Spell casting is rare and can only be done by females. All people and characters believe this, but it is not true. The Enclave control all magic and only let females live to do it. They like jedi take young girls and train them in Gaddel. It is only possible to cast spells if you have a Writ Arcanum. These come in different forms but the most common is as a metal pendent that is worn around the neck. There are no components in this game.
Alcott has a university system and advanced science compared to most game worlds. There has been study into biology, chemistry, thermodynamics, early electricity, and other areas. This has led to early photography, hot air balloons, electroplating, and more advanced medical care. Early steam power exists but no one has built anything like a train or steam barge. They might be right around the corner. One of the strange things is that gun powder does not work. Many researchers have investigated it and think it should work, but it does not. Instead of having an explosive like reaction it just fizzles. Yeah science.