Aether Cannon

The Aether Cannon is one of the most notorious forms of siege weaponry to have been established during the Archanomechanical Age. These immense cannons are operated usually by a single person who sits in the firing seat, assisted by two who replace the Aerocrystal power source when necessary and operate the cranks which turn and aim the cannon, as well as a third - usually a mage - who adjusts the Aerocrystal focus.
The process of creating the Aerocrystal power source is a secret known only to the Dwarves & Gnomes of Mor Dothak. The crystal is refined into a mildly more stable form and placed within a casing which acts as a centrifuge. A large compartment on the side of the Aether Cannon can be opened to accept the sizeable canisters which are used to power the cannons, and there is a small, sealable slit towards the front, into which a focus can be placed. When the fire button is pressed, the centrifuge spins the Aerocrystal at high velocity, striking it repeatedly (yet still carefully) against a small element on the inside of the casing. This builds up the volatile energy within the crystal, and there is a small opening at the top of the casing through which this energy is able to escape - to be focused and projected through the turret. The number of charges (uses before reloading) one can get from each canister is wholly dependant on the amount of latent energy held within the crystal. Generally - larger crystals can provide upward of 5 charges before they must be replaced.
Various different foci exist, and there exist specialised spells, created to temporarily adjust the nature of the Aerocrystal used. Doing so can allow for the cannon to adjust its fire. Most often, the mage who assists in the operation of an aether cannon will know the spells require to change the fire rate between a single projectile, a short burst, and a long concentrated beam.
The spells which exist to temporarily change the nature of the Aerocrystal used can also adjust the type of damage received by a blast from the cannon. As Aerocrystal take on aspects of the areas from which they are harvested, different Aerocrystal contain properties which, when refined, can produce damage type adjustment such as fire, cold, lightning, or even necrotic and radiant.
Aether Blast. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, ignores cover, range 1,000/6,000 ft., one target. Hit: 110 (20d6) force damage

Utility

The aether cannon is used as a deterrant/countermeasure against threats deemed too dangerous to be engaged through normal methods. Often, the cannons are used in defence against Dragon-level or higher threats. Rumours circulate that the cannons have even been used to defeat demigods and gods of lesser power.
The only known/recorded misuse of the aether cannons was during the testing of the prototype, when the first firing failed and shot off-course, crossing the path of the ancient dragon Qiulong, almost obliterating him instantly.

Manufacturing

The process requires the forging of special metals through a process known only to the Dwarves of Mor Dothak. These metals are then assembled to create a frame into which clockwork gears are placed to allow for the rotation and movement of the cannon. Compartments are created in the left side, towards the middle and the front - one in which the Aerocrystal power source can be placed, and one for the crystal focus to be inserted.

Inventor(s)

The aether cannon was first theorised by Gnomish inventor Wilrick Crystaltinker upon hearing that his homeland had been razed by a black dragon looking to spread chaos in the name of Tiamat, and grow Her forces to assist in the War of the Gods.

Access & Availability

The creation process is a closely guarded secret, known only to the inhabitants of the dual kingdom of Mor Dothak. as one of their primary exports, these cannons are moderately distributed across the world- mainly to the capital cities within the continents.

Complexity

The technologies and components used to create an aether cannon are incredibly complex - owing to the dependance upon Mor Dothak for their speciality in engineering.

Discovery

It was created by the Dwarves and Gnomes living within Mor Dothak as they sought a method of defence which would help alleviate the fear of dragons and other powerful beings taking part in the War of the Gods.