Steelborn

Steelborn are a race of magical machines that can build complex technology and have an intuitive knowledge of the ebbs and flows of magic across the planet. Steelborn can be ancient or newly made. They see the creation of a new sentient machine as important as the birth of a child.   The appearance of Steelborn varies wildly. They can be made out of high-quality tempered metal and beautifully marbled wood, or they can be made out of rusted iron and old scraps of wood and missing limbs (or adding more!). The mechanical "organs" of the Steelborn remain relatively consistent with everyone. Steelborn do not need to breathe or sleep, but most go into a dreamlike state of meditation at night. Even though they are robots, they can still get tired, and they are just as emotional and thoughtful as a flesh and blood creature.   Instead of a brain, they have a tightly wound spool of metal wire that has been inscribed with ancient magical runes. The wire runs through a series of fly wheels and pullies in their head and is "read" just like a magnetic strip on a tape deck. This Spool was inscribed by hand by that Steelborn's creator and acts as DNA, memories, and soul. The runes represent a piece of the creator themselves as well as the instinctual knowledge the Steelborn will know when they are "Born" and become conscious. The creation of a Spool is viewed with the same respect as being pregnant. There is no "nuclear family" for Steelborn, and some can be created by a single wizard or a society of Steelborn pouring themselves into the writing of the Spool. If the Spool isn't written properly that Steelborn may never gain consciousness, or create a dangerous creature with a fractured psyche.   The heart is called a Mana Pump that functions as the main power center for the Steelborn. It looks like a mini two-stroke engine in the shape of a heart. Steelborn can be powered by anything magical, from crystals to magic amulets to the love notes of a starcrossed lover. If the Mana Pump is destroyed it immediately kills the Steelborn, but if the pump is replaced it can revive them.   The stomach is called a Gut Tank, which is a small liter-sized tank in the abdomen filled with a fluid called Black Bile. Even though they are robots they still require small amounts of food and water once a month to generate magical energy. Most Steelborn choose a portion of healthy, nutrient-rich, and magically dense food as their refueling because it can affect how they function. By the same token, some Steelborn enjoy how imbibing in different magical food tastes.   No one knows who created the first Steelborn, and the knowledge to create more of themselves is hardwired into their brains. Most people view them as regular citizens, while others view them as sacrilegious freaks of nature.   Steelborn have an innate understanding of how machines work and are a necessity on any airship with a modern engine or amenities. They are constantly innovating and coming up with new ways to bridge magic with technology.