Clockworks

Mechanical Mechanisms

Clockworks are a revolutionary invention that led to the adoption of engineering and science across the realm. They work through a series of interconnected springs, cogs, gears, sprockets, and chains. When these individual pieces work in harmony they produce a versatile tool that can be applied in an endless number of ways. Clockworks are limited only by the minds of the artisans which craft them, and as such, as artisans become more skilled this technology continues to advance and improve.
This technology has enabled those which are not as attuned with the aether to improve their quality of life and work great feats without the need of weaving spells. With clockworks, life for the mundane becomes simpler: time can be kept track of using clocks both small and large, fishing is made easier with automated cranks, cities no longer require man labor or mages in order to raise and lower drawbridges, and even travel is improved due to new rudimentary land and flying machines.
Though they have led to great progress, clockworks are no substitute for the aether and skilled magi, and clockwork artisans who also are one with the aether can infuse the two together to work great feats. A mage of considerable power can imbue his clockworks with magic to animate them or alter them with some other magical enchantment. These talented individuals have been known to create devices such as clockwork familiars powered by the souls of fallen creatures, magical turrets capable of expelling elemental effects, and smaller inventions such as recording devices and self-igniting lanterns.

Inventor(s)

Clockwork technology was created by a gnomish inventor named Tockwick Tickbel.

Access & Availability

Clockwork technology is widely used throughout Estorim, however it is not cheap. It takes a skilled artisan to effectively create clockworks, and due to the demand and resources required, creating even a small clockwork device can be a costly venture. Clockworks are applied heavily in major cities and wealthy lands, however in more remote towns and villages it is uncommon to see clockwork devices.

Complexity

It is no simple task to create a clockwork device. Doing so requires expertise and understanding of the tools required, the materials used, and the principles behind clockworks. While a novice can complete small feats in the form of minor clockwork devices, it takes an adept years of experience and knowledge to create larger scale contraptions.
A master smith that is also adept in magic can raise the complexity, and usefulness, of his clockworks to a higher degree. By imbuing clockwork devices with arcane energy, one can create a truly powerful and potent invention. However, it requires skillful smith who is both a gifted artisan and a gifted mage.