Flamethrower Pump

Citizens of Falconia recover a wagon-mounted pump from a storehouse, a relic Rickert credits to the lost technology of Gaiseric's legendary capital. He first tinkers with it as a water sprinkler and fire-prevention device, then later refits the same machine into a crude flamethrower to serve as one of his fallback tools against Rakshas.

The contraption is a small cart carrying a wooden barrel, originally loaded with water for spraying. Once rebuilt for combat it holds flammable oil instead, and its pump drives air through the barrel to force the oil out along a hose. Working it takes two people, one pumping while the other lights the stream with a torch. The result throws a broad arc of flame fierce enough to make Rakshas smother himself in horse blood, though its short reach and heavy frame leave it slow and clumsy to move.

Erica helps Rickert trial the early water version and suggests the flow could be pushed out with more force. After Rickert's later adjustments, the Tapasa wield the finished flamethrower to keep Rakshas at bay while the group flees Falconia. It buys them time before its bulk and weight force the crew to leave it behind.