Peppard Wind Wagon

George Rolla Peppard sketched this drawing of a Peppard Wind Wagon. This innovation of the Kansas territorial period capitalized on an abundant natural resource, wind. In 1860 these wind wagons, sometimes called sailing wagons, received considerable attention in the press. Similar to an ordinary light wagon, they weighed about 350 pounds and had a bed about three feet wide, eight feet long, and six inches deep. A sail or sails raised over the center of the front axle propelled the wagons. When the wind blew in the right direction the wagons were reported to skim over the prairies at about 15 miles per hour, with speeds at up to 40 miles per hour.

An air elemental directly behind the sail or sails could double that speed to 80 miles per hour.  Powered by an air elemental means that the wind wagon could be built winder and longer, carrying more passengers and more cargo than a light wagon could.

In addition, while horses and mules need to stop for rest, drink water, and eat food; an air elemental can push a wind wagon 24/7.  After all, an air elemental has total immunity to exhaustion.

In Dungeons and Dragons, tools and weapons can have magical upgrades; therefore wheels could be magical as well.  Magically enhanced wheels give a smoother ride; give the driver more control over the vehicle, and a faster speed.  These magical wheels give these wagons an extra five miles per hour per plus one, with a maximum of +5 or 25 miles an hour for a maximum possible speed of 105 miles per hour.

If you think that is too fast for a cart to move; don’t forget that an air elemental can cause (3d8 + 2) damage.  Imagine what could happen if that amount of force was pushing against the sail or sails.