Cutter
A cutter is a type of vehicle used by the Westerlings for travel in the World's Edge, transporting supplies and people across the lightless and cold expanse of ice. Cutters are large sleds with catamaran hulls, resting on the ground on two wide beams. The sides of a cutter's hull rise up to form a cabin, covering the sled entirely to shield it from the weather.
Journeys in the dangerous wasteland can last for days or even weeks. The Westerlings launch regular expeditions into The Ice, setting out towards the ruins of fallen Isatia, their old realm now lost to the freezing darkness. The abandoned cities of Typhe and Sesteria still contain valuable resources that the Westerlings cannot obtain elsewhere. Chief among these are diamonds -- essential components for sophisticated spellcasting -- which are found in abundance in old mining tunnels and arcane vaults beneath old banks, universities and mage towers.
A single cutter can house several expeditioners. The cabin is kept warm either with living fire or by magical means. Blizzards are common on The Glacier, and it is important to be able to shield not only yourself but also your cargo from the freezing storms. The front of a cutter often has a cargo compartment that can be heated if necessary.
Cutters are pulled by demidragons that the Westerlings breed and train specifically for the purpose. Some cutters are also fitted with masts and sails to make use of the strong winds that blow on The Glacier. Demidragons are ideal for the long expeditions into the lightless Glacier for they are entirely immune to cold weather. As such, expeditioners need not worry about their draft animals, freeing their resources for keeping only themselves warm in the endless night. What is more, demidragons are able to go several days without food and can sate their thirst by eating snow.
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