For centuries the fortress of Horgenhold has used powerful cannons to defend the southern mountain passes that lead into Rhul. Great emplacements line the citadel’s most critical walls, allowing Rhulfolk to obliterate their enemies from a surprising distance. Capable of inflicting staggering damage, the powerful mortar shells can even be fired indirectly, giving the Rhulic army an intimidating ability to control the battlefield.
Escalating war and mysterious attacks on isolated villages in western Rhul have prompted patrols to carry increasingly heavy weaponry. The artillery corps of Horgenhold was the first to be equipped with an easily portable mortar, which can be fired with great alacrity by crack crews. Even under fire, the dwarves of the Horgenhold Artillery Corps can accurately gauge a target’s range to within feet.
Though Rhul has long possessed powerful artillery, only in recent years have outsiders learned to use it as siege weaponry. The Rhulic Moot has traditionally taken a dim view of mercenary operations, but in recent years the profits made by certain clan lords have been difficult to ignore. Certain provisions now allow Rhulic mercenaries operating abroad to equip themselves with siege cannons and other weapons of war. Though these mercenaries take great pains to claim neutrality among their warring clients, many clan lords worry that increasing entanglement with the battles of humankind will one day bring war to Rhul’s doorstep.