Gnomish Fire-Powder
The "fire-powder" of the gnomes of Bailenoc has long been known throughout Aressa as a curious material, which bursts into rapid and sudden flame when exposed to even the slightest spark. For long it was thought to be only a curiosity, but with the outbreak of war it has been turned to a cunning and deadly purpose: fire-powder weaponry, a technology that may change warfare forever.
Properties
Material Characteristics
A somewhat coarse, black powder with a faint smell of charcoal.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Burns rapidly when exposed to any flame, producing a dense, white smoke that is often sooty and carries a heavy smell, somewhat like brimstone with a sharp metallic edge.
Origin & Source
Created by the gnomes of Bailenoc, and possibly by the dwarves of the Iron Mountains as well.
Life & Expiration
In damp environments, the powder often becomes unusable and must be slowly dried out without heating it. It is not well-established whether it degrades over time, due to the fact that none is left sitting around for long periods of time before use.
History & Usage
History
Fire-powder has existed for at least two centuries, and perhaps longer: the gnomes are not very forthcoming with outsiders. For all but a few of those two hundred years, it was thought to be practically useless by even the most renowned of sages. But, as a rule, the gnomes show only their tricks and toys to outsiders, and it is clear that they have long experimented with the powder. I suggest that we begin research into this "rocket-powder" and "blasting-powder" immediately, for we cannot hope to wage war with it when our supplies are so limited.Days before the Battle of Flame, dwarven traders came to the leaders of each army. They brought with them a strange new weapon that they called a "dekhïdu" or fire-arrow, which used a type of fire-powder to propel a large arrow at incredible speed. Each captain was struck by the weapon's promise, and the traders left as rich dwarves. As the battle began, each side launched a volley of their fire-arrows, trusting that only they had this new weapon and hoping by the noise of the powder to frighten the enemy into retreat. But both armies withstood the volley and the clamor, and when the infantry met, the battle soon became a slaughter. Such losses were inflicted that almost seven months of relative peace followed in which neither kingdom could move, paralyzed by the loss of many skilled fighters and by the apparent power of the fire-arrows. Soon, the most brilliant sages were at work in both kingdoms, searching for ways to improve the weapons, counter their effects, and acquire the formula for the powder's production themselves.
Everyday use
Certain types of fire-powder, devised by the gnomes or dwarves, are used in a variety of weapons of war. Bombs and incendiaries are the most common, little more than a barrel filled with powder and ignited. Another type of weapon is the "dekhïdu" or fire-arrow, which was originally little more than an arrow propelled by a new type of powder. Few true fire-arrows are seen on battlefields now; more common are the rockets, which are propelled similarly but can carry an explosive or other payload which is released on impact.
Hazards
The most obvious hazard of fire-powder is its tendency to catch alight and burn rapidly. The more explosive types likewise run the risk of violently exploding, not only severely burning anyone caught in the blast but also usually turning its container into shrapnel.
Distribution
Trade & Market
The only known source of fire-powder is from the gnomish city of Bailenoc. As the city is part of the Iron Mountain League, dwarven traders have an effective monopoly over fire-powder, but that does not stop it from being sold to the armies of Axmund and Arcadia in vast amounts.
Storage
Fire-powder is stored in large wooden barrels, usually in specially-built stone buildings or even underground for safety. The explosion of a powder house could be devastating, and so the barrels are kept well away from any sources of flame.
Related Locations
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