Arcanite

You may mark my words Director, our aggressive use of this resource will not continue without long term consequences. We are heading towards a calamity the likes of which this world cannot imagine.

- Catonious of Invantis

Properties

Material Characteristics

In it's raw state, Arcanite typically appears in either a crystal like solid form, however in area with intense concentration, Arcanite has been found in liquid form as well. In both states Arcanite glows with a brilliant blue light, a result of the potentially damaging magical radiation that emanates from the element.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Despite the element's natural state of magical energy discharge, the crystals themselves are cool to the touch. While the crystal's bright light is attractive to most races on Alwaus, the element itself is rather dangerous. The unstable nature of arcanite means that even the slightest pressure on the wrong spot of the crystal can cause a fatal explosion of magical energy.

Geology & Geography

While some areas appear to have strong concentrations of the element, the exact pattern or method to arcanite's distribution across Alwaus is mostly unknown. While it is most commonly found underground in natural caverns, there has been rare instances where arcanite has been discovered in obscure areas on the surface as well.

Origin & Source

The origins of arcanite is still outside the horizons of modern science. The Temple of The Goddess has always preached the arcanite is the raw essence leftover from the creation of this world. Whether or not this is actually true remains up for debate, but even the most liberal of arcanist researchers accepts that arcanite is a natural occuring resource that likely predates even The Dragons.

Life & Expiration

Arcanite will continue to discharge magical energy in form of radiation. While short term contact with the mineral is perfectly safe, some of the earliest Alvain researchers to study the mineral inadvertently gave their lives after centuries of studying the mineral. While the basic laws of arcane thermodynamics demands that a consistent release of magical is impossible for living beings, arcanite itself appears to operate outside of these rules (or perhaps in outright defiance of them) and the level of magical radiation from the raw crystals does not appear to diminish over the centuries.

History & Usage

History

Arcanite has always been valuable to Alvain society, as it's effects as a magical enhancement have always been well known. The need for arcanite harvesting grew immensely after the alliance between the Alvain and Kinderstärke. With the combined minds and industries of both Alvantes and Stolzetürm, arcanite quickly grew to be the most prominent fuel source in technology across the continent.

Discovery

Arcanite has existed since pre-history, with arcanite appearing predominantly in the earliest recordings of the war with the Dragons.

Everyday use

While civilian use of arcanite is carefully regulated, the commercial and industrial needs of Arcanite are only growing over the years. Everything from Ironclads to Arcane Nodes are all powered through the magical output given by processed arcanite.

Cultural Significance and Usage

While the true potential of arcanite is best understood by the more civilized races of Alwaus, it is rather common for the less developed races to encompany Arcanite into their cultural and religious practices. Farrow tribes in particular, are well known to carve crude statues from the dangerous mineral in their primitive form of worship to the goddess. Most of these races have average lifespans far too short to see the effects on prolongued arcanite exposure on an individual level, however the long term effects of exposure on population groups is still being studied.

Industrial Use

While more crude fuel sources are still used in the further corners of Alwaus, nearly all industrial effects in Western Alwaus are done with the assistance of arcanite. The versatility of the energy source far outpaces the more crude forms of fuel (such as coal or blackpowder) but it's rarity and volatility make it unsuitable outside of major population centers.

Refinement

While in it's raw state the mineral is both dangerous and potentially explosive, Stolzetürm has developed numerous techniques to breakdown and distill the mineral into a chemical component that is more suitable as a fuel source. In it's refined state the mineral is too diluted to cause long term effects to beings, but it still maintains it's telltale blue glow.

Manufacturing & Products

While it's primary useage is that of a fuel source, skill artisans have recently begun experimenting with using refinded arcanite directly in the manufacturing process of weapons and armour. While the mineral is far too expensive for mass useage, collector pieces are sometimes commisioned. The Empress herself is crowned with a headdress crafted from an arcanite alloy.

Environmental Impact

While natural arcanite continues to give off a magical output, once it goes through the refinement process the long term output of the fuel source is severely reduced. Passive energy output is severely diminished in this process, however the short term power output far outpaces the trickle of energy the crystal naturally gives off. The effect of this, means that arcanite has become a much more limited resource in the last few millennia, and conservation movements have recently been brought to the attention of The Empire.

Distribution

Law & Regulation

The trade, storage, and refinement is strictly regulated by The Eternal Empire. Transportation of the chemical in it's raw form is extremenely dangerous, and as such needs to be done outside of major population centers. Refinement production is forced into remote areas, where potential disasters are mitigated to the countryside.
The trade of arcanite on the open market is strikely regulated, with nearly direct oversight from Alvantes and Stolzetürm. While a black market does exist, when portions of it are ever exposed the perpetrators are severely punished.

Type

Ore/Mineral

Value

*5000

Rarity

10

Color

Arcanite glows with an ethereal blue glow in both crystal and liquid form.

Common State

Primarily found in crystal form, it can also be found flowing in liquid from in vast underground reservoirs.