User:Lexmechanic/Sandbox

House Cannith ever strives to produce the finest innovations and works of artifice to be found in Khorvaire. The Korth Enclave, situated in the capital of Karrnath, has recently unveiled one of its latest endeavors. The casualties of war, both in terms of soldiers and collateral damage, continue to plague the five nations. A recent innovation in the materials and manufacturing of prosthetic devices has made them more available than ever.

Envoys from the enclave claim that this innovation will put their products within the reach of the common people. They are seemingly making good on this claim, having not-so-subtly called attention to some of the city's formerly-crippled beggars who now use early-release versions of their product.

The Prodigy

The mind responsible for much of the project is Garrek Lathespire. He is well known by his colleagues for his tendency to succumb to dark moods and obsession, although this fact isn't advertised publicly. He is valued for the intensity with which he pursues his research and the results that he invariably produces. There are whispers that he had been researching darker magics than house leaders are letting on, just prior to their grand announcement. However House Cannith has taken great pains to ensure that news of the development focuses on the triumph of artifice.

The Artifact

House Cannith's flagship product Lathespire most recently pioneered could, on the surface, be considered a refinement of flesh golem construction. However this process is actually not useful in creating a full-fledged golem, because it is not receptive to traditional methods of animation. Instead, it has an affinity for integration with living organisms.

All organic components are alchemically preserved and strengthened. Bone is liquified and re-molded into a partial exoskeleton with strength comparable to wrought iron. Muscle fibres are preserved and reattached to this framework, performing exactly as natural flesh would. Its circulatory system is likely the most disturbing feature of the system, as the artificial veins are often visible with their greenish alchemical fluid flowing sluggishly through them.

A minimal amount of metal is used in joints and fittings, where other materials won't suffice. The most complex part of the product is its "user interface" - the bit which forms the link between host and prosthesis. A prosthesis has contacts which link it to its host's nervous system directly, allowing natural control of the limb. The circulatory system, on the other hand, is self-contained; it only interfaces indirectly with the host and gains nutrients through osmosis.

The Catch

Lathespire hasn't made a public appearance, despite the enclave's lavish promotion campaign. Whispers from within the organization hint that he didn't feel his research was complete. Is there a fatal flaw in the product that is being hidden from the public?

Human testing has shown that the alchemical "blood" of the machine is not wholesome. Should it enter the host's bloodstream, it induces a passive and lethargic state, turning the eyes jet black and the skin ashen. Eventually the host will starve, as they are unable to care for themselves in this state. Since the circulatory systems are meant to remain separate, this potential side effect is not advertized.

A particularly drunken soldier was heard spinning tales about seeing this device attached to a Karnathi zombie. He was a regular at taverns, but hasn't been seen after that episode. Was there a hint of truth to his story or did he simply have too much to drink?