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Smoke, Grind, and Grit: Designing Grind-Powered Vehicles for Under the Dome

“Tires are for cowards. Real engines scream when they drink grind.”
—Rassa Coilbite, skiffwright of the Slag Market

The wastelands outside the dome cities are hostile, irradiated with chaos storms, crawling with monsters, and pocked by sinkholes, living fungus, and bone-sanded dunes. On foot? You’re prey.
On a grind-powered death engine? You might live long enough to die on your own terms.

Inspired by Descent Into Avernus’ Infernal War Machines, vehicles in Under the Dome offer a blend of grindtech engineering, chaos-fueled upgrades, and scrap-forged character. Whether for travel, combat, or storm-dodging races, grind-powered vehicles are the iron lifeblood of Balaria and beyond.

⚙️ What is Grindtech?

Grind is a potent, semi-stable crystallized residue of chaos storms. It’s volatile, reactive, and often dangerous—but when fed through a pressure-forged grind core, it becomes a viable energy source.

Grindtech vehicles convert this energy into kinetic propulsion, arc-flux weaponry, and sometimes even reactive shielding or dimensional phasing (with risks). The more grind you feed it, the more it growls.

Designing Vehicles: Core Components

Every grindtech vehicle is built from a few key components:

1. Chassis

The frame and function of the vehicle. Determines size, crew, and base speed.

2. Grind Core

The engine that powers the vehicle. Determines how fast, how long, and how dangerously the vehicle can run.

3. Control Rig

Mechanism for driving. Pilots may need Vehicle (Land) proficiency, Arcana, or even Constitution saves depending on complexity.

4. Weapon Mounts (Optional)

From grind-harpooners to arc blasters and junk cannons. Each weapon draws additional power, either from grind or a personal battery.

💥 Special Features

When building a grindtech vehicle, consider optional modules and upgrades:

• Balarium Stabilizers – Reduces wild surge chance during overdrive.

• Stormshield Array – Grants resistance to effects of minor chaos storms while in motion.

• Chaos Exhaust Bloomers – Leaves a trail of shimmering, semi-toxic light that confuses pursuit (DC 13 Con save or Disadv. on tracking).

• Razor Plow – Melee weapon that deals 2d10 damage to anything directly in front.

• Sonic Spine Harpoons – Pulls in enemies or objects; DC 15 Strength to resist.

⚡ Gameplay Mechanics

Much like Avernus’ war machines, grind-powered vehicles can use:

• Armor Class (AC): Based on materials and enhancements (typically 13–18)

• Hit Points (HP): Based on chassis and reinforcements (150–300)

• Speed: 60–120 ft., modifiable by core or terrain

• Fuel: Track grind units burned during travel or combat

• Collision Damage: Based on size/speed, typically 3d10–6d10

Combat in these vehicles should be cinematic, chaotic, and fast-paced. Encourage players to interact with controls, sabotage enemy cores, leap between rigs, and risk overloading systems.

🎮 Roleplaying with Vehicles

Don’t just treat vehicles like mounts—make them characters in their own right. Give them:

• Names (“The Gnasher”, “Stormcradle”, “The Coilhowl”)

• Quirks (“Drifts right during storms”, “Wakes up screaming”)

• Histories (“Was once part of the Seeker fleet before the fall of Vergussian”)

• Maintenance Needs (May require scrap, grind, or even creature parts to stay functional)

🏁 Example: Grind Racer “Rattlevox”

• Type: Skiff

• Speed: 100 ft

• Grind Core: Enhanced

• AC: 15 | HP: 120

• Features: Overdrive (Dash without action once per turn), Sonic Howler (DC 14 Con save or deafened), Carries 3 crew

• Fuel Use: 1 grind per 30 min

• Quirk: The vehicle hums constantly in low vocal tones like it’s trying to sing.

📍 Final Thoughts

Grindtech vehicles offer an explosive way to elevate Under the Dome from survival horror and city intrigue to high-speed, chaos-powered action. They can serve as mobile bases, racing threats, scavenger haulers, or symbols of a faction’s influence.

So fuel up, scream into the storm, and make your mark across the black sands.

Thanks for reading. Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy!!