They are powered by a magic energy core, combining alchemy and rune formations, with great power and wide-ranging uses. However, their deadly weaknesses are their exorbitant cost, scarcity, and difficulty in maintenance.
These magical artifacts often rely on high-tier mages for production, the core materials being extremely rare, and maintenance requires professional magicians. Each piece is a "custom product," difficult to replicate on a large scale.
Even a simple magic-powered machine can cease operation due to insufficient power supply.
The steam engine is different.
It doesn't require magic, just the burning of ordinary fuels like charcoal and coal, to release immense thermal energy to drive the machine.
With a structure composed of iron, copper, and wood, any blacksmith workshop can create and produce them en masse according to diagrams.
As long as there is sufficient water and fuel, it can operate non-stop day and night, undeterred by the cold winter, knowing no fatigue.
