Greetings, associate!
In this entry about the more unusual weapons and equipment seen in Revival: Recolonization, we're going to take a look at a weapon that existed in our world much earlier than most people expect. It is time to talk about medieval guns of the second epoch!
Fantasy writers often neglect firearms in favor of swords and magic, creating a perception of the past that's far from the truth. Primitive firearms played a logical and essential role in medieval combat, as an increase in the use of heavy armor necessitated the creation of weapons more powerful than the bow and arrow.
In fact, the earliest forms of such firearms date back to 12th-century China – two hundred years before their appearance in Europe. While inaccurate and less effective at piercing armor than crossbows, they were valued for their ability to create smoke screens, deafening noise and a strong sulfur smell that scared horses.The metal balls used as ammo for this weapon were extremely expensive due to their lead content, so small rocks found on the battlefield often served as a suitable replacement.
During a playthrough of Revival: Recolonization, you will encounter a more advanced form of weaponry similar to an arquebus (a predecessor to the musket). The use and effectiveness of this initially crude weapon advanced rapidly in the 15th century, rivaling the bow and crossbow thanks to the fact that its projectiles weren't deflected by armor, didn't get stuck in shields and weren't affected by the wind.
But if you want to kit your armies out with firearms, you're going to need gunpowder. This was yet another crucial stage in the evolution of technology and firearms in our world – the invention of early gunpowder paved the way for more powerful forms of weaponry.
Respectfully,
Revival: Recolonization Team