Manifestus Ex Machina

Manifestus Ex Machina is a tome stored within the libraries of Chalimar.

## History

After the incident at Broken Hill Quarry, the remains of the so-called Beast of Breakstone were claimed by the individual responsible for its ultimate destruction - the goblin sorcerer Moxzi Bluhedd. After displaying the dented and bent fragments for a while, she sought to learn more about the insignia decorated upon the underside, enlisting aid from the altruistic Elinor to aid her in these efforts.

## Research

### Completed by Moxzi Bluhedd & Elinor - Inquiry (Study)

By admission of their creator himself, there is little doubt in the minds of most of the residents of the Empire that the Coghearts of Kevmorn Milltall are nothing more than constructions of all manner of organic and inorganic components, with a heavy emphasis on the latter, compelled with the arcane into animation to serve all manner of tasks. Near every walk of life has been revolutionised, enhanced or otherwise refined with their usage, beyond that of their original purpose in martial matters - for which their original funding was provided. Despite this, and the statements previously discussed, it has been remarked upon occasion by Kevmorn Milltall that as part of the process of creating the first Cogheart all failed efforts failed until an eidolon of Gaityas breathed life into the empty shell. This stands at contrast with his more recent statements, which seem to downplay this side of the creation story, and for many this is enough. A Cogheart may be treated with affection, with care and contentment, but akin to that of a favourite sitting chair, drinking goblet or quill pen, rather than that of a family member, neighbour or even pet.

In spite of this however, the depth of personality, particularly those in the new third-generation format, has led many to question whether the Coghearts could indeed have souls, suggesting a divine sense of providence. Efforts that raise the ethics of a servitude race, particularly the prospect of one with souls no different from those of the Principal Races, are often quickly quelled as dissonance by numerous researchers, and all evidence does indeed seem to point to something closer to an arcane mimicry of sentience, more similar to that of arcane entities such as those made by the *Unseen Servant* or *Find Familiar* spells rather than new life itself. This is the sentiment of the general populace, and thus the one most readily accepted.

Discussion of the matter with the Coghearts themselves yields a predictably different response however. Many submit to the teachings of the society they serve, serving as intended, however there has been a growing presence of sects - more aptly referred to as cults by some - amongst some Coghearts that revere instead an entity known as Dza Khulcelum, or the Assembled One. They state as fact that during the battles of the Astedian Ascension the collective hardship of their race resulted in the forging of an almighty commune with a greater spiritual power, a bond forged by the surge of pure magic that rended the Weave and created the Ashenvale. Within these magics the connection still grows in strength, though without the unified faithful aid of its newfound blessed children, the Assembled One cannot manifest a physical form. By their very nature however, such cults are self-limiting, for once they reach a level of prominence, they devote themselves to oaths of fealty, marching off into the Ashenvale to offer their support in this goal, having recruited others to their cause on ideals of striving for harmonious perfection.