Arcane Carriage

The arcane carriage is a four-wheeled carriage powered through the use of an arcane engine placed in the rear of the frame, replacing the need for horses or other draft animals. Designed in the year 4,709 AB (4E 496), the first working model was demonstrated in 4,718 AB (6E 3) during that year's Arcanist's Fair in the city of New Haven. Despite the carriage's popularity with those attending the fair, many carriage drivers and stablemasters expressed concern over the technology, believing further advancements could render their professions obsolete. Acting on behalf of regional carriage driver and stablemaster guilds, the Rethi Traveler's Union attempted to block the sale of the carriages.
As of 4,735 AB (6E 20), the Rethi Traveler's Union's efforts are ongoing, though a number of recent actions by the Rethi Congress has jeopardized their ability to continue. Many within the Rethi Congress have expressed support for the arcane carriages, arguing that any jobs lost would be offset by the development of more arcane factories, a prospect that only further enraged the Union's leadership. This increase in hostilities between the two groups has led to a complete collapse in communication, with the Union now engaging in a number of regional operations intended to unseat those Congress members who aren't staunchly opposed to the technology's development.
Outside of the political sphere, the Rethi Traveler's Union has also been engaging in strategic strikes, with many carriage driver guilds instructing their members not to provide their services. The sudden lack of carriage drivers crippled the nation's transportation and shipment infrastructures, further exacerbating social unrest already caused by the Final Word at the start of the Sixth Era. In solidarity with their fellow tradespeople, other guilds outside of the Traveler's Union have joined the strike, placing additional pressure on the Rethi Congress to block the production and sale of the arcane carriage.