Magick/Tech aptitude influenced by scenery/critters?

Here are three different screenshots of the same character at the same level, with the same attributes and equipment, taken seconds apart in different locations in Tarant:

1) Near the magical shops, note the Tech aptitude of 28:
http://i.imgur.com/XqxPK5b.png

2) Near the technological shops, note the Tech aptitude of 38:
http://i.imgur.com/ZCpmWYu.png

3) Near the train, note the Tech aptitude of 58:
http://i.imgur.com/hHMRTAl.png

How is this explained? Is being near a technological object/character increases your own aptitude as well?

 

Yes. That is precisely what it means.

I believe it extends further to locations outside of Tarant too. I first noticed this at the magic shop in Tarant as well.

 

I never noticed this before. It makes perfect sense within the context of the games lore. Still learning new things about Arcanum, this game never ceases to amaze.

 

As far as I remember, it's only the magick shop (+10 magick aptitude) in Tarant and the train station there (+10 tech aptitude - maybe the one's in Blackroot and Ashbury?) as well as the Ring of Brodgar (+10 magick aptitude) that affect aptitude. The Dark Helm also gives magick aptitude, however I'm not aware of any tech items that do likewise. I always thought it'd be a neat addition to a fan made module.

 

Personally, I've always thought that this was some sort of bizarre glitch. I'm glad to know that it was intentional, and only temporary. The aptitude shifts makes sense, too, in retrospect. After all, I doubt a witch will be able to boast of her infinite powers when she steps foot inside a sheet metal factory.