Jefferson wrote:
> Juuso,
> 
> Andrew and I are suffering from a fundamental disagreement on the level of 
> technology on Qaiyore.  I've posted the relevent pages from _Aria_ on the 
> website so that we can all be looking at the same information.  The difference 
> seems to lie in what the advanced metallurgic technological base constitutes. 

First thing here is that I really don't like Aria's technological 
scales. They reflect too much the historical technological paths,
and have no allowance at all for magical developments or alternate
paths. That said, they do have value in showing the general structure.

In terms of technology, my principle is that anything that doesn't
conflict with the history, and is consistent with the feel of the
period is ok.

If I have to use the Aria scales, here goes:

Dominant materials: level 12 at least for advanced societies on Qaiyore, 
level 10 for less advanced. Like Andrew said, the high tech might reach 
upto 15. But that technology is not very mature yet.

Power & manufactoring: mostly level 13, but localized technological
innovations upto level 15 exist. If someone suggested a windmills,
I wouldn't say no immediately.

Agriculture: *very* dependent on the culture, from 10 to 20. Use of 
magic (whether effective or not) prevalent.

Building and construction: dependent on the culture, from 10 to 20,
but mostly upto 13. Most fantastical buildings constructed with the aid 
of magic.

Transport and communication: level 15, individual societies may reach
upto 17. No astrolabe or quadrant, though.

Military: dependent on the culture, from 10 to 19. No gunpowder, though.

Misc.: mostly upto 12. Frequent individual innovations upto 20. Mostly
with the aid of magic, though.

I hope this clarified things. If not, ask for more.

juuso
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