OK. If I'm trying to (in character) build a tradition for a techno-magical artificer (one who say, finds weapons a mostly boring subject) then the obvious thing to do is ask -
What do I want from the magic?
You've already got handwavium, which will do an awful lot of things, almost only limited by your imagination. But, only 'almost'.
Handwavium appears to conserve mass, so a way to shapeshift that doesn't do that might be fun. Then there is the old favourite "You're a frog" spell. Or, if really annoyed, "You're a head in a jar".
Handwavium seems limited to physical 4d space-time, plus whatever FTL requires, so access to other dimensionality, like "sub space", or "hammer space" could be attractive. This is ignoring things like the ethereal, astral, or elemental planes, or the 'spirit world'. Thinking about 'World Gates' is a definite possibility.
Handwavium doesn't appear to allow (near) instantaneous movement without going through the intervening space. While it poses horrible security problems, teleportation is so, so, attractive...
There don't seem to be any psionics in Fenspace. Some sorts of magic allow semi-psionic effects, like telepathy, telekinesis, clairvoyance - magical skrying seems to be very like clairvoyance with props, for example. Semi-psionic gadgets could be fun...
There'll be an excellent market for who can build and sell the first real "sonic screwdriver"...
How can magic help in engineering and (small-scale) construction?
Straight permanent transmutation of elements is probably best avoided - handwavium comes close enough to that. Making a precise functional copy of an existing machine (even if it wont last that long), so you've one to take to bits would be good. Being able to examine the internals of something without risking wrecking it, by dismantling - good for bomb disposal? Being able to perceive, and maybe take snap-shots, of the flows of energy through a working device. Having a way to allow others to also perceive these, making a recording of what you see.
Most of the above is "stream of consciousness" stuff, that an engineer who knows about fantasy literature, and maybe RPGs, could run through in their head when thinking about getting involved with magic. Then there might be thoughts about summoning robots, or construction equipment, up to an entire workshop with all support resources (power, water, air...).
--
"It is the business of the future to be dangerous" - Hawkwind
What do I want from the magic?
You've already got handwavium, which will do an awful lot of things, almost only limited by your imagination. But, only 'almost'.
Handwavium appears to conserve mass, so a way to shapeshift that doesn't do that might be fun. Then there is the old favourite "You're a frog" spell. Or, if really annoyed, "You're a head in a jar".
Handwavium seems limited to physical 4d space-time, plus whatever FTL requires, so access to other dimensionality, like "sub space", or "hammer space" could be attractive. This is ignoring things like the ethereal, astral, or elemental planes, or the 'spirit world'. Thinking about 'World Gates' is a definite possibility.
Handwavium doesn't appear to allow (near) instantaneous movement without going through the intervening space. While it poses horrible security problems, teleportation is so, so, attractive...
There don't seem to be any psionics in Fenspace. Some sorts of magic allow semi-psionic effects, like telepathy, telekinesis, clairvoyance - magical skrying seems to be very like clairvoyance with props, for example. Semi-psionic gadgets could be fun...
There'll be an excellent market for who can build and sell the first real "sonic screwdriver"...
How can magic help in engineering and (small-scale) construction?
Straight permanent transmutation of elements is probably best avoided - handwavium comes close enough to that. Making a precise functional copy of an existing machine (even if it wont last that long), so you've one to take to bits would be good. Being able to examine the internals of something without risking wrecking it, by dismantling - good for bomb disposal? Being able to perceive, and maybe take snap-shots, of the flows of energy through a working device. Having a way to allow others to also perceive these, making a recording of what you see.
Most of the above is "stream of consciousness" stuff, that an engineer who knows about fantasy literature, and maybe RPGs, could run through in their head when thinking about getting involved with magic. Then there might be thoughts about summoning robots, or construction equipment, up to an entire workshop with all support resources (power, water, air...).
--
"It is the business of the future to be dangerous" - Hawkwind