Magitech

Magitech is the fusion of magic and technology, a cornerstone of the Eternal Empire’s dominance and the driving force behind its societal, industrial, and military advancements. Rooted in the principles of the Arcane Revolution, magitech integrates arcane energy with mechanical constructs, creating devices, weapons, and infrastructure that rival divine miracles in their power and utility.

Magitech has enabled humanity to transcend the limits of traditional magic, creating a civilization where magic is as commonplace as electricity. However, this reliance on magitech has also contributed to the decline of the gods' influence, as mortals have harnessed arcane power without divine intervention.

Core Principles of Magitech

Aetherium Crystals

The foundation of magitech lies in Aetherium Crystals, rare minerals extracted from places like Orpheus. These crystals are naturally infused with arcane energy, acting as a potent power source. Refined Aetherium fuels spelljamming ships, airships, and other magitech devices, much like oil or electricity in industrial revolutions. Aetherium crystals also act as a vessel to store arcane energy, allowing for energy to be physically stored and transported from ley line nexuses.

Arcane Engineering

Magitech devices are constructed by blending mechanical craftsmanship with spellcraft. Engineers known as Arcanists or Techwrights work alongside artificers to design complex machinery imbued with magical enchantments. This requires advanced knowledge of both mechanical engineering and arcane principles.

Runic Programming

Magitech operates through runic inscriptions, which act as a form of programming language. These runes are inscribed on devices to channel arcane energy into specific functions, such as propulsion, shielding, or automated movement.

Integration with Ley Lines

Many magitech devices are designed to draw energy directly from ley lines, allowing cities, factories, and massive constructs to operate efficiently. Portable Aetherium-powered devices replicate this functionality for personal or mobile use.

Applications of Magitech

Magitech pervades all aspects of life in the Eternal Empire, from the smallest conveniences to planet-altering mega-projects. Here are some examples of magitech that you may encounter in imperial society:

Arcane Lanterns

Emit bright light powered by small Aetherium crystals, requiring no fuel or maintenance. Cost: 10 gp.

Autocarriages

Magitech-driven vehicles used for transport in imperial cities on Avalon. They hover slightly above the ground, powered by levitation enchantments. Cost: 3,000 gp.

Spellweave Communicators

Devices that allow instant communication across long distances by channeling magical vibrations. Cost: 1,000 gp.

Arcane Elevators

Used in megastructures to provide effortless vertical transport. Powered by gravitational manipulation spells.

Arcane Forges

Foundries that use controlled magical flames to produce weapons, armor, and constructs far more efficiently than traditional methods.

Terraformers

Large magitech constructs used to reshape terrain, often for mining or agricultural purposes.

Aetherium Drills

Specialized machines used to harvest Aetherium Crystals from deep within planets like Orpheus.

Spelljamming Ships

Interplanetary vessels powered by Aetherium and enchanted sails, enabling travel between worlds in the Kagoma System.

Airships

Lighter-than-air vehicles used for atmospheric travel, relying on levitation magic and elemental engines.

Teleportation Gates

Portal systems that link major imperial hubs, powered by ley line nexuses.

Planetary Shields

Massive barriers powered by ley line energy, capable of defending entire planets or cities from external threats.

Impact of Magitech on Society

Rise of Secularism

The advent of magitech diminished reliance on the gods, as mortals could harness divine-like power without worship. Devices that replicated miracles (e.g., healing constructs or weather manipulators) shifted faith from the gods to human ingenuity.

Economic Stratification

Magitech is expensive, and access is highly controlled. The wealthy elite enjoy its luxuries, while Indents and lower-class citizens rarely see the benefits. Rebel factions often steal or sabotage magitech as acts of resistance.

Environmental Exploitation

The demand for Aetherium and ley line energy has led to ecological devastation on planets like Orpheus, fueling unrest in the Wildlands and among Indents.

Dependence and Risks

The overuse of magitech, particularly in the form of bodily augmentations, has led to phenomena like cyberpsychosis. Additionally, the Empire's reliance on Aetherium and ley lines has left it vulnerable to energy shortages or sabotage.