Magitek is the name given to the combination of magic and technology, while this might seem to be obvious few seem to fully grasp the meaning. The purpose of this document is a simple and quick explanation of what magitech is and to dispel some myths people seem to have about it.
Magitek is the integration of technology, commonly steam-powered equipment, and magical theory or effects. From that definition, it quickly becomes obvious that something as simple as an enchanted sword can be classified as magitech. While many would say that "of course this is not the case" these people would be incorrect. That is in fact a totally valid form of magitech, it is simply not as immediately obvious of a form. Thus some might say that magical items are also magitech, this would be incorrect. The line is fine however the difference is the idea with which something was created, a magical item is an item that is magical first and foremost. Something that is magitech is a technology foremost that incorporates magic in its function and design. As an example, a sword made to project a wall of force to enhance its edge is a magical item. A sword that in enchanted to have a sharper edge is magitech.
However, this definition changes a bit when one comes to more complex technology. Once a mechanism becomes involved, such as a steam-powered propellant, the meaning of magitech starts shifting a bit. In this case, it is no longer simply limited to enchantment, this is due to the naturally complex function of the item even when magic would not be involved. Thus even rifles build with a clearly magical base and with technology surrounding them to give shape and function is magitech instead of a magical item. At times the difference can be incredibly thin, the house rule is to look at what magic adds to the item and how technologically advanced the item is to figure out if it is magitech or a magical item.
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