Magitech is the general term for the manipulation of aether, the fundamental energy of the universe, *without* exerting the Will, in contrast to magic (see "help magic"). Aether of a single element may crystallize naturally when it happens to be concentrated in a single place. These aether crystals may serve as fuel to produce spell-like effects and more refined versions, "aether gems," can be produced artifically through the intentional concentration or siphoning of aether. This technique is the foundation of alchemy, named after the goddess Khemia Waha, patron of Ashald.
While alchemy and aether gems are well-known, there is no one "magitech": Ashald, Castia, Hagos, and Cosmopolis have developed magical technology in different ways to divergent effect. With the unsealing of Cosmopolis and an increase in trade, different types of technology may become more widely available, but until that happens, magitech is best divided into categories based on its nation of origin.
ASHALD
The nation credited with founding alchemy, among Ashald's many impressive inventions are three of special note to adventurers. Gunpowder, involving a careful blend of fire and earth essence, powers cannons and rudimentary muskets. Aetherglass is an especially durable glass, most famously used to form the dome that shields the Pope of Revonus when he is carried out on his palanquin to greet his people. (Those who refer to his palanquin as the "Popemobile" receive twenty lashes on the spot.) And khemic steel is both strong and flexible and is second only to starmetal in its capacity to channel and store aether. Elite soldiers of Ashald fight with khemic steel weapons socketed with aether gems and don helms with aetherglass visors.
According to one interpretation of Khemia Waha's sacred texts, the waters of the nation's river -- which they believe to be the body of the goddess -- may be transmuted into an elixir of life that grants immortality. Alchemy was originally the pursuit of this elixir, but alchemists today are no closer to producing it than they were centuries ago.
CASTIA
Castian magitech is the closest to proper science in that it is the least reliant upon aether. Notoriously, magic is uniquely difficult to use in Castia, the result of interference by the nearby Gate of Purification, which amplifies perfectly-cast magic but nullifies anything less. Castia's military has thus focused on clockwork and steam power, using the simplest forms of energy to great effect, producing clockwork golems and more advanced muskets and auto-crossbows. Their technology now outshines that of their nemesis, Korotus, though the industrialized Empire retains greater production capacity.
HAGOS
An enlightened republic founded by emigrees from Ihiyo, Hagos compensated for a lack of natural resources like iron by developing advanced magitech involving clay, wood, and stone, especially golems. The Niles Academy in Fosanis is the foremost research center for the study of golems, exceeding even Cosmopolis in that regard, and the nation relies on the sophisticated creations of their earth magic specialists to fend off the powerful beasts that roam the savannah.
Although Ashald is credited with first developing aether gems, Hagos was the first to invent a more powerful version known as "Style Gems." In contrast to "Base Gems," which have a singular effect like increasing attack power or imbuing equipment with an element, Style Gems have sweeping effects like increasing both attack and defense at the expense of speed. While Style Gems have downsides, they accentuate fighting styles and facilitate specialization. Because the founders of Hagos developed this advanced type of aether gem to safeguard their ships on their sea voyage from Ihiyo, navigating by the stars in search of a new home, Style Gems tend to be named after constellations.
Perhaps due to its democratic society, Hagos is the only nation that seems to realize the true potential of magitech: that is, making magic available to all people. Wands and staves from Hagos tipped with defensive Style Gems are prized weapons for travelers. And, though less significant to adventurers, Hagos has recently made strides in printing and the mass production of books and leaflets, using golems and magically-reforming self-inking clay tablets.
COSMOPOLIS
The long-sealed city-state is legendary for its superior magitech. A Cosmopolitan noble might wield a flying sword directed by their Will in one hand and a shield of pure energy in the other; a spellgunner could tote aether-powered handguns. Intricate apparatuses produce unfathomably complex effects from a simple aether crystal, the likes of which the citizens of other nations could only imagine. However, Cosmopolis has not only hoarded its riches from the world but from its own people: its society is so unequal that few have access to its greatest accomplishments. World-changing inventions gather dust in the forgotten rooms of lonely mansions.
In recent months, this has started to change, albeit in fits and starts. With the sealing of the Gate of Creation, Cosmopolitans can no longer experiment with effectively infinite energy, but what they have managed to create thus far is slowly making its way out into the world. It is not impossible to now stumble across some very advanced technology or for other brilliant minds to begin adapting the products of wild Cosmopolitan experiments. So, if you happen to run into a talking capybara with a tommy gun, that *may* have been what happened.
Little do most know that the most fearful change is yet to come. Twenty-two years ago, a mysterious tremor known as the Skyshudder shook the very firmament. This was produced by the firing in Cosmopolis of an inconceivably mighty Magitech Cannon that lay waste to encroaching Proliferation at a terrible cost. Emperor Algien of the Korotus Empire, craving vengeance on Castia, now secretly conspires to construct his own version of this terrible weapon. Whether magitech will be more boon or bane to Rithera has yet to be decided, but dark days likely lie ahead.