High Speed Rail

The high speed rail is New Z'hrat's primary form of long-distance transportation. In 1399, the Church commissioned the ZEC and the Transit Alliance to prototype a train that could help ferry goods across New Z'hrat, but due to the complex machinery, expensive upkeep, and consistent delays, it was soon decommissioned.
However, after a technological breakthrough which made it possible to use magnetic propulsion rather than a complicated magical engine, interest in a global rail system was reignited. The modern rail was completed in 1475 and still runs to this day, carrying goods and people all across the world.

Power Generation

The train is powered by an enormous piece of power crystal, which has enough fuel to travel all the way across Z'hrat once in about a day, although few trains actually run end-to-end nonstop. The train's crystal lattices are built to quickly swap out crystals at every stop, and even the smallest stations include at least two charging bays.

Propulsion

Most of the crystal's power goes towards the mag-lev system, and the train glides over the rails as the magic is used to charge the train's magnet to cause repulsion with the magnetic track.

Weapons & Armament

Few trains have on-board weapons, though it's not uncommon for the Church to hire security to protect cargo.

Armor and defense

The cars used for cargo and luxurious transit have armor plating in addition to the heavy steel body which already exists on the car.

Communication Tools & Systems

New Z'hrat does not have a practical long-distance communication system, so the train and stations communicate track conditions and status updates with a series of screens that display an intricate semaphore system originally developed for sailing ships. Each train is also equipped with flares in case of emergency.

Manufacturer

The Z'hratian Engineering Coalition

Owning Organization

The Transit Alliance

Related Professions

• 'Bug Trainer

Price

Cost the Transit Alliance about 14 million gold to develop.

Rarity

One rail system that has about 150 cars in operation.

Length

300' per car

Height

20' from track to ceiling

Speed

90 mph (average), 175 mph (maximum)

Complement / Crew

A driver, with a co-driver for long trips, and 2-5 attendants per car

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

Multiple tons of cargo, or up to 200 passengers + crew, depending on the car's provided amenities