Sand Trucks
Sand trucks are large, complex vehicles used for traveling across the Erg. They vary in size, but are generally 5 - 10 meters tall and twice that long. Trucks are primarily used for large-scale transport, however are also often functional as work machines. Mining, hunting, and even truck-to-truck combat are all known uses of trucks.
Invented by humans early on in the {Birth Era}, trucks are a solid symbol of human ingenuity and technological might. The agamians weren't able to invent them, but once they knew of them, have been known to become {truck drivers} and {engineers} with their own crews.
Reportedly invented over ten thousand years ago, the true origin of the sand truck is unknown. However, historians have been able to date the maiden voyage of the {Neoza}, the oldest recorded truck, at around -7000 BE. Vorlin of Rie and Tae is often the human credited with the invention of the truck, but the sheer amount of time between then and now makes any true historical accuracy on this subject nearly impossible.
As many makes and models exist in the modern era, the specifics of function in all trucks can vary. A general blueprint does exist in all trucks, and is detailed below.
Variants
In early history, only one sand truck design existed, at least in an official capacity. The Prosperous Era brought with it what's called the "design split" among truck enthusiasts, introducing Unos to over a dozen different looks, styles and designs of sand truck. Some are island-specific, being produced by individual governments. Others are independant designs, created by independant manufacturers for a wide variety of purposes. A few designs are listed below.- Grandfather - The "proto-Tesidian" style, otherwise known as the "grandfather" design, is the very first and most common sand truck. From what is known of history, the Neoza was designed with this blueprint, which was the de facto construction method of the sand truck until the Prosperous Era.
- Tesidian - Closely styled after the grandfather design, the modern Tesidian truck is considered merely an upgrade of its predecessor. It's the primary vessel of the Tesid High Guard, and is available on the public market with restricted colors to prevent confusion. The Union claimed these trucks when they were formed, and they now serve as official Union vessels as well.
- Faleran - A common design, as it comes from Otmi Faler, the world's production capital. They're mostly used as defense and cargo hauling, but are sold freely on the public market due simply to the sheer number of them.
- Unimese - Developed by the brightest minds in the world, the Unimese truck is considered the most "high-tech" truck on the market, and therefore the most expensive. As a result, the Unimese military and government use the other truck variants to flesh out their fleets. But the flagtruck of any Unimese fleet is always of their own design.
- Agamian - One of the earliest variations, the first of which being completed near the end of the Integration Era. Designed with agamian comfort in mind, these trucks are considered dank, damp and cramped by human standards. Agamians find themselves right at home in them, however.
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- Primina - Developed by Spectral Engineering. SE's starting-point offering. A cheap and easy-to-operate sand truck that doesn't last long.
- Hunterra - Developed by Spectral Engineering. A standardized mining truck, with middle-road features.
- Tortima - Developed by Spectral Engineering. A mid-class hauler that can be found almost anywhere.
- B1-23 - Developed by General System Works. An entry-level truck common with first-time crews and drivers-in-training. Doesn't last long.
- C4-56 - Developed by General System Works. A step-up from the B1-23, and is far more common. GSW's standard model.
- M1-N9 - Developed by General System Works. Specifically intended as a mining vessel. Sturdier than their other general-purpose trucks, but not by much.
- Shimmerene - Developed by Gark-brood Enterprises. A luxury vessel intended for vacations and transporting VIPs. One sits at Cha Tesid for the transportation of Union personnel.
Power Generation
Trucks get their power for all systems (engine, aux, etc) from sunrays. There is a solar transistor that must be exposed to the {suns} to collect power, making it a vulnerable system. Intense nemal shielding and discrete placement help, but aren't foolproof. Many trucks today have secondary power tanks, that store excess power from the transistor and distribute it when the transistor is disconnected or broken.
Propulsion
Trucks crawl along the sand with massive treads, usually at least coated with {cactal fluid}. The treads surround a wheel drive train, which is operated through a large engine system usually found in the center of the vehicle. The engine is controlled from a station often found at the front of the vehicle, in a windowed control room.
Weapons & Armament
Mounted to interior gyro-swivels on the top or sides of a truck, and operated by crewmembers, can be installed large ranged weapons. These swivels can also host a variety of other features, such as mining hooks or sand scoops. They get power from the solar transistor.
Armor and defense
Many trucks are reinforced with {sorton} plating, but the nemalnium frame and chassis are often good enough.
Additional & auxiliary systems
Cooling - A required system for both mechanical function and crew health. Without a cooling unit, the natural radiant heat from the sand below can potentially seize parts and cook crewmembers. Often founds in the aft of the vehicle, a large central pump sends a specialized {coolant} throughout the truck via a temperate tubing system. In addition, cooling fans are positioned in key chambers to support both cooling and air flow. Many trucks can survive on fans alone for a time, but coolant is necessary for long-term voyages.
Hangars & docked vessels
Deployment trucks have pods along the aft-sides that allow ejection of coolsuited crewmembers.
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