She of Many Questions

[patriotblade]

Okay, back with more questions.
I have seen the glass pipes ("bongs", I know, but I don't like that word, it sounds dirty. LOL), but after some research and thinking, have decided that he has a painted clay one (now, perhaps she saw him using a glass one when she was younger, and it got broken over the years, or thrown out because he tried to quit) in the same shape. So what would be some basic care of the pipe you would look for as far as authenticity? I know the ashes have to be dumped and the bowl wiped out, but how clean should it be? And since the bowl is small, how tightly would you guess he would pack it? And how long would it burn once lit? I do realize that the last two depend upon unknown-to-you factors, but just a general guess would be appreciated.

 

[drennan]

linky
There's loads of stuff if you google it, check out dawnmist too.
Odd that you seem keen to have authenticity over certain aspects of Robins smoking considering you're roughly 2-300 years too early to any actual smoking.

 

[patriotblade]

As I said earlier,

The thing is, I understand about no tobacco, but I write people, I understand people. And people have been consuming (via any number of ways) narcotics, for the entire history of mankind. I find it hard to believe that cave men and Druids used them, then suddenly, no one's using anything for close to a thousand years.

And this type of pipe was used then, just not usually in that part of the world. But my character has a legitimate reason to bring it with him. And though I've done the historical research, I know nothing about pipes/usage, and you can only figure out so much through Google. Talking with an actual person means you're more likely to catch mistakes you wouldn't otherwise. Talking with people who have the knowledge is ALWAYS better than reading a how-to article.

 

[hawke]

"recognizes the smell of his pipe" ....was a crusader, so while in the Middle East, he developed a preference for "exotic" blends.

Latakia is quite noticeable in aroma and originated the middle east(Syria). Also ...Fact: 2000 BC, remains of tobacco leaves and pipes were found in Egyptian mummies.

So there is a way there for a crusader to have come across this strange leaf possibly or at least plausible.
Hey its your book! :clap:

 

[lostandfound]

Just have him smoke a long stemmed clay pipe, filled to the brim with medicinal grade cannabis. Half Sativa, Half Indica... for mind, and body. :lol:

 

[cobguy]

I know the ashes have to be dumped and the bowl wiped out, but how clean should it be?

I think he should have a highly used, unclean pipe with black tar stains and cake flowing over the rim!

... for mind, and body.

Perhaps name his blend "Fromage"? :wink:

 

[patriotblade]

I feel that the majority of the last few posts to me have just been poking fun, and not one has answered my questions. The comments when I first joined were encouraging and helpful. Maybe I am reading the intent wrong, but I am highly disappointed that after bragging on this site/forum, I would get treated this way. I took a while to post because I was so angry and frustrated, and I wanted to make sure that my words were cool and composed.
For those of you who have genuinely helped me, I thank you!

 

[bwithers55]

Clay pipes are generally cleaned by letting the lie in the coals of the fire place. The ashes are dumped and no cake accumulates, like a briar bowl. Often the bowl of the clay pipe gets much hotter than a briar, so any paint might peel off. Porcelain pipes are another thing altogether. Many of them are highly decorated with pictures or even words. I assume they are glazed with a firing process.
As for how long it takes to smoke a bowl, it depends on how big the bowl is and what cut of tobacco is used. But a general rule is you'll need between 30 - 90 minutes to finis game bowl. Many people do not finish a bowl and return to it later.
-bw

 

[patriotblade]

Thank you! This was most helpful! :-D

 

[philobeddoe]

If the character has had this pipe for any length of time, it would most likely be around six inches or less, as clay pipes are very fragile and a long, Churchwarden style pipe would surely have been broken on a trek from the Middle East to England. Also, a well smoked clay would indeed be close to black and rather oily on the exterior if it were not put into a fire pit regularly. Finally, I would assume a 20-30 minute smoke, if it were tobacco, however, if it contained hashish or marijuana, I would think four or five strong puffs would provide the necessary effect!
Just my 2 cents.

 

[patriotblade]

Thank you. The issue of a glass one getting broken easily was why I decided to go with clay. And since cannabis pipes are so small, that makes sense that they wouldn't burn as long. This is good! Thank you!