Forgotten Realms Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
Forgotten Realms Wiki
Forgotten Realms Wiki
53,921
pages
in: Items, Gondar items, Exotic weapons,
and 5 more

Changes: Firearm

Back to page
Edit
(Added some information regarding sound.)
Tag: Source edit
mNo edit summary
Tag: Source edit
 
(19 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 39: Line 39:
 
| sentientrefs =
 
| sentientrefs =
 
}}
  
}}
−
'''Firearms''', otherwise known as '''smokepowder weapons''',<ref name="CotM-p30">{{Cite book/Champions of the Mists|30}}</ref> '''gunpowder weapons''',<ref name="drag321-p31">{{Cite dragon/321/The Way of the Gun|31}}</ref> or '''gunnes''' (a corruption of [[Gond]]),<ref name="drag232-p36">{{Cite dragon/232/Sorcerous Six-Shooters|36}}</ref> were an advanced and exotic form of ranged piercing weaponry<ref name="S-p61">{{Cite book/Skullport|61}}</ref> that were great at piercing through most armors.<ref name="PO.C&T-p136">{{Cite book/Player's Option: Combat & Tactics|136}}</ref>
 +
'''Firearms''', otherwise known as '''smokepowder weapons''',<ref name="CotM-p30">{{Cite book/Champions of the Mists|30}}</ref> '''gunpowder weapons''',<ref name="drag321-p31">{{Cite dragon/321/The Way of the Gun|31}}</ref> '''gonnes''',<ref>{{Cite book/Elminster's Daughter/MMP|148|9}}</ref> or '''gunnes''' (a corruption of [[Gond]]),<ref name="drag232-p36">{{Cite dragon/232/Sorcerous Six-Shooters|36}}</ref> were an advanced and exotic form of ranged piercing weaponry<ref name="S-p61">{{Cite book/Skullport|61}}</ref> that were great at piercing through most armors.<ref name="PO.C&T-p136">{{Cite book/Player's Option: Combat & Tactics|136}}</ref>
   
 
==Weaponology==
  
==Weaponology==
Line 49: Line 49:
   
 
When the projectiles of these weapons were shot out they created a loud noise and cloud of thick smoke.<ref name="S-p61" />
 
When the projectiles of these weapons were shot out they created a loud noise and cloud of thick smoke.<ref name="S-p61" />
−
The noise produced was loud regardless of substance, though smokepowder tended to produce a lower pitch, sounding more like a loud thump instead of a sharp "crack".<ref>{{Cite web/theedverse/Sound of Smokepowder}}</ref>
 +
The noise produced was loud regardless of substance, though smokepowder tended to produce a lower pitch, sounding more like a loud thump instead of a sharp "crack".<ref>{{Cite web/theedverse/2018-12-06 - Sound of Smokepowder}}</ref>
   
 
Typically firearms could only be fired once before needing to be reloaded, unless they had multiple barrels.<ref name="CotM-p31" /><ref name="drag321-p32">{{Cite dragon/321/The Way of the Gun|32}}</ref> Loading could be a cumbersome process, requiring a fair amount of concentration.<ref name="CotM-p31" />
  
Typically firearms could only be fired once before needing to be reloaded, unless they had multiple barrels.<ref name="CotM-p31" /><ref name="drag321-p32">{{Cite dragon/321/The Way of the Gun|32}}</ref> Loading could be a cumbersome process, requiring a fair amount of concentration.<ref name="CotM-p31" />
 
===Malfunction===
  
===Malfunction===
−
Firearms had the potential to "misfire"<ref name="S-p61" /><ref name="PO.C&T-p136">{{Cite book/Player's Option: Combat & Tactics|136}}</ref><ref name="drag232-p37">{{Cite dragon/232/Sorcerous Six-Shooters|37}}</ref> every time they were shot,<ref name="OoU">{{Cite web/theedverse/Out-of-Universe Origin of Smokepowder}}</ref> especially in worlds where the weapons were in their infancy.<ref name="drag232-p37" /> At its most severe this resulted in an explosion that could destroy the weapon and thus injure their operator.<ref name="S-p61" /><ref name="drag232-p37" /><ref name="OoU" /> Otherwise, a firing mechanism might break or have something preventing it from firing.<ref name="drag232-p37" />
 +
Firearms had the potential to "misfire"<ref name="S-p61" /><ref name="PO.C&T-p136">{{Cite book/Player's Option: Combat & Tactics|136}}</ref><ref name="drag232-p37">{{Cite dragon/232/Sorcerous Six-Shooters|37}}</ref> every time they were shot,<ref name="OoU">{{Cite web/theedverse/2020-04-15 - Out-of-Universe Origin of Smokepowder}}</ref> especially in worlds where the weapons were in their infancy.<ref name="drag232-p37" /> At its most severe this resulted in an explosion that could destroy the weapon and thus injure their operator.<ref name="S-p61" /><ref name="drag232-p37" /><ref name="OoU" /> Otherwise, a firing mechanism might break or have something preventing it from firing.<ref name="drag232-p37" />
   
 
Moisture or the wrong amount of the chosen powder could also prevent a firearm from firing, requiring it to be reloaded.<ref name="drag232-p37" /> The former was due to the fact that gunpowder<ref name="DMG-p145" /> and smokepowder were both rendered unusable after exposure to water.<ref name="MoF-p165" />
  
Moisture or the wrong amount of the chosen powder could also prevent a firearm from firing, requiring it to be reloaded.<ref name="drag232-p37" /> The former was due to the fact that gunpowder<ref name="DMG-p145" /> and smokepowder were both rendered unusable after exposure to water.<ref name="MoF-p165" />
Line 62: Line 62:
 
==Varieties==
  
==Varieties==
 
;[[Arquebus]]es: Otherwise known as '''hand cannons''', were relatively primitive firearms manufactured by cultures just starting to develop firearms.<ref name="drag321-p31" /> They were one of the first firearms in the Realms, which many others developed from.<ref name="FRA-p12-13" />
  
;[[Arquebus]]es: Otherwise known as '''hand cannons''', were relatively primitive firearms manufactured by cultures just starting to develop firearms.<ref name="drag321-p31" /> They were one of the first firearms in the Realms, which many others developed from.<ref name="FRA-p12-13" />
−
;[[Bombard]]s: The largest of the smokepowder weapons.<ref name="FRA-p12-13" /> Rare in wildspace due to often being impractical compared to [[ballista]]s or [[catapult]]s. They shot either large, round stones or cast iron "cannonballs".<ref name="S-p42,47">{{Cite book/Spelljammer: AD&D Adventures in Space/Concordance of Arcane Space|42,47}}</ref> They could also be found being used on ships on Toril, believed to have been the creation of [[Thay]]vians.<ref name="FRA-p12-13" /> But they were quite rare, expensive, and dangerous to use.<ref>{{Cite book/Pirates of the Fallen Stars|81}}</ref>
 +
;[[Bombard]]s: The largest of the smokepowder weapons.<ref name="FRA-p12-13" /> Rare in wildspace due to often being impractical compared to [[ballista]]s or [[catapult]]s. They shot either large, round stones or cast iron "cannonballs".<ref name="S-p42,47">{{Cite book/Spelljammer: AD&D Adventures in Space/Concordance of Arcane Space|42,47}}</ref> They could also be found be very rarely found used on ships on Toril.<ref name="FRA-p12-13" /> On both Toril and across the Known Spheres these weapons were considered to be quite rare, expensive, and dangerous to use.<ref>{{Cite book/Pirates of the Fallen Stars|81}}</ref><ref name="SAiS-p26">{{Cite book/Spelljammer: AD&D Adventures in Space/Concordance of Arcane Space|26}}</ref>
 
[[File:Gnome ceremorph-5e.jpg|thumb|273px|''A [[gnome ceremorph]] carries a laser pistol.'']]
  
[[File:Gnome ceremorph-5e.jpg|thumb|273px|''A [[gnome ceremorph]] carries a laser pistol.'']]
 
;Laser Weapons: An incredibly rare type of firearms that came in the form of either a rifle or a pistol. Unlike other firearms, these weapons required neither bullets nor powder, being powered by something called an energy cell.<ref name="DMG5e-p267" /><ref group="note" name="laser">Laser weaponry is documented here because of its appearance in a crashed [[nautiloid]] in the adventure ''[[Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden]]''. It is unknown where laser weaponry originates from or how common they are in wildspace in the 15{{th}} century [[DR]]. So taking the previously established prevalence of smokepowder into consideration, these weapons have been classified as "incredibly rare."</ref>
  
;Laser Weapons: An incredibly rare type of firearms that came in the form of either a rifle or a pistol. Unlike other firearms, these weapons required neither bullets nor powder, being powered by something called an energy cell.<ref name="DMG5e-p267" /><ref group="note" name="laser">Laser weaponry is documented here because of its appearance in a crashed [[nautiloid]] in the adventure ''[[Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden]]''. It is unknown where laser weaponry originates from or how common they are in wildspace in the 15{{th}} century [[DR]]. So taking the previously established prevalence of smokepowder into consideration, these weapons have been classified as "incredibly rare."</ref>
Line 73: Line 73:
 
* [[Eberron]] completely lacked firearms.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210303145901/http://keith-baker.com/firearms-in-eberron/| title = Dragonmarks: Firearms in Eberron | accessdate = 08-07-2021| date = 13-09-2018}}</ref>
  
* [[Eberron]] completely lacked firearms.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210303145901/http://keith-baker.com/firearms-in-eberron/| title = Dragonmarks: Firearms in Eberron | accessdate = 08-07-2021| date = 13-09-2018}}</ref>
 
* [[Earth]] had an abundant amount of firearms,<ref name="DMG5e-p267">{{Cite book/Dungeon Master's Guide 5th edition|267}}</ref> many of which notably could fire multiple shots before needing to be reloaded.<ref>{{Cite book/Dungeon Master's Guide v.3.5|146}}</ref>
  
* [[Earth]] had an abundant amount of firearms,<ref name="DMG5e-p267">{{Cite book/Dungeon Master's Guide 5th edition|267}}</ref> many of which notably could fire multiple shots before needing to be reloaded.<ref>{{Cite book/Dungeon Master's Guide v.3.5|146}}</ref>
−
* [[Mystara]] had firearms in a region in the far western portion of the planet.<ref name="drag232-p37" />
 +
* [[Mystara]] had firearms in the Savage Coast, a region in the far western portion of the planet.<ref name="drag232-p37" />
 
* [[Oerth]] was largely absent of firearms, due to local physics and magic rendering inert the substances gunpowder<ref name="drag232-p36" /> and smokepowder.<ref name="drag232-p36" /><ref name="S-p128" /> Firearms on this world were only found in use by the [[cleric]]s of the Oerthian god of science, [[Murlynd]], as their [[divine magic]] allowed them to make smokepowder function.<ref name="S-p128">{{Cite book/Slavers|128}}</ref>
  
* [[Oerth]] was largely absent of firearms, due to local physics and magic rendering inert the substances gunpowder<ref name="drag232-p36" /> and smokepowder.<ref name="drag232-p36" /><ref name="S-p128" /> Firearms on this world were only found in use by the [[cleric]]s of the Oerthian god of science, [[Murlynd]], as their [[divine magic]] allowed them to make smokepowder function.<ref name="S-p128">{{Cite book/Slavers|128}}</ref>
 
* [[Krynn]] had some primitive firearms, which were the work of [[tinker gnome]]s. Though no one on that world ever dared to enchant them, with tinker gnomes themselves regarding such a thing as "cheating."<ref name="drag232-p37">{{Cite dragon/232/Sorcerous Six-Shooters|37}}</ref>
  
* [[Krynn]] had some primitive firearms, which were the work of [[tinker gnome]]s. Though no one on that world ever dared to enchant them, with tinker gnomes themselves regarding such a thing as "cheating."<ref name="drag232-p37">{{Cite dragon/232/Sorcerous Six-Shooters|37}}</ref>
Line 84: Line 84:
 
During the [[Second Unhuman War]], [[humanoid]] armies and [[scro]]-led [[spelljammer]] navies sometimes carried firearms, though these were usually used only by elite or command units. When they were defeated in the war and forced to scatter, so too did their weaponry become scattered throughout wildspace.<ref name="drag232-p37" />
  
During the [[Second Unhuman War]], [[humanoid]] armies and [[scro]]-led [[spelljammer]] navies sometimes carried firearms, though these were usually used only by elite or command units. When they were defeated in the war and forced to scatter, so too did their weaponry become scattered throughout wildspace.<ref name="drag232-p37" />
   
−
In the wake of that war, the Smiths' Coster redoubled their efforts in spreading the use of firearms, leading them to make contact with the Lantanese, [[Waterdeep|Waterdhavians]], and other areas of Toril.<ref name="drag232-p37" />
 +
In the wake of that war, the Smiths' Coster redoubled their efforts in spreading the use of firearms, leading them to make contact with the Lantanna, [[Waterdeep|Waterdhavians]], and other areas of Toril.<ref name="drag232-p37" />
 
===History on Toril===
  
===History on Toril===
 
On Toril, firearms had never been extensively (or even adequately) researched and developed prior to the 14{{th}} century [[DR]], save for a few eccentric [[wizard]]s. None of the major nations or organizations on the planet invested the time or money into producing firearms on a large scale.<ref name="FRA-11">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Adventures|11}}</ref> Not even the ancient [[Netheril|Netherese empire]] had the most basic of firearms, the arquebus.<ref>{{Cite book/Netheril: Empire of Magic/The Winds of Netheril|31}}</ref>
  
On Toril, firearms had never been extensively (or even adequately) researched and developed prior to the 14{{th}} century [[DR]], save for a few eccentric [[wizard]]s. None of the major nations or organizations on the planet invested the time or money into producing firearms on a large scale.<ref name="FRA-11">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Adventures|11}}</ref> Not even the ancient [[Netheril|Netherese empire]] had the most basic of firearms, the arquebus.<ref>{{Cite book/Netheril: Empire of Magic/The Winds of Netheril|31}}</ref>
   
−
In [[1246 DR]], the first recorded use of bombards by the island nation of [[Lantan]] occurred.<ref>{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|126}}</ref> These bombards utilized gunpowder, as the deity [[Gond]] had yet to render the substance inert<ref name="inert">{{Cite web/theedverse/When Gunpowder Went Inert}}</ref> out of concern for his worshipers' safety.<ref name="gunpowder">{{Cite web/theedverse/How Gunpowder Works in the Forgotten Realms}}</ref>
 +
In [[1246 DR]], the first recorded use of bombards by the island nation of [[Lantan]] occurred.<ref>{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|126}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)/Running the Realms|16}}</ref> These bombards utilized gunpowder, as the deity [[Gond]] had yet to render the substance inert<ref name="inert">{{Cite web/theedverse/2021-07-08 - When Gunpowder Went Inert}}</ref> out of concern for his worshipers' safety.<ref name="gunpowder">{{Cite web/theedverse/2019-05-30 - How Gunpowder Works in the Forgotten Realms}}</ref>
   
−
Everything changed during the [[Time of Troubles]], when Gond in his mortal [[avatar]] form washed up on the shore of Lantan. In return for the people there sheltering him, in [[1358 DR]]<ref name="F&A-p62">{{Cite book/Faiths & Avatars|62}}</ref> he revealed to the Lantanese how to make reasonably safe and accurate firearms that utilized smokepowder, such as the arquebus and its variations.<ref name="FRA-p12-13" /> From that year onwards, the Lantanna [[priest]]s of Gond (mainly the [[specialty priest]]s) would work to spread the use of firearms, shipping them to Western ports.<ref name="FRA-p12-13" /><ref name="F&A-p62">{{Cite book/Faiths & Avatars|62}}</ref>
 +
Everything changed during the [[Time of Troubles]], when Gond in his mortal [[avatar]] form washed up on the shore of Lantan. In return for the people there sheltering him, in [[1358 DR]]<ref name="F&A-p62">{{Cite book/Faiths & Avatars|62}}</ref> he revealed to the Lantanna how to make reasonably safe and accurate firearms that utilized smokepowder, such as the arquebus and its variations.<ref name="FRA-p12-13" /> From that year onwards, the Lantanna [[priest]]s of Gond (mainly the [[specialty priest]]s, known as [[Gondsmen (specialty priest)|Gondsmen]]) would work to spread the use of firearms, shipping them to Western ports.<ref name="FRA-p12-13" /><ref name="F&A-p62">{{Cite book/Faiths & Avatars|62}}</ref>
   
−
In the first three years that followed, arquebuses introduced to the wider Realms. During these years they were viewed primarily as curios. Some tried to produce their own firearms, but they were inferior to those made by the Lantanese.<ref name="FRA-p12-13" /> The Realms also experienced a slow influx of arquebuses overtime from spelljamming sources.<ref>{{Cite book/The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook|12}}</ref>
 +
In the first three years that followed, arquebuses were introduced to the wider Realms. During these years they were viewed primarily as curios. Some tried to produce their own firearms, but they were inferior to those made by the Lantanna.<ref name="FRA-p12-13" /> The Realms also experienced a slow influx of arquebuses overtime from spelljamming sources.<ref>{{Cite book/The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook|12}}</ref>
   
 
From the third to fifth year of their existence, arquebuses and their variants became more common. Well-stocked weapon shops began to carry them, those who wielded them were no longer looked at strangely, and their price dropped significantly. From the fifth year onwards it was possible to find firearms in large stores.<ref name="FRA-p12-13" />
  
From the third to fifth year of their existence, arquebuses and their variants became more common. Well-stocked weapon shops began to carry them, those who wielded them were no longer looked at strangely, and their price dropped significantly. From the fifth year onwards it was possible to find firearms in large stores.<ref name="FRA-p12-13" />
Line 100: Line 100:
 
By [[1372 DR]], firearms were available throughout [[Faerûn]].<ref name="FRCS-p97" /> Around that time many of Gond's clerics supported themselves financially by selling ammunition for smokepowder weapons.<ref>{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|242}}</ref> Many rulers at this time viewed the [[Church of Gond]] with ire for having introduced firearms to the continent, seeing the weapons as a threat to their authority.<ref>{{Cite book/Faiths and Pantheons|25}}</ref>
  
By [[1372 DR]], firearms were available throughout [[Faerûn]].<ref name="FRCS-p97" /> Around that time many of Gond's clerics supported themselves financially by selling ammunition for smokepowder weapons.<ref>{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|242}}</ref> Many rulers at this time viewed the [[Church of Gond]] with ire for having introduced firearms to the continent, seeing the weapons as a threat to their authority.<ref>{{Cite book/Faiths and Pantheons|25}}</ref>
   
−
In the late-15{{th}} century DR, following the [[Second Sundering]] returning it from the parallel-world of [[Abeir]], the island nation of Lantan became more secretive. From the occasional glimpses that outsiders got of the Lantanese, they got the impression that their technology had become more advanced in the time since their absence. This in turn lead some to speculate about what developments the Lantanese may have made in regards to smokepowder weapons.<ref name="SCAG71">{{Cite book/Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide|71}}</ref>
 +
Around this time, following the Lantanna pirate [[Gimlet Watersprecht]]'s creation of a ''[[portal]]'' between Lantan and the [[Pirate Isles]], there was a frightening rise in the number of smokepower and smokepowder weapons among pirates in the [[Inner Sea]]. This posed a great concern to the kingdom of Cormyr's then-princess and regent, [[Alusair Obarskyr]].<ref name="PG-PoL-LtPI">{{Cite web/Perilous Gateways/Portals of Lantan:Lantan to Pirate Isle}}</ref>
  +
  +
In the late-15{{th}} century DR, following the [[Second Sundering]] returning it from the parallel-world of [[Abeir]], the island nation of Lantan became more secretive. From the occasional glimpses that outsiders got of the Lantanna, they got the impression that their technology had become more advanced in the time since their absence. This in turn lead some to speculate about what developments the Lantanna may have made in regards to smokepowder weapons.<ref name="SCAG71">{{Cite book/Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide|71}}</ref>
   
 
==Notable Users==
  
==Notable Users==
 
===Classes===
  
===Classes===
  +
*
 
* [[Gnome artificer]]s often specialized in using and constructing firearms.<ref>{{Cite book/Demihumans of the Realms|19-21}}</ref>
  
* [[Gnome artificer]]s often specialized in using and constructing firearms.<ref>{{Cite book/Demihumans of the Realms|19-21}}</ref>
  +
  +
===Individuals===
  +
* [[Adelphus Krunz]], a legendary gunsmith on the Rock of Bral that made and sold bombards at [[Krunz Kanonwerks|his shop]].<ref>{{Cite book/Rock of Bral|67}}</ref>
  +
* [[Morweg]], a weaponsmith on the Rock of Bral that was specialized in gunsmithing. He offered a wide range of firearms at [[Morweg's Arms and Armor|his shop]].<ref>{{Cite book/Rock of Bral|53-54}}</ref>
 
===Races & Sentient Creatures===
  
===Races & Sentient Creatures===
 
* Spacefaring humans were frequently known to use firearms and for improving upon their design,<ref name="drag232-p37" />
  
* Spacefaring humans were frequently known to use firearms and for improving upon their design,<ref name="drag232-p37" />
Line 111: Line 118:
 
* Tinker gnomes.<ref name="drag232-p37" />
  
* Tinker gnomes.<ref name="drag232-p37" />
 
===Regions & Settlements===
  
===Regions & Settlements===
−
* Firearms were quite prevalent on the island nation of Lantan.<ref name="FRCS-p97" /> Any Lantanese that left their home nation were likely to carry a pistol and powderhorn with them.<ref name="FRCS-p31">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|31}}</ref>
 +
* Firearms were quite prevalent on the island nation of Lantan.<ref name="FRCS-p97" /> Any Lantanna that left their home nation were likely to carry a pistol and powderhorn with them.<ref name="FRCS-p31">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|31}}</ref>
   
 
==Terminology==
  
==Terminology==
Line 119: Line 126:
 
==Appendix==
  
==Appendix==
 
===Background===
  
===Background===
−
In 2017, [[Ed Greenwood]] stated in a [https://web.archive.org/web/20210517004301/https://twitter.com/jvcparry/status/867391458827005953 tweet] that originally executives at [[TSR, Inc.]] didn't want firearms in the Forgotten Realms setting, thus gunpowder was rendered inert. He also stated that [[Jeff Grubb]] later conceived of smokepowder, specifically for use with the giff.<ref>{{Cite web/theedverse/Gunpowder Mechanics and Smokepowder Origins}}</ref>
 +
In 2017, [[Ed Greenwood]] stated in a [https://web.archive.org/web/20210517004301/https://twitter.com/jvcparry/status/867391458827005953 tweet] that originally executives at [[TSR, Inc.]] didn't want firearms in the Forgotten Realms setting, thus gunpowder was rendered inert. He also stated that [[Jeff Grubb]] later conceived of smokepowder, specifically for use with the giff.<ref>{{Cite web/theedverse/2019-05-24 - Gunpowder Mechanics and Smokepowder Origins}}</ref>
 
===Notes===
  
===Notes===
 
{{Notes}}
  
{{Notes}}
  +
 
===Appearances===
  
===Appearances===
  +
{{Appearances
−
:;Adventures
  
−
::''[[Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden]]''
 +
| adventures = ''[[Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden]]'';''[[Curse of Strahd]]''
  +
| adventure refs =
−
:;Novels
  
−
::''[[The Maelstrom's Eye]]'' • [[Realms of Magic|''Realms of Magic'', "Gunne Runner"]]
 +
| novels = ''[[The Maelstrom's Eye]]'';[[Realms of Magic|''Realms of Magic'', "Gunne Runner"]]
  +
| novel refs = ''[[Prince of Lies (novel)|Prince of Lies]]'';''[[Elminster's Daughter]]''
  +
| films =
  +
| film refs =
  +
| comics =
  +
| comic refs =
  +
| gamebooks =
  +
| gamebook refs =
  +
| video games =
  +
| video game refs =
  +
| board games =
  +
| board game refs =
  +
| card games =
  +
| card game refs =
  +
| miniatures =
  +
| miniature refs =
  +
| organized play =
  +
| organized play refs =
  +
}}
   
  +
===Further Readings===
  +
* {{Cite dragon/277/The Age of Steam|44-45}}
 
===External Links===
  
===External Links===
 
* {{Wikipedia external link}}
  
* {{Wikipedia external link}}
 
===References===
  
===References===
 
{{Refs}}
  
{{Refs}}
  +
[[Category:Gondar items]]
 
[[Category:Exotic weapons]]
  
[[Category:Exotic weapons]]
 
[[Category:Piercing weapons]]
  
[[Category:Piercing weapons]]

Latest revision as of 03:40, 31 March 2024

Firearms, otherwise known as smokepowder weapons,[2] gunpowder weapons,[3] gonnes,[4] or gunnes (a corruption of Gond),[5] were an advanced and exotic form of ranged piercing weaponry[1] that were great at piercing through most armors.[6]

Weaponology[]

Firearms all utilized the same basic method of operation,[1] requiring a high degree of hand-eye coordination to use them effectively.[7] They fired front-loaded projectiles[8] known as bullets.[9][10][11]

The bullets of firearms were, much like sling bullets, small ball-shaped projectiles typically made of bronze, iron, lead, or steel.[1][9][11] Several magical types were known to exist, but they were quite rare.[11]

Firearms required an explosive powder charge to propel their bullets,[8][12] typically 1 oz (28 g).[13][14][15] Depending upon the world, this was typically either smoke powder or gunpowder.[12] Without these powders they were useless and the more common these powders were, the more prevalent firearms were.[16][17] This uselessness could be circumvented by incorporating melee weapons in a firearm's design, such as axes, short swords, hammers,[1][18] daggers, or maces.[18]

When the projectiles of these weapons were shot out they created a loud noise and cloud of thick smoke.[1] The noise produced was loud regardless of substance, though smokepowder tended to produce a lower pitch, sounding more like a loud thump instead of a sharp "crack".[19]

Typically firearms could only be fired once before needing to be reloaded, unless they had multiple barrels.[8][13] Loading could be a cumbersome process, requiring a fair amount of concentration.[8]

Malfunction[]

Firearms had the potential to "misfire"[1][6][20] every time they were shot,[21] especially in worlds where the weapons were in their infancy.[20] At its most severe this resulted in an explosion that could destroy the weapon and thus injure their operator.[1][20][21] Otherwise, a firing mechanism might break or have something preventing it from firing.[20]

Moisture or the wrong amount of the chosen powder could also prevent a firearm from firing, requiring it to be reloaded.[20] The former was due to the fact that gunpowder[15] and smokepowder were both rendered unusable after exposure to water.[14]

Defending Against[]

Some of the best magical defenses against firearms included protection from normal missiles, shield, most wind-based spells, and anything that caused wetness.[22]

Varieties[]

Arquebuses
Otherwise known as hand cannons, were relatively primitive firearms manufactured by cultures just starting to develop firearms.[3] They were one of the first firearms in the Realms, which many others developed from.[23]
Bombards
The largest of the smokepowder weapons.[23] Rare in wildspace due to often being impractical compared to ballistas or catapults. They shot either large, round stones or cast iron "cannonballs".[24] They could also be found be very rarely found used on ships on Toril.[23] On both Toril and across the Known Spheres these weapons were considered to be quite rare, expensive, and dangerous to use.[25][26]
Gnome ceremorph-5e

A gnome ceremorph carries a laser pistol.

Laser Weapons
An incredibly rare type of firearms that came in the form of either a rifle or a pistol. Unlike other firearms, these weapons required neither bullets nor powder, being powered by something called an energy cell.[10][note 1]
Pistols
Small single-shot firearms that only required one hand to operate.[15]
Ribalds
a type of battlefield artillery consisting of a series of small gun barrels.

Availability[]

  • Firearms could be found in Realmspace, both on Toril proper[23][27] and on the Rock of Bral,[28] but they only used smokepowder.[27] One particular establishment on Toril where one could purchase firearms was The Brigadier's Broadside in Skullport.[1]
  • Cerilia had firearms to a limited degree, as for much of its history gunpowder and smokepowder were nonexistent.[5] This world primarily used its own unique magical substance, known as hellpowder, and even had bombards that utilized it.[29]
  • Eberron completely lacked firearms.[30]
  • Earth had an abundant amount of firearms,[10] many of which notably could fire multiple shots before needing to be reloaded.[31]
  • Mystara had firearms in the Savage Coast, a region in the far western portion of the planet.[20]
  • Oerth was largely absent of firearms, due to local physics and magic rendering inert the substances gunpowder[5] and smokepowder.[5][32] Firearms on this world were only found in use by the clerics of the Oerthian god of science, Murlynd, as their divine magic allowed them to make smokepowder function.[32]
  • Krynn had some primitive firearms, which were the work of tinker gnomes. Though no one on that world ever dared to enchant them, with tinker gnomes themselves regarding such a thing as "cheating."[20]
  • Beyond the planets themselves, all manner of firearms could be be found in the wildspace of many crystal spheres,[20] many of them being made or sold by dwarves from the Smiths' Coster trading company.[33]
  • Beyond the Prime Material plane, firearms could be found in the Domains of Dread.[7]

History[]

Firearms were spread across the Known Spheres over time by mass migrations of tinker gnomes, by spacefaring humans,[20] and by the Smiths' Coster.[20][34] In many cases these spacefaring people were responsible for bringing firearms to worlds,[20] such as the Smiths' Coster, a mercantile company that commonly traded with groundling nations.[34]

During the Second Unhuman War, humanoid armies and scro-led spelljammer navies sometimes carried firearms, though these were usually used only by elite or command units. When they were defeated in the war and forced to scatter, so too did their weaponry become scattered throughout wildspace.[20]

In the wake of that war, the Smiths' Coster redoubled their efforts in spreading the use of firearms, leading them to make contact with the Lantanna, Waterdhavians, and other areas of Toril.[20]

History on Toril[]

On Toril, firearms had never been extensively (or even adequately) researched and developed prior to the 14th century DR, save for a few eccentric wizards. None of the major nations or organizations on the planet invested the time or money into producing firearms on a large scale.[35] Not even the ancient Netherese empire had the most basic of firearms, the arquebus.[36]

In 1246 DR, the first recorded use of bombards by the island nation of Lantan occurred.[37][38] These bombards utilized gunpowder, as the deity Gond had yet to render the substance inert[39] out of concern for his worshipers' safety.[40]

Everything changed during the Time of Troubles, when Gond in his mortal avatar form washed up on the shore of Lantan. In return for the people there sheltering him, in 1358 DR[41] he revealed to the Lantanna how to make reasonably safe and accurate firearms that utilized smokepowder, such as the arquebus and its variations.[23] From that year onwards, the Lantanna priests of Gond (mainly the specialty priests, known as Gondsmen) would work to spread the use of firearms, shipping them to Western ports.[23][41]

In the first three years that followed, arquebuses were introduced to the wider Realms. During these years they were viewed primarily as curios. Some tried to produce their own firearms, but they were inferior to those made by the Lantanna.[23] The Realms also experienced a slow influx of arquebuses overtime from spelljamming sources.[42]

From the third to fifth year of their existence, arquebuses and their variants became more common. Well-stocked weapon shops began to carry them, those who wielded them were no longer looked at strangely, and their price dropped significantly. From the fifth year onwards it was possible to find firearms in large stores.[23]

Felogyr Sonshal slowly became a major reseller for Lantan, distributing their firearms across the Sword Coast. But he carefully controlled his stock, ensuring that merchant families and thieves' guilds could not amass large amounts.[43]

By 1372 DR, firearms were available throughout Faerûn.[27] Around that time many of Gond's clerics supported themselves financially by selling ammunition for smokepowder weapons.[44] Many rulers at this time viewed the Church of Gond with ire for having introduced firearms to the continent, seeing the weapons as a threat to their authority.[45]

Around this time, following the Lantanna pirate Gimlet Watersprecht's creation of a portal between Lantan and the Pirate Isles, there was a frightening rise in the number of smokepower and smokepowder weapons among pirates in the Inner Sea. This posed a great concern to the kingdom of Cormyr's then-princess and regent, Alusair Obarskyr.[46]

In the late-15th century DR, following the Second Sundering returning it from the parallel-world of Abeir, the island nation of Lantan became more secretive. From the occasional glimpses that outsiders got of the Lantanna, they got the impression that their technology had become more advanced in the time since their absence. This in turn lead some to speculate about what developments the Lantanna may have made in regards to smokepowder weapons.[47]

Notable Users[]

Classes[]

Individuals[]

  • Adelphus Krunz, a legendary gunsmith on the Rock of Bral that made and sold bombards at his shop.[49]
  • Morweg, a weaponsmith on the Rock of Bral that was specialized in gunsmithing. He offered a wide range of firearms at his shop.[50]

Races & Sentient Creatures[]

  • Spacefaring humans were frequently known to use firearms and for improving upon their design,[20]
  • Rock gnomes played a large part in the development of firearms in Faerûn and were acknowledged by many as being masters in their use. They were also known to be outstanding gunsmiths,[51] the finest in all of Faerûn.[52]
  • Approximately a quarter of any scro fighting force were likely to be armed with arquebuses,[53] while wealthy scro often owned and fought with starwheels.[54]
  • Tinker gnomes.[20]

Regions & Settlements[]

  • Firearms were quite prevalent on the island nation of Lantan.[27] Any Lantanna that left their home nation were likely to carry a pistol and powderhorn with them.[55]

Terminology[]

  • Those who specialized in the use of firearms were often referred to as marksmen,[56] sharpshooters,[56][57] or pistoleers.[7]
  • Gunsmithing was the term used for those who manufactured and repaired firearms.[58] Such people were skilled in the same disciplines as armorers and blacksmiths,[59] as well as some expertise in alchemy.[13][27]

Appendix[]

Background[]

In 2017, Ed Greenwood stated in a tweet that originally executives at TSR, Inc. didn't want firearms in the Forgotten Realms setting, thus gunpowder was rendered inert. He also stated that Jeff Grubb later conceived of smokepowder, specifically for use with the giff.[60]

Notes[]

  1. ↑ Laser weaponry is documented here because of its appearance in a crashed nautiloid in the adventure Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden. It is unknown where laser weaponry originates from or how common they are in wildspace in the 15th century DR. So taking the previously established prevalence of smokepowder into consideration, these weapons have been classified as "incredibly rare."

Appearances[]

Adventures

Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden • Curse of Strahd

Novels & Short Stories

The Maelstrom's Eye • Realms of Magic, "Gunne Runner"
Referenced only
Prince of Lies • Elminster's Daughter

Further Readings[]

External Links[]

References[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Joseph C. Wolf (1999). Skullport. (TSR, Inc), p. 61. ISBN 0-7869-1348-7.
  2. ↑ William W. Connors, Steve Miller, Cindi Rice, David Wise (1998). Champions of the Mists. Edited by Cindi Rice. (TSR, Inc.), p. 30. ISBN 0-7869-0765-7.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Michael Shortt (July 2004). “The Way of the Gun”. In Matthew Sernett ed. Dragon #321 (Paizo Publishing), p. 31.
  4. ↑ Ed Greenwood (May 2005). Elminster's Daughter. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 9, p. 148. ISBN 978-0786937684.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Roger E. Moore (August 1996). “Sorcerous Six-Shooters”. In Pierce Watters ed. Dragon #232 (TSR, Inc.), p. 36.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Richard Baker, Skip Williams (1995). Player's Option: Combat & Tactics. (TSR, Inc), p. 136. ISBN 0-7869-0096-2.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 William W. Connors, Steve Miller, Cindi Rice, David Wise (1998). Champions of the Mists. Edited by Cindi Rice. (TSR, Inc.), p. 29. ISBN 0-7869-0765-7.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 William W. Connors, Steve Miller, Cindi Rice, David Wise (1998). Champions of the Mists. Edited by Cindi Rice. (TSR, Inc.), p. 31. ISBN 0-7869-0765-7.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Richard Baker, Skip Williams (1995). Player's Option: Combat & Tactics. (TSR, Inc), p. 143. ISBN 0-7869-0096-2.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford, Christopher Perkins, James Wyatt (2014). Dungeon Master's Guide 5th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 267. ISBN 978-0786965622.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Roger E. Moore (August 1996). “Sorcerous Six-Shooters”. In Pierce Watters ed. Dragon #232 (TSR, Inc.), p. 40.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Richard Baker, Skip Williams (1995). Player's Option: Combat & Tactics. (TSR, Inc), p. 126. ISBN 0-7869-0096-2.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Michael Shortt (July 2004). “The Way of the Gun”. In Matthew Sernett ed. Dragon #321 (Paizo Publishing), p. 32.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Sean K. Reynolds, Duane Maxwell, Angel McCoy (August 2001). Magic of Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 165. ISBN 0-7869-1964-7.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Monte Cook, Jonathan Tweet, Skip Williams (July 2003). Dungeon Master's Guide v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 145. ISBN 0-7869-2889-1.
  16. ↑ Richard Baker, Skip Williams (1995). Player's Option: Combat & Tactics. (TSR, Inc), p. 127. ISBN 0-7869-0096-2.
  17. ↑ Richard Baker, Joseph D. Carriker, Jr., Jennifer Clarke Wilkes (August 2005). Stormwrack. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 104. ISBN 07-8692-873-5.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Roger E. Moore (August 1996). “Sorcerous Six-Shooters”. In Pierce Watters ed. Dragon #232 (TSR, Inc.), p. 39.
  19. ↑ Ed Greenwood (2018-12-06). Sound of Smokepowder (Tweet). theedverse. Twitter. Archived from the original on 2021-05-17. Retrieved on 2021-05-16.
  20. ↑ 20.00 20.01 20.02 20.03 20.04 20.05 20.06 20.07 20.08 20.09 20.10 20.11 20.12 20.13 20.14 Roger E. Moore (August 1996). “Sorcerous Six-Shooters”. In Pierce Watters ed. Dragon #232 (TSR, Inc.), p. 37.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Ed Greenwood (2020-04-15). Out-of-Universe Origin of Smokepowder (Tweet). theedverse. Twitter. Archived from the original on 2021-04-20. Retrieved on 2021-05-24.
  22. ↑ Loren Coleman (1995). Chronomancer. Edited by Matt Forbeck. (TSR, Inc), p. 79. ISBN 978-0786903252.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 23.4 23.5 23.6 23.7 Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), pp. 12–13. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
  24. ↑ Jeff Grubb (August 1989). “Concordance of Arcane Space”. Spelljammer: AD&D Adventures in Space (TSR, Inc.), pp. 42, 47. ISBN 0-88038-762-9.
  25. ↑ Curtis Scott (March 1992). Pirates of the Fallen Stars. (TSR, Inc), p. 81. ISBN 978-1560763208.
  26. ↑ Jeff Grubb (August 1989). “Concordance of Arcane Space”. Spelljammer: AD&D Adventures in Space (TSR, Inc.), p. 26. ISBN 0-88038-762-9.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 97. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  28. ↑ Richard Baker (1992). Rock of Bral. (TSR, Inc), p. 68. ISBN 1-56076-345-0.
  29. ↑ Rich Baker (August 1996). “Weapons of the Waves”. In Pierce Watters ed. Dragon #232 (TSR, Inc.), pp. 14, 17.
  30. ↑ Dragonmarks: Firearms in Eberron. (13-09-2018). Retrieved on 08-07-2021.
  31. ↑ Monte Cook, Jonathan Tweet, Skip Williams (July 2003). Dungeon Master's Guide v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 146. ISBN 0-7869-2889-1.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Sean K. Reynolds and Chris Pramas (2000). Slavers. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 128. ISBN 9780786916214.
  33. ↑ Roger E. Moore (August 1996). “Sorcerous Six-Shooters”. In Pierce Watters ed. Dragon #232 (TSR, Inc.), p. 38.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Curtis Scott (1992). The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook. Edited by Barbara G. Young. (TSR, Inc.), p. 88. ISBN 1-56076-347-7.
  35. ↑ Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 11. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
  36. ↑ slade, Jim Butler (October 1996). “The Winds of Netheril”. In Jim Butler ed. Netheril: Empire of Magic (TSR, Inc.), p. 31. ISBN 0-7869-0437-2.
  37. ↑ Brian R. James, Ed Greenwood (September 2007). The Grand History of the Realms. Edited by Kim Mohan, Penny Williams. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 126. ISBN 978-0-7869-4731-7.
  38. ↑ Ed Greenwood, Julia Martin, Jeff Grubb (1993). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised), Running the Realms. (TSR, Inc), p. 16. ISBN 1-5607-6617-4.
  39. ↑ Ed Greenwood (2021-07-08). When Gunpowder Went Inert (Tweet). theedverse. Twitter. Archived from the original on 2021-07-08. Retrieved on 2021-07-08.
  40. ↑ Ed Greenwood (2019-05-30). How Gunpowder Works in the Forgotten Realms (Tweet). theedverse. Twitter. Archived from the original on 2021-05-11. Retrieved on 2021-05-11.
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 Julia Martin, Eric L. Boyd (March 1996). Faiths & Avatars. (TSR, Inc.), p. 62. ISBN 978-0786903849.
  42. ↑ Curtis Scott (1992). The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook. Edited by Barbara G. Young. (TSR, Inc.), p. 12. ISBN 1-56076-347-7.
  43. ↑ Ed Greenwood (1994). Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast. (TSR, Inc), p. 217. ISBN 1-5607-6940-1.
  44. ↑ Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 242. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  45. ↑ Eric L. Boyd, Erik Mona (May 2002). Faiths and Pantheons. Edited by Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 25. ISBN 0-7869-2759-3.
  46. ↑ Jeff Quick (2001-10-10). “Portals of Lantan:Lantan to Pirate Isle”. Perilous Gateways. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2008-05-19. Retrieved on 2018-12-09.
  47. ↑ Steve Kenson, et al. (November 2015). Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 71. ISBN 978-0-7869-6580-9.
  48. ↑ Roger E. Moore (January 1999). Demihumans of the Realms. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 19–21. ISBN 0-7869-1316-9.
  49. ↑ Richard Baker (1992). Rock of Bral. (TSR, Inc), p. 67. ISBN 1-56076-345-0.
  50. ↑ Richard Baker (1992). Rock of Bral. (TSR, Inc), pp. 53–54. ISBN 1-56076-345-0.
  51. ↑ Reynolds, Forbeck, Jacobs, Boyd (March 2003). Races of Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 56–57. ISBN 0-7869-2875-1.
  52. ↑ Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 16. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  53. ↑ Scott Davis, Newton Ewell, John Terra (1991). Monstrous Compendium Spelljammer Appendix 2. Edited by Allen Varney. (TSR, Inc.). ISBN 1-56076-071-0.
  54. ↑ Curtis Scott (1992). The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook. Edited by Barbara G. Young. (TSR, Inc.), p. 24. ISBN 1-56076-347-7.
  55. ↑ Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 31. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 Richard Baker, Skip Williams (1995). Player's Option: Combat & Tactics. (TSR, Inc), p. 75. ISBN 0-7869-0096-2.
  57. ↑ Curtis Scott (1992). The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook. Edited by Barbara G. Young. (TSR, Inc.), p. 57. ISBN 1-56076-347-7.
  58. ↑ Roger E. Moore (January 1999). Demihumans of the Realms. (TSR, Inc.), p. 21. ISBN 0-7869-1316-9.
  59. ↑ Ed Greenwood (April 1982). “Firearms”. In Kim Mohan ed. Dragon #60 (TSR, Inc.), p. 26.
  60. ↑ Ed Greenwood (2019-05-24). Gunpowder Mechanics and Smokepowder Origins (Tweet). theedverse. Twitter. Archived from the original on 2021-05-16. Retrieved on 2021-05-16.
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms