[ WP ] In an alternate universe , gunpowder was never invented . What does warfare look like ?

5 Parco, the Year of Good Fortune 
 I'm absolutely agape, I've been invited to join the New World Military Academy in the Colonies! Things are looking up. Well I guess I should explain who I am should n't I? My full name is Thomas Octavius Protariuos. I am ( or going to be ) a first year candidate in the most prestigious tactics school in the world. Tomorrow is my first lesson I'm leaving later tonight in one of the Royal Airforce's brand new steam powered dirigible. 
 
 6 Parco, the Year of Good Fortune 
 My first lesson was amazing. The military's advances in steam power are fascinating! Instead of a standard issued crossbow and rapier, infantry are being given this fantastic new weapon called a bolter. It fires these thick iron nails. It is absolutely revolutionary.
