Table of contents

In the endless cities of Misteria, the sight of merchants’ wagons transporting goods between urban centers is a common spectacle. These sturdy wagons typically feature a wooden body mounted on a robust metal frame, equipped with various types of engines for propulsion. Some wagons are powered by crystals, while others rely on the power of steam or burning fuels. The more affluent merchants can afford larger and more impressive wagons, either by connecting multiple units or simply acquiring a grander, single wagon. As these traveling caravans set out on their journeys, an aura of readiness pervades their ranks, acknowledging the inherent dangers of lengthy trade routes. The merchants and their wagons are often accompanied by fellow travelers who provide extra security and camaraderie along the way.

Technology

Technological advancements range from small objects to enormous machines. Common craftsmen focus on construction and development of simple devices and industrial machines like pumps and presses. Most are used to uphold the infrastructures of major cities.

Within the cities, inhabitants benefit from everyday machines and constructions like lifts, bridges and lighthouses, which have become iconic landmarks and are often adorned with decorative elements. Folk use simple devices in their homes and works. Practical applications are not the sole focus of scientific endeavors. Workshops and laboratories also serve as hubs for experiments, exploring new uses for accessible materials and pioneering groundbreaking inventions. The pursuit of knowledge and innovation remains an essential aspect of the world’s technological progress.

Cities with a strong presence of mages find mechanical wonders and physics-based inventions hindered by the magic that fills their surroundings. The subtle changes of physical properties caused by magic render precise machinery ineffective. Even elements like friction, gravity, and density undergo slight alterations, making it challenging for the most powerful mages to utilize firearms due to their magical interference. There are places that manage to achieve a harmonious blend of both magic and technology, but this synergy does not necessarily lead to significant overall development in either field.

High-powered machines find practical application in shallow mining operations, agricultural fields and other heavy industries. There are drills, pumps, fans, elevators, heavy duty vehicles, looms, automated smithing hammers, lathes, and many others. More intricate clockwork devices are prized possessions owned by the affluent, serving various purposes limited only by the maker’s imagination. 

Often in one place one could find complex mechanical devices and very simple hex machinery like kettles, ice boxes, lamps and heating plates.

The creation of these advanced machines is a highly skilled craft, often undertaken by master artisans with deep knowledge of their trade passed down through generations. These artisans typically belong to powerful houses that wield significant influence over guilds and industries.

Interestingly, technological advancements can vary greatly even within relatively short distances. A city may excel in the advanced craft of crystals, housing numerous workshops, while only a mere 60 miles (about 100 kilometers) away or a couple of cities along the river, these advancements remain a mystery to the local population. Those gaps in inventory are often utilised by resourceful merchants who often bring as much of one product as they can. If crystal kettles don’t find sympathy amongst buyers, there always are other cities. Exporting technology and rare materials presents considerable challenges due to the scarcity of resources and the perilous nature of long-distance travel. Many craftsmen opt not to risk venturing beyond the comfort of their town, which contributes to the rarity and high demand for such technologies.

As we venture further from major cities to less populated villages and farms, the level of technological understanding diminishes, resembling a more primitive civilization with reliance on traditional blacksmithing and carpentry skills. While some technological wonders may be found in these rural areas, there is often a lack of expertise to repair or maintain them. As a result, hex and magic become popular choices, as they are easier to comprehend and utilize.

The advancement of knowledge and innovation in technology is significantly influenced by the materials available and the expertise gained by the craftsmen. This creates a fascinating divide between established stationary masters of their craft and mobile workshops that continuously adapt and acquire new knowledge as they traverse different regions. Those travelling artisans uniformly attract interest wherever they stop. The knowledge and products of traveling workshops are in high demand, as they possess both access to rare materials and expertise in fixing delicate machines. For some they are the only hope of fixing specialized equipment. They are often welcomed guests in the courts of city stewards due to their “invaluable contributions to the economy”. However, the journeys of these workshops are fraught with dangers. Not only do they face the inherent perils of traveling through mist-laden lands, but they also encounter creatures and opportunistic thieves who seek to disrupt their endeavors and claim their valuable cargo.

Engines

The technological marvels of the world are predominantly powered by various types of engines. There are steam engines, combustion engines, crystal engines and a few spring engines. In principle they all generate torque (rotational force) which is transformed in various ways.

  • Steam engines, as the name suggests, use the steam to create the rotation. They are often made from copper and because of that they resist magical interference very well. Additionally because in principle they require pressure of air to create the rotation, they can and are often powered by magic of the air Mages. 
  • Combustion engines use the power of explosion to create the rotation. They often require higher precision of manufacturing and a lot more knowledge to create, but use relatively little fuel to run (in comparison to the steam engines). There are ways to power them with crystals, as some generate explosions on impact. Mages of domain Optatio can power those engines but only if they were specially designed with that in mind. Regular engines will fail sooner or later.
  • Crystal engines operate on the principle of repulsion amongst crystals. They use a precise collection of gems and with some clever mechanical elements they create torque. Such engines are a rarity and are often mistaken with the power blocks. Crystal engines are strictly mechanical and require a very specific mineral called pinarit that allows this whole process to accrue. Grape sized peace of pinarie is enough to travel non stop for a day but once started the whole crystal is consumed.
  • Some machines are used by a windup spring or heavy objects that slowly fall down. As one could imagine the size plays a huge role in how much energy it can store but there are ways to lift things and wind up springs bigger than houses. Mages of  corpus domain often are invaluable in those endeavours.

Materials

The majority of machines is constructed from simple wood, benefiting from the abundance and ease of working with this versatile material. Machines like carts, cranes, windmills, looms and waterwheels serve essential functions in everyday life, catering to various needs of the populace. However, as technological advancements progress, more sophisticated machines emerge, necessitating materials like metals, leather, and crystals. These advanced materials require specialized processing techniques to become useful components, which, in turn, limits the widespread popularity of these devices.

To achieve the precision necessary for crafting intricate machines, skilled craftsmen gather in extraordinary workshops, equipped with an array of specialized tools. Most of those are founded by wealthy inventors who struck gold or aristocrats willing to mass produce whatever will emerge from these experiments. These workshops serve as hubs for innovation, where artisans meticulously craft precise parts and explore new ideas through experimentation. In this dynamic environment, aspiring inventors can test the boundaries of engineering, striving to unlock new possibilities in machinery and automation.

For those privileged or wealthy enough to have access to rare and coveted materials, such as unique crystals, rare ores and exotic woods, these precious resources are reserved for crafting the most critical and sophisticated mechanisms. These exclusive creations become the domain of the wealthy elite, adorned with a premium price tag that reflects their exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled functionality. As these intricate machines find their way into the opulent estates and ventures of the rich, they become a symbol of prestige and luxury, captivating the imagination of those who yearn for status that comes with technological wonders. It is not uncommon to see caricatures of the wealthy; a pompous trump adorned with broken clockworks.

Mist and science

Machines operating in the mist face challenges due to its effect on materials. While these machines may not require high precision, they can still be complex. The fog alters the physical properties of common materials to a much greater degree than magic, causing metals to become softer or harder, smoother or coarser. These changes impact the functionality of various components, such as springs, ratchets, hinges, and levers, leading to improper functioning or loss of precision in clocks, steam engines, pumps or realistically, anything that is moving.

To make machines work in the mist, two approaches are often taken. One option is to make the machines much larger and less precise, reducing the impact of the fog on their functionality. The other approach involves using more exotic materials that are either minimally affected or unaffected by the fog’s influence. Certain ores can be smelted into metals resistant to the fog’s effects, while some woods remain stable and unchanged. Special additives can also be used to stabilize substances and ensure their functionality in the mist.

An example of this approach is gunpowder, which can be modified with additives to work in the mist, though it may lead to unexpected consequences outside of it. Some materials can withstand the increased chamber pressure caused by these additives, but they are scarce and difficult to work with. Another effective solution is to power machines using magic from crystals and minimizing the complexity of the mechanisms for optimal performance in the mist.

Even with these adaptations, there is always a risk of machines malfunctioning or becoming damaged. Users must carefully consider the conditions and weigh the possibility of halting machine operation to avoid potential damage. The balance between utilizing the fog’s energy and ensuring the machine’s longevity remains a constant concern for those working with machines in these environments.

Books and press

Printed materials have made their mark on the cities, and various methods of printing have been adopted to spread knowledge and information. The printing press stands as the most efficient and prevalent means of producing texts, serving as a valuable resource for spreading literature, news, and ideas. In some areas, lithographic printeries have emerged, offering an alternative method of printing that accommodates specific needs, mostly colorful illustrations. Remarkably, there are still instances where books are copied by hand, a testament to craftsmanship and dedication to preserving the written word that supposedly has more soul.

While printed materials are becoming increasingly common, old handwritten books remain highly sought after due to their intrinsic value in preserving ancient knowledge and wisdom. The transfer of such valuable insights to new paper is a rare occurrence, as some information should remain limited. This practice ensures that most printed materials are relatively new, with the old knowledge protected, safely held within the cherished pages of handcrafted books away from the public eye.