Hi SYED,
Yup, from the later maps, the 252 mile gap [RFC pearl] or isthmus between Haven and Howard is quite mountainous; and while almost on the equator with lots of rainstorms, providing enough water for all the locks was too much even for Shan-Wei's terraformers, so I doubt Charis even with dynamite can do it.
OTOH, using the North Watch mountain range despite its near north-south orientation for the defensive border of Silkiah and the alliance drastically reduces the troops required because there are only 5-6 passes through them, besides narrow coastal areas at each end, so the actual total line needed to be defended could be just 10% of that or around 25 miles, quite cheap for Silkiah as just one lure the alliance can use to woo her.
But the shorter canal is a nonstarter according to a RFC pearl 2-3 years back, IIRC.
Taking both sets of locks on the Silkiah canal will be tough, but the easiest means could be from due south on the Gulf of Jahras, possibly raiding cavalry remount depots being cover for scout-snipers taking 3-4 horses each to travel AFAP, covering the ~200+ miles before they're recognised.
Desperate for more RFC,
L
SYED wrote:We all believe at somepoint charis will gain control or influence over the canal that divides Howard and haven. There is a question of which canal. The current canal is said to going to need extensive expansion for optimal use. Charis could also great a newer and shorter canal at the thinest part of the land bridge, either direct or via the lake shown on the map. I always had an idea that if they got the orbital weaponry, they could some how use it to create a new water way there.
While costlyy, a shorter canal would be easier to secure, and its positioning means charis can use long term control off that gulf to its advantage. It would be purpose built tot their requirements.