Locomotipede
The locomotipede revolutionized trade and travel in the republic of Sidusimpere when it was first introduced just over fifty years ago. Invented in 323 KW by renowned visionary arch mechanimage Pierre Bibitte, its design is inspired by the bodies of long, many-legged insects like the centipede and millipede. With a long, segmented "body" comprised of multiple compartments attached to each other by arcables, the locomotipede moves along a set track from location to location. The track is charged with mana and each rail is enchanted, which is what causes the locomotipede to move. Each "body" compartment of the locomotipede moves on "legs", which resemble a centipede's, only rather than sticking out to the sides they point forward, and move on rotating piston rods in a wave-like rhythm to keep the body at a level height. The "head" compartment is where the conductor operates the locomotipede from, and it is through the head that power moves from the tracks into and throughout the entire locomotipede. Arcables, cables designed specifically to channel arcane energy, are necessary to connect each compartment not just so that power flows throughout the locomotipede evenly, but also so that each compartment is able to move in sync and communicate with the head properly. Using normal chains or cables would increase risk of irregular motion and potentially cause derailment.
Because the locomotipede operates thanks to an incredibly elaborate and intricate chain of interconnected enchantments, it is not possible for it to move unless it is on its designated track, and the tracks have to be regularly recharged and maintained. Currently leading arcane engineers are looking for a way to improve on the efficiency of the locomotipede, and potentially adapt the design to be able to run without need of the track, allowing for more flexible routes and operative schedules.
Since the locomotipede was introduced it has greatly bolstered Sidusimpere's economy. There are two different kinds of body compartments for the locomotipede: one to carry cargo and one to carry passengers. Because a locomotipede can be assembled out of any combination of body comps so long as they are preceded by a head and do not exceed fifty comps all together, including the head, that means a locomotipede can be easily adapted to the specific trip it is making. It is a very efficient mode of long-distance trade and travel simultaneously.
Since Sidusimpere is a fairly large country, spanning an area of a little over 100,000 square kilometres, it would ordinarily take a long time to travel from one side of the country to the other. Especially since the capital city, which is where most production of goods in Sidusimpere takes place, is located in the north just at the base of the northeast mountain range, and its second largest city, through which a majority of their international trade takes place, is in the southernmost province, near the borders with Rhoedamas, the warlands, and Arnberg. Now a journey that once would have taken several weeks in one direction can be done there and back several times over in the same amount of time.
Some people think the locomotpide looks kind of creepy. Others think it looks kind of cute. Either way, in a relatively short period of time it has made itself an integral part of Sidusimpere's economy and everyday life.
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