With the fog of poverty and war hanging low over every head, a movement swept over Europe, captivating the imagination of all who are noble and adventurous. In a world so cruel and unjust, the honourable task of upholding chivalry and goodness falls upon those who have the strength and ability, both martial and financial. Exhausting their family fortunes, minor nobles of all nations suit themselves up in the most expensive and dignified armour they can find, drape upon themselves braces upon braces of artisanal pistols and ornate sabres, and ride into the tumultuous forests of France to seek fame and fortune amongst cutthroat mercenaries and starveling warbands. They establish orders, commission uniforms, and paint war banners. Thus began the quests of the first Powderknight Houses, enigmatic, quixotic, and insultingly luxurious.

     Doubting the march of modernity, they also pour their wealth into funding the arcane hermeticists, believing that the truth is more mystical and wonderous than any university or scholar can teach. The alchymists toil away, using their knowledge to extract all manner of substance, hoping one day to finally create the philosopher’s stone, such that they and their patrons can live forever. They have not gotten closer to that goal, but in trying, they have created all manner of exotic materials and substances. Their patrons fire bullets forged of volfram, wearing cuirasses beaten from titanium, and spew fumes of Greek fire and aqua regia from their chymosiphons.

     Many perish, but their deaths only fuel the fervour for seeking treasures and bringing justice. Together they roam amongst the trees, seeking glory and knowledge. Farmers and villagers, weary of their lowly life, pray that a passing powderknight may take their children and train them as a squire. Those who are chosen receive excellent tutoring and can live in noble condition, and in return, they must serve their masters diligently. A squire who completes training may become a knight errant, who, once they prove themself, may ascend into being a powderknight. This is no small task, and knight errants often die before seeing an inkling of reception from their masters. Regardless, they scoff in the face of danger, and live for the noble titles that may be bestowed upon them.