Latest Toril Technology

[Terageld]

I am wondering what is the newest development in terms of science or magic in Toril. What is the state of technology right now? Have the man-o-war-esque cannons been invented yet? What about D&D 3.5 pistols or muskets? These would be cool to have in-game. http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Pistol_(DnD_Equipment) http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Battle-Mus ... Equipment) Or even more importantly, gunpowder? What about rotating ballista? Harnessing electricity? Siege weapons? Flush toilet? Movable printing press? Thermometer? Laws of motion (I guess magic messes this up)? Stitches? Inoculations (for filth fever, mummy rot)?

[Gwain]

Well most clerics spoke out against flush toilets to the point that they were outlawed or all became portals to the abyss.

[Algon]

Well most clerics spoke out against flush toilets to the point that they were outlawed or all became portals to the abyss.

I think that was only Gwain's toilet that became a portal to the abyss.

[Dranso]

There are a few things in there I do not want to comment on, but I can tell you inventions such as the steam engine do exist and can be found every now and then in game. Vaccines, probably not. Thermometers, sure, Galilean thermometers I could see existing in game. Stitches, sure, I could see them existing in game as well (although probably not as sterile). As for advanced math... I would think the use of magic negates a lot of laws of physics, gravity and so on. However, there are some incredibly smart Oghmans out there who are probably developing mathematical theorems to better suit the Forgotten Realms.

But whose to say you can't invent something new!

[Althasizor]

Technological science is something that's largely unadopted, or looked at with suspicion, by the majority of Faerun. It's a niche thing that's prevalent in certain places like Kara-tur or Lantan, and to a lesser extent the Gondar faith.

We make exceptions for FK, though. In FK, copies upon copies of books are prevalent across the land. Source-wise, Kara-tur inventing(and losing) the printing press multiple times is a big deal, as it's the only reason most Kara-turans can read as opposed to the masses of Faerun who cannot. What I'm saying is that it's difficult to judge things like this question, since our game world differs greatly in many respects from 'canon' sources.

[Gwain]

The lantanese discovered some form of smokepowder and primitive firearms, though they'd be incredibly rare and cumbersome. Things like Spelljammers, would yield crews with small firearms purchased through the multiverse, again very rare.

[Yemin]

Personally I never understood why fantasy writers feel it even necessary to introduce the classic gunpowder musket or pistol into their universe when you could be so much more fantastical and have a lightning gun, since the abundance of magic kinds of goes to extremes to be moderately easily accessible in FR and FK. Even for people who can't straight up afford it, they still end up benefiting one way or another.

Invokes memories of reading long forum threads about DMs complaining that there was simply too much magic in the world.

Infact... just for amusement's sake I saw a barkeep with a bane enchanted crossbow bolt as part of his standard stat block. Granted it wasn't FR but it was a setting modelled on it.

[Terageld]

Does anyone know about the state of naval warfare? Are there ballista or cannons on ships? Or do they do it the Roman way of row, ram, and board?

[Xryon]

I would expect ballistae are in use. With the general lack of gunpowder, cannons would be unlikely.

[Xryon]

Sorry for double-post, phone won't let me edit properly.

Firearms have been brought up in the past (see the link below). Prog-simulation of the issues Harroghty raised is doable, and I'm still willing to assist in their design if someone wants/gets permission to try and make an area to introduce them.

viewtopic.php?f=77&t=14978

[Alitar]

Sorry for double-post, phone won't let me edit properly.

Firearms have been brought up in the past (see the link below). Prog-simulation of the issues Harroghty raised is doable, and I'm still willing to assist in their design if someone wants/gets permission to try and make an area to introduce them.

viewtopic.php?f=77&t=14978

Personal Opinion incoming:
I very strongly feel that these sorts of techs have no place in our setting outside of 'mystique' from NPCs brought by Immortal staff. Halruuan Skyships too. Part of a rare event? Sure! Great! Seeing these sorts of tech on a PC? I would really rather not outside of a Gond-specific quest or something, and even then I'm not sure I'd welcome it. Black-powder weapons are mentioned as an optional rule in the DMG and I am of the opinion that we opt out of that one. Just my two Thalvers on the topic.

[Gwain]

I'm in agreement, though I'm not against adding them to the game itself, I don't actively think I'd pursue them wholeheartedly. There was a point where I may have supported it, but I think in the vein of glory renames or very rare rewards.

[Xryon]

I'm not really for or against it. The way I had envisioned creating them, modeled after Harroghty's mention of all of the limitations of their early design, would have made them highly prone to failure/malfunction/explosion. Handled properly, I think they'd be a 'that's neat' item more than a 'merc all of the things' one.

[Terageld]

Whether these are added to the games or not, I don't really care. It's just that I feel that naval battles would be much cooler with cannons. (Terageld is like 3/4 pirate at this point)

[Gwain]

Without giving anything away, there are already navy capable battles in game via specially designed mobiles or areas.

[Gorwin]

Most the richer ships, both pirate and merchant would employ wizards to make up for lack of cannons and also to speed up travel times. A fireball to the sails would be more devestating than any cannon blast anyways. Theres a good little ship battle in one of the later R.a Salvatore books where they are on a pirate hunter that sails out of waterdeep.

[Terageld]

That's great! Do you remember what book it was?

[Gorwin]

its called the halfling's gem, third book in the first trilogy. Excellent series if you have never read it. the battle scene is around chapter 11 if memory serves

[Terageld]

its called the halfling's gem, third book in the first trilogy. Excellent series if you have never read it. the battle scene is around chapter 11 if memory serves

I'll see if my local Half-price Bookstore has 'em. Thanks, man!

[Kivore]

Just finished that book, or it was a book or two ago now I'm in the next series, on audible, and that ship battle was spectacular! The guy they have that narrates that is also awesome and fun to listen to while I'm at work