Gunpowder and Kalarol Weaponry

Increased trade with other nations has brought with it culture and wealth, but also weapons in the form of gunpowder and firearms. Essentially parallel to Kalarol, in 10 GD gunpowder, and soon thereafter, simplistic handcannons, were introduced into the Valley from the nearby Kingdom of Bastien. Over the past 30 years, these weapons have evolved into matchlock muskets, pistols and blunderbusses, now contesting bows and crossbows for supremacy in ranged combat. While the weapons themselves are still relatively rare, gunpowder fireworks and mining explosives are now somewhat common in parts of the country. Those with money can acquire them.
However, the fledgling gunpowder has for weaponry been overtaken by Kalarol firearms, which use instead Kalarol to propel their projectiles. Those who seek accurate and magical firearms seek Kalarol weapons, which are used by the most skilled adventurers and soldiers, and have slowly flowed in reverse out into the wider world. With such weapons the Valley protects its borders, as few wish to attack and lose the potential edge that trade provides.
That is not to say gunpowder is obsolete. Those who look for them can find a variety of explosives, traps and thrown weapons using the material, and since it has no magic, those who wish to smuggle and conceal often prefer them.