The Great Fulgur-Rail

The Mobile City of Velactris

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“In the biting cold of Velactris, where even the wind seems intent on stealing your last breath, the Fulgur-Rail is our beacon, our shield, our home.”

— Chronicles of the Eternal Winter

The Fulgur-Rail is much more than just a train: it is the beating heart of Vélactris, a railway fortress that tirelessly traverses the vast, icy and hostile expanses of the kingdom of Cryos. Designed to ensure survival, trade, and the unification of the cities of Velactris, the Fulgur-Rail symbolizes resilience and human ingenuity in the face of the relentless forces of nature. A true mobile microcosm, it houses thousands of inhabitants in its carriages, ensuring the continuity of life in a world of ice.

History and Origins

The idea of the Fulgur-Rail was born during the Age of Breaches, a time when Velactris underwent cataclysmic changes caused by fissures in the earth. These upheavals isolated cities from each other, plunging their inhabitants into a fierce battle against perpetual blizzards, ice storms and behemoths that roamed the frozen tundras.
It is in this context that an exceptional alliance between the greatest blacksmiths, mages and strategists of Velactris gave birth to the concept of a colossal train capable of connecting these isolated bastions. Conceived as an ultimate solution to overcoming the dangers of climate and creatures, the Fulgur-Rail was also intended as a symbol of hope, connecting not only the cities, but also the hearts and minds of the people of Velactris.
The first prototype, constructed from rare alloys and strengthened by Frosthaven's ice crystals, was an unprecedented feat of engineering. Its inaugural journeys were perilous: the train was attacked by monstrous creatures and nearly buried in an avalanche. However, each success consolidated its legend and expanded its role, until it became a true mobile city.

Architecture and Functionality

The Fulgur-Rail is over eight kilometers long and consists of multiple sections, each with a specific role. Its engine, a combination of traditional steam boilers and magical energy crystals, provides a constant heat essential for combating the deadly cold of Velactris.

The Main Locomotive

The prime mover, also called the "Heart of Ice", is a hybrid marvel combining steam boilers and magical energy crystals. This system guarantees unrivaled propulsion and resistance to extreme cold. Teams of engineers and mages constantly monitor its operation, adjusting pressure and repairing faults to prevent any cataclysmic shutdown.

The Residential Section

This part of the train is home to thousands of passengers, whether permanent residents or transient travelers. The wagons are equipped with advanced insulation systems and magical runes to maintain a stable temperature. The compartments provide modest but essential comfort, with each space optimized to meet basic needs in a hostile environment.

The Interior Greenhouses

Equipped with sophisticated heating systems, the Fulgur-Rail greenhouses allow the cultivation of mushrooms, algae and plants adapted to the cold. Druids and botanists maintain it, ensuring a constant supply of fresh food for the passengers and cities it serves.

The Merchant Section

A key hub for commerce, this section features markets where rare goods such as energy crystals, reinforced weapons, and survival potions are exchanged. Merchants from across Velactris gather here for their most important transactions.

The Diplomatic Center

The Fulgur-Rail serves as neutral ground for political discussions and negotiations. Luxurious and isolated salons are set aside to host the leaders of the cities of Velactris, offering a secure space to forge alliances and treaties.

The Engineering Workshops

These carriages house blacksmiths and mechanics who maintain the train. New technologies are also developed here, constantly testing improvements to increase the power and durability of the Fulgur-Rail.

The Defense Carriages

Armed with steam cannons, turrets powered by magic crystals, and energy repulsion devices, these cars are essential in protecting the train from creature or pillar attacks. The elite soldiers who patrol these wagons are trained to respond quickly and efficiently.

Role and Symbolism

The Fulgur-Rail is much more than a simple mobile structure. It is a symbol of survival, a beacon of hope in a world dominated by cold and desolation. It is also a tool for social cohesion, connecting isolated communities and allowing civilization to thrive despite extreme conditions.

Legends and Mysteries

The Fulgur-Rail is also at the heart of many legends. Some say its engine is powered by a fragment of Cryos' soul, explaining its ability to defy the elements. Others claim it occasionally crosses areas where reality itself warps, transporting passengers to forgotten destinations.

Heritage and the Future

The Fulgur-Rail is a symbol of the ingenuity and determination of Velactris' inhabitants. Its existence proves that even in the harshest conditions, collaboration and innovation can triumph. As new challenges arise in this frozen world, the Fulgur-Rail will continue to be a source of hope and an essential tool for shaping Velactris’ future.

Nickname

The Fortress of Ice

Motto

Always moving, never frozen

Current location

Vélactris

Rarity

Unique

Related Technologies

• The Steam Engine

Width

15 meters

Length

8,2 km

Height

20 meters

Weight

200 000 tons

Speed

120 km/h