Drekaeldur

An artistic depiction of dragonfire in use.

Drekaeldur, also known as Dragonfire, was an ancient incendiary weapon used by the Acrean Empire. First utilised in the 4th century, Dragonfire is a petroleum-based substance thought to have been originally formulated for use as a naval weapon against the Sabrian Empire. It was likely developed from earlier substances used in more primitive ways, such as contained within a clay pot for throwing or coating a missile launched by an onager or ballista. Dragonfire was unique in being projected from pressurised heads traditionally mounted in the dragonhead decorations of Acrean longships, from which the weapon got its name. A smaller man-portable dragonfire projector called a eldursteypuhræra was made for use on land. Dragonfire was limited by its range and volatility. It could only be used in favourable sea conditions, and it was a relatively short-range weapon; as a result, dragonfire was adapted for use in incendiary projectiles that could be fired by onagers and ballistas.

Dragonfire was first used by the Acreans during their campaigns to expel Sabria from the Eracuran continent in the 4th and 5th centuries. It proved devastating to Sabrian fleets, who had little to no protection against Acrean ships equipped with dragonfire, and was likewise used effectively against the Sabrians in several sieges. Dragonfire's inventor, a nobleman named Aegir Volundsson of Ravenna, became fabulously wealthy and lavishly honoured as a result of his invention, drastically increasing his social status and being given the honorific af Drage (Nordic: of the Dragon); he subsequently founded House Drage. Dragonfire remained a staple weapon of the Acrean military following the Acrean-Sabrian Wars.