I know this is a re-occuring topic to some extent but I have a query about the types of technology people allow in their Birthright and fantasy games. I have just recently developed an interest in making Steampunk gadgetry which is normally based around the technology of the 19th century. Steam powered machinery is taken as the state-of-the-art for that period.

Do any of you allow steam-based mechanisms to operate in your D&D campaigns? For example, in traps, to operate doors and barriers, to move vehicles or golems, to fire weapons? According to Wikipedia "the first commercially successful engine did not appear until 1712" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_engine) so generally it is beyond the normal technology prescribed for Birthright.

Do you instead just leave it to levers and pulleys? Or do you just say "magic happens" for something that complicated?

Sorontar