucial, as lower standings trigger a D6 roll for each transaction. Rolling a 1 results in severe consequences: either the loss of all carried coins (ping Lez) or one contraband item, depending on the transaction type.
{% endhint %}

## Efficient resource gathering and skill development

### Skill development

The river offers strategic opportunities for gathering resources while developing multiple skills. Zones 64 and 83, designated as wreck zones, provide excellent locations for wood collection and skill advancement.

1. Navigate to either zone 64 or 83, positioning yourself near the adjacent rock zones.
2. Deliberately impact the rocks using the "!move s" command, which will damage your raft.
3. Exit your vessel using `!exit` command
4. Collect Wood resources with the `!take` command , simultaneously gaining wood and fortitude (you'll gain between 0.001 and 0.006 FRT)
5. Repair your vessel using `!repair ratr-XX` command - this process can be repeated twice as each repair only restores one HP and each repair action develops your stealth skill and provides a small tech bonus (you'll gain 0.01 STL and 0.0001 TECH)
6. Finally, re-board your vessel with `!enter ratr-XX` to continue your expedition

This strategy effectively combines resource gathering with skill development, though timing and careful management of your vessel's condition remain crucial considerations.

{% hint style="info" %}
Vessel maintenance provides opportunities for skill advancement. Repairing different craft types develops various abilities:

* watercraft repairs enhance stealth
* landcraft repairs boost strength
* aircraft repairs improve knowledge
* spacecraft repairs develop astro skills

Additionally, all repair activities offer minimal TECH skill development for those who already possess at least one point in the skill.
{% endhint %}

[^1]: need to confirm the fees


---

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