Technology in the Imperium

As the Academy of Sion has grown in its influence, technological advancement has become a priority for the Imperium.
Medicine has evolved through the study of alchemy. Weapons of war have become more destructive and powerful at the hands of Academy artillerists. And the growing prevalence of the printing press has begun to change the dissemination of information throughout the empire.
In recent years, Academy battle smiths have refined and improved firearms to the point that they've become a practical weapon beyond specialized military, essentially replacing crossbows. Contemporary firearms are breech-loading and fired with a paper cartridge of powder and ball. They have superior penetrating power compared to other ranged weapons, though they do still occasionally malfunction. Firearms are available to those who can afford them and to those trained in their use at the Citadel or in the Imperial Legion.