- Thread starter
- #41
Patrick-Leigh
Inkling
All right, so, after doing a little more research, I'm definitely thinking that I can make these vehicles work, not just in terms of their mechanics, but also the level of luxury they can feature for the well-to-do. I've found some solid examples of historical vehicles that were a strong blend of carriage/coach and automobile that I believe would not seem out of place in a more 18th Century style setting.
As for the interiors, I don't think those would change all that much from what was used during the 18th Century, either.
So, ultimately, it comes down to making sure that their inclusion doesn't cause any big issues. Most of these vehicles are made for the sake of conspicuous consumption, as they Power Cores they require are not something that can be massed produced at this time, and their use is largely limited to urban areas and major highways, which are smoother and better maintained. And, of course, you need to know how to actually operate one. Most nobles are just going to hire a driver if they purchase a mechanized coach, but if they buy a runabout, they will learn to operate it themselves. However, the runabouts are not as much of a status flex, as they're less complicated and have less space for heated seats and other luxury features. Mechanized coaches are for traveling in style, runabouts are for getting from Point A to Point B in a short amount of time, so the more indolent elite are less inclined to purchase them.
One other thing I've realized as a result of this distinction is that most of the luxurious mechanized carriages are not designed with long-distance travel in mind. You can't really flaunt your wealth visually if the high-capacity Power Core is hidden inside the vehicle and looks similar to a low-capacity Power Core. Sure, you can brag about that, but pedestrians aren't going to be able to understand the nuances of the mechanics watching the vehicle pass them, are they? No, the only thing they can tell, visually, is how luxurious the vehicle is. So, unless you're a noble who travels long distances on a regular basis, the Power Core's capacity is one area where you can cut down on the cost, especially since major cities are always built over a Nexus (an intersection of two or more Leylines) and thus the Power Core can draw in more Aethyr from ambient sources to avoid running out of juice.
Conversely, runabouts are for nobles who have a strong wanderlust and desire for adventure. Thus, while smaller and less luxurious, by comparison, they're more sophisticated in terms of their Power Cores and mechanics. In other words, runabouts are for younger noblemen (usually bachelors) who want to have races with their rivals and take their mistresses for a ride through the country, not for nobles who are members of the legislature who spend all their time in an urban environment and just want to travel between their townhouses and the capital building in an opulent vehicle that ultimately is just for show. The two types of mechanized carriages reflect the different segments of the elite.
As for the interiors, I don't think those would change all that much from what was used during the 18th Century, either.
So, ultimately, it comes down to making sure that their inclusion doesn't cause any big issues. Most of these vehicles are made for the sake of conspicuous consumption, as they Power Cores they require are not something that can be massed produced at this time, and their use is largely limited to urban areas and major highways, which are smoother and better maintained. And, of course, you need to know how to actually operate one. Most nobles are just going to hire a driver if they purchase a mechanized coach, but if they buy a runabout, they will learn to operate it themselves. However, the runabouts are not as much of a status flex, as they're less complicated and have less space for heated seats and other luxury features. Mechanized coaches are for traveling in style, runabouts are for getting from Point A to Point B in a short amount of time, so the more indolent elite are less inclined to purchase them.
One other thing I've realized as a result of this distinction is that most of the luxurious mechanized carriages are not designed with long-distance travel in mind. You can't really flaunt your wealth visually if the high-capacity Power Core is hidden inside the vehicle and looks similar to a low-capacity Power Core. Sure, you can brag about that, but pedestrians aren't going to be able to understand the nuances of the mechanics watching the vehicle pass them, are they? No, the only thing they can tell, visually, is how luxurious the vehicle is. So, unless you're a noble who travels long distances on a regular basis, the Power Core's capacity is one area where you can cut down on the cost, especially since major cities are always built over a Nexus (an intersection of two or more Leylines) and thus the Power Core can draw in more Aethyr from ambient sources to avoid running out of juice.
Conversely, runabouts are for nobles who have a strong wanderlust and desire for adventure. Thus, while smaller and less luxurious, by comparison, they're more sophisticated in terms of their Power Cores and mechanics. In other words, runabouts are for younger noblemen (usually bachelors) who want to have races with their rivals and take their mistresses for a ride through the country, not for nobles who are members of the legislature who spend all their time in an urban environment and just want to travel between their townhouses and the capital building in an opulent vehicle that ultimately is just for show. The two types of mechanized carriages reflect the different segments of the elite.
