Arcaltium

Arcaltium, also called kalta in the Arideian language, is a rare crystalline element that is highly prized for its ability to focus and enhance magical energies.

Properties

Appearing as crystalline growths, in its naturally-occurring state arcaltium has a pale violet color and glows dimly in the presence of magic. When refined, the violet color becomes much more pronounced and glows much brighter. This coloration changes depending on the energy stored within the crystal; for example, a crystal imbued with fire magics might take on a red or yellow glow whereas an ice-based enchantment might shift the coloration towards a pale blue.
The most notable feature of arcaltium is its ability to act as a conduit for magic. Even in its unrefined form, being in contact with the crystal bestows a sense of calm and stoicism to magic practitioners, allowing them to focus more intently on their incantations. It also is able to hold and store magical energies, and for this reason is commonly utilized in enchantments.
In its refined state, the inherent magical abilities of arcaltium are magnified a hundredfold. Even small shards of refined and unenchanted arcaltium are able to hold massive amounts of magical energy, leading to its reputation as a "blank slate" for mages.
Of particular note is the fact that, once imbued with a certain enchantment, the energies within that particular crystal can never be modified (although it is possible for them to be expended, leaving the crystal completely mundane).

History

While no written records exist from the period it is believed that arcaltium was first discovered by the Volarian Empire, as a number of artifacts containing the unrefined material have been excavated from their ruins. Certainly by the time of the first human migrations to Eigentica it was a rare but well-recognized element. During the pre-Arideian period humans often used unrefined arcaltium in religious ceremonies, and it was not uncommon for healers and shamans to carry jewelry containing shards of arcaltium crystals.
During the Arideian Empire scholars discovered the secrets of refining the crystals, increasing its magical potential by orders of magnitude. This art was kept a closely-guarded secret of the Empire, and was instrumental in its expansion from a small kingdom to a massive dominion. Over time, the Arideians became incredibly reliant on arcaltium and the magical abilities it fueled. A system of arcaltium beacons were set up that allowed incredibly fast communication across the empire, and some sages had even begun research into using large pillars of refined crystal to facilitate instantaneous travel. This research was put on hold however, due to the diversion of resources towards the infamous Kaltarohn Obelisks.

Kaltarohn Obelisks

Beginning sometime before 1410 IR, Arideian Emperor Caelykolos IV began construction of at least two massive obelisks made of pure, refined arcaltium for use as weapons. The existence of these weapons was kept secret from the public until 1418, when the first one was used during the Sundered War against the united dwarfish armies occupying the Westfarm. The power of the obelisk ripped the entire region apart in an event that came to be known as the Scouring of the Westfarm. Vast swaths of land were sunk in an instant and while the dwarfish armies were utterly destroyed, the event also killed thousands of human soldiers and obliterated dozens of human settlements in the region. The shocking cruelty of this action led to massive dissent, but fear of similar actions from the famously mad emperor temporarily prevented open rebellion.
While the power unleashed during the Scouring shattered the first Kaltarohn Obelisk, construction on the second continued for several months beneath the fortress of the Rotterhorn until its discovery by Augustin Reisenwulf in 1420. The ensuing struggle for control of the obelisk saw Augustin's forces come out victorious. In fear of another event such as the Scouring, rebel forces captured several Arideian mages and forced them to repurpose the obelisk into a weapon that would make magic vanish completely from the continent. The spell was cast, creating a continent-spanning barrier to magic known as the Obviation that remains to the present day.

Type

Ore/Mineral

Color

Various, pale violet in its natural state