The Abenhall-Thar'ziq Railway
The Abenhall-Thar'ziq Railway is a vital subterranean trade route connecting the dwarven stronghold of
Abenhall to the arcane city of
Thar'ziq. Carved through the mountains by dwarven engineering and powered by the
Ambesum batteries of
Thar'ziq, this railway is the lifeline that sustains commerce between the two cities.
Construction & Design
The railway is a meticulously planned tunnel system with only two entrances: one in
Abenhall and the other in
Thar'ziq. The dwarves, masters of subterranean construction, ensured the integrity of the tunnels with reinforced supports and integrated natural air vents for ventilation. The track itself follows a carefully designed gradient, allowing carts to gain momentum before traveling on level sections, minimizing the need for excessive power consumption.
Power System
Rather than relying on steam or beasts of burden, the railway operates using
Ambesum batteries, a unique arcane power source mined and refined in
Thar'ziq. These batteries are securely locked in place with magic, though their high value makes the railway a heavily guarded asset. Since running long power lines through the tunnel would be prohibitively expensive, the batteries are periodically recharged and exchanged at
Thar'ziq.
Trade & Commerce
The railway is the only viable trade route between
Thar'ziq and the outside world. Due to its jungle location and limited farmland,
Thar'ziq depends heavily on
Abenhall for essential supplies, including food, tools, and manufactured goods. In return,
Thar'ziq exports
Ambesum and exotic fruits, which are transported via the railway to
Abenhall and further distributed through dwarven-controlled ports. This trade dynamic has made
Thar'ziq highly reliant on the dwarves, giving
Abenhall a significant economic advantage.
Security & Maintenance
Given the immense value of the transported goods—especially
Ambesum—the railway is well-protected. Both entrance points are heavily guarded, and the tunnels themselves remain largely concealed.
Emberstone lights are placed at key locations, particularly near battery exchange points, ensuring safe operation and maintenance. While the railway requires little upkeep due to its efficient design, periodic inspections and maintenance teams from
Abenhall ensure its continued functionality.
Impact on the Region
The railway has fundamentally shaped the relationship between
Abenhall and
Thar'ziq, fostering mutual dependence. It has also positioned the dwarves as key trade intermediaries, strengthening their economic and political influence in the region. Meanwhile,
Thar'ziq’s reliance on the railway has spurred efforts to ensure its security and sustainability, as any disruption could have severe consequences for the city’s well-being.
The Abenhall-Thar'ziq Railway stands as a testament to dwarven craftsmanship and arcane ingenuity, serving as the backbone of trade and survival for the two cities it connects.
