what do you think they'd research?

[draconis]

I've been reading recently about the Riverbank Laboratories, a 350-acre facility owned by an almost-unbelievable wealthy man who wanted to further human knowledge. He set up facilities and hired people to research all sorts of things -- acoustics/properties of sound waves, genetics (both plant and animal), and cryptography, among MANY other things.

This got me to thinking -- dangerous, I know. ;-)

Picture a medieval fantasy setting, your typical D&D type of thing. What sorts of things (magical or otherwise) might a wealthy patron in this sort of setting want researched?

Some that I can think of:
*more effective components for spells
*interdimensional/planar studies
*better designs for sailing ships (faster, more maneuverable, more stable in storms, etc)
*getting more crop yield from a given plot of land
*better animal husbandry/training practices
*improvements to armor design
*how to make bows/crossbows shoot further/more accurately
*more effective siege engines
*better castle defenses
*better ways to navigate
*better ways to tell time


What else can you think of?

Comments

[draconis]

LOL Benevolent? what's that? ;-)

Thank you, great suggestions!