Mage Foci
Mage Foci (Singular: Mage Focus) are Magi-Tech devices used to efficiently channel magical energies and to enhance the accuracy, potency and efficiency of Mages and their spells. There are a variety of these devices both common and unique. These devices are small, normally worn as broaches, bracelets, necklaces or even circlets worn on the head. These devices consist of complex inner clockworks inscribed with metaphysically potent symbols and activated by the will of the spellcaster. These items require attunement, a process of familiarization and synchronization involving the user to cast simple spells, examining the Mage Focus's structure, running a series of diagnostic spells and generally spend time becoming magically connected to the focus. Once this attunement process is completed a mage can access the full functions of a Mage Focus without extra effort.
Mages in modern times have been known to take their standard issue Mage Foci to Artificers who can customize and personalize the devices to a certain extent. This process is costly and Artificers of poor skill have been known to damage or even destroy Mage Foci with shoddy craftsmanship. There exists a Mage Focus for every magical discipline and there are unique Mage Foci in the world that have incredible powers they can grant to the user.
Prior to The Great War there was an early concept of using trained mages as soldiers in warfare beyond Priests and healers. Traditionally, Paladins and Clerics of Holy Orders would use Holy Symbols of crystal, rare metals or precious stones in order to more easily channel the miracles of their faith. Witches had been using wands and staves to more accurately and easily direct the energies of Primal magic and traditional Arcane Mages had required reagents and physical components for their spells that required preparation ahead of time.
A Swiss watchmaker and Artificer named Elijah Brunner created a Magi-tech device that can easily channel magic and accurately direct it to the caster's intent. By etching the precious metal gears and cogs of the device in the most common arcane sigils and runes and encasing the mechanisms inside of precious crystals cut in facets of the proper angles, the caster can perform complex arcane calculations and reduce or eliminate the requirement for spell components. Many different Mage Foci have been developed since and are specialized towards different styles of casting and different forms of magic. The most basic prototypes increased the accuracy of spells that have a specific target and reduced the need for common spell components.
Mages in modern times have been known to take their standard issue Mage Foci to Artificers who can customize and personalize the devices to a certain extent. This process is costly and Artificers of poor skill have been known to damage or even destroy Mage Foci with shoddy craftsmanship. There exists a Mage Focus for every magical discipline and there are unique Mage Foci in the world that have incredible powers they can grant to the user.
Prior to The Great War there was an early concept of using trained mages as soldiers in warfare beyond Priests and healers. Traditionally, Paladins and Clerics of Holy Orders would use Holy Symbols of crystal, rare metals or precious stones in order to more easily channel the miracles of their faith. Witches had been using wands and staves to more accurately and easily direct the energies of Primal magic and traditional Arcane Mages had required reagents and physical components for their spells that required preparation ahead of time.
A Swiss watchmaker and Artificer named Elijah Brunner created a Magi-tech device that can easily channel magic and accurately direct it to the caster's intent. By etching the precious metal gears and cogs of the device in the most common arcane sigils and runes and encasing the mechanisms inside of precious crystals cut in facets of the proper angles, the caster can perform complex arcane calculations and reduce or eliminate the requirement for spell components. Many different Mage Foci have been developed since and are specialized towards different styles of casting and different forms of magic. The most basic prototypes increased the accuracy of spells that have a specific target and reduced the need for common spell components.
Utility
Many variants of Mage Foci exist and have a myriad of different qualities. The primary purpose is for more efficient casting and eliminating the requirement for spell components for common spells. These devices automatically calculate the more complex formulae and variables involved in spellcasting. Those without magical abilities have no use for Mage Foci beyond potentially collecting them for their historical significance or sentimentality.
Manufacturing
Mage Foci are complex devices and come in various qualities. These devices use incredibly small gears, cogs and bearings to more efficiently channel magic and the gems that compose the lenses of these devices are cut in very exact fractal patterns and angles to create more efficient usage of magic. These devices can not be mass produced and must be made by highly trained technicians requiring specialized tools and spells.
Social Impact
The impact of Mage Foci on warfare has been a big one. Mages trained at the same academies and using the same equipment means more reliable results when working in the field. More efficient spell work means it is cheaper and easier to equip mages without sourcing, purchasing and shipping spell components. Advances in techniques and new variants means that more specialized Mages can be trained for specific operations and more flexibility in the field.
Access & Availability
Military Equipment.
Complexity
Highly Complex
Discovery
Sweden (1910)
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