Research Division

Role and Focus

The Research Division is dedicated to:

• Arcane Advancement: Developing and enhancing magical tools, spells, and wards.

• Scientific Discovery: Innovating technologies to support other divisions.

• Knowledge Preservation: Maintaining libraries and archives for future generations.

• Strategic Support: Providing magical and technological resources to aid in defense, commerce, and diplomacy.

Key Features and Upgrades

1. Library

   • Description: Establishes a repository for books, scrolls, and magical tomes.

   • Effect:

     • Adds +1 to Arcane Research Checks.

     • Increases Prosperity by +1 due to scholars and students frequenting the bastion.

   • Cost: 700 gp, 3 weeks.

   • Upgrade Potential:

     • Expand to a Grand Library (+2 Arcane Research, +1 Influence).

2. Alchemy Lab

   • Description: Provides facilities for brewing potions and conducting chemical experiments.

   • Effect:

     • Reduces potion crafting costs by 10%.

     • Adds +1 to Influence as adventurers and traders seek rare potions.

   • Cost: 800 gp, 3 weeks.

   • Upgrade Potential:

     • Add rare alchemical equipment to produce unique potions (e.g., invisibility, speed).

3. Arcane Forge

   • Description: A magical workshop for crafting enchanted weapons, armor, and tools.

   • Effect:

     • Speeds up magical crafting processes.

     • Adds +1 to Prosperity as traders and adventurers purchase enchanted items.

   • Cost: 1,500 gp, 5 weeks.

   • Upgrade Potential:

     • Upgrade to an Elemental Forge, allowing advanced enchantments and +1 Influence.

4. Advanced Research Facility

   • Description: A cutting-edge center for experimental research and innovation.

   • Effect:

     • Unlocks experimental projects, such as custom spells or magical constructs.

     • Adds +1 to both Prosperity and Influence.

   • Cost: 2,000 gp, 6 weeks.

   • Upgrade Potential:

     • Build a Dimensional Observatory for interplanar research (+1 Influence).

5. Magical Wards

   • Description: Establishes protective enchantments around the bastion.

   • Effect:

     • Adds +1 to Defense Checks.

     • Provides immunity to magical espionage (e.g., scrying or divination).

   • Cost: 1,200 gp, 4 weeks.

   • Upgrade Potential:

     • Upgrade to include offensive capabilities (e.g., counterspells or deterrent glyphs).

Revenue Streams

The Research Division generates income through its intellectual and magical resources:

1. Potion Sales:

   • Regular income from selling potions brewed in the Alchemy Lab (50–300 gp per week).

2. Enchantment Services:

   • Income from crafting magical items for adventurers and allies (100–500 gp per commissioned item).

3. Arcane Training:

   • Tuition fees from wizards, scholars, or students training in the Library or Research Facility (50–200 gp per week).

4. Exclusive Knowledge Contracts:

   • Grants or contracts from powerful factions to produce specific magical advancements (500–1,000 gp per project).

Synergies with Other Divisions

The Research Division enhances and supports other divisions:

• Defense Division: Provides magical wards, traps, and enchanted weaponry to boost security.

• Commerce Division: Enhances trade by selling magical items and potions, and attracts wealthy merchants.

• Infrastructure Division: Develops technologies such as water purification or reinforced materials.

• Diplomacy Division: Impresses visiting dignitaries with advanced research, boosting Influence.

Potential Random Events and Challenges

The Research Division often faces risks and challenges related to its experimental nature:

1. Experiment Gone Wrong:

   • A magical mishap causes damage or danger (e.g., a runaway construct or explosion).

   • Requires a Dexterity or Arcana check to contain the issue.

2. Breakthrough Discovery:

   • Researchers uncover a powerful spell or artifact.

   • Offers a choice: monetize the discovery (+500–1,000 gp) or keep it for bastion use (+1 Influence).

3. Sabotage:

   • Rival factions attempt to steal or destroy research.

   • Requires Defense or Diplomacy actions to prevent further losses.

4. Rare Ingredient Shortage:

   • Alchemical or magical materials become scarce.

   • Costs for potions and enchantments increase by 20% until resolved.

5. Visiting Scholar:

   • A renowned researcher offers to collaborate, increasing Influence (+1) or providing unique knowledge.

Unique Opportunities

• Custom Spellcraft:

  • Design unique spells that can be used by the party or sold to other factions.

• Construct Factory:

  • Develop golems or mechanical constructs for bastion use or trade.

• Interplanar Research:

  • Explore other dimensions to gain rare knowledge and resources (+2 Influence, +1 Prosperity).

• Mystic Fairs:

  • Host a magical festival, attracting mages and scholars. Generates one-time revenue (500–1,000 gp).

Research Division Gameplay Impact

The Research Division provides immense strategic and financial value, ensuring the bastion stays ahead of rivals through magical and technological superiority. Success in this division bolsters the bastion’s Prosperity, Influence, and Defense, while creating opportunities for the party to access powerful tools and allies.