TL4 Without Iron

Not · 04-30-2014, 06:31 PM

Perhaps those who think the question answerable can offer answers before those who think otherwise declare the discussion over.

I'd like a clarification: are we on Earth but with iron sunken deeper into the crust and therefore unavailable, or are we on a different, otherwise earthlike planet?

Adam Smith mused that it was a mystery how iron mining got going, since it's found deep within the earth: presumably someone knew to look for it! (I assume the question has since been answered, but I don't know myself.)

Are iron meteorites available, if rare?

Perhaps we're positing a "Bronzepunk" setting in which ordinary technology exists but is different. Metal more expensive and more exquisite. Firearms limited to bronze cannons (or would hand cannons be plausible?). Wooden trebuchets shooting lead slugs and walled cities almost into the modern day. Seems interesting, no?

04-30-2014, 06:31 PM	#11
Not Join Date: Feb 2013	Re: TL4 Without Iron Perhaps those who think the question answerable can offer answers before those who think otherwise declare the discussion over. I'd like a clarification: are we on Earth but with iron sunken deeper into the crust and therefore unavailable, or are we on a different, otherwise earthlike planet? Adam Smith mused that it was a mystery how iron mining got going, since it's found deep within the earth: presumably someone knew to look for it! (I assume the question has since been answered, but I don't know myself.) Are iron meteorites available, if rare? Perhaps we're positing a "Bronzepunk" setting in which ordinary technology exists but is different. Metal more expensive and more exquisite. Firearms limited to bronze cannons (or would hand cannons be plausible?). Wooden trebuchets shooting lead slugs and walled cities almost into the modern day. Seems interesting, no?