Thaumaturgy

At its most basic level Thaumaturgy is the manipulation of energy through scientific means. Combined with steam tech and alchemy is can produce amazing almost magical results, such as keeping the vast city of Elesium afloat above the Maelstrom or linking the human nervous system to a mechanical appendage. At its fringes the study of Thaumaturgy blurs into superstition and mysticism, with the use of Hexes and the supposed summoning of strange deities to manipulate the very fabric of reality. Followers of this darker path are considered heretics and a danger to civilisation.

In common society a practitioner of thaumaturgy is often consider to be a Chirugion and they are often called upon for medical issues and emergencies. While in academic circles and high society the scientist known to work in this area are known as Savants and the best amongst them are members of the Epistemological Society of Savants.

Tools of the Trade :

Analytical Engines are machines designed to control the manipulation of energy and probability patterns through the use of intricately design programme cards (also called shards) which are fed into the machine. The engine is usually powered by refined Flagesium and other volatile chemicals.

Biothaumaturgy is the application of thaumaturgical science to living tissue. Its purpose can be medical, agricultural and on occasion monstrous.

Fringe Thaumaturgy :

Hexes are phrases uttered by the practitioner of thaumaturgical mysticism designed to focus the mind and impose the will of the Savant upon the matrix of reality, thus aiding the outcome of the experiment. Rumour tells of practitioners that can achieve energy and matter manipulation through the imposition of will alone.

Watercraefting : A rare thaumaturgical ability to control the flow of water through thought, previously common amongst Dreggers and Dockers. A minor use of the craft is the creation of water sculptors, often done to earn coin in the poor districts.