They never shrank small enough for an arrow, unfortunately for the Alai. The Dragon Fire tubes were impressive but not quite practical enough for that. Instead they were launched via quickly made platforms that could stand near on any terrain with an open sky. ahead and above. These little devices could quickly launch the 'arrows' in the desired direction, and fuses could be cut to the appropriate time.

This was the final straw to many, a technological innovation that rendered the military Guli had so far maintained untenable. It needed organisation, structure, power. It needed a system that was bigger than itself, otherwise it was just a large, hard to manuver force. It needed leadership, logistics, supplies. With the construction work in the Alai continuing strong after two years of effort, and more and more government personnel settling in, there was the ideal spot. Near the Almira Palace, and the Grand Assembley, there would be a vast Military Estate. An Academy, A Mustering Grounds, a Headquarters. For a real army to emerge from.

[I uh, I can now use Fire Arrows, the great 6 year trek to usable Gunpowder is done. The Fire hungers eternal, never satisfied, never stopping, however.]