Guns in the Shimmerverse aren't a new idea in this world. Canons were formerly introduced around 1500 years ago, during the Hundred Years War. While initially crude, they eventually were advanced until they replaced catapults for the role of artillery for their superior distance and power.

However, handguns weren't so readily accepted into the arms forces and even to this day, don't play a large part in any armies. The reason for this is their slow rate of fire. While it does take a while to load canons, they are usually a distance away from the enemy, so they have enough time to load and fire multiple shots. As well, different types of ammunition can be used. Not to mention canon balls are large enough to easily inscribe magical runes and spells to better enhance their efficiency.

For handguns, they had to get closer to their target and could only fire one bullet at a time. This then forced the user to spend over a minute reloading. In that time, most enemy units would be on them and tear them to pieces. As well, the small balls weren't big enough to inscribe magical runes or the like. Instead, if they were to be enchanted, they would have to be made from magical material which is highly expensive. The cost wouldn't justify this on an army size scale. Instead, crossbows were preferred and are still preferred to this day.

Handguns wouldn't be used much outside of personal use until the Equestrian Civil War, where some improved muskets were put into use and proved useful for taking out smaller targets. Because of this, muskets were soon put into service as the armament of local Militia. They still wouldn't see much action in the grand armies, but they proved readily useful for town defenses and the like.

Pistols were given a little more advanced, with them now being able to shoot multiple rounds. These are rarer and used mostly by Inquisitors and Officers.