Technology: Difference between revisions
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The technology of the TDM setting ranges from late medieval to early Victorian, often side by side. Generally speaking, the more modern the technology, the more expensive it is and the less likely it is to be in common use (which is why | The technology of the TDM setting ranges from late medieval to early Victorian, often side by side. Generally speaking, the more modern the technology, the more expensive it is and the less likely it is to be in common use (which is why large-scale rail systems do not exist). Many things that seem to be more advanced technology are possible with the use of [[magic]]. | ||
Steam technology has been around for some time, and there are many steam-powered inventions in use. Paddle-boats running on steam technology cruise up and down the river alongside traditional sailboats. Houses are heated with steam boilers and steam-powered generators. Just about everything with moving parts is powered by steam. | Steam technology has been around for some time, and there are many steam-powered inventions in use. Paddle-boats running on steam technology cruise up and down the river alongside traditional sailboats. Houses are heated with steam boilers and steam-powered generators. Just about everything with moving parts is powered by steam. | ||
Revision as of 00:42, 20 May 2007
The technology of the TDM setting ranges from late medieval to early Victorian, often side by side. Generally speaking, the more modern the technology, the more expensive it is and the less likely it is to be in common use (which is why large-scale rail systems do not exist). Many things that seem to be more advanced technology are possible with the use of magic.
Steam technology has been around for some time, and there are many steam-powered inventions in use. Paddle-boats running on steam technology cruise up and down the river alongside traditional sailboats. Houses are heated with steam boilers and steam-powered generators. Just about everything with moving parts is powered by steam.
Clockwork machines are also fairly common...large clocktowers and grandfather clocks are expensive, but not unusual. Smaller clockwork devices, like pocketwatches, are rarer and more expensive.
Gas lamps are the most common form of lighting in the city. Torches are used in poorer areas of town. Only the wealthy can afford electric or magical lights.
Electricity does not use wires to travel in TDM, but is transmitted like radio waves, from generators to the object using the electricity (similar in theory to Tesla's notion of wireless energy transmission). That's why most electrical devices have metal antennaes on them. Generators cannot 'send' electricity very far, so each house requires its own steam-powered generator, meaning only the very wealthy have access to electricity. Electricity is fairly underused in this society so far.
While explosive powder exists, handheld guns have never taken off as a weapon in TDM society. Foreign mercenaries occasionally carry flintlock weapons, but liquid fire, gas arrows and steam-powered seige equipment continues to satisfy the city's military needs.
