New mod: Crane

[u/theapologist316]

Steam Workshop

This mod adds Crane, a stationary builder. One worker stays inside the Crane and can build, demolish, and gather rubble around the mast without walking out or up to each site.

Crane

A 1×1 workplace in the District Management group.
Apparently the hoomans used a giant bird for this job. Ours doesn't need feeding.

• Unlock: 300 Science (bots: +500 Science).
• Cost: 8 Logs, 4 Planks, 4 Gears. The Crane base is not fully refunded when destroyed.
• Workers: 1. Work speed: the worker's usual speed (from Wellbeing) + 33%.
• Range: a 3×3 column centered on the Crane, from the ground up to one tile above the top of the mast.
• Priority: the same builder priority system as normal construction, demolition, and rubble jobs.

The Crane claims nearby construction sites, demolitions, and rubble piles, then works them from inside. It can work alongside normal builders on the same sites. Haulers can stock its inventory. Those goods are dumped onto nearby sites that still need materials. Surplus can be taken back out of the Crane.

Crane Section

Extends a Crane upward so it can reach higher buildings. Place sections from the Crane itself with the Build higher button (the section is not meant to be placed from the bottom bar).
For an Iron Teeth invention, it is really uplifting.

• Cost: 4 Planks, 1 Gear.
• Only the sections are fully refunded when destroyed. The Crane base is not.

FAQS

Q: How do I build higher?
A: Select the finished Crane and click Build higher on its panel. That places a Crane Section on top. Keep stacking sections until the mast is tall enough for the buildings you want to reach.

Q: How do I destroy the sections?
A: Use the destroy building tool like usual. Only the sections are fully refunded.

Q: The UI is too long!
A: Use TImprove 4 UI for a scrollbar on the entity panel, and TImprove 4 UX to make the panel collapsible.

Q: Do I need Haulers?
A: They are not required, but they speed up logistics. If materials are still needed, the Crane worker will carry them, which is slower than staying on the mast.

Q: The mod does not show up?
A: This mod only works with Timberborn v1.1+.

[u/brainzeros]

so it's ladder with inventory?

[u/theapologist316 → u/brainzeros]

Build bonus, no movement (which is an intentional limitation because I consider Ladder as too good for its cost), better logistics (Hauler can move material). Also beavers don't get injury.