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Hannah Winter
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« on: Jan,03, Sat, 2009, 12:01:04 PM » |
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Technology in Magical Ireland
Solar/Magical Power Blend
We are way ahead of the non-magical world in terms of solar power. Mixing in magic has pushed this technology. This is the power that generates all our lighting in homes lucky enough to have such lighting. Many do at this point in time. Others still use simple oil and candlestick lighting.
Street lighting and business all rely on solar.
This is not a free service. It is offered by the government who must activate the service with magic and maintain the compact solar panels that are not noticeable where they are placed on the homes rooftops. One is billed monthly and the bills can be high if people are very wasteful with its use. The sun is free, but the magic that allows for 'banking' of the sun's power to allow steady use throughout the hard winters with their short days of sunlight is not.
Be frugal and turn out lights when you are not using them!
Glassflames
Our lightbulbs are actually called 'glassflames' as they all resemble flames in shape. There are no rounded, 'bulb-like' lightbulbs. The glassflames are made of a golden tinted glass. The bulbs are fairly expensive so people take great care with them. They are long lasting, averaging thirteen years. New married couples are often given glassflames now as wedding gifts.
Solar technology usurped Steam in the lighting area so no lighting generated by steam was developed.
Steam/Magical Power Blend
This is the power that generates most of the machines in town. This is mostly seen in the factory district in Newgrange and other big cities, used to power fabric companies and such. This technology has not produced any motorized or flying vehicles. There seems to be a general aversion to these in the magical world as it conflicts with their absolute reverence for the horse. This power is, however, being used to generate power on some of the larger ships as well as river boats and trains. It is being incorporated into fishing boats in helping to haul up large nets.
Compact Steam Engine Generators
Prior to solar, many homes sported compact steam engine generators. These did not offer power to lighting-- lighting remained in the oil lamp phase. These generators did provide power to washers, iceboxes, radios, and phonographs. Many homes still keep these generators, though they are temperamental old things that seem more of a battle to run. They are kept in the basement and old wiring throughout the house would offer a connection for the above appliances. These old generators can be absolutely frustrating to use and stop running in the middle of whatever you are doing. They seem to generate more profanity from their owners than actual useful, steady power.
Telephones:
Candlestick variety. These are run by private sector magic spells that do require that they are corded. The cords run to brass wallplates.
These phones are currently quite expensive as this technology only reached Cat’s Claw in December of 1969. Merlin’s Way folks were given the phones as a “test audience”. Rory Fallon’s Pub was also given a phone.
The local Carrick Guard Office as well as all magical offices in the An Taosigh were issued phones (thanks to tax payers' dollars)
Refrigerators:
1920’s eras Iceboxes. They are pricey, but most people invest in one, either new or bought used in MacTavish Alley. They run on solar energy.
Washers:
Barrel washers are the only ones available. They run via a compact steam engine that is fueled by water only. Magic is pretty wonderful when you mix it with technology. They do not plug in anywhere. The rich normally have large laundry rooms with many of these. The average family might have one of standard quality. Others must use the Laundry House near the port.
Dryers:
These just haven’t found there way here yet. It’s still the clothes lines—either out of doors or in laundry rooms.
Radios and Phonographs
Radios and phonographs (record players) are very popular. Most homes have at least a radio. These are not portable. They rely on the use of solar power or very small steam generators that some homes still have from days of old.
Picture Shows
The Picture Shows (movie theaters) show black and white movies in sound. They are very popular among the young folk and the movies usually action packed or romantic comedies. There is not Picture Show in Cat's Claw, but there are in Newgrange and Tangled Paths.
Cameras
Cameras are bulky and take only black and white or sepia photos. Many do own these at this point in time. The oldest models must be tripoded to use. The smallest are still quite heavy with large flashes that are flamed shaped. They operated magically and with a solar component for the flash.
Telegraph
The telegraph system is magically operated, requiring no lines. It is used for communication to the various boats, ships and trains in the magical worlds. It is one of the oldest forms of communication.
Telegraph offices exist in all communities. Telegraphs can be sent for moderate price when there is a need. They require a telepgraph interpreter so are not used for personal home use. If someone sends a telegram to a private party, it is translated and sent out for delivery on horse.
Boat operators must be able translate the code themselves.
This technology would also be prevalent at the An Taosigh and local law enforcement agencies.
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