Nano-Circle Tech

The Nano-Circle is the method in which Central Arcasinians perform magic.  

History

Nano-Circle technology has undergone multiple variations since it's invention less than 300 years ago.  

Original Design (Ferrogram)

The Nano-Circle was originally known as a Ferrogram. Because Central Arcasinians had little to no innate magic, they resorted to physical means. This meant carving magic runes into objects (often metallic) to enchant them. However, this meant that the carved object was limited to one purpose, and mistakes were hard to undo and potentially dangerous.  

Second Design (Pictobricks)

The improvement came a few decades later with the introduction of separate pieces. These could be placed in unique orders to create new spells with old pieces. However, there were many issues with this. Pieces were often carried in an inconvenient bag and sometimes combined to make unwanted spells, or were carried in large boxes with separate compartments. Additionally, the pieces would have to be placed on a physical surface to maintain structure. This design came from the Pictobrick company that copyrighted the design, making them the only supplier and therefore more expensive.   Another variation of this was invented a few years later, with larger pieces that could be fit together. While this did not have the versatility of the Pictobricks, the risk was much lower.  

Current Design (Nano-Circle)

The Nano-Circle design was created when the people of ネオンしま Neonshima discovered holograms.   Fuel would be stored in a compartment worn typically on the arm or waist, and linked to a holographic screen also worn on the arm. The screen would allow for individual symbols or even full spells to be designed and selected. This design has the benefits of the previous two, while minimizing the downfalls.   It seems that the appearance is important, not composition or material, so holograms are able to utilize and perform magic. Due to the nature of holograms at the time this was invented, multiple points of origin must be used to construct the holographic image. This is why most casters will have an outstretched hand to create spells, as it is simply easier to support the structure.  

Fuelling

For the first two designs, magic energy was typically sourced from the weak environmental energy, or magic-infused crystals that one could purchase that needed to be incorporated into the design.   However, with the Nano-Circle technology, these crystals could be ground into powder for ease of distribution and greater efficiency, power and convenience.  

Complexity and Distribution

While the Nano-Circle technology is simple to use, it is not easy to create or repair. Additionally, the infused crystals are imported from Kaeoma, making anyone with this technology reliant on the trade industry.   As such, it is often a symbol of status and wealth to have one or multiple personal Nano-Circle devices. Many middle class families have one device between them for everyday tasks, much like a family computer from the older days of Western Arcasai.