Firearms
Originally an archaic outgrowth of Dhakaani alchemy, black powder has been around for thousands of years. The early Hobgoblin alchemists were searching for a medicinal substance of similar healing power to that of divine magic. It was first used for combat in small amounts for incendiary arrows.
During the war with the Daelkyr and forces of Xoriat the first proper firearms were created. The early firelances were little more than a bamboo or ceramic tube open an one end, lashed to the shaft of a spear or javelin. When ignited, it would briefly spray a gout of flames, though later they would add in small projectiles such as pottery fragments, small stones or arrows.
With the fall of Dhakaan, much of the progress that was made with these early firearms was lost. The occasional Hobgoblin warlord would field ranks of Firelancers and the occasional Rocket Springal. If the next stage of advancement was recorded, that record has been lost to time. By the time Humans started spreading across Khorvaire, particularly powerful or wealthy Goblinoids would have one of two Culverins [also hand cannons] wielded by specially trained Bugbear bodyguards.
Widespread conflict with Humans, who are equally as war-like and aggressive as Hobgoblins, lead to new inventions in the Dhakaani firearms. The first Arquebus' were fielded in the battle with Karrn the Conqueror. The existence of magic in all it's forms has slowed the invention of newer weapons, but advancement never stopped. Today firearms are still associated with Goblinoids, and in more magically-inclined regions carries an implication of barbarism and ignorance.
Firearms are not a common sight on the streets of Sharn or nestled in the armories of House Deneith. Their rediscovery is relatively recent, with most examples dating back to salvaged Dhakaani ruins. As such, their production remains a significant hurdle. The knowledge to replicate these weapons is limited, residing largely within the secretive and nationalistic Dhakaani clans of the modern Darguun.
Availability is further restricted by the scarcity of the materials needed for proper maintenance and ammunition. The specific alloys and ingenious mechanisms required are difficult to reproduce with current technology. Ammunition, most often in the form of alchemically propelled pellets or specialized cartridges, is even harder to come by, making their use an expensive endeavor.
Because of these factors, firearms in Eberron are far from ubiquitous. Instead, they occupy a niche role, valued for their raw power and intimidating presence.
Their use is certainly not common. While some adventurous treasure hunters might possess a single, well-maintained musket as a prized trophy, large-scale adoption is limited to specific factions. The Dhakaani, naturally, maintain a near monopoly on their production and deployment, with specialized units wielding them as shock troops.
Certain wealthy organizations or individuals, like House Cannith or particularly eccentric nobles, might commission the creation of firearms. However, these are often treated as bespoke, handcrafted weapons, rather than mass-produced arms.
While not a closely guarded secret in the strictest sense – their existence is known – the knowledge of their construction and maintenance remains tightly controlled. The Dhakaani, in particular, are fiercely protective of their heritage and are unlikely to share the secrets of their ancestors with outsiders.
The "complexity" lies not just in the creation of black powder itself. While the basic ingredients – charcoal, sulfur, and nitrate of potash (commonly called Goblin Salt) – may be relatively common, achieving the correct proportions and refining the mixture to a usable state is a delicate process. Dhakaani texts speak of alchemists laboring for years, perfecting the formula and developing methods for safely handling the volatile substance.
Beyond the powder, the firearms themselves are feats of engineering. Barrels must be expertly crafted from durable metals, precisely bored to withstand the explosive force. Ignition mechanisms, often involving intricate clockwork or carefully shaped flint, require a high degree of craftsmanship. Early Dhakaani firearms likely utilized matchlocks, requiring a constantly burning fuse, while later, more sophisticated designs might have incorporated wheel locks or even primitive snaphaunces.
The true complexity, however, emerges when considering the supporting technologies required for the widespread adoption of black powder firearms. Metalworking skills must be advanced enough to produce consistent, high-quality barrels and mechanisms. Alchemy plays a crucial role, not only in powder production but also in developing methods for cleaning and maintaining the weapons, preventing corrosion, and treating injuries caused by misfires.
Furthermore, the use of black powder firearms necessitates the creation of projectiles. Lead shot, meticulously cast and sized, is the most common ammunition, demanding expertise in smelting and metalworking. The development of effective targeting systems, requiring an understanding of trajectory and ballistics, also presents a significant challenge.
Perhaps the most crucial component is the knowledge itself. The secrets of black powder production and firearm construction are jealously guarded, likely controlled by specialized guilds or even royal houses. The Dhakaani, known for their martial prowess and sophisticated engineering, undoubtedly had dedicated schools and training programs to ensure the mastery of this technology.
The initial breakthrough wasn't a singular invention, but a series of accidental discoveries. Dhakaani alchemists, experimenting with explosive compounds for mining and warfare, stumbled upon volatile formulas that produced concussive blasts. These initial explosions were uncontrolled and dangerous, but the Dhakaani, known for their methodical approach to warfare, saw potential.
Several factors contributed to the goblins' pursuit of this volatile technology. Firstly, the Dhakaani Empire faced constant threats from monstrous humanoids and territorial beasts. A weapon capable of delivering a powerful blow from a distance offered a significant tactical advantage. Secondly, Dhakaani society prized efficiency and battlefield dominance. The prospect of a weapon that could quickly incapacitate enemies, regardless of their size or strength, was a highly desirable goal. Finally, the Dhakaani possessed a unique understanding of alchemical processes and metallurgical techniques, honed through centuries of mining and crafting. This expertise allowed them to refine the initial explosive formulas and develop more stable and controllable compounds.
Early Dhakaani firearms were crude and unreliable. They were often little more than reinforced tubes filled with alchemically treated powder and projectiles. Ignition was a precarious process, often involving open flames and posing a considerable risk to the user. However, over generations, Dhakaani artisans refined the design, improving the powder's consistency, the barrel's construction, and the ignition mechanism. While never achieving the finesse of modern firearms, these ancient weapons proved devastating on the battlefield, giving the Dhakaani Empire a crucial edge in their expansion and defense.
The Dhakaani Empire eventually crumbled, leaving behind a legacy of masterful stonework, complex social structures, and, perhaps most surprisingly, the forgotten secrets of early firearms. It remains a testament to their ingenuity, and a reminder that technological innovation can flourish even in a world dominated by magic. Further research into Dhakaani ruins may yet reveal more about this fascinating and potentially game-changing piece of Eberron's history.
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