Industrial Magic
One of the greatest forces affecting Errath today is the changing face of magic in the world. The races of the March have long studied and utilized magic. Legend says it was the elves who first discovered arcane power, and passed on to other races. For much of history there has been an inherent stasis. New spells were discovered, and occasionally new styles of magic. But this progress was slow and steady, and often it seemed that as much was lost over time as was gained. That changed during the Enlightenment Age.
Magical study and experimentation became increasingly competitive, with new styles and methods constantly tested. Merchants looking for profit seized upon the power of Artifice, a gnomish style of magic which had been gaining popularity. Artifice and its ease of ability to make magic items, weapons, vehicles, and utility items that non-mages could use easily. Within a century, Artifice had become a fully accepted discipline of magic.
As the concept of industrialization changed the face of production, some sought to apply the same ideas to magical production. It was found that when supplied with proper materials and magic fuel, workers could be trained to do minor parts of rituals that could combine in an assembly line style to create minor magical items. This led to a massive change in enchanted item production where mass production of minor items became possible, following established methods, without an artificer or mage even being present.
The Merchant Lords seized on the popularity of artifice. The factories made everyday items, magical devices that the common people could afford. Nearly every family in Addam now has some form of magical device in their house. Ever-burning torches and stones of light (called luminates) are commonplace, as are tonics (potions) to aid people. Tobacconists have found ways to infuse magic into their products to create what they call Vigors, small cigars that provide some sort of effect to their users while smoked. Imagine a cigarette that heals you as you smoke! Even bardic music has been harnessed, caught within mystic crystals to be replayed, giving minor effects and boosts to skills. Many factory owners play such music constantly to buff their workers skills or, some say, to keep them complacent. Unlike many items of legend, the creations of industrial magic are very rarely permanent. Most items have either a limited duration, or limited charges compared to those crafted by wizards in the days of legend. The ever-burning torch is something of a misnomer, though the commonly sold version lasts for a month at a time. Simple magical weapons (+1) are rarely made, but oils of Magic Weapon are readily available, and stockpiled by armies and mercenary companies. This serves a two-fold purpose. The items are easier to craft, and take less resources than their older versions, making them far more accessible. They also guarantee that the market for them will not run out. Wizards and artificers still craft the older versions, usually for wealthy customers, but the merchant lords take care to not let the market dry up from permanent goods.
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