Armed with Fire
ToC
The most dramatic application of science is probably the use of firearms. In Ptolus, characters have extremely limited access to a slightly higher level of technology than what would be considered early medieval. This includes firearms, most commonly known as dragon pistols and dragon rifles (although there are other types as well).
However, all these devices are rare and steadily becoming more so. Such advancements in science helped forge the Empire, but as the Empire declines, so too does the knowledge of how to create and maintain these wonderful devices. It is often difficult to purchase such items these days. (p38/521)
However, all these devices are rare and steadily becoming more so. Such advancements in science helped forge the Empire, but as the Empire declines, so too does the knowledge of how to create and maintain these wonderful devices. It is often difficult to purchase such items these days. (p38/521)
Where to Buy
Of course I know what I'm talking about, are you daft man. The Smoke Shop they sell those Dragon Pistols and much more. But remember I already told you, you must have a license and to get a license you need Ptolus Identification Papers or Ptolus Citizenship Papers. Yes I know everyone thinks the Smoke Shop sells pipe weeds, it's a foolish name.
The Smoke Shop
Gunther Edlund the manager of the Smoke Shop sells cutting-edge technological items such as spectacles, watches, spyglasses, magnifying lenses, goggles, precision tools, and all manner of firearms. (p286)Jinsa Hammerblight
Jinsa, a female stonelost dwarf and retired warrior with golden braids sells and repairs firearms from her small shop in Undermarket. She claims to have no ties to the Shuul and quotes dealing in firearms since before that organization’s arrival in Ptolus. (p396)Dwarvenhearth
It is rumored that lost treasure troves of science including rare firearms can be found in the locked abandoned halls of Dwarvenhearth. (p438)Licenses & Permits
In the Empire it is necessary to carry a firearms permit, which costs 10 gp to obtain and an annual fee of 1 gp to renew. Permits are granted only to citizens. They are required so the Empire can control these powerful weapons, at least to a point. Failure to present a permit when found with a firearm is a crime punishable by a 500-gp fine. (p521)Permits to carry firearms may be obtained at the Administration Building in Oldtown. This also creates revenue and allows the Imperial government to monitor activities they consider worth monitoring, such as firearm ownership and book printing. (p291/516)
City Watch
The City Watch employs firearms
WIP UC Work in Progress Under Construction
I am not convinced this dragon pistol will not blowup in my damn hands. I will continue to carry my crossbow. There is something about the "thwack" of a crossbow bolt that is reassuring, thank you very much.
City Defense
and local defenses include cannons watching over the harbor and within DalenguardWIP UC Work in Progress Under Construction
So what you are telling me is this metal contraption launches a metal ball the size of my head at an enemy ship in the harbor, and it can punch through the hull of that ship. Oh and it is not magic! Here is what I will tell you, you have been hitting the sauce.
Origins & History
Life Under the Empire
Unlike many empires, the Empire of Tarsis gained little of its dominion through conquest. A thousand years ago, the evil lord Ghul waged war against the rest of the world, his armies comprised of demons, undead, and horrible monsters. At that time, a group of humans called the Prust occupied the area around the city of Tarsis far to the east. When the Prustan forces from Tarsis came westward to help defeat Ghul, they stayed, helping to rebuild and establish order.Following their terrible defeat in the Ghulwar, the folk west of Tarsis welcomed not only the Prust’s help but also their advances in science. The Prust (and the Grailwarden dwarves of the same area) brought with them firearms, clocks, printing presses, and even steam-powered engines. They built roads, waterways, and well-ordered cities with running water, sewer systems, and postal services. Their laws were codified in a book called the Vast Codex rather than arbitrary. In short, life under the Empire seemed good. (p30)
Innovation & Empire
The spread of Empire brought with it the spread of innovation. Grailwarden firearms, clockworks, and steam-powered machines were as much a part of the Empire as were Imperial laws, bureaucracy, and garrisons. (p87) The Empire, however, also brought with it strict controls. Various freedoms suddenly vanished in the name of maintaining order. Official citizens of the Empire achieved rights denied noncitizens, such as permits to own firearms. (p32)Assassination
Following the assassination of her husband in 386 IA, Empress Addares (Von Tessel) X makes it illegal to own a firearm without an official Imperial dispensation. (p84)Decline
Over time, people found it harder and harder to locate someone who could repair or maintain their firearms, clockworks, or steam engines. Even among the Grailwarden dwarves, the number of technicians declined with each passing year. (p89)The Path Forward
The Shull
Once a simple organization created to uphold the concept of order, the Shuul has grown over the years into a powerful force that attempts to restore the prominence of technological devices such as firearms, clockwork devices, and steam technology in the city. Despite a predilection for machines, the Shuul do not reject magic, as one might expect. Instead they embrace it and see the union of magic and machines as the ultimate accomplishment.Most members of the organization are humans and dwarves, particularly Grailwarden dwarves. The Shuul maintain close ties with the Temple of Teun, the Mother of All Machines, as well as with House Shever. (p24)
The Shuul are a very new group, dedicated not only to restoring the reign of science and reason to the Empire, but to advancing it. Although they bill themselves as supporters of law, the Shuul are more accurately thought of as masters of technology.
As any student of history can relate, the Empire of Tarsis was founded by the Prust far to the east on the ideals of science and technological advancement. Working with the Grailwarden dwarves over the years, the Prust perfected firearms, printing presses, steam engines, and various clockwork wonders. However, in the last century, technological knowledge has regressed rather than progressed, decaying like the Empire that once fostered it. The Shuul plan on doing all they can to change that. Working hand in hand with religious groups representing Teun and the Iron God (both old Prustan deities), they have gathered many remaining trained technicians and scientists to preserve their knowledge and foster their work. For now, the Shuul are strictly a Ptolus-based group, but one day see themselves as spreading throughout the Empire, functioning as an official technological guild and society. (p126)
NOTES 9000 BE Chaostech 7500 BE Banewarren to store evil artifacts and tech 5300 BE Titan discover chaos tech 641 Tech halts
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