Firearms

Created by Chet Simpson.

Firearms are a relatively new invention, and are in somewhat newer stages of development. There are two distinctive types, however. The Ulsterian Empire has close to a monopoly over gunpowder, which prompted other countries to develop firearms based on arcane propellants. These propellants are generally called Runepowder or Spellpowder. They have become more and more common, to the point where (in some areas) this is more easily available than gunpowder. When it comes to the actual firearms themselves, there are two specific types. The first, and most widespread, is the single-action flintlock firearm. A far more specialized, expensive, and rare type is the revolver. They are not widely manufactured and are generally wielded by gunslingers and artificers, who build their own specialty firearms.

Utility

In the private sector, they are most commonly wielded by private mercenaries, adventurers, and bounty hunters. However, their most common use remains to be in military use.

Manufacturing

They are manufactured by hand, making their production slow and limited. This, combined with their inherent complexity, is part of the reason they have remained expensive and uncommon.

Inventor(s)

They were developed by the great inventor Lady Emil Lastarre of Estenwalde.

Access & Availability

It is relatively uncommon. Firearms are generally very expensive. While technically available to the general population (in most areas), the purchase of a firearm is quite an expense, as is the price for ammunition. Due to the fact that the Ulsterian Empire has somewhat of a monopoly (for now) on gunpowder, it is very expensive and hard to find.

Complexity

The firearms are generally of a lower complexity. The most advanced firearms that are widely available are weapons that function upon the framework of a revolving chamber. The first of these were revolvers, but there has been some research and development towards implementing this technology into other types of firearms. There has been very limited private development in arcane firearms that have extensive spellcasting ability, serving as advanced arcane focuses, in a way.

Discovery

It was first discovered by the great gnomish inventor Lady Emil Lastarre of Estenwalde. Research was heavily funded by the Estenwalden Government due to the clear impending war with the Deodene Empire. This conflict would become known as the Ulsterian Revolution.

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