I may be able to help somewhat with the third question, about the platform planking. I know next to nothing about leatherworking, but I do know wood, at least RT. Planking which is too warped to use would need to be replaced, though the plank itself could still be repurposed elsewhere (such as perhaps split into smaller pieces for crating, arrowshafts if the warping is along the grain, etc. etc.). The affected planks would each need to be carefully pried up, the nails saved for reuse (since Tuchuks waste nothing, not even nails), and the new planking laid in place, nailed down (3-4 nails at each end, and a like number anywhere the planking overlays a structural member), and then sealed with pitch or wax (pitch is better but wax will do in a pinch).
Split wood can be sealed temporarily with pitch (NOT wax, because wax will expand as it cools and will split the wood further). The repaired wood could then be left in place until the split becomes too severe for the board to be used any longer, at which time it would need to be replaced.
As for the splintered wood... that depends on how bad the splintering is. If the board is basically good but is jsut producing splinters, that is normal for wood and can be ignored or waxed over, or the board can be planed smooth and then sealed. If the board is splintered as in busted such as by an axe blow or other impact, all the pieces of the shattered plank must be pried up and set aside as perviously mentioned, the nails pried out of the plank and/or out of the underlying beams (in places where the pieces of plank fell out), then the new planking installed as above.
If I should be incorrect on any of this, Ubar will correct Me I'm sure *w*. Hope the information is helpful!
....Arlon
