Iron Dawn: Of Science and Sorcery Obscura
By Jave Harron
Chapter I: Genies and Bottles
Imoen sat alone under a tree, reading an old book she had found. It was entitled Gnomish Devices and Innovations by a little known author from the gnomish isle of Lantan. The book was produced on a new gnomish invention, the 'printing press,' though the Lantanese were being secretive with its schematics. The ability to mass-produce printed materials could be very handy indeed.
The young magess shuddered to think what would happen if a ruthless group like the Red Wizards or the Zhent got a hold of such technology. They could use it to mass produce arcane scrolls, and instruct even their lowest level followers with potent spells. A faction with such abilities would permanently alter the balance of power in Faerun.
The gnomes of Lantan were well aware of this. Anticipating what other races might do with their devices, they kept such things hidden, only known to a small cabal of elite inventors and priests of Gond. Such secrecy was now important, since word of smoke-powder had gotten out to the thieves guilds of the Realms.
Smoke-powder was an alchemical concoction of terrible power. It looked like black sand, and was composed of saltpeter, charcoal, and other materials no one was allowed to mention. It was highly explosive, and could literally move mountains and level castles if placed correctly. Because it could be made from common materials, it could be produced in abundance in nearly any region in Faerun. However, if the secret got out, there would be no putting the genie back in the bottle.
Some factions bent on balance, like the Harpers, could try to suppress the technology, but it is unlikely they would be successful. Even if everyone that knew the secret was jailed or killed, it is unlikely they would wipe out every instruction or note on how to create it. It was hard to develop some technologies, but even harder to keep them under control.
Imoen looked at her adventuring party, who were still sleeping soundly. There was Minsc, a powerful but simple-minded man. There was Jaheira, a half-elven woman her brother had developed a relationship with. There was Valygar, a human ranger with a distaste for all things magical. There was Jan, an insane but genius gnome who was a whiz with anything mechanical. Finally, there was Cain, her brother and fellow Bhaalspawn. All were tired after a recent hike, and resting peacefully. Laying down her book, Imoen dozed off and joined them.
Elsewhere, a group of Red Wizards were sitting together in a dimly lit room. At the head of the table was Edwin, the Red Wizard who had once accompanied one of the Bhaalspawn. "Greetings, fellows, I come with urgent news," Edwin said as he folded his hands.
"Edwin, you are lucky we do not kill you here," one of his colleagues warned, "You had better make this well worth our time."
Edwin unfurled a scroll from his robes. "I have come with my recordings of a few odd planar openings-"
"What? Did the Blood Wars spill into our Prime Material Plane?" another cloaked figure cracked.
"If you will let me finish," Edwin said, "I will make it worth your while."
There was a bit of grumbling, but the group silenced themselves.
"A large army recently teleported itself into our plane, and it used a force unlike anything we had ever seen to open portals," Edwin explained.
"Bah! We can control any psionic force with our spells!" one member scoffed.
"This force is not psionic, or magic in origin! It opposes magic, and seems to cancel it out! This force threatens magic itself!" Edwin exclaimed.
"How is that possible?" one of the Red Wizards asked, concerning showing in his voice.
"As we all know, magic works by bending the laws of the universe at will. This force is the opposite. It works by enforcing the laws of the universe," Edwin explained.
"What is this force?" a concerned wizard asked, sweat now showing.
"I just explained it, did I not?" Edwin asked in a mocking tone.
"I meant to ask what it was called, you literal fool," the wizard countered.
"It is called technology, and it is from a distant plane of existence," Edwin explained.
"One question. If the gnomes have technology, how come they do not pose the same threat to us as this new force?" another Red Wizard asked.
"The gnomes are very secretive with their devices. They fear what would happen if rampant technology fell into the hands of other races," Edwin explained.
"What do suggest we do about this 'technological menace,' Edwin?" another Red Wizard asked.
"Simple. We see if we can deal with whoever is behind the appearance of this new force, and we can put ourselves in a very profitable position," Edwin answered.
The other Red Wizards nodded in agreement.
"One more question, if I may," a lone wizard in the crowd asked.
"Yes?" Edwin responded.
"What about the Harpers? Sure those balance-obsessed nuisances would try to counter this technology some how as to balance it out with magic," he inquired.
"A good point, but our spies believe something else will happen. Depending the intentions of the person that commands the technology, the Harpers will spread technological advances to someone with the opposition intentions," Edwin explained, "So if the leader is evil, the Harpers will give technology to a good leader, and vice versa."
"Of course, we must prevent the Harpers from getting any technological advances," another wizard cackled.
"Correct. Any other questions?" Edwin answered.
"If technology and magic are so dramatically opposed, why can we enchant simple technological devices, like swords and crossbows?" another Red Wizard asked.
"The answer is relatively simple. It is harder to enchant things with greater mechanical complexity. The more something relies on the principles of natural law, the harder it is to infuse supernatural law with it. This is why enchanting a sword is easier than enchanting a set of advanced dwarven platemail," Edwin explained.
There was no more questions. Edwin would be allowed to stay, providing this opportunity was profitable for the Red Wizards.