Matthias responds.

There are many factors as to why we do not have gunpowder units deployed.

First, as you guessed, is cost. The Reich has spent a great deal of time and money to construct buildings that recruit and support our current armies. To recruit gunpowder units of equilavent utility would require a reinvestment of many florins, not only in the troops themselves, but in the buildings used to train them.

Second, is availability, as Chancellor I try to execute the build queues given to me by Dukes and Counts. This is their right, but it often sacrifices unity of purpose. We do not end up with a uniform set of buildings throughout the Reich. Therefore we do not yet have the infrastructure to produce worthwhile gunpowder units on a large scale.

Third, is lack of necessity, our current troops are handling our enemies quite well. They are experienced and already recruited and deployed. To disband them simply because a newer, and more unreliable, technology has come along would be unwise.

Fourth, is applicability, gunpowder artillery is fearsome to behold when it shatters castle walls, but out in the field it is of less utility. As the Reich has assumed more of a defensive posture, there is less need for artillery in general, as the number of siege assaults has dwindled.

I am not opposed to using gunpowder, but it will take time before it becomes prevalent in the Empire.