Magitech
Of Science & Magic
It's both as simple as it sounds and way more conveluted than it is. I studied this stuff for four decades and I'm still not exactly sure what the limits are!
Magitech is a catch-all term for all technology that relies on the usage of magic. Widespread across the world, it comes in all shapes and sizes, especially in the modern age.
The basics of Magitech
The most basic of magitech inventions are essentially magic-powered machines, using arcana to fuel themselves. In most cases it is some sort of crystal. For bigger devices though, entire artefacts or Elementals can be used as a fuel source.
From there, the device's usage can vary greatly: construction, transportation, military use, etc. Some inventions even use the arcane energy to cast spells itself. The possibilities are limitless.
A Brief History
The concept of infusing inventions with magic isn't new as it has been done for as long as people can remember. The problem comes when trying to define the term Magitech.
Elves for instance are known to be responsible for Wyrwoods and other inventions. However, some question whether that counts as magitech. Gnomes also have a long history with the concept, using Elementals or other materials to power their inventions. However, nobody can agree who did it first, as records are iffy on the dating.
The modern era of material magitech though does have an inventor: Razzly Clickhammer. The Teutönn Gnome popularised the term with his inventions, spreading it across the empire. Many engineers perfected his prototypes, leading to a now golden age for the region.
Common Usages
Arcane Research
Many Magitech tools exist solely for further studying and refining the ways of magic. They extract or examine ambient magic to determine its type and power, alongside other things.
Some also exist to nullify or isolate magic, making a safe environment to study it in.
Constructs
Mechanical golems and other types of constructs often find themselves powered with a magitech core. Such creations are obedient to their makers with little to no hesitance.
With the right setup, constructs are also capable of using their engines to cast spells by their own or be given some level of sapience. Wyrwoods are the prime example of this, even if the knowledge to create more of them is lost to time.
Prosthetics
Those that can afford more expensive prosthetics often rely on magitech, as those tends to have a 1:1 output. The added benefit is that such prosthetics also channel magic with relative ease compared to other mechanical limbs.
Transportation
There have been several vehicles designed with magitech in mind. Airships are the most common to use said technology to keep themselves afloat. Realms like the Plane of Air require said usage to get around, while others use magitech to move between realms with ease.
Weaponry
To no surprise, it also finds its usage in weaponry and war. Devices that allow non-spellcasters to harness the power of a caster without the required experience. Many even augment the strength of their spells, allowing one to cast beyond what others are even capable of.
Such demonstrations have led to nasty situations, making most weaponry heavily regulated.
Magitech is a splendid concept and one I believe you've detailed to great effect. I think a picture or two to better illustrate your intentions would be a welcome addition to the article. I would also consider justifying the text so it is neat and uniform. Also are there any cities where this is forbidden or are there myths and common knowledge surrounding it? For example, are children told not to go near magitech dogs because of their metallic jaws? Is there a junkyard full of scrapped technology? Your article is very engaging, to say the least. Well done.