Warforged

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Warforged are a class of sentient, fully autonomous machines that run off of steam power. They originated in The Junta, but can be found to lesser or greater extents in the rest of the Imperial States.

Characteristics

Warforged designs vary greatly, as each Warforged is generally custom-built for its particular use case. All Warforged will have at least one boiler, one engine, and a smokestack to eject exhaust. These are connected to moving parts using cogs, pistons, and so on. Warforged movement can be mechanical or, in some cases, hydraulic.

Most Warforged are built for military or industrial purposes, and their designs may incorporate steam cannons, firearms, and other weapons or tools.

Warforged do not eat or sleep, though need a supply of fuel to keep their boiler running.

Cultural Significance

Most Warforged in the Imperial States are privately owned, generally kept without language or freedom of movement. On an institutional level, these Warforged are largely seen as tools. Though this is accurately described as slavery, Warforged are expensive and usually custom built, so are not considered disposible and are usually treated with care, and sometimes with a degree of affection, albiet more the kind one shows an animal rather than an equal.

For these reasons, Warforged who live or travel free are often treated with a degree of respect, though may be feared or misunderstood.

In The Junta, all Warforged are state-owned. Escaped Warforged must be reported and captured.

Distribution

Warforged originated out of military technology developed within The Junta in the final decades of The Turf Wars, working from steam technology which had been present since the 170s LE. Only following the Treaty of Leona did Warforged technology properly spread to the rest of the Imperial States; though individual escaped or abandoned Warforged were already present in the Meridán Region, their designs had not been replicated.

Warforged are still produced for military purposes in The Junta, but are largely developed as curiosities or for industrial purposes in the reste of the States. It is also not uncommon to find Warforged travelling free.