KRAUTSCAPE

Story

Around 1880, the world renowned german inventor Dr. Konrad von Krautkopf developed a machine, which could not only drive at enormous speeds, it could also fly. He called them Krautomobiles (or Krautos). As he couldn‘t find a way to keep these machines working within our known laws of physics, he attempted to create a system which gave the Krautos a opportunity to operate outside of the usual cobble-stoned roads being used back in the 19th century. He called this system „The Krautscape“. Due to his obstinate character, he never told anyone, apart from his best friend Carl Benz. In the „Krautscape“, with simple control-mechanisms, Krautos can control the street by directing the way it is built, in order to help them reach their goal in the quickest time possible. For a Krauto, to affect the curve of the street, it simply would have to drive on the edge of it whilst driving through the street-building gate. Dr. von Krautkopf imagined this system as a flexible alternative for common modes of transport and also for special events like races, where it would create a racetrack.

Konrad von Krautkopf died unexpectedly towards the end of 1881 of food poisoning, after a prolonged effort to re-invent the wheel. During this time he forgot to eat and when he eventually rewarded his efforts with dinner, he unluckily consumed rotten meat. His poor wife blamed herself for this fateful error. Krautkopf‘s plans had solely been revealed to his friend Carl Benz, who claimed they were his after Dr. von Krautkopf died. Unfortunately Carl Benz couldn‘t make out all the detailed plans properly and therefore only managed a half assed attempt at building a Krauto. Upon failing to build a prototype, he eventually drew up plans for a so called „Automobil“.

Inspired by horse-racing and other gambling events, von Krautkopf had created, unlike his other inventions, a completely useless Sport: His Krautos would race each other, and prove how well they managed the environment. Our main goal is to recreate a virtual way to take part in those races.