Every asset we make feeds into the game's narrative. This includes the most mundane elements we don’t pay special attention to - but which say a lot about society at the same time.
Ibru is no exception. The city might be ruled by gods, but the vast majority of its inhabitants are humans and Ardent, and they need a way to transport goods and themselves across the city-state. There are three solutions: Using the fixed lift system connecting the city, walking to your destination, or crossing the winding streets of the city.
However, designing a vehicle to navigate the confines of the divine city must also reflect the greater lore and logic of the gameworld. A vehicle must:
Reflect the absence of open flame and fire, decreed by the gods to protect the city and its denizens from harm.
Be able to convincingly navigate the narrow streets and steep stairs that link the city together.
Show Equitech's product philosophy: Cheap, bulky, and decidedly user-unfriendly items for use by the general population in the middle and lower classes.
How do you build a vehicle fit for the purpose?
Modeled by Lokan Kuta, the universal tractor is inspired by mid 20th-century designs like Unimogs and two-wheel tractors - where form followed function. Additional inspiration came from historic examples of early industrial societies meeting the need for transportation - most importantly the auto rickshaw or tuk-tuk - except with a lot more torque and power to help it climb the steeply angled stairs across the city.
The tractor is a modular design built around a powerful industrial electric motor, with the driver sitting right next to the beast protected by only the front cage and an overhead roof to keep out Ibru’s merciless sun. A simple leaf spring suspension mounts the powered rear wheels onto the rigid ladder frame, with steering wheels on the front that also allow it to climb stairs with ease.
Every aspect of the tractor is designed to make it as rugged as possible, while keeping the costs low. There’s no extra bodywork or decorative components, just a mercilessly functional design that’s all about function.
Its flexibility is virtually unlimited, thanks to the modular design and wide availability of different rear elements, including a cargo bed, cistern, a vendor module, and a passenger section seating six in bearable discomfort (with a military-style roll cage added to protect the Paqudu, as seen on the one in the teaser).
