The Thunder Cannon

"I've just finished creating an new type of ammunition for the thunder cannon! This one will explode in a 30ft radius at a point of my choosing and obliterate anything it surrounds! I don't think even a Bulette's plating could withstand this baby!"

— Lorilla Scheppen, Artificer

A thunder cannon is the most advanced and dangerous weapon in Merkia and come in a large variety of different designs. Invented by Lorilla Scheppen, a Gnome Artificers, after she was inspired on her travels by the use of dragon powder in the dwarven deep mining operations and the Fire Lance used by some hobgoblin tribes, she created the first functioning thunder cannon. Her exploits with this weapon inspired a new discipline among artificers who became known as Gunsmiths and earned her the nickname 'Thunderhand'.

Utility

Lorilla Scheppen intended her Thunder Cannon to be used to make her homeland, The Freelands, a safer place by providing a new powerful weapon to fight the numerous monsters that plague the area. Unfortunately for her, this meant that it was extremely sought after as a weapon of war. While the majority of Artificer guilds are cautious about who they craft firearms for some are willing to create them for whoever has the coin.

Manufacturing

Creating a thunder cannon requires a combination of arcane magic and a knowledge of engineering and metallurgy. It is constructed out of three main parts; the stock or handle, the locking mechanism, and the barrel. The stock is typically made of a variety of types of wood depending on the region. The barrel is a steel tube which varies in size depending on the weapon which is then fitted into the stock. The most complex part is the locking mechanism, designed to create a spark to ignite the black powder when a trigger is pulled. These can come in a variety of forms such as matchlocks, wheel locks, and flintlocks. The components of these need to be forged and will typically be made of iron or steel. Once the basic firearm is created, many artificers will add additional decoration, customizations, and enchantments. to make their weapons unique.

Inventor(s)

Lorilla 'Thunderhand' Scheppen

Access & Availability

Since there creation thunder cannons are becoming increasingly more common, though are still somewhat of a rarity. They are produced by several small Artificer guilds.

Complexity

The thunder cannon is an incredibly complex weapon requiring a locking mechanism and several intricate enchantments to ensure the weapon is safe to use.

Discovery

The first functioning thunder cannon was created in 1311