Steam Transport

Oh this one?, this bad boy can transport any type of merchandise that arrives at the port, and in less than 20 minutes, without traffic jams or waiting, everything that arrives at the port that needs to be delivered urgently arrives at its destination.

— A stevedore at the port of Blati

  The Steam transport, also known as the Steam Terrestrial Transport Ship because of its shape, is one of the wonders of Blatian engineering and science. This marvel of a vehicle has allowed the busiest port in all of Yeia to transport goods more efficiently both to city markets and to transport products from warehouses to loading areas.  

Invention

Attempts of creating an steam engine go back as far as the 4th and 3rd centuries BP, but the most that was achieved at that time was to create small mechanisms that made some statues or small toys move, like the bird clock. It was in the final years of the 6th century AP in Blati where the steam engine that powers such vehicles was invented at the Academy by a certain Licinius of Alexiopolis. The invention itself was presented in its final form to Emperor Aemilian III in 615 AP. He was impressed and ordered the production of the first steam transports as well as the construction of the railways on which they circulate, as well as Licinius very generously for his invention. Soon they became a common sight on Blatian streets and a vital element in the city's economy.   During the Second Siege of Blati in 650 AP the Steam Transports were vital transporting supplies and ammunition (as well as cannons) to the defenders on the walls, the drivers of these transports were also generously rewarded and from the on, they were known as The Most Loyal Imperial Transport Corps.   Despite the success of these engines and these vehicles, no further attempts were made on incorporating this technology into other vehicles such as galleys, carrack or the few Galleons that the Blatian Imperial Navy has. Implementation of these engines in the mining industry considered to be very expensive (the magnetic engine was a better candidate for that, but it was also deemed as very expensive).

Description

The Steam transport has the shape of a galley or bireme but much smaller. It has four wheels just like the typical ox-drawn cart that has been used in Yeia for centuries, but this type of vehicle moves through small grooves or rails that connect the merchant port of Blati with the 3 forums of the city, the Great Forum, the Forum of Peace and the Forum of Anastasius.   The steam engine, (usually made of bronze and spherical in shape that also has a chimney through which it expels steam) that allows the vehicle to move (although slowly) is located in the middle of the vehicle, and that engine is powered by the driver or operator himself, who usually uses coal or wood as fuel (although scientists at the Academy of Blati are working on a new design in which the engine would be powered by magic, although its success remains to be seen). In smaller models, the rear section, behind the driver's seat, is where a small box containing the fuel is located, and below it there is a small trunk where goods are loaded, which can also be placed in the front section, in front of the engine. On larger models, the rear end is much longer, allowing for greater cargo capacity at the sacrifice of some vehicle speed. This type of model is used to carry cargo from merchant ships from virtually all known nations that come to Blati to trade to the giant warehouses located north of the Trade Port.  

A very important vehicle for the busiest city and the busiest port in all Yeia

  The introduction of this vehicle in the 7th century AP made it easier for the ever-busy and vibrant port of Blati and especially the employees working there to unload, store and distribute goods throughout the vast metropolis.   However, not just anyone can drive these vehicles. Port employees who want to work driving these unique vehicles must first undergo a period of training with a veteran driver and then be subjected to an exam by the port authorities, who, once approved, issue a bronze diploma that certifies that worker to drive steam transports. A copy of this diploma is sent to the office of the City Prefect where it is kept together with the other licenses.   Sometimes drivers have to confirm their credentials to port guards or even to the "vigiles" - the paramilitary/police force of the imperial capital. There are also some models designed to tow broken-down steamships, although this can be a problem as the traffic network for these transports can be stopped by this, and even block a street!   In fact, since its creation, the Blati city government has implemented a network of lanes on which these vehicles circulate. These lanes are usually located in the middle of the main and widest streets and reach the main points of the city. These lanes are usually two-way, but in the rest of the city they are completely prohibited because either the streets are very narrow or they are very congested most of the day. These vehicles, due to the noise they produce, only circulate during the day, from dawn until approximately dinner time, beyond that they are completely forbidden.