Steam Engine

Though horse drawn carriages are still the norm throughout the world, the steam engine has recently been introduced. The kingdom of Alteria has begun placing rail lines connecting each of its cities. What once took weeks of travel by horse now takes days. Where once a wizard's spell could transport you across the world for a fortune in gems now the common people can travel with ease.

In the year 1400CA mathematician Eugene Sholheim discovered that steam could be harnessed and its energy used to move things. Once this phenomena was discovered he brought to the attention of the Alterian government and it was thought how it could best be used. It wasn't long before it was used in a large vehicle for transportation.

When it was first invented, the Alterians kept the secret of the technology a closely guarded secret. However, it was inevitable that these secrets would spread. It first spread to Clearwater and then to Vestonia. The countries each made the technologies their own. For example while in Alteria the steam train is made possible by heating coal to boil water whereas in Vestonia it was found to be more cost effective to to have mages use fire magic to boil the water.
Currently there are only three main rail lines throughout Westreach. The most famous of these is the loop that travels around the country of Alteria. Another of these is a line that runs between all three countries. The final line runs straight between Alteria and Vestonia although this line is highly guarded and it is quite common for it to be shut down by either side without notice.

Utility

While trains are it's main purpose there have been instances of this technology being used in mining.

Inventor(s)

Eugene Stolheim

Complexity

Still in its early stages the steam engine requires a large space and is quite heavy.

Discovery

1400