Most of the mechanical items found on Riven are based on real-world items or have some mechanical logic. On the first island of Riven, there is a giant golden dome, inside of which can be found a lake and some mechanical devices on the ceiling, from which many large pipes lead to the smaller domes. Although the purpose of this device is clear to anyone who has finished the game, after solving all of the puzzles, I do not understand how it is expected to work.
- How does the machine work? Is it a giant steam engine? Or does it function entirely through magic?
- Does the water inside serve a purpose? Is the water exposed to any of the same repelling force as seen in the lake with the submarine?