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Shovel

Shovel

Weight: 5 lb.
Cost: 2 GP
Category: Tool
Function: Dig 5-ft cube in 1 hour

Description​

A sturdy digging tool with a broad metal blade and wooden handle. Essential for excavation work, the shovel allows adventurers to dig through earth, sand, and soft materials efficiently. Its reinforced construction can handle heavy use in various soil conditions.

Usage Instructions​

Digging Rate: Can excavate a 5-foot cube of loose earth in 1 hour of continuous work.

Soil Types: Most effective in loose soil, sand, or gravel. Hard-packed earth or clay takes longer.

Technique: Use proper lifting technique to avoid injury during extended digging sessions.

Practical Applications​

  • Excavation: Dig holes, trenches, or foundations
  • Burial: Prepare graves or bury treasure/evidence
  • Agriculture: Garden preparation and maintenance
  • Construction: Site preparation and earthwork
  • Camping: Dig fire pits or waste disposal holes

Tactical Uses​

  • Fortification: Create defensive earthworks or barriers
  • Trap Construction: Dig pit traps or concealed positions
  • Treasure Hunting: Excavate buried items or caches
  • Escape Routes: Dig tunnels under walls or obstacles
  • Combat: Improvised weapon in desperate situations

Environmental Considerations​

Soft Soil: Normal digging rate, easy progress Hard-Packed Earth: Double time required, more difficult Rocky Ground: May require pickaxe assistance Frozen Ground: Nearly impossible without tools to break surface Sandy Soil: Faster digging but sides may collapse

Advantages​

  • Efficient earth removal
  • Sturdy construction for heavy use
  • Multiple utility applications
  • Relatively inexpensive
  • Can serve as improvised weapon

Limitations​

  • Heavy and cumbersome to carry
  • Ineffective on rock or very hard surfaces
  • Requires significant physical effort
  • Makes noise during use
  • Limited effectiveness in confined spaces

Alternative Uses​

  • Lever: Pry objects or apply mechanical advantage
  • Weapon: Club-like damage in combat (improvised weapon)
  • Shield: Limited protection against projectiles
  • Measuring Tool: Blade length for rough measurements
  • Fire Tool: Move burning materials safely

Specialized Variants​

Entrenching Tool: Military-style folding shovel, more portable Spade: Narrow blade for precise digging Scoop Shovel: Wide blade for moving loose materials Trenching Shovel: Long, narrow blade for ditch digging

Maintenance​

Keep the blade sharp and rust-free. Tighten the handle connection if it becomes loose. Clean off soil and debris after use. Oil metal parts to prevent corrosion.