Lightning Rail

The most dramatic implementation of the techniques of elemental binding is in the propulsion of large vessels. Starting with the invention of the lightning rail coach, the concept of elemental propulsion has grown and improved over the past one hundred eighty-seven years, creating a network of moderately fast travel across the continent of Khorvaire—and beyond.

The lightning rail, developed to connect the unified kingdom of Galifar and replace the King’s Road, provided the first easy means of travel and shipping across the continent of Khorvaire. It took many years for the artificers of the dragonmarked houses to apply the principle of the lightning rail coach to other endeavors, first to sailing ships and later to flying ships. Both of these vessels were only developed during the final decade or so of the Last War, and were never produced for warfare or on a large scale.

The poor can pay a mere 1 cp per mile to travel in a steerage cart, a shared room with simple benches designed to fit as many people as possible. Those with the means usually go for a modest fare, paying 3 cp per mile for passage in rooms with comfortable seating and access to dedicated sleeping rooms and modest food. Finally, the wealthy can pay 1 sp per mile of travel for comfortable rooms with proper beds and access to fine dining.

The Lightning Rail Distances table provides the distance between various stops on the lightning rail line, including the time taken and costs. Most lightning rail journeys stop at each station along the way for 1 hour. To determine the statistics of a given trip, add the distances, times, and cost of each line together, adding 1 hour to the time for each stop along the way. The result of each is the corresponding total of that trip.

Lightning Rail Rates

Lightning Rail Distances

** Vedykar and Vulyar are not connected via lightning rail, but are prime candidates for a new line.