Steel Strider

The S'aue are a people of evolving industry, and that calls for efficient logistics. It is for this reason that the brilliant inventors of the S'aue Empire designed and introduced the Steel Striders, all-terrain transport vehicles that are used by the Empire and its allies to transport people and goods all across Nascindor.

History

After the Empire had finished the construction of their railroad network, it soon became obvious that while said network was a huge boon to trade and commerce, it was sorely lacking in terms of reach. Stations only really exist in large settlements and cities, which means that transporting goods to other places required several stops and different vehicles to reach their destination, which was not cost effective.

Therefore, a new kind of vehicle that could tackle most terrain on its own was needed. The race was on to be the first S'aue to come up with a working prototype for one and the Steel Strider, the brainchild of one Tristan Kipps, came out the winner. His quadruped design quickly gained the attention of merchants and entrepreneurs across the Empire, who saw its potential to revolutionize transportation and expand the reach of trade to even the most remote regions.

The initial prototypes of the Steel Strider faced numerous challenges. Early models struggled with fuel efficiency and getting the legs to articulate properly and without excess stress was a particularly challenging conundrum, and often it was specifically the legs that broke down in the middle of their journeys. However, Kipps and his team worked tirelessly, conducting countless tests and modifications. Their hard work paid off when the thirteenth iteration of the Steel Strider proved to both have durable joints and extremeties and was fuel efficient due to its reliance on hydraulics.

Only a year after their first public outing, the Striders had become a staple of S'aue transportation, with iteration and improvement continuing to this day.

Design

The archetypal Steel Strider is an innovative blend of traditional train car design and advanced hydraulics-driven locomotion. It features telescopic, articulated and pressure-regulated iron legs capable of navigating rugged terrain, and a compact yet powerful steam engine that allows it to traverse long distances without needing precious fuels. The sophisticated suspension system is designed to handle uneven terrain, ensuring that goods remain secure and undamaged during transit.

Recognizing the potential for passenger travel, various workshops introduced more luxurious versions of the Steel Striders. These models are equipped with plush seating, panoramic windows, and enhanced suspension to provide a smooth and comfortable journey for travelers.

These deluxe striders have quickly become the preferred mode of transportation for adventurers, dignitaries, and anyone with the monetary means to pay for a ride or even to own one such vehicle.

Societal Impact

The advent of the Steel Strider marked a turning point in the Empire's history. It not only solved the logistical challenges posed by the limited reach of the railroad network but also paved the way for an era of unprecedented connectivity and prosperity.

As the Steel Strider and its successors spread throughout the Empire, the economic landscape began to change. Small towns and rural areas, previously isolated, now had access to goods and markets, stimulating local economies and fostering growth. The increased mobility also facilitated cultural exchange, bringing diverse communities closer together and promoting a greater sense of unity between the Empire and its allies.

Moreover, the Steel Strider inspired a wave of other technological advancements. Engineers and inventors were motivated to push the boundaries of what was possible after its success, leading to innovations in fields such as agriculture, mining, and even medicine. The robust and adaptable hydraulic systems used in the Steel Strider found applications in other areas, further enhancing the quality of life across the Empire.

Exploring the Varlem Desert

Steel Striders have also presented unprecedented opportunities into exploring the enigmatic and often dangerous Varlem Desert.

This vast expanse of anomalous, shifting sands has been resistant to extended expeditions due to anomalies that are unsafe to approach in conventional manners. Enter the Sandshark, a type of Steel Strider designed specifically for the harsh and unpredictable conditions of the Varlem Desert.

A more sealed design keeps sand out of the crew quarters, while several vacuum-sealed and tempered portholes offer visuals of the striders surroundings. The legs have also been redesigned for the treacherous sand that has more give to it than most other types of soil. Within a Sandshark, an exploratory expedition can withstand many an anomaly that would prove fatal to an exposed group.

Smoothest ride I've ever been on.

Makes one wonder why we still ride horses.

–A human disembarking from a Steel Strider

by Midjourney

_{A junk strider, a cheaply made model of Steel Strider that is utilized by scrapper and scavenger crews sifting through the junk fields around S'aue cities.}

by Midjourney

_{An early Sandshark model.}

by Midjourney

_{Logging Striders revolutionized the forestry industry with their capability to haul vastly more wood than horse-drawn carriages.}