Steel and Gunstones Preface

Steel and Gunstones


The drama of Steel and Gunstones takes place in a world that is one historical step beyond most fantasy worlds. We will see Efirvia for the first time in what is called its fourth age. The time of great kingdoms and empires is at an end. Elves and their powerful magic have been extinct for centuries. The magic that remains is comparatively weak and often regulated by authorities. On the other hand, new technologies have swept the world. Gunpowder has been developed from a rare mineral found in the southern continent. A vast economic conglomeration of trading princes and merchants has become very powerful in the politics of Efirvia. New kingdoms have arose from the ashes of the once great empires while lands unprotected by a ruler or political entity have fallen to banditry and lawlessness. The old ideals of noble knights and crusaders seem to be crumbling before a world of economic gain and reason. In the midst of this confusion comes an old power, ancient and terrible; the kings and princes past ages have begun to awake from their lifeless sleep.
Fourth age Efirvia is a world resembling the renaissance of earth. It is an age experiencing exploration and rebirth. New science is challenging the old ways of heroes and magic. Romanticism is slowly giving way to reason and condottieri are taking the place of the knight errant. With reason has come cruelty: slavery, murder, and constant warfare.
Efirvia is a crossroads of times and cultures. Knights in full armor stride next to musketeers as well as primitives or nomads. Gunpowder has not yet taken over the power of armor or the blade.
With your creativity, great dramas will unfold upon this stage. The fourth age has begun and the outcome will be forged with steal.....
.....STEEL AND GUNSTONES!



Here is another version that actually was the last couple of lines of the history section.





As Thuron died the geography of Efirvia changed. Most of the provinces became independent states. Small principalities and kingdoms grew up in places where once there was one united political power. In the chaos trade began to increase and a new power rose: the merchant princes of the Sealand city states. With their economic power they have become the most powerful and upwardly mobile factor on the face of Efirvia.
At present an unsteady peace reigns while behind the backs of smiling faces sweaty hands grip poisoned daggers. The Thuron Empire left a huge void which is now being filled with many new kingdoms, each struggling for power. Trade is at a peak. Many of the forgotten races are coming out of hiding again. The trogod beat their drums of war. To the south the Caravan guild is monopolizing trade. The lords of war and conquest brood over what they hope will soon be theirs and priests and sorcerers have dreams of power. The forth age has begun and the outcome will be forged with Steel....

...STEEL AND GUNSTONES.