Weapons

1. Ziemia
2. Collapse
3. Nomad City
4. Stygium
   • Stygium Arts
   • Evoker
   • Metastatic Stygium Conversion Syndrome
5. Technology
   • Transportation
     • Landships
   • Telecommunications
   • Weapons
     • Warfare
   • Robotics
6. Ziemians
   • Ziemian Phenotypes
7. Eurasia
   • Ancient History
     • Still City
     • Eurasian Union
   • Nations
     • Bretonian Palatinate
     • Rheinland Federation
     • Eridu Republic
     • Kingdom of Vérone
     • Náströnd Dominion
     • Omphalos Theocracy
     • Kitezh Union
   • Notable Unaffiliated Factions
   • Flora and Fauna

Due to the scarcity of key minerals like sulfur and saltpeter, compounded by the inherent dangers of their extraction and processing amidst the unpredictable Collapses, gunpowder is an exceptionally rare and precious resource on Ziemia. This fundamental limitation has profoundly shaped the nature of conflict, pushing melee weaponry to the forefront of combat.

Melee

File:Blades.png

Examples of bladed weapons.

Blades of all forms are ubiquitous: from simple, mass-produced steel knives and swords to more intricate alloy blades capable of holding incredibly sharp edges. Alongside blades, blunt instruments are equally prevalent. Reinforced clubs, maces with weighted heads, and even powered gauntlets capable of delivering concussive blows are common sights, particularly in urban environments or among security forces where non-lethal options might be preferred. A melee weapon may also serve as an Evoker, granting the user additional abilities. This integration can take variouExamples of bladed weapons.s forms. Most commonly, weapons might have Stygium crystals directly embedded in their hilts or blades, allowing the wielder to channel elemental energies or enhance their strikes with magical force. The design and effectiveness of these Evoker weapons vary greatly depending on the quality of the Stygium used and the skill of the weapon's craftsman and wielder, making them highly prized and often unique.

Crossbows

Compact compound crossbows are fairly common.

For ranged engagements, the readily available technology and materials have made the crossbow a widespread choice. These range from simple, manually drawn versions to more sophisticated designs incorporating composite limbs and geared mechanisms for increased draw strength aCompact compound crossbows are fairly common.nd projectile velocity, and the capability for rapid fire. Specialized bolts are also common.

Firearms

Examples of Stygium arms.

Despite the dominance of melee weapons, firearms do exist on Ziemia, representing a significant technological investment and a symbol of considerable wealth or influence. These weapons, bearing a striking resemblance to modern real-life firearms in their form and function, utilize pulverized Stygium as a propellant. Instead of igniting a chemical mixture, a carefully calibrated charge of Stygium is rapidly energized, causing a contained burst of force that propels a projectile—typically a metallic slug—at high velocity.

The ammunition for these Stygium-powered firearms is exceptionally expensive. The process of refining Stygium to the necessary purity and consistency for reliable propellant is complex and resource-intensive. Furthermore, the specialized manufacturing of the rounds requires precision engineering. As a result, firearms and their ammunition are primarily found in the hands of the wealthy elite, high-ranking military personnel within well-funded Nomad Cities or Landships, and specialized security forces.

The capabilities of Stygium firearms are comparable to their Real-World counterparts. The distinct crackle and the faint, almost ozone-like scent produced by the discharge of a Stygium firearm set them apart on the battlefield. Their presence, even in limited numbers, introduces a significant element of danger and necessitates different tactical considerations in engagements dominated by close-quarters combat. The wielder of a Stygium firearm possesses a distinct advantage at range, making them a high-value target and their weapon a coveted prize.

Air guns

An air rifle.

Bridging the technological gap between crossbows and Stygium-powered firearms, air guns have emerged as an alternative for those seeking stopping power without the prohibitive cost or maintenance demands of Stygium weaponry. Utilizing compressed gas—most commonly from replaceable or manually refilled pressure canisters—these weapons propel metallic slugs or darts at high velocity, achieving performance that in some cases is comparable to that of a .44 Magnum round at close range. Their mechanisms, while more intricate than those of crossbows, remain significantly simpler and safer to maintain than Stygium-based arms, making them an fairly popular choice for militias and frontier settlers.

Air guns come in a variety of forms, from compact, semi-automatic pistols to large-bore rifles designed for short-range hunting and urban defense. The absence of combustion or Stygium discharge renders them exceptionally quiet, lending them particular value in covert operations or situations demanding discretion. However, their reliance on compressed gas canisters limits sustained fire in extended engagements, and their effectiveness diminishes sharply at long range compared to true firearms. Despite these constraints, air guns occupy a vital niche within Ziemia’s arsenal—powerful, practical, and accessible to those unwilling or unable to bear the risks and costs of Stygium weaponry.