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Kraftwerk

by Aoz

In one of the many alternate worlds of Mystara, in the City of Glantri a group of wizards, elven witches and a few goblin engineers called Glantrian Artisans Society or GAS will harness the power of Radiance to revolutionize the kingdom. Through ingenious arcane engineering, they’ve created the Radiance Nexus or known as Kraftwerk. It allows for the creation of cheap Quasi magical items—affordable yet potent tools fueled by the Radiance at a mere 10% price. These items will form the backbone of Glantri’s magical infrastructure, comparable to a mix of a modern power grid and telecommunications network. Meanwhile stabilizing the Rad from the Nucleus of the Spheres will go to about negative 1000 and hold there.

How the Kraftwerk Works

Kraftwerk in Glantri City, that absorbs excess radiance, then purifies it and transfers it throughout the city and to Kraftwerk Towers & Trees. The Kraftwerk Towers & Trees are devices that distribute magical energy across the land. These towers & trees generate a magical field capable of empowering Quasi magical items within a 26-mile radius. The Elven witches crafted the first Kraftwerk tree allowing the power to spread through the forest.

Near a tower or tree (within 1 mile) and the whole City of Glantri: The field is strongest, capable of powering high-level magical effects (up to level 8 spells). Kraftwerk Bracers AC 20 (+4 saves).

Within the general radius (up to 26 miles): The field sustains lower-level items (up to level 5 spells). Kraftwerk Bracers AC 17 (+2 saves).

Interestingly, the magical field weakens significantly underwater, and in the lower Broken Lands, where the power drops to level 3. This creates a dynamic interplay between geography and magical availability. Kraftwerk Bracers AC 15 (+1 save).

Beyond the radius: The magic dissipates, leaving Quasi magical items inert and useless.

Applications of the Kraftwerk

Kraftwerk Comm (Kraftwerk Communication): A groundbreaking communication system powered by the Radiance. Wizards and citizens can use their Kraftwerk Bracers to connect with others anywhere within the network. This can function as:

Kraftwerk Bracers (Level means the Power level one needs to be in)

Bracer provides armor class 15 to 20 and bonus to saves +1 to +4 depending on Power Level or old school the AC 0 to 5 with bonus to saves staying the same.

Message at will.

Project Image to other Bracers (need 7th level to work) at will.

Legend Lore (need 5th level to work) at will, information takes 10 minutes.

Optional: A digital spellbook (at access need 3rd level to work).

Cost: 2000 dc

Arcane Finance: The Radiance Conduit has revolutionized Glantri’s economy. Using Radiance Bracers, citizens can transfer money magically, pay for goods, even have taxes deducted automatically. This seamless financial system has fueled unprecedented economic growth.

Empowering Everyday Life: Quasi magical items powered by Kraftwerk will transform daily life in Glantri. From lamps that never need oil to tools that enhance productivity, these devices are accessible to a wide range of citizens.

The Mystaran Context

Glantri’s use of Kraftwerk will place it far ahead of neighboring cultures. While others might scoff at their paranoia or reliance on magical technology, the benefits are undeniable. The ability to communicate instantly across hundreds of miles and support a thriving magical economy sets Glantri apart.

However, not everyone will benefit. Societies beyond the reach of Kraftwerk Towers and Trees must rely on traditional magic or develop alternative systems. Some may even seek to tap into Glantri’s network, leading to potential conflicts or trade negotiations.

AC 1010–1015: The immediate aftermath of the Wrath of the Immortals would see Glantri rebuilding and adapting. The formation of GAS and the initial experimentation with prototypes of Kraftwerk, as GAS seeks a way to stabilize and control the Radiance after the upheaval.

AC 1020: Kraftwerk Core in Glantri City is fully operational, marking the beginning of a magical golden age for Glantri. Even users of the Radiance feel the effect and their chance of a mishap goes down to a mere 10%.

AC 1030 and Beyond: Kraftwerk becomes a central element of Glantrian society, fundamentally reshaping communication, economy, and everyday life. It also sets the stage for tensions with other nations and factions, especially those unable to benefit from the system. Even peasant have lesser versions and ever community has at least one golem.

Bauer Bracer: AC +2, the ability to cast the "Message" spell at will to other bracers, and a single use of the "Augury" spell per day. Cost 50 dc. A cheaper verse for peasants. Arcane Finance functions as well.

I may develop this alternate Glantri in the Future.