Trucks Vehicle in The Hummelverse | World Anvil

Trucks

These vehicles have been around since the early days of advanced AI. But while other vehicle types became more sentient, the trucks didn't get the same treatment. They have very simple minds, but can hold on to any thought that crosses those very stubbornly. Sometimes, that makes them difficult to work with, but for the most part, they are quite docile.   Much more common than trains, and therefore a more easily accessible means of transporting cargo and hitching a ride. Also less angry. Often, tanks choose to travel by sitting on a truck-towed trailer.   Trucks can be bought in many places, though there are few factories that produce them. They simply get around a lot. Generally a truck doesn't seem to mind being bought by a new owner, though in some cases they have been known to get attached to their owners to the point of refusing to follow anyone else's orders.

Weapons & Armament

Unarmed. Nowadays' models don't have any weapon logic in their cores - to prevent any sort of possible uprising. Those that were equipped with offensive systems were systematically killed. On dangerous missions, trucks are accompanied by tanks.

Armor and defense

Generally no armour. This would be uneconomic - the fuel consumption from weight and material cost versus buying a new truck or just sending a tank instead wouldn't be viable. Armoured trucks used to exist, but their armour wouldn't be able to withstand a tank cannon.

Communication Tools & Systems

They can talk like other vehicles, though their vocabulary and ability to express themselves is very limited. Imagine talking to a very smart dog! Other than for example tanks or ships, they don't choose names for themselves, but are given nicknames by their owners that they respond to. Similarly to trains, they are very simple-minded, if a little more adaptive. They need to be able to understand/memorize directions, keep track of their cargo, and deliver messages/instructions.  

Maintenance

The general maintenance is inexpensive for trucks - when serious defects happen, they are simply put down. However, rubber for the tires can be a scarce good. Trucks carry spare tires for field repairs, but when those are used up and no makeshift solution can be arranged, a flat tire tends to be a truck's death sentence.
Rarity
Very common. Can be found in almost all clans and trading hubs. Teams that own trucks are very rare.
Tank in Disguise
Trucks and Tanks
Occasionally, tanks like to "dress up" as trucks. This can be done because of attempts to disguise themselves (and rarely works), or just for fun.   Trucks and Cars
While cars are extinct, trucks are still around. Cars were hunted for sport, but the tanks found the trucks useful and therefore let them continue existing.


Cover image: by MrPanyGoff

Comments

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Sep 6, 2023 03:47

Are there any halftracks

Sep 16, 2023 19:21

Unlikely!


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Oct 2, 2023 22:12

But....why though?

Oct 26, 2023 09:28

Sorry for the very late reply - I thought I had sent one a couple weeks ago but I must have accidentally closed the browser tab before that happened! In any case, that's actually a good question. I did kind of lump them in with other wheeled vehicles, but thinking about it more I feel that halftracks might have a similar "niche" as the Wheeled Armored Vehicles (they have an article, not sure if it will link correctly though: Wheeled Armored Vehicles ). In that way I could picture halftracks hanging out with the wheeled AFVs, or even pop up in different trade hubs where the wheeled AFVs haven't appeared first and "occupy" that niche instead of them. Thank you for the thought-provoking question, it was a simple "why" and it really made me stop and wonder "....yeah, why indeed?" :)


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Oct 31, 2023 17:40

Cool. I think I understand where you're coming from. Though personally, I would have included them in both given how most sides in WW2 used them in various roles (especially Nazi Germany). Thanks for replying.

Nov 6, 2023 23:56

Yup, though you do have to keep in mind that the Hummelverse has its technological origin somewhere before the Cold War, and there's been quite some time where there were changes happening to viability/availability/priority of use of certain materials. So basically what I meant was, I did not think about the half-tracks much before, but your question made me think about them and decide that they're probably around, just not in numbers that are as large as their versatility would otherwise suggest. I hope that was a clearer answer than my previous one, cause reading through it again after I already sent it made me realize that I expressed my sentiment awkwardly.


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Nov 10, 2023 05:00

Totes clear! I understand what you're saying now. Thanks!

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