patterning

The art of creating instructions held in complex runic script. A specialized Mechanistic Engine called an arranger can read stored complex runic script and forward the instructions therein to other sub-components of greater Mechanistic Engine assemblies. A common use for Patterning is to store the instructions that drive gollums and other such complex mechanistic engines; but simpler forms of patterning also power simpler mechanistic engines such as the arcane clock and the like. Patterning may also be used by individual mages to aid in complex mana weaving; generally for use in research or other specialized tasks where a very complex mana weave or construct must be held in place for extended periods of time without the use of a rune.

Utility

Allows for the utilization of arrangers and creation of runic logic to control Gollums and other complex Mechanistic Engines. Has also been useful in high level Arcana research as it allows Magi to hold and manipulate more mana weaves and constructs simaltaneously than would normally be possible by their natural circle level alone.

Manufacturing

Highly specialized tools and Mechanistic Engines similar to those used for producing complex runes are required to etch the runic script containing patterns into arrangers. Patterning is an expensive and specialized art and profession requiring lots of capital, expertise, and equipment. Generally only practiced in highly developed and wealthy regions.

Social Impact

Has led to the develop of both a high paying profession and a sub-culture devoted to creating and utilizing runic logic.

Parent Technologies

• Arcana
• Magick Technology

Children Technologies

• patterns

Inventor(s)

The earliest patterning from the 2820's AF is generally attributed to Magi Sherrel Zanders of Excelsur, though she had many contempories and there is some dispute as to the proper identity of the first true patternist.

Access & Availability

A specialized art and profession for educated professionals in highly developed regions. Requires access to arrangers and other specialized and expensive Mechanistic Engines.

Discovery

Patterning emerged as an art during the 2820's AF when the early control rune first enabled practical Gollums to come into usage. This early patterning was extremely different from modern patterning given the sharp differences between the control rune and the modern arranger. Modern patterning gradually emerged during the early 3100's AF as the control rune ebolved into the early arranger.