HOME | DD

Description

After their near-extinction, the Rua were far more willing to reintegrate magicians into their society, at least in roles that would benefit non-mages. The result was that several scientific fields advanced in leaps and bounds, most prominently alchemy. Two of their most notable advancements were the invention of black powder, and a theoretical framework for chemical batteries that evolved into a practical one over the following years. It didn't take long for them to invent something similar to flintlock firearms and then muskets, but the looming threat of human attack demanded something a little more practical for larger-scale combat to repel a possible invasion. The Humans number in the many tens of thousands, while the most recent census puts the total Rua population at around 5500.
And so, the Rua Electric Cycle Gun was born, a five-barrel, double belt-fed musket, axing the percussive ignition system entirely for an electric one. They're unreliable, have a lower muzzle velocity than a typical musket, and are quite inaccurate. They're made to spark an ignition solely when the barrels are at their topmost point, the trigger only spins the barrels... So if they're connected to the batteries even a minor impact could rotate the barrels and have them go off accidentally. It's common to modify them with a lock to avoid that particular design flaw, but some prefer being able to use it in an instant.
The RECGs are made so that despite their many other problems, they're very unlikely to jam, at least in any way that can't be fixed in mere moments. Just cycle the barrels and you're still making a shot or two per second even with all the misfires, and the shots that don't go off can be collected and reused.
A whole class has evolved around these weapons-- The Firecasters, state-sponsored rangers and settlers responsible for defending and expanding Rua territory. New towns and villages are very literally built around them, and along the frontier every settlement is required to have one.
They might not seem like much, but when the most advanced weapon a Human soldier will have is a halberd, the RECGs are a truly terrifying force on any battlefield.

Description

After their near-extinction, the Rua were far more willing to reintegrate magicians into their society, at least in roles that would benefit non-mages. The result was that several scientific fields advanced in leaps and bounds, most prominently alchemy. Two of their most notable advancements were the invention of black powder, and a theoretical framework for chemical batteries that evolved into a practical one over the following years. It didn't take long for them to invent something similar to flintlock firearms and then muskets, but the looming threat of human attack demanded something a little more practical for larger-scale combat to repel a possible invasion. The Humans number in the many tens of thousands, while the most recent census puts the total Rua population at around 5500.
And so, the Rua Electric Cycle Gun was born, a five-barrel, double belt-fed musket, axing the percussive ignition system entirely for an electric one. They're unreliable, have a lower muzzle velocity than a typical musket, and are quite inaccurate. They're made to spark an ignition solely when the barrels are at their topmost point, the trigger only spins the barrels... So if they're connected to the batteries even a minor impact could rotate the barrels and have them go off accidentally. It's common to modify them with a lock to avoid that particular design flaw, but some prefer being able to use it in an instant.
The RECGs are made so that despite their many other problems, they're very unlikely to jam, at least in any way that can't be fixed in mere moments. Just cycle the barrels and you're still making a shot or two per second even with all the misfires, and the shots that don't go off can be collected and reused.
A whole class has evolved around these weapons-- The Firecasters, state-sponsored rangers and settlers responsible for defending and expanding Rua territory. New towns and villages are very literally built around them, and along the frontier every settlement is required to have one.
They might not seem like much, but when the most advanced weapon a Human soldier will have is a halberd, the RECGs are a truly terrifying force on any battlefield.