Charon's Technology Guide & Lore
Jul 1, 2023 22:59:30 GMT -5
Post by Admin: Otto on Jul 1, 2023 22:59:30 GMT -5
Understanding Arcanatek:
Experimental Magical Theory and You!
By: Synnove Alstromer
Arcanatek is the product of infusing a previously non-magical object with enchantments, enhancements, or other magical functions. This is accomplished through the process of applying a Formulae Arcanum—a magical equation transmuting Primordial energy, or "magic"—into the item, thus granting it incredible new powers as defined by the writer of the formula.
Recent archaeological digs and advancements in various areas of scientific study such as extra-planar theory heave resulted in the rediscovery of Formulae Arcanum blueprints. The discovering of a golem in a long-buried excavation site has led to attempts to reverse engineer ancient artifact scientists are referring to as an Arcanatek Core. This has led to a breakthrough in understanding how magic works on Charon, though how the Core came to be or how to create something similar is still currently lost to time.
New applications of magic open countless windows of possibility, but there are limitations. For one, the size of the Formulae Arcanum correlates directly to the capacity of the one casting the magic. Using magic is as much an exertion on the physical body as doing a fitness routine. As such, the more powerful and complicated the spell (thus requiring a longer Formulae Arcanum) leads to the more energy from the caster being required to fulfill the spell. If the spell is too physically demanding for the caster, it can result in being knocked unconscious or death.
Formulae Arcanum
Where there is magic, the Formulae Arcanum exists. Formulae Arcanum is the means of transmuting Primordial energy in the context of casting a spell. It is essentially the language of magic. The equations that make up the structure of a spell can be manipulated by spellcasters verbally, through gestures, or by writing it through some sort of technique to hold a magical objective in stasis, either permanently or temporarily. Arcanatek is based on the latter, as magical items rely on pulling a continual flow of magic to maintain enchantments, enhancements, or other magical functions.
To properly use, a Formulae Arcanum must be written in unfaltering hand with the intent of the outcome of the spell in mind. One mistake can result in the object simply refusing to take to the altering properties of the Formulae Arcanum, or having the object implode (very troublesome when applied as a tattoo to flesh). It can be applied temporarily, as with ink, salt or sand to parchment or a neutral surface. More permanent options include tattoos, carvings, engravings, or brandings. How the Formulae Arcanum looks will vary from caster to caster; some prefer to rely on the speed of arcane script/words, others the geometric shapes that make up the structure of a spell.
The action of casting a spell, in one way or another, involves using words, gestures, or other various means to act as a medium in which a Formulae Arcanum can be used to harness Primordial energies and turn it into the caster’s desired effects. What this specifically looks like varies from caster to caster.
Someone who does not have the knowledge, skills, or capacity to effectively utilize Formulae Arcanum themselves can still use an item that was inscribed with a Formulae Arcanum.
Primordial Fundamentals
The Primordial energies—that of Earth, Sky, and Sea—are the fundamental elements that supply a steady source of ambient magic to Charon. It is theorized that there is at least one Wellspring— an area where ley lines from these extra-planar realms hold fast to Charon itself—for each element. These areas are thought to be well hidden and are currently impossible to get to. At least, for now.
While Earth, Sky and Sea are the primary primordial elements, others exist as well. Fire, ice, dark, light, and other forms of magic create a plethora of energy combinations with wildly different results. These combinations of various energies are less stable, and therefore, more potent when a Formulae Arcanum is used to create the structure of a spell. It is the strain of harnessing these energies with a Formulae Arcanum and then releasing that generates the power of a spell.
Applications
Arcanatek is the application of a Formulae Arcanum on items that allow individuals to tap into the Primordial energies of the world, resulting in enchantments, enhancements, and other magical functions. Arcanatek is vastly superior to other forms of proposed technology due to the prevalence of ambient magic from Primordial sources, and the access to harnessing Primordial energies requires only having the capacity to cast magic. If you are one of the few that do not have such ability, you can still use Arcanatek!
Creating Arcanatek is done by inscription, drawing the equation onto an item to continually absorb ambient magical energy to maintain the magical properties of the item as defined by the Formulae Arcanum.
Limitations
Unfortunately, the full extent of how Formulae Arcanum can be manipulated and how the recently discovered ancient Arcanatek Cores function we may never fully understand. Even with the information we do have access to, we still don't know enough about Charon, its true history, or extra-planar realms to be able to harness Primordial energies on a grand scale.
Extremely intricate uses of Arcanatek, such as those in the medical field, are still highly experimental, resource intensive, expensive, and dangerous. As such, the vast majority of Charon and its populace continue to rely on traditional medicine and the expertise of trained physicians rather than Arcanatek specialists.
Further, the risk of Arcanatek being abused and used maliciously is high and a current major concern of the ruling powers. As such, the participation in a large-scale Arcanatek undertaking (research, production, trade) is strictly regulated in all Charonian jurisdictions.
FAQ
Q: Where does gunpowder fit into Arcanatek?
A: Gunpowder itself is a resource exclusive to the militaries of Capitol Landing, the Pale City, and Zeinav. Access to gunpowder is highly restricted and regulated in both production and sale. As such, the only group that has any meaningful access beyond the typical scope are thieves who plunder and loot from naval vessels, Corsairs who trawl the seas for prey.
Q: What other types of technology are there?
A: Arcanatek is considered to be the most advanced technology in Charon. Magic is so widely used to solve problems that mechanical, analog technology is largely considered inferior. However, there are limits; use on a mass scale is exceedingly difficult and resource intensive. Because of that, travel by ship is the most accessible, cost effective, and safest means of transport of both people and goods over long distances.
Q: Who can use Arcanatek?
A: Anyone can. The Formulae Arcanum is something that is set into place during an enchantment or enhancement process. If you have an item that has a magical, physics bending effect, congratulations, you have a piece of Arcanatek.
Q: Can I replace all my flesh bits with metal and become like General Grevious?
A: Prosthetic limbs crafted out of wood, stone, and the same materials used to construct a suit of armor are possible. Inorganic replacements for vital organs or cures for disease are not viable within the current technology level of Charon.
Q: Can I flavor Arcanatek as being clockwork/steam-powered?
A: No. Arcanatek is Charon's unique and world-specific technology that serves the same purpose as clockwork/steam-power would. As Arcanatek, and by extension the Formulae Arcanum, is integrated in both Charon's world lore and the game mechanics of our system, it is to be represented as intended.
Q: I want to make a character from another setting where mechanics are the primary means of technology. How does that fit in on Charon?
A: At this time, Tales of Charon does not support characters who originate from different dimensions or settings outside of Charon's established world. We ask that characters created for roleplaying in our setting are primarily from Charon or one of its adjacent planes of existence.
We are still in the process of defining all planes of existence in our system and encourage anyone with questions about their character's extra-planar origin to reach out to staff for assistance.
We are still in the process of defining all planes of existence in our system and encourage anyone with questions about their character's extra-planar origin to reach out to staff for assistance.
Q: What if I don't want to use any magic whatsoever, even in items provided by the Mystical Archive or the Bazaar?
A: That is 100% up to you if you would like to purposefully limit the scope of what your character has access to, and we applaud you playing the Hard Mode. While certainly doable, you may find your roleplay experience quite limited as magic is so integrated into the world and into our system.
Q: Why is there scientific terms being used to describe magic? Aren't magic and science different?
A: Science is the method by which we discover, hypothesize, and affirm explanations for the way our world works. Since magic is an integral part of Charon, magic is considered a field of scientific study similar to biology, chemistry, and physics.
New World Lore
Arcanatek Revival
In the hidden depths of the Mages’ Guild, a secret cabal of researchers have been developing the next advancement in Charon technology, Arcanatek. With the end of the Rune Wars and the ascension of Emanious Solarian to throne, the cabal sent a missive under the utmost secrecy to the new king to present their audacious proposal to fund this research. The initial request was refused, but the research went on and on every coronation anniversary for generations another proposal was sent till it was finally approved at the coronation of Eldenwar Solarian.
With the new influx of official funding, Arcanatek research rapidly started to show the results of centuries worth of effort. The first ever golem prototype was activated, the parts used to make it were discovered at the bottom of the bay in Sol City. With peace and stability settling across the continent in this new era, discoveries by the Arcanatek cabal and adventurers hired by them of these golem artifacts have steadily increased and the success of the research has grown to the point where the Arcanatek cabal was confident enough to show off their prototype to the king.
This Arcanatek golem represents the current pinnacle of Charon technology, the first ever magical powered automaton. While currently crude and heavily reliant on an Arcanatek researcher’s magical energy, the Arcanatek golem represents endless possibilities for the future of Charon.
Gunpowder
The most advanced technology currently known in Charon is the use of the chemical reaction between heat and the black powder substance known as gunpowder. Its discoverer was a researcher with the Golden Consortium by the name of Aarav Bhandari who was studying the myriad applications of sulfur from the volcanoes in Dragon’s Cradle and the Ash Lands. From this initial discovery in the year 1512 of the Age of Progress revolutionized military tactics and compositions, though due to the prohibitive expenses of processing and refining the powder into its stable form it has not made its way into industrial production and only regions like Capitol Landing, Zeinav, and Frost Gale with their large monetary wealth are capable of fielding large amounts of gunpowder units.
Urban Development
Urban development and city planning is a very new concept currently seeing a resurgence as the Age of Progress has allowed longer term thinking about society to flourish due its relative stability and current technological advancements in comparison to the era of the Rune Wars. An adventurer can expect any of the major cities to have a sort of minimalist plumbing that requires the user to flush by dumping water, usually dirty sink water or from washing clothes, down the toilet and then gravity takes care of the rest. There is still no running water via mechanical methods. Drinking water is acquired or delivered from city wells that are treated magically to avoid disease spreading.
While the architecture and style of cities are very region specific, in general an adventurer can expect access to a harbor and a postal service near that harbor. This reflects the core of how the government in Capitol Landing can maintain stability across the land. Wealth, information, people, and the military are heavily reliant on access to a harbor as it is the main way these things can be delivered across the continent.
At the turn of the era from the Rune Wars into the Age of Progress, glass and glass windows had finally reached mass production levels, this has allowed the process of upgrading of buildings and tools to begin in earnest. As glass became commonplace, the transportation of delicate materials became a growing business among high society, the popularity of special liquors, perfumes, and other such fashion items grew exponentially as a side effect.
Rural Development
While lacking access to many of the advances and conveniences found in major urban areas, the inhabited rural areas of Charon have seen their fair share of developments. Well-guarded and maintained roads made of stone radiate outward from cities and villages have sprung up around them for the required logistics of trading goods. Outside of the walled settlements, the use of the wheel becomes paramount. While rural settlements will prioritize settling by a river or the sea, this is not always the case as the need to settle arable land to support a constantly growing population is first priority.
New Historical NPCs
Aarav Bhandari
Zeinav Desert, Human, Male
Appearance |
Description |
Originating from the Zeinav Desert, Aarav Bhandari joined the Golden Consortium with the intent to change the landscape of alchemical progress as Charon once knew it. His research revolved around the numerous volcanic and naturally generating elements within the Dragon's Cradle and the Ash Lands, in hopes of finding new ways to transition these incredibly common elements into beneficial potions, reagents, and discoveries. While dabbling with sulfuric combinations, as described in his journal, (kept on archive within the Consortium): "...fire erupted from the flask, its heat hot enough to shatter the thick glass. Embers scattered everywhere; my research, the table, the ground; if not for the quick thinking of my assistant, I am of the mind that my entire lab would have erupted into flame— perhaps, even the Consortium itself...". This highly flammable substance which Aarav first discovered would begin the cycle and evolution of what Charon now knows today as gunpowder. |
Society of the Arcane Core
Capitol Landing, Diverse Races, Diverse Genders
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Description |
In the hidden depths of the Mage's Guild once lay the laboratory of the Society of the Arcane Core; a secret cabal of researchers, mages, and architects with one goal laid before them: the union of the arcane and the mechanic. Not all of Charon had such forward thinking, however; as the Rune Wars drew to a close, the Society sent a missive under the utmost secrecy to the new king, Emanious Solarian, and presented their research for funding. He refused them; and others called their work blasphemic towards the gods themselves. The Society continued their research underground; for centuries, and with each coronation of a new king, the Society's leader— Varda Ithil, a Moon Elf— sent forth a missive— until finally, one of the royals could see the worth and prospect of their research. After Eldenwar Solarian finally approved the Society's research, Arcanatek research began to boom. Centuries of research, testing, and effort began to provide results: and finally, Charon's first Arcanatek Golem was born of their blood, sweat, and tears to mark the turn of the century. |
Dunira Brylleglian
Frost Gale, Half-Dwarf, Female
Appearance |
Description |
Originally from the Frost Gale, Dunira Brylleglian hailed from a humble background as a blacksmith's daughter in the Pale City. Her upbringing would see her oft brushed off as the youngest child in her home; time that would see her wandering the city. She would find a humble mentorship with local sculptors, where she would learn the craft of patience, planning, and artistry. Few of Dunira's original sculptures remain in Charon— and those which do— are often highly valued, as they are few and far between. What does remain prominent of her life, however, are the remnants of her architectural styles; as her passion for creation heightened, Dunira found herself inspired by the natural arches of the Frost Gale— massive, swirling circles of ice— and featured beautiful, flowing arches, elegant domes, and an overall harmonic mastery in her architectural studies and plans. Her first patron came from Frost Gale, itself; a beautiful hospital built within the Pale City would feature the first marks of Dunira's flowing archways, which garnered her the attention of other patrons. Her work can be found in several cities outside of Frost Gale, most prominently within the Moonglade and Sol City. Her last project, the Temple of the Moon in Eclipse City, stands in beautiful curvature and harmony with the city centered around it. Despite dying before its completion, this bright, harmonic beacon to Lunala serves as one of her most well-known centerpieces, and has been the inspiration for many an architect who follow in her footsteps. |
Adair Hansley
Dragon's Cradle, Human, Non-Binary
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Description |
Hailing from the Dragon's Cradle, not much is known about Adair's early life until their service to the Council of Thorock began during their early 30's. It is believed that Adair likely served as a sailor or naval officer in merchant vessels, but other historical references poise Adair as the child of a fisherman on the coast of the Dragon's Cradle. Regardless, most historical accounts rejoin upon Adair's captaining of The Sea Devil, a quick and tactile ship; sometimes accompanied by The Siren and The Gull depending on the timeline of the tale. Adair's small armada was efficient at hunting down the pirates lurking in Thorock's waters, and turning them over to the Council for judgement. They were known to be a harsh and stern individual, and a near-zealous loyalty towards Salina, of whom Adair believed had spared them dozens of times upon the ocean's rolling waves. Among Adair's many accomplishments sits the hunting and arrest of many a pirate, the slaying of sea monsters, and the illustrated records of the coastline of Charon's Zeinav Initiative— including the hideouts, coves, and waters where pirates oft lurk. These recordings resulted in the gradual annotation of a map, largely popularized with merchant vessels and distributed privately by the dockmaster, that allowed merchant ship to take varying routes in order to avoid dangerous waters. Adair haunted the sea for many years, and spent some of their later years marking the coast-lines of Charon and annotating sea-faring maps of the dangers in its depths. During one of their routine voyages into the waters of the Luna Sea, The Sea Devil is believed to have sunk; the cause is unknown, but the boat, its crew, and its captain were never found. |