Cross Country Chariots

Struggles have always been a constant companion to humanity. The Elder Races looked down upon humanity, their gazes filled with contempt for the upstart race. Since the dawn of mankind, their existence has been an uphill battle. Unworthy of ire nor aid, the unproven people were left to their own devices for most of their history. Elves, Dwarfs, and similar peoples, as real as anyone, were the things of myth. Humanity was harassed by Orcs and plagued by the unforeseeable results of Elf magic. Desperation gave rise to innovation as humanity sought a way to defend itself. Across the face of Xùyì, the answer was found. Chariots.

Small victories began to turn the tide of hopelessness, earning them the title of Usurpers from many.

Chariots became a major aspect of warfare across Xùyì, seemingly overnight. It was the great equalizer against the Old Ways, time-tested formations, and magic against the new. Like many other aspects of humanity, it came as a surprise to those who considered themselves infallible, untouchable by the lesser folk. Sorcerers proved ineffective as the thunderous chariots descended, rows of archers decimated within moments. The Elder Races, being closely tied to the Heavens of nature and beasts, had yet to break those bonds, refusing to put animals in harm's way. Their reluctance to adapt to humanity's new tactics and the hesitation shown brought needless tragedies to their forces. Through conquest, preying upon the limitations set by their adversaries, mankind grew stronger. Bolder. Through conquest, humanity forged a name for itself, finding reluctant acceptance among the well-established races.

Yet, it is the same ambitions of mankind that turned their greatest asset obsolete. As technology increased and the concept of mounted champion arose, chariots were no longer worth the cost. Some, such as the nobility of Gy'veorn, still use this method of war. For all others, it became a status symbol. As with many similar things, the Trel waited until the chariots were no longer favored. The symbol of strength became public transportation.

Trel is, naturally, a massive land. For people to live and travel in relative ease, several private protection businesses have opened. Yet, no matter how many guards were stationed on the open roads, lawlessness still prevailed. A life was worth as much as the coins they carried. To transport people safely, chariots were refashioned, joining caravans of wagons and similar vehicles to create a train-like formation. Nobles, and those of higher stature, rode in smaller chariots, refurbished to offer maximum comfort, surrounded by carriages pulled by teams of four horses in front and behind. This allowed those of greater merit to flee, should the guards who rode alongside it be compromised. For a small pittance, anyone could travel across Trel at a surprisingly low rate.