Technology In Apocalypsa

*The level of technology evident across the Apocalypsa Galaxy is an unusual blend of the highly futuristic and the nearly modern. Radically advanced tech like faster-than-light interstellar travel, orbital technology to manipulate the weather, and superluminal communication mix with seemingly anachronistic technologies as internal combustion engines, projectile weapons and artillery. Incessant warfare is generally blamed for the uneven advancement seen across the galaxy, the destruction of industry and institutes of learning over the centuries of warfare having resulted in the loss of much technology and knowledge. As rivalries and conflicts have dragged on, the most common advanced technologies - used to gain military advantage - are redeveloped for the battlefield. Because the Old Empire reached a pinnacle of scientific achievement before it collapsed in strife, there exist caches of "lost tech" hidden throughout the galaxy in forgotten ruins. Lost tech represents designs and occasionally implementations of technological advances that were at some point achieved, but believed to have been lost over the ages. When designs and schematics are found, the most common source are explorers and adventurers, most often sent on paid expeditions by wealthy third parties, whom either hoard such technology to themselves or sell it off to the highest bidder. As such, powerful corporate organizations, political factions and private collectors hold the majority of the most ancient and best-maintained lost technologies.*

*Technology is defined in one of three ways: first, in the more specific sense, it is any non-magical device created through scientific study that approaches or exceeds items created through majic. Secondly, more generally speaking, technology is any non-majical device that is used to assist in a task. This second definition covers items as simple as a lever to ones as complex as a printing press. Thirdly, the term "technology" also covers items created using both majic and scientific ingenuity, such as complex clockworks. Mankind in all its strange variations have over the millennia come to utilize what can best be described as hybridization of "biotechnology" and what has come to be known as the "science of majic". The history of technological advancement in the Apocalypsa galaxy is a very complex one, riven with strife and hardship. More than one destructive, multi world-spanning event has wiped out hundreds and even thousands of years of innovation and progress. The most famous example of this was "The Great Calamity", which destroyed the near mythical Old Empire and was the technological peak for Humanity as a whole. The Great Calamity rendered much of information technology, most specifically "artificial intelligence" and mundane computers, nearly useless. And as a result forced Mankind to first regress and then adapt.*

*Another a similar event is known as "The Doom of The Sephirons", a catastrophe that saw the Sephiron Hegemony shattered and their civilization left in ruins. Before this event the Sephirons had conquered a substantial portion of the galaxy that in modern times has come to be known as Phyrr Space. Even tens of thousands of years after their fall from power, the influence of the Sephirons can still be seen throughout this region of space. The various Star Spawn races inhabiting that vast realm commonly utilize a complex hybridization of their own technological innovations and ancient Sephiron technology as a base. This has resulted in radically opposing technological philosophies and implementations of technology being present throughout Apocalypsa. One of the most dominating of techno-philosophies that can be seen is that spread by the Arcanust Biologis, whom practice a belief system which holds up the flesh as equal to or sometimes greater than simple technology. Because of this their orders specialize in Bio-technology and shun the sole use of what they believe as soulless machines. Ruled by the Cult of Flesh & Metal, their expertise has made them essential to many factions all cross the galaxy, whether they agree with their beliefs or not. However, both The Great Calamity and the Fall of The Sephiron have contributed to the current technological dark age that has held back technological progression in the Apocalypsa galaxy for thousands of years.*

## *Current Level of Technology*

*Upon the reemergence of Humanity as a formidable power once more within the galactic arena during the Age of Ascendancy, technological advancement was checked by an introduction of otherwordly "godly beings" to the mortal races and the worship of said beings. After all, why invent a mechanical answer to a problem, when one can simply wish it into being by appealing to a deity or relying on arcane majic? This lead to further stagnation and over-reliance upon the supernatural. However, even at this time the application of using majic to augment physical science had become a practice dating back thousands of years. Through innovation and study, majic in the form of arcane powered machines has become relatively commonplace throughout the known galaxy. Such machines or items have three components: housing, a dragonist core, and spellplate. The "housing" is the shell that contains the arcane components. The dragonist core is the arcane power source that powers the machine and spellplate is the special plate inscribed with the arcane glyphs that give the item its majical effects.*

 *An item’s particular magical properties are determined by the glyphs inscribed on the spellplate. Other devices can work with a host of different spells, and switching between spellplates gives the item different arcane effects. Some items require specialized glyphs and spellplates that function only with that item, thus a spellpowered sword cannot be made to function with the same glyphs from a suit of spellpowered armor. The use of spellplate armor and spellpowered weapons is much more common in Phyrr Space due to the presence of Chaos Stars which exude powerful arcane energies. However, arcanic formula and discoveries have become an essential element in scientific invention. Like most sciences, it also has applications in war. Arcanist have crafted spellpowered firearms, using them to equip armies across the galaxy against countless foes. Over the centuries keen minds have continued to enact new and deadly uses of these principles. True Arcane Science is the synergy of natural ingredients and arcane lore.*

*What began as a simple study of herbs and their properties has evolved into a vast field of study. It now includes everything from the brewing of love potions and the mixing of healing salves to the careful creation of blasting powder. Technologist Guilds and Arcanus Orders have spent countless centuries applying and expanding their knowledge for the betterment of Humankind and without their tireless dedication Humanity would have faded into extinction long ago. Bio-engineering is a large part of Human technology, having allowed society to function without advanced computing devices and filling many more roles. As such, this practice gave birth to the wide spread usage of fabrications: creatures and organisms that are born and bred for their tasks. This arcane biotechnology was first coaxed into growth by a sect of ancient Arcanus who sought to replace organic technology entirely, viewing it with distrust after the events of the Great Calamity. The science of Fabrication has since aided in the creation of organic, arcane computer-like 'brain', which are used in place of more mundane AI.*

*There also exist monstrous fabricated warbeasts used in conflicts across the galaxy, these arcane creatures often seem to be more resilient when compared to conventional armor. Utilizing genetically engineered traits from a variety of existing or even extinct animal life, hey usually look like combinations of other, natural, creatures.* *The products of human biotechnology were generally not self-aware, but this was not always the case, as the fabricated brains of Anatomic Engines were at least partially sentient. Being creatures often used as coordinators during battles to send orders to other spacecraft so as to optimize their actions. Unsurprisingly, having the ability create bio engineered organs and barely sentient creatures also lead to the study of "enhancing" and fabricating human life. This line of research brought about the existence of surgical implanted fabricated organs which changes the hosts body and grants them new abilities. Ranging from enhanced physical prowess to being able to project electricity. These extravagant body modifications make them repugnant in the eyes of some, but there is no shortage of demand for them due to the ever-present threat of monsters, aliens and demons.*

*However, far more controversial was the creation of the now infamous and widely hated Homunculus. Artificially created beings in the likeness of humans capable of full sentience and modified to be far superior all respects, be they psychological or physical. Created by crossing engineering baseline Human genetics with that of a specially chosen sample of Star Spawn DNA, the experiment was doomed to failure from the beginning. As the strong sense of independence that exist within all Star Spawn could never be completely removed, thus leading to the Homunculus Rebellion and the subsequent outlawing of the creation of Homunculus at the end of that long conflict. Though the exact method for creating such beings were lost to fires of the devastating war, research into the subject is punishable by execution throughout most of the inhabited galaxy. This, however, has not been the only setback when it comes to the Humanity and the Fabrication Arts.*

*Mutation of existing fabrication templates is also a recognized danger and has caused great strife throughout the ages. For example the completely unforeseen creation of the sentient Anatomic Engines. Attempts to purge these mutations were nearly successful except for a small number which escaped into unexplored space. Despite these dark passage among the pages of bio engineering history, it is still an entrenched and necessary practice for the continued existence of humanity. Although the purview of the secretive Arcanist Orders whom maintain the highest level of expertise, those most commonly tasked with applying the Art of Fabrication are the Fabricators. Many of these individuals are known to be former followers of the Arcanist Orders but have sense struck out on their own. Usually for reasons of profit, even if they still follow the basic tenants of the Arcanist Orders.*

*Aside from biological enhancements, humans also have achieved a competent mastery of bionic augmentation. Most commonly called "bionics", such augmentations are linked directly to the nervous system and so do not usually require an external energy source. Bionics can be moved at will like a natural appendage, taking electrical pulses from the nerves. Although more powerful variants, such as those equipped with projectile energy weapons, do require an additional powers source. The use of bionics is widespread across the galaxy. However, bionics are expensive and mostly limited to valuable servants, veteran warriors, high-ranking officials, merchants, planetary rulers and members of the nobility who possess the required wealth. Cranial augmentations used to enhance already existing psychic powers of an individual or for aiding in the guiding of space faring vessels and controlling mechanized armored suits are also commonly utilized. They are applied through neural interface sockets surgically inserted into the person's cerebrum and cerebellum. This cybernetic uplink essentially turns the person's brain into a living computer. Thus allowing the user to instinctively and intuitively control the machine he or she is connected to, as if it were an extension of their own bodies. Or to absorb digital information directly into the cerebral cortex. Another remarkable adaption to the forced eradication of AI technology.*

*Human societies, both baseline and the various genetic offshoots, utilize dragonist stones as a fuel and power source. Dragonist were discovered long before the fall of Humanity and are an invaluable aspect of Human society. They are a variety of gem-like crystals which are the comprised of pure concentrated arcane energies and possessing many beneficial properties. The various useful attributes that can be ascribed to the dragonist stones range from the mundane (the ability to power intricate suits of power armor, advanced exoskeletons, tanks, war engines, airships, androids, and starships) to the supernatural (powers of divination and assisting with spellcasting arts). A stone's color is a strong indication for the potency of the dragonist: black being the most powerful, followed by red, purple, green, blue and yellow. Most technologies developed or refined by the various descendants of Humankind are dependent on the dragonist stones for their functionality. These comprise the majority of the weapons created by Humanity and the Star Spawn in the aftermath of the Great Calamity.*

*This is especially true of energy-based weaponry, such as the different classifications of nova weapons, plasma weapons and laser weapons. More mundane devices also make use of it, such as motorbikes and stoves. Dragonist stones can be found all over the galaxy and are even mined out of asteroids. Being a powerful source of majic, those much rarer dragonist stones are highly coveted by alchemists and arcanists. Wherever they are discovered, dragonist stones are sometimes quite irregular in shapes and sizes, and require refinement before they can be utilized. Being the crystallized form of raw arcane energy, dragonist were extremely potent sources of power and thus essential to Mankind's ability to traverse the stars.*

*Humanity has maintained the technology to manufacture and produce large fleets of ships. Both for interstellar journeys and in atmospheric travel. These ships come in a variety of designs and functions. Starships range in size from enormous metropolises (or Worldships) with populations of millions, to warships and simple civilian vessels. Thoufh somewhat similar in appearance, starships are distinguishable from their more common atmospheric counterparts by the inclusion of a Quest Engine, a piece of equipment that made Aethyr-Sea travel possible. Carriers are armed with laser cannons, torpedoes, railgun emplacements, or missile launchers. Some are equipped with gravity shields, countering the effects of enemy weaponry, thus protecting the ship from attack and asteroid impacts. Larger ships also acted as carriers, transporting dozens or hundreds of smaller craft and whole armies combat operations.*

*The Battlecruiser tends to be the pride of any navy, being great dragonist powered warships covered in thick spellforged armored plates. Each Battlecruiser has numerous turrets containing enormous guns which can be brought to bear on approaching targets and can engage in broadside brawling matches. Down the long years, the different factions have repaired and improved these ships, adding their own special modifications, tinkering with the controls and adding their own knowledge concerning their craft, its weapons and history. While on the surfaces of planets, airships and heavier-than-air aeroplanes are the most common method of traversing the skies. These ships come in a variety of designs and functions. Most of which resemble ancient Old World sea going vessels, and use sails to absorb solar energies as a source of almost limitless fuel or massive industrialized ships which bellow pillars of smoke into the air, relying on huge dragonist-core reactors to power their anti gravity generators. They can be grand and elegant passenger ships or patched and clunky cargo haulers.*

*While land travel is often dominated by railways, motor vehicles and mechanized "walkers" of various designs. Due to their existence in what can be described as a galactic "Dark Age" since the end of the mythical Golden Age, humanity largely lives within massive walled cities. Rail Ways and Airships are the preferred means by which the inhabitants of these cities can travel from one location to another in relative safety. Avoiding the roving bands of marauders and hostile alien life that surround the outskirts. Though this is less of an issue upon more secured and civilized worlds. There exist massive weaponized walkers comparable to battleships which are used for land battles. Spellpowered motor vehicles are a relatively common sight and caravans of nomadic travelers, many of whom are hostile, can be seen living outside of the city walls. Within the walled cities these vehicles are a more common sight though not overly so due to the presence of extensive systems of underground railways. Walkers are used for both military and civilian purposes. Often being utilized as construction equipment. However they are more commonly employed as defensive and offensive weapons platforms.*

*The descendants of the Old Empire employ a wide variety of powerful and advanced weapons. However The various peoples of the chaotic and war torn Apocalypsa galaxy also often employ an impressive array of fearsome melee weapons in addition to their already formidable projectile arsenal. These weapons range from the mundane to the extraordinary, such as Thermal Weapons capable of producing prodigious amounts of heat in order to slice through thick armor or gravity based weapons which pull enemies into close combat and deflect projectiles. And the vicious "vibroblade", weapons which utilize energy fields to create a powerful alternating current and resonates at extremely high vibration frequencies, thereby increasing its cutting ability.*

*The invention and advancement of new technology is mostly controlled by the Technologist Guilds and Arcanust Orders. Both of whom differ greatly in their philosophies and methodologies. A technologist is familiar enough with the basic mechanics of technology to apply their existing knowledge and skills toward technological objects and systems. Such people are rare, with knowledge of most technology fiercely protected by those whom possess it. The Tech Magus are not an organized order and thus can be found all over inhabited space living among many different peoples. More savage technologists, however, choose to spend their lives among the Tech-Barbarian peoples. There are those among these orders that specialize in traveling the galaxy and reverse engineering ancient technology thought lost tens of thousands of years ago. Schools which train Tech Magus do exist and are heavily regulated. Though many simply choose to take on an apprentice to whom they will pass down all of their knowledge.*

*A few particular Guilds are noted for conducting brutal experiments on themselves, believing that fusing mechanical constructs with living bodies will help them to achieve perfection. In this way they are in contrast to the Arcanus Orders whom prize improving upon the flesh above all else. The Arcanus Orders operate in a similar and yet different fashion, for all Arcanus also tend to be majically adapt individuals. However, unlike traditional Magus whom specialize in the pure practicing of majic and focus on the innate abilities of their bloodlines or the Tech Magus whom dedicate themselves solely to the research and study of the arcane magic, Arcanus use their unique insight into the workings of magic to apply both approaches at once. Their distinct views on majic, extensive knowledge, and tremendous potential often leads them down reckless paths in pursuit of greater powers. They are more likely to focus on biotechnology and frequently choose to fabricate "familiars" for themselves. The Arcanus Guilds take great interest in the techno-sorcery of the Star Spawn races, seeing it as the key to advancing Mankind as a whole and bringing about another Golden Age.*