Mechanika

Of all the benefits that magic has brought to the people of the Iron Kingdoms, mechanika—the synthesis of the arcane and the mechanical—has had the most profound impact. It has revolutionized industry and warfare in every way imaginable, and its innovations continue to create new marvels. By using magic to overcome engineering obstacles, mechanika allows for the reliable production of tools and weapons that harness arcane energies and apply them in useful ways, putting the power of the arcane in the hands of those who might not otherwise have it. Many gifted individuals make their livings as arcane mechaniks, practicing industrial thaumaturgy in the crafting of potent devices, and those with the skills and aptitude to do so are always in high demand.

Although mechanika remains expensive and often outside the reach of common citizens, its existence is fundamental to the shaping—and, indeed, the very existence—of the Iron Kingdoms. Without mechanika, humanity would have been unable to tame the brutal wilderness of western Immoren or resist the vicious foes who tried to claim it. The development of mechanika made the Rebellion against the Orgoth possible, and the fruits of that development allowed the kingdoms of humanity to stand against the undead of Cryx and the threat of the infernals.

Mechanika harnesses arcane energies through the application of runic formulae to specially crafted components made from rare and precious metals. These runeplates are powered by some manner of arcane capacitor: a device small enough to fit in the palm of one’s hand, yet capable of holding enough energy to power mechanikal weapons and armor. Inscribing runes on moving parts with interlocking gears and coils has led to even more sophisticated inventions, such as the arcane turbines used in warcaster armor, and new inventions seem to spring up every day as Cyrissists have become assimilated into regular society.

Any good mechanik can assemble and maintain a piece of mechanika, but arcane mechaniks focus on finding creative and innovative ways to utilize these runeplates and other specialized components to create artifacts of wondrous potential.