Sandwalker Sledges

Overview

The Sandwalker Sledges are a a vehicle only found in the deserts of Pisocenia. They consists of two parts: the sledge itself, built from wood, gras, cloth, raffia and/or bamboo and the Sandwalker itself.
The Sandwalker is a large gecko which normally lives underground on day and comes out at night. It is up to 3.5 meters long (including tail) and can reach a shoulder height of 80 centimeters. They walk on four feets and their toes are connected with a thin layer of skin (feet are webbed) which they use to run like hell over the hot sand beneath them.
Normally the owner of the Sledge advises the customer to travel at night, but the Sandwalker can also operate in the broad daylight. It is highly advised that the customer brings a huge bucket of water (or a water skin etc.) with him so the Sandwalker can drink.
Depending on the customer and his luggage a Sledge can hold up to two Sandwalkers. For heavier goods or more than ten people it is recommended to get more Sledges or a different way of travelling.

Prices

The cost of your travel depends entirely on the length, in time and distance. The further your travel, the more you have to pay because the owner can't get another customer to ride one of his Sledges and his stock of Sandwalkers is very limited. You have to calculate your weight, the weight of your luggage, the weight of the water for the Sandwalker, the distance and the time you are going to travel (with rests and everything). Last factor to calculate is the return of the Sandwalker Sledge: is it you who is bringing back or has the owner to hire someone to fetch it?

So...to the mines, yes? Which one? Oh, the silver mines, yes, ok. Hm, you wanna bring only this poach and rations? Everything else? Hm, yes, ok, with the water... bring something back from the mines? Hm yes, ok, that isn't much...without sandstorms six days. Night or day travel? I would recommend night travel with a blanket, but it is your choice. Ok, with day travel one barrel of water more, the Sandwalker tends to get thirsty.

Maintenance & Care

Every owner has to care for their Sledges and their Sandwalkers. If they can afford it, they pay a few coins to a workshop to fix the Sledges. If not, they have to maintain their Sledges all by themselves, gather the resources and fix everything.
For the Sandwalker they have to create an area where the Sandwalkers can vanish under the burning sand and wait for the night or the call of their owner. They need two buckets of water a day when not moving. They tend to lick up the collected air liquids from their eyes so they can sustain a longer period without a fresh supply of water.
When the Sandwalkers mate, the hatchlings are destined to become new Sandwalker Sledges or are sold off to a friend or a colleague.

Propulsion & Reach

Depending on your rations for the Sandwalkers and the water supply you can cross the entire desert of Pisocenia in a few days. In theory. The Sandwalker might get tired but a small rest - an hour or so - is enough to regain some strength.
A Sandwalker walks and runs on four legs. If you are in a hurry or you are getting chased, your Sandwalker may run for his life on two legs.

You thought you were going on your horse? Fuck me, this Sandwalker was running like a sandstorm was behind us and in front his wife in heat awaited him. I could barely clutch to the sledge!

— Young mine inspector to his giggling guard friend

Pachydactylus Rangei by Markus Blüthner