Gearknight Lore

The GEAR KNIGHTS are a mechanized race of unknown origins. While they are technically machines, they evidence all the personality of the other races of Dereth.^[1] Aetherium is the sustenance of Gear Knights ^[2] and essential to create or activate Gear Knights ^[3] ^[4], with the Aetherium Power Core being described as the "heart of a Gear Knight. ^[5] ^[6]

History

On E24-3865B

Aetherium was found in large amounts on the homeworld of the Gear Knights and held responsible for the large mana flows on their world. ^[2] When the Empyrean researchers opened a portal to this world, they discovered these characteristics, and samples of Aetherium were acquired and sent to the Collegium Occultus for further study. Their studies in creating spells to track the materials interaction with their world's Mana Flows have actually identified a few sparse deposits of Aetherium on Auberean, apparently from falling comets colliding with this world. ^[2]

On Dereth

The Gear Knights on Dereth are cut off from their homeworld by the Iron Blade Primus.^[7]

On Dereth, those Gear Knights which are allied with the peoples of Dereth come from the schism between the Gold Gear Primus, Atamarr, and the Iron Blade invasion forces which seek to wipe out both the 'renegades' and the Isparians on Dereth. Their previous House ties behind them, and with the blessings and support of Atamarr, the new Gear Knights of Dereth have been given the freedom to build for themselves a new beginning.^[1]Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag

Rulers

The Gear Knights usually operate in large Houses, which are organized somewhere between a feudal society and a standing army. Each House is led by a Primus, and has a portion of the society for which they are responsible.^[1]

Culture

Interesting to note is that though the Gear Knights come from a world laden in magic, they do not use much magic, nor are they reliant on much more than small shards of Aetherium, which seem integral to their function. Though, unlike the Motes in the Empyrean Golems, these 'Power Cores' seem to only provide sustenance to their body, and are depleted of their power in time. Also to note, if you remove this Power Core from a Gear Knight, it falls into a dormant state, but can be reawakened by applying a new core. They are similar to the Empyrean Golems in that manner. ^[2]

Religions and Beliefs

Customs and Traditions

Female Gear Knights tend to take very short first names followed by surnames inspired by the energies of their construction. Examples: Bei Flamewalker, Loe Lightningborn, Mila Lightdancer, and Elt Steamrent.^[8] Male Gear Knights tend to take very short first names followed by surnames inspired by the materials of their construction. Examples, Ulm Brassguard, Sor Ironstrider, Kor Redgear, Vol Bolthammer.^[8]

Ranks

Rank	Male Title	Female Title
10	Primus	Primus
9	Secondus	Secondus
8	Dux	Dux
7	Consul	Consul
6	Legatus	Legatus
5	Principes	Principes
4	Centurion	Centurion
3	Optio	Optio
2	Praefectus	Praefectus
1	Tribunus	Tribunus

Real World Basis

Texts

Interactions and Observations, 'Gear Knights' Letter From Home (Gear Knight)

Internet Articles

Factions

Gold Gear: Ruling House
Bronze Gauntlet: Defensive branch of their extensive military.
Iron Blade: Offensive branch of their military.
Copper Cog: This House is focused on research, much like the Collegium Occultus are.
Silver Scope: This is the House in charge of exploration.