Fire arms of Ealathra

In the vast world of Ealathra, firearms still echo with the novelty of their invention, a mere three decades old. Pioneered by the enterprising Lizardfolk, Rox of the Wererat Investigation Bureau, these weapons have rapidly transformed warfare and law enforcement across the western region.
Rox's Acrane Artillery: The brainchild of Rox, Acrane Artillery represents the established brand, wielding the legacy of innovation. Their firearms, often powered by unique alchemical blends and intricate clockwork mechanisms, are known for their reliability and precision. Think intricate rifles with ornately carved stocks, pistols boasting clockwork gears within their chambers, and even alchemical cannons bellowing plumes of colored smoke alongside their deadly payloads.
Ethertech Firearms: Rising as a competitor from Oxonford, Ethertech Firearms carries a shroud of mystery. Whether a natural competitor or secretly funded by the kingdom, their sleek, modern designs stand in stark contrast to Acrane's classic aesthetic. Imagine gleaming, mass-produced pistols and rifles, utilizing streamlined designs and readily available resources. Their focus might be on affordability and ease of use, potentially sacrificing some of the intricate craftsmanship of Acrane weapons.

The Rivalry Heats Up: The competition between these two companies is fierce, not just in the marketplace but also on the battlefield. Acrane boasts the loyalty of established forces, valuing their experience and technical expertise. Ethertech, on the other hand, might see opportunity in supplying upstart factions and revolutionaries, valuing adaptability and affordability. This creates a fascinating dynamic, where the technology evolves not just through innovation but also through the contrasting philosophies of its two main players. Beyond the Big Two: While Acrane and Ethertech dominate the market, smaller workshops and tinkerers are emerging, each with their own unique approach to firearms. Dwarven craftsmen might integrate their forgework to create sturdy muskets, while elven engineers might focus on elegant, lightweight designs. This diversity adds a layer of flavor to the world, showcasing the evolving nature of this new technology and the ingenuity of Ealathra's diverse inhabitants.

Utility

How are they used?

• Defense: Primarily, Ealathra's firearms serve as defensive tools. Militias use them to protect settlements from bandits and monstrous threats. Adventurers rely on them in perilous explorations and skirmishes. Some established forces have also adopted them, bolstering their ranks with Acrane Rifle-wielding soldiers.
• Hunting: Hunters utilize specific cartridges designed for precise takedowns, minimizing damage to the environment and ensuring ethical practices.
• Law Enforcement: In some regions, authorities wield firearms for crowd control and apprehending dangerous individuals, raising concerns about potential misuse.

Why were they discovered?

• Zriegast's Aftermath: The devastating magical catastrophe of Zriegast fueled Rox's desire for a weapon that could combat future threats. He envisioned firearms not as instruments of aggression, but as tools for responsible defense against unpredictable magical forces.
• Innovation and Protection: Driven by his tinkering spirit and a need to protect his home, Rox sought to harness magic into a controlled form, leading him to develop firearms as an alternative to traditional weaponry.

Known Misuses:

• Black Market: With growing demand and stricter regulations in some areas, a black market for firearms thrives. This fuels concerns about their falling into the wrong hands and being used for nefarious purposes.
• Unintended Consequences: Accidents and misfires, though uncommon, occur due to user error or faulty maintenance, highlighting the importance of proper training and responsible handling.
• Tyrannical Regimes: Some oppressive regimes utilize firearms to maintain control, raising ethical concerns about their potential to exacerbate power imbalances and suppress dissent.

Manufacturing

Arcane Artillery Models

The original firearms manufacturer utilising complex designs and advanced ammo capacity

Chimera model - the most modern pepperbox design of Rox's Revolver sacrificing firepower and ammo capacity for modularity and price point one of the most customizable and unique designs within the product line

Cyclops Model - a large blunderbuss model that fires an explosive ammo projectile

Kirin Model - A handheld version of the Cyclopse model tho the downside of its compact nature is it is prone to misfire

Hydra Model - a six-cylinder Revolver said to be one of the only AA guns that doesn't have a chance to jam.

Dragon Model - Rox's peak firearm design, a long-range sniper rifle utilizing the heaviest calibre ammunition.

Ethertech Firearms

Simple but reliable designs offering cost-effective firearms to the realm. 

Coleman - A simple single-shot pistol that is both reliable and cheap

Coleman Compact Model - a small palm pistol which packs a rather high calibre but only a shot capacity

Weston - A long-barreled musket that is both affordable and high reliability.

Highland - A six-cylinder Revolver almost a carbon copy of the Arcane Artillery Hydra model

Mckinley - An announced pistol design that will revolutionise the firearms industry

Access & Availability

In Ealathra, firearms crackle with the promise of both empowerment and potential peril. While their accessibility is steadily increasing, they remain far from common due to a mix of cost, regulations, and lingering skepticism. Here's a breakdown:
The Price of Progress:

• Early Days: Rox's initial firearms, crafted from rare materials and intricate clockwork, were prohibively expensive. Only wealthy patrons and established militias could afford them, making them symbols of power and prestige rather than widespread tools.
• Arcane Artillery: Driven by his vision of responsible distribution, Rox prioritized affordability in Acrane's designs. They use more readily available materials and streamlined production, but their intricate mechanisms still command a hefty price tag, putting them out of reach for the average citizen.
• Ethertech Firearms: Capitalizing on the market gap, Oxonford's Ethertech boasts mass-produced firearms built with simpler designs and readily available components. While their quality and performance might not match Acrane's, their affordability makes them increasingly popular, particularly among mercenaries and less scrupulous groups.

Beyond Cost: The Gatekeepers

• Regulations: wary of widespread firearm proliferation, some kingdoms strictly regulate ownership and usage. Licensing, proficiency tests, and background checks act as hurdles, particularly for individuals considered risky.
• Guild Restrictions: The Blacksmiths' Guild, traditionally the gatekeepers of weaponry, initially resisted firearms, viewing them as an encroachment on their domain. This led to legal battles and trade restrictions, further limiting access.
• Ethical Concerns: The potent destructive power of firearms fuels heated debates. Traditionalists and some nobility fear their destabilizing potential, advocating for tight restrictions. This adds another layer of complexity to access and ownership.

The Shifting Landscape:

• Competition Breeds Change: The rivalry between Acrane and Ethertech pushes for innovation and cost reduction. As both companies strive for broader markets, prices gradually decrease, making firearms more accessible to militias, adventurers, and even wealthy individuals.
• Black Market Blooms: The allure of power, coupled with stricter regulations in some regions, fuels a black market for firearms. This raises concerns about their falling into the wrong hands and exacerbates tensions surrounding their control.
• Shifting Attitudes: As time passes and the responsible use of firearms becomes more evident, public perception gradually shifts. Younger generations, raised amidst this technology, are more accepting, potentially paving the way for wider adoption in the future.

Complexity

Despite crafting the core design of his firearms before encountering XinxTech, Rox remained fiercely protective of his invention. He saw black powder, with its controllable nature, as the ideal fuel for responsible defense. XinxTech, with its unpredictable and potentially chaotic energies, represented an alluring yet dangerous alternative. This unwavering stance adds another layer to the complexity of Rox's firearms. Understanding and maintaining the intricate clockwork mechanisms remains crucial, but now users must also possess a deep understanding of black powder's properties and limitations to avoid disastrous misfires. Additionally, Rox likely developed safety protocols within his designs to prevent tampering or misuse of the powder. So, while the core technology may seem simpler than XinxTech-powered alternatives, responsible use demands knowledge, discipline, and respect for its raw power. This complexity extends beyond the technical, as Rox's ethical concerns add another dimension. Owning XinxTech grants him access to forbidden knowledge, and choosing not to integrate it signifies his commitment to responsible innovation, a responsibility he expects all users of his firearms to uphold.

Discovery

Zriegast's shadow, a chilling scar upon the land, loomed large over Ealathra. The Wererat Investigation Bureau, seasoned adventurers forever marked by that battle, carried Zriegast's echoes within them. Among them, Rox, the ever-inventive Lizardfolk, felt a gnawing unease. The city's destruction fueled not just grief, but a burning resolve to prepare for future threats.
Long before Zriegast's demise, Rox, inspired by ancient texts and fueled by his tinkering spirit, had begun experimenting with firearms. His workshop hummed with the whir of clockwork and the glow of alchemical concoctions as he sought to harness the realm's magic into a weapon of precision. His early creations were clunky – blunderbusses spewing smoke and lead more for intimidation than accuracy. Yet, within their flaws, glimmered the potential for something revolutionary.
As Zriegast's corruption grew, so did Rox's urgency. He refined his design, replacing volatile mixtures with intricate clockwork, channeling magical crystals for focused blasts. Each iteration, from the Whisperwind Pistol's silent efficiency to the Acrane Rifle's potent precision, brought him closer to his vision: not a tool of mass destruction, but a means for responsible defense.
Recognizing the need for responsible distribution, Rox, upon his retirement, established Acrane Artillery. Unlike some who saw firearms solely as profit, Rox aimed to empower those who truly needed them: defenders of communities, champions of justice, and guardians against emerging dangers. His legacy wasn't just a weapon, but a spark that ignited a revolution in Ealathra's landscape.
But the path wasn't smooth. Traditionalists clung to their blades and spells, while rival inventors emerged, each with their own vision. Ethical debates raged – were firearms harbingers of destruction or instruments of good? Yet, Acrane persevered, driven by Rox's principles and the ever-present memory of Zriegast's devastation.
Years later, Rox, his scales etched with time but his eyes still twinkling with ingenuity, watched a caravan laden with Acrane weapons depart. He knew challenges awaited, both in competition and misuse. But as he turned back to his workshop, a quiet smile graced his lips. He had created more than just firearms; he had ignited a conversation, a debate about responsibility and power that would echo through the ages. And as long as the Bureau upheld his legacy, and Acrane weapons empowered the forces of good, Rox knew his invention wouldn't be a curse, but a beacon of hope in the ever-changing realm of Ealathra.