I have a few questions regarding the technology refered to in the Pathfinder Chronicles that I am hoping the board members can answer. There are rules provided for firearms, and "fluff" description of a number of other technological items in both the Campaign Setting and the Korvosa guide.
1) The Campaign Setting rulebook lists firearm costs, rules, etc. I'm not sure if I'm missing something, but is the cost of ammunition listed somewhere.
2) How common are the firearms? Are they only available in Arkenstar or would you be able to get hold of firearms in most major cities (even if only in the hand sof specialist collectors).
3) Clockworks are mentioned in the Campaign Setting and the Korvosa Guidebook lists a clock and watch shop. Has anybody got any ideas what a watch or a clock might cost (not a water clock from the basic equipment list, but a proper wind-up clock or pocket watch).
4) Printing presses are mentioned in the Campaign Setting, is there a cost listed anywhere?
I appreciate any assistance that can be provided.
Nobody has any answers or views?
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I have no answers, but my view is that you asking good questions. Maybe when the new Campaign Setting arrives there will be some more exposition on technology.
To attempt to answer your questions (apologies if you are looking for only "official" answers only)
1) I believe the Pathfinder Companion: Adventurer's Armory will expound on firearms.
2) I can't recall any mention of firearms anywhere except Alkenstar.
3) My guess would be "lots of gold pieces".
4) No prices anywhere but they are wide spread, Andoran, Galt, Cheliax, Korvosa for sure, maybe more places.
I have a few questions regarding the technology refered to in the Pathfinder Chronicles that I am hoping the board members can answer. There are rules provided for firearms, and "fluff" description of a number of other technological items in both the Campaign Setting and the Korvosa guide.
1) The Campaign Setting rulebook lists firearm costs, rules, etc. I'm not sure if I'm missing something, but is the cost of ammunition listed somewhere.
2) How common are the firearms? Are they only available in Arkenstar or would you be able to get hold of firearms in most major cities (even if only in the hand sof specialist collectors).
3) Clockworks are mentioned in the Campaign Setting and the Korvosa Guidebook lists a clock and watch shop. Has anybody got any ideas what a watch or a clock might cost (not a water clock from the basic equipment list, but a proper wind-up clock or pocket watch).
4) Printing presses are mentioned in the Campaign Setting, is there a cost listed anywhere?
I appreciate any assistance that can be provided.
1 - Cost of ammunition is listed. Its listed on page 211 under "ammunition > bullets" in the campaign setting book.
2 - From my read of the campaign setting the general feel I get is that firearms are generally very rare outside Alkenstar. This is accounted for because of both the price... and the fact that only one weapon is produced per day from the gunworks.
3 - Honestly... i'd base price off of the water clock. Clockworks are not going to cost any less... the difference will only be in portability.
4 - There was no mention of cost listed that I could find.
This brings up a huge issue I have with guns in d20. If you're not going to give penetration rules to bows and crossbows, if they're not going to have jamming/breaking rules for weapons or use "exploding" dice with other weapons then they shouldn't do any of that with guns.
Is it because in a modern world we're just more familiar with guns? You tell somebody today that an arrow only does 1d8 damage and is accurate over 100 feet away they believe you. The truth is far different.
I believe if these are the rules we agree upon then guns should fall under the same abstraction. 1d8 damage with a x4 crit, exotic weapon, short range, a round to reload (rapid reload effects it). This is all we need for guns to fit in the game.
This brings up a huge issue I have with guns in d20. If you're not going to give penetration rules to bows and crossbows, if they're not going to have jamming/breaking rules for weapons or use "exploding" dice with other weapons then they shouldn't do any of that with guns.
Is it because in a modern world we're just more familiar with guns? You tell somebody today that an arrow only does 1d8 damage and is accurate over 100 feet away they believe you. The truth is far different.
I believe if these are the rules we agree upon then guns should fall under the same abstraction. 1d8 damage with a x4 crit, exotic weapon, short range, a round to reload (rapid reload effects it). This is all we need for guns to fit in the game.
This is what I'm doing with guns in my campaign (which isn't in Golarion): http://paizo.com/paizo/messageboards/paizoPublishing/pathfinder/pathfinderR PG/communityContent/houseRules/helpWithFlintlockGuns
1 - Cost of ammunition is listed. Its listed on page 211 under "ammunition > bullets" in the campaign setting book.
Thanks for that, somehow I completely missed it.
And thanks for everyone's replies, they have confirmed what I expected.
My GM and I have come up with some alternatives now regarding the firearm rules - based on the stats from D20 modern rom WoTC as the closest fit, using some information from Sidewinder wild west game by the Dog House Gang. We have dramatically reworked some of the Golarian firearms options as they seem a strange mix of matchlock weapons through to 1800's era percussion cap revolvers which didn't suit the flavour of the game we are playing.
I am currently playing through the Curse of the Crimson Throne, playing a young nobleman who has a strong interest in technology and new ideas, hence the tech questions. He has just purchased a pistol to have somthing he can "put some faith in" after a few less than happy encounters regarding magic and some close relatives ("damned witches and their secretive ways").
I hope the new equipment source book will have some tech items like these as it seems to be a (admittedly small) missing part of the seting.