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Recommended Viewing: NOVA


DShomshak

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Lately, the long-running public television series NOVA has run a string of programs on history and archeology that might interest some Fantasy gamers. The latest was "Secrets of China's Forbidden City." How to build low-tech earthquake-proof buildings, among other things. Possible story fodder in the story of how the Emperor of China decided, "I want the biggest palace complex ever," and how it was done.

 

Last week's was "Secrets of Stonehenge," on what's been learned about the construction and purposes (multiple; it changed over time) of England's most famous ancient monument.

 

And the week before that was, "Secrets of the Shining Knight," on how Renaissance blacksmiths developed bulletproof armor. (Bulletproof against the guns of the day, anyway.) If you want to bring technological change into a Fantasy setting, this is a good example. (And an antidote to the idea that guns instantly kill knighthood, feudalism, and all the Aunciente Romance and magic that go with them.)

 

Dean Shomshak

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Yes, the bulgy-conical "peascod" shape means that bullets are more likely to hit at an angle and bounce. But there's also special tempering, thickening the armor in places, and even layering a second partial cuirass over the first.

 

All very expensive, of course, while the common soldiers are still wearing thinner, simpler armor that's almost worthless against gunfire.

 

Dean Shomshak

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