So here is a “where would I set this” question.

[Richard S.]

31 minutes ago, styopa said:

"...the availability of such elementals would be limited..."

There's a population limit on elementals?  As far as I can tell, every time you summon one, they come.

And then consider the PRECISE level of control one would have with an elemental, as well as the ability to instantly control temperatures, and it's not really arguable.

Plus, at that level of tech it's not like they're precisely refining such oils - they'd be prone to volatilization (ie storage would be a severe problem), leakage (petroleum solvents can be quite corrosive), not to mention extraordinarily vulnerable to something as mundane as a fire-arrow, not to mention malicious magic.

OTOH, a fire elemental binding is what, 3-4 POW for the enchantment?  For something as large-investment as a warboat that's trivial.

 

Well these aren't quite warships, they're basically giant Altoids tins with a motor. They're probably used mainly by peasants who wouldn't have access to elemental-summoning magic, but would have access to plenty of wood to burn.

[Mankcam]

Guess we won't know too much more until the published info comes out. We know that MOB has been involved with formulating some Gloranthan resources on Casino Town & God Forgot, so I guess this may show up in that work. 

Interesting stuff.

Edited May 21, 2017 by Mankcam

[MOB]

17 hours ago, Mankcam said:

Guess we won't know too much more until the published info comes out. We know that MOB has been involved with formulating some Gloranthan resources on Casino Town & God Forgot, so I guess this may show up in that work. 

Interesting stuff.

I was looking at the document again to dig out the stuff about the put-put boats, and was kinda shocked to see my Casino Town/God Forgot write-up is nearly 15K words, and I'd written it with HeroQuest Glorantha in mind.  

[MOB]

22 hours ago, styopa said:

"...the availability of such elementals would be limited..."

There's a population limit on elementals?  As far as I can tell, every time you summon one, they come.

But in order to stick around, they need to be nourished. A fire elemental is going to need combustable fuel of some sort, or it will diminish and eventually go out. Once the summon spell wears off, an Undine turns into a puddle, etc.

[styopa]

57 minutes ago, MOB said:

But in order to stick around, they need to be nourished. A fire elemental is going to need combustable fuel of some sort, or it will diminish and eventually go out. Once the summon spell wears off, an Undine turns into a puddle, etc.

That sir, is a fair point.