Imperial Wain

Let's be honest with each other. You're looking to go from Cescheri to Farrohol, so this isn't going to be a long trip. You're coming to me because you don't trust those arcane mumblers and their crazy moon-circles, and I don't blame you any. Four wains is enough to cart it, because if you try to do it with three you'll break axles the whole way and I know you don't have anyone in your company who knows how to cut and fit a new one. I'll sell you five because you're in over your head and likely are giving me the wrong counts on how much you're pulling, but keep this up and I'll sell you three and wish you luck with the stables.

— Dimian Wainwright

The wain is a simple vehicle, built of wood with four wheels for the purpose of conveying goods from one place to another. For being a simple vehicle, there are easily dozens of varieties - each one tailored for a specific purpose. A vehicle meant to convey people is a different matter entirely, as the wain was designed just for cargo. (This isn't to say you can't use one to carry travelers, but it will not be a pleasant ride at all.) Inexpensive versions are made of good wood, but use leather straps and bindings to hold things together long enough to go from one stop to another; they often are found being repaired after every trip since the fittings will slip far more easily. More expensive versions use treated lumber and steel, lasting for far longer journeys before maintenance is required, as well as carrying heavier loads. Each particular style of wain is built specifically for their task; ones meant to carry lumber for processing are designed to carry longer lengths which actually form most of the structural support along the length, while wains made for carrying ore and stone are designed with far more attention paid to support for the heavy loads.

On average, a wain will cost several hundred Knights if it's intended to be used for more than a one-way trip. It's not unheard of for well-made wains to cost several hundred Gryphons instead, which can be a considerable expense for smaller businesses or farmers. Those who know better are more concerned with finding a wainwright which can be trusted to make a good sound vehicle instead of paying for extras such as a drivers' seat or extra cargo capacity.

Used by

• Cedri's Carnival

Owning Organization

Rhyliss Imperium