Questions about Alternate Worldline Design.

[vierasmarius]

Originally Posted by Rowan

That's a good idea. Does this marginalization apply only to copper, or would I need to do likewise to tin and zinc? I'm wondering what these folks might use for coinage if their isn't a dearth of available metals.

As far as I know, tin and zinc are less useful for tools and weapons on their own. They might be used as coinage. However, I also like the idea of using small gemstones as a currency.

Something else you should consider is whether you'll include fantastical elements. For example, if Adamant (Fantasy pg 22) or similar "Essential" stone is available, either naturally or through magic, then stone weapons could become much more resilient. The exact effects are up to you of course, but it could justify making Good-quality blades without an armor divisor, and potentially full-length stone swords. Stone Armor (Low Tech pg 106) would also benefit greatly from Adamant. Of course, such weapons and armor will be far more expensive than their metallic counterparts; Fantasy recommends x30 cost (CF +29).