| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Liandry
Acolyte
3 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Jul 2021 : 12:16:28
|
Hi! I'm very interested in Forgotten Realms and this is my favorite fantasy universe. But I have very important question.
There is any technomagic or mechanical creatures in Forgotten Realms?
|
|
|
ElfBane
Learned Scribe
USA
285 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2021 : 13:53:19
|
| Hmm, I "think" there has been introduced gunpowder, but that's about it. WOTC seem to keep the realms pretty much away from Steampunk. Though if they did it would probably be laterally, via a dimension or a plane. |
 |
|
|
Eldacar
Senior Scribe
438 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2021 : 14:31:52
|
quote:
Originally posted by Liandry
Hi! I'm very interested in Forgotten Realms and this is my favorite fantasy universe. But I have very important question.
There is any technomagic or mechanical creatures in Forgotten Realms?
Older sourcebooks, such as Drow of the Underdark, and Netheril or some of the other ancient empires, indicate that there was/is some level of "technomagic" in the Realms at varying times, yes. That being said, with the advent of 3rd edition WotC went through and effectively scrubbed it of the majority of those references. I am unsure offhand whether you'd find something in line with Expedition to the Barrier Peaks from Greyhawk.
Nowadays, you can still find some of those references here and there. Lantan probably has the most in that direction with their development of smokepowder. I say smokepowder because gunpowder doesn't work in the Realms, thanks to Gond doing something to (trying to remember off the top of my head without checking) alter the chemical reaction and make gunpowder not work - he saw too many of his followers and presumably mad scientist types blowing themselves up with it. Smokepowder functions similarly to gunpowder in virtually all respects, just with a different means of acquisition/creation, so you can have NPCs or player characters with firearms if you're going to go through the rigmarole of getting access to it. Jarlaxle in the 5e Dragon Heist adventure, for example, has a bunch of drow with him who are outright armed with revolvers and other guns, as well as a somewhat primitive submarine. Thay also uses it for big guns, and it is a banned substance in Waterdeep as of 5e.
No doubt others can give a more detailed answer than I can, but that's just a couple of examples. |
"The Wild Mages I have met exhibit a startling disregard for common sense, and are often meddling with powers far beyond their own control." ~Volo
"Not unlike a certain travelogue author with whom I am unfortunately acquainted." ~Elminster |
|
|
|
Liandry
Acolyte
3 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2021 : 15:14:10
|
Thanks for answers! I ask others, please share any info what you have. :)
Also second question. Can anyone please share link with full FR books list? |
|
|
|
TomCosta
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
971 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2021 : 16:50:29
|
Al-Qadim was famous for having clockwork mages. One of the Mad Mage Halaster's apprentices, Trobriand the Metal Mage, had a penchant for creating clockwork insectoid constructs as well.
And as already noted, Lantan.
That said, no gunpowder, just smokepowder, which is the magical equivalent. Gunpowder doesn't quite work properly in the Realms. |
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11830 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2021 : 17:57:03
|
I'd also call Halruaan Skyships something akin to technomagic to a degree. I mean that in they had to have steering mechanisms, sailing mechanisms... it wasn't purely magic nor perfectly maneuvering, etc... like spelljamming
Study of constructs was a point for vremyonni of Rashemen.
At one point in the past, Mulhorand used sunstones (basically something like radioactive stones seemingly without the radiation) to create steam engines and they were using hydropower of some sort. The artificers of Mulhorand apparently had been studying technology, but the current ruler was suppressing the study. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
|
|
|
Delnyn
Senior Scribe
USA
958 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2021 : 15:43:57
|
| You may also want to consider some gnome settlements and the Church of Gond for more clockwork/technology-based innovations. |
|
|
|
Liandry
Acolyte
3 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2021 : 13:51:43
|
Thanks everyone for answers.
Please I still need list of novels. Maybe someone can share link?
Also can anyone make ;ist or share link to list of all races in Realms?
Please very need this info. |
|
|
|
cpthero2
Great Reader
USA
2286 Posts |
|
| |
Topic |
|
Questions about realms
