The setting of Nailara does not perfectly map onto real world history, largely due to the existence of
magic. Technological advancement has stalled in some areas, most notably in engineering and chemistry, which many nations disregard in favor of magic or magical alchemy.
Gunpowder and Firearms
Gunpowder exists as a novelty, primarily used for simple fireworks, or mining. Firearms exist, but are incredibly rare and not well adopted in militaries. Most militaries would rather simply train and pay a mage - they do not require any additional supply lines, their power is not exhausted after a single use, and could potentially become powerful enough to defeat entire regiments on their own.
The primary usage of gunpowder in combat is on pirate ships and privateers, which are made up of small crews that value gunpowder, but do not rely on it to function. In such cases, it is used more of a threat and insurance than anything else - a ship's mage is usually preferred to minimize damage to cargo or risk sinking their target inadvertently.
Metallurgy
The setting is in the early Iron Age. Bronze is still seen alongside iron for cheaper weaponry, thanks to continued availability of tin and ease of production. Steel exists, and is the go-to metal for higher quality weapons, but not every local smith has expertise in forging it. Older weapons and artifacts are most likely made from bronze, copper, or some other unique metal.
Several fantasy elements exist, such as
Truesteel (a very durable and lightweight metal), and Archgold (a metal that is a powerful conductor of magical energy).
Chemistry and Alchemy
Research into chemistry has suffered due to the existence of magic - both as an alternative research topic, and because of magically imbued reagents. The study of Alchemy, which includes these magical reagents, is much more popular and effective. Most alchemists know the basics of chemistry, and may be able to produce things such as acid, or gunpowder.
Alchemy is highly regulated by the
Alchemist's Guild, a secretive organization that has long attempted to keep all alchemical knowledge to themselves. Local small town alchemists may be able to practice fairly unaccosted, but alchemists who have discovered new recipes are universally hunted down to either be recruited, or they disappear.
