Aetherite

The chaotic energy that powers magic on Dessend, known as Aether, flows into the world from various locations called Aether Fonts. When the Aether penetrates the earth, some of it becomes trapped in the soil and rocks. The trapped aether forces the material to transform and become crystalline with the concentrated aether in its core. These crystals are called aetherite.

Properties

Material Characteristics

The semi-transparent crystals of Aetherite range in color from blue to purple. They emit a faint glow from their small, concentrated cores of pure Aether.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Aetherite crystals, like most other crystals, are hard and brittle. They never feel warm or cold, but wearing them makes you feel energized and empowered.

Geology & Geography

Aetherite crystals grow according to the concentration of aether in a particular location. Smaller crystals are found underground along the ley lines, where the aether is more concentrated. Larger crystals grow around the fonts, which are the main points where the Aether flows into the world.

Life & Expiration

Once harvested, Aetherite crystals remain stable unless damaged or depleted. Any damage that penetrates the crystal disrupts the concentrated aetheric energy within. This usually results in a dangerous release of energy. However, because Aether is chaotic magic that has not taken a defined form, there is always the possibility of unpredictable results.

History & Usage

Discovery

The Pavonia are the people credited with discovering aetherite, as their settlements can only be found near aether fonts.

Everyday use

Aetherite crystals can replenish a spellcaster's inner aether with the concentrated energy stored within them, allowing them to cast more spells than they otherwise could. However, due to their tendency to explode when damaged, non-spellcasters have been known to use them as grenades in combat. Aetherite crystals were once used as light sources, but due to the danger posed by their explosive nature, most people have abandoned the practice.

Refinement

Aetherite crystals, used by spellcasters and others for various purposes such as replenishing their inner Aether or as explosive devices, are not typically available in the sizes required for practical use. Instead, the Pavonia harvest the much larger crystals that grow near the Aether fonts. This process is slow and cautious, requiring the use of magic to maintain the integrity of the crystals. With traditional mining methods, the crystals would burst and explode.

Reusability & Recycling

Once aetherite crystals are exhausted, they crumble into fine sand. This sand has no discernible properties that distinguish it from ordinary sand and can be used in the same way without complications.

Distribution

Trade & Market

All of the world's aetherite is supplied by the Pavonia, as they are the only ones to master the harvesting methods. They also control access to all known aether fonts, with their settlements extending outward from the font at their core. For the Pavonia, Aetherite is a necessity, as their entire society relies on the free and unlimited use of magic that access to the fonts makes possible. There are some mining operations that collect the smaller crystals from around the ley lines, but these are also dangerous. Digging too close to the ley line can result in a dangerous aether leak. For the rest of the world, Aetherite is a luxury that few can afford. Most spellcasters only carry a small amount as a precaution, in case they need to cast a spell after their internal aether reserves have already been exhausted. Those who use Aetherite as grenades are usually well-funded militaries or wealthy adventurers.

Storage

In general, Aetherite does not require any special precautions for storage. As long as it remains undamaged, it poses no danger. Some spellcasters choose to use the crystals as gemstones to decorate accessories to keep the Aetherite accessible while hiding it in plain sight. However, due to the risks associated with damaging Aetherite, it is typically shipped in padded containers to reduce the risk of cracking or chipping the crystal.

Type

Mineral

Value

1,000 gp per ounce

Odor

Similar to ozone

Taste

Like old glass, but zaps your tongue like a battery.

Color

Blue to violet hues

Common State

Crystalline solid

Related Species

• Pavonia