Magic and Technology

Technology and culture rests somewhere in the early- to mid-Renaissance level, with an understanding that the presence and influence of magic, both arcane and clerical, has reduced or suppressed efforts to investigate any sort of chemistry, physics or biological science that is disconnected from magic of one sort or another. Engineers, architects, and craftsmen/women generally connect with a Guild, a patron, or a religious order to pursue their studies: those who delve too deeply into nonmagical ‘sciences’ are viewed as kooks or oddities, and could attract the attention of the Order of the Silver Dawn if their work was seen as potentially dangerous or heretical.

Clerical magic is abundant and accepted, and arcane Wizardry, while less common, is seen as useful and largely beneficial – if somewhat dangerous to pursue. Wizards tend to train either in one of the few arcane academies or in a lengthy apprenticeship to a wizardly patron. While individual wizards can be quite powerful, the requirements of their work and studies often make it difficult for them to exercise temporal power. Members of noble families are generally more likely to hire the services of a wizard than pursue that study themselves. Those who join religious orders are prohibited from holding noble titles, though it is a common vocation for daughters and sons who are not heirs.

Spontaneous arcane casting (such as by sorcerers) is considered heretical and dangerous by the Faith (particularly as it often surfaces earlier than other arcane abilities) and individuals who show such affinity will quickly draw the attention of the Order of the Silver Dawn. (All sorcerers in this setting have the “Wild Magic” origin). Depending on their age, social class, their temperament, or the local culture, such an individual could be taken into the Order for training, or prosecuted as a heretic. The Faith actively spreads stories about the otherworldly origin of sorcerous powers and the dangers they present. Some sorcerers conceal their identities within the Arcane orders and masquerade as wizards.

Bardic magic is surpassingly rare, and also considered somewhat dangerous by the devout. Anyone showing a gift for Bardic magic would be ushered off to the Bardic College in the capital for training. In a city as remote as Herrenton, performances by a true Bard are few and far between.

The Faith brooks no pacts with otherworldly creatures, and Warlocks or Witches are hunted by the Order of the Silver Dawn and generally prosecuted and punished publicly to deter others from following a similar path. In more rural areas (particularly near the Wild) there are more opportunities for the unwary or the dangerously curious to attract or barter with an ArchFey Patron. Any warlock seeking to stay ‘under the radar’ would need to be creative and mask signs of their Pacts or Investments.