> But the islands should have tech by my lights > (modulo indirect manipulation by the gods a la > Phoenix). Technological development also requires some sort of resource base (educated populace and raw materials). England's access to raw materials ala it's colonies and it's educated populace gave it advantages probably not possessed by the Islands. You also have to take into account that technological advancement throughout our history has been mixing of populations and ideas. The Crusades and voyages to the West/East (basically the expansionist desires of a mercantile Europe partially constrained by Papal power) were necessary triggers for Europe's scientific revolution and subsequent technological boom. The world outside the Empire - the somewhat isolated Islands as well as the largely untamed Eastern lands (at least that's how I picture the East after reading the Viscount series) - does not seem to have enough contact to effectively share ideas. As for the need of truly effective mass transportation, I think that _God Emperor of Dune_ hints as to why SUPPRESSING truly effective means of mass transportation works to the benefit of the nobles. Forcing the lower classes to travel on foot is a great means of population control. ===== "she had a walk that would make a bishop kick in a stain glass window" - Raymond Chandler