"What's the deal with these muskets...?" Anse tapped the armrest lightly with his fingertips, looking puzzled.
"Sir, you may not be aware that very few people in Faerûn can manufacture muskets and gunpowder. The Kingdom of Amn is said to have the support of some Artificer organization, which is why they possess so many muskets..." Sidney explained patiently.
Firearm technology in Faerûn primarily originated from Lantan and had existed as early as the 14th century of Dalereckoning. However, due to conflicts between magic and physical laws, early muskets had an extremely high malfunction rate and relied on Lantan's gunpowder, keeping their costs prohibitively high.
In recent years, a special Profession known as the Artificer had gradually risen to prominence. Not only did they possess firearms expertise, but they could also create powerful weapons of war, making them highly sought after by every faction.
Muskets might seem rather lackluster, but they had long range and great power. Their damage was 1d12, higher than that of most Martial Weapons and on par with a great axe.
More importantly, ordinary people could use them. Once deployed in sufficient numbers, their deterrence and destructive power became truly formidable.
To those Nobles and rulers, Professionals were difficult to control, whereas musketeers were entirely controllable.
"Artificers..." Anse's gaze grew distant. He knew of this Profession.
Artificers included Alchemists, Mage Cannon Masters, Battle Smiths, and Armorers. The inventions and Magic Items they created were used for both peace and war.
They had little presence in the background lore, but reality was different. Their existence could very well stir up the situation across the continent, ignite endless wars, and make an already disaster-plagued Toril even worse off.
He shook his head. It was still too early to think about such things.
Other than the muskets, the items on