Draconium
For a world without magic, Dim World seems to be full of impossible feats. One such feat is the creation of large mechs and other such advanced technologies, most of which run on a strange power source called Draconium. Unlike wood which must be burned for power, and then boil water to steam and turn moving parts to be used in technology, Draconium puts of a massive amount of energy that can be harnessed directly with the right technology.
Of course, Dim World isn't truly devoid of magic, and it's history is built on the presence of a large quantity of harnessable magic. That magic hasn't existed within any living memory, however, and what the Dimworldians don't know can't explain not-so-natural phenomena. Throughout this article, italics will be used to indicate knowledge that is not available to the inhabitants of the world, while standard text reflects what they do know.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Draconium is naturally found in large crystal clumps which typically form close together, and often follow platinum veins. Draconium is always found underground, and is rarely exposed in natural caves. The crystal clumps emit a soft blue light, and are often angular.
Processed Draconium is shaped to fit its required function. Crystals are combined to form the largest power cores, while smaller power cores are carved out of Draconium for the ideal shape to be put in technology. The powered and chunks that are left over from the shaping process are used to power smaller machines. Powdered and chunked Draconium is the only variety widely available to the public.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Draconium contains a huge amount of energy, enough to power large war mechs for years off of a single crystal core. It also radiates very little of this energy, making it safe to use and be around without containment.
Draconium crystals are the remains of Dragons sent to attack the previous inhabitants of Dim World prior to the corruption and the Si'vian Sacrifice. The crystals on dragons were used for reproduction, and were shed as eggs when they contained a young dragon. Very few of the crystals found in Dim World had anywhere close to a live dragon in them, though those with platinum bones in them may have been forming dragon babies when they died.
Origin & Source
The origin of Draconium is unknown. It was discovered sometime during the rise of the Lordships, and many Lords fight over them.
These Dragon egg crystals were left behind when a large number of dragons were sent to Dim World, likely for conquest, and died there. It is unclear whether the Dragons were killed in battle or in the sudden disconnection of magic. Dragon egg crystals start to develop a platinum skeleton right before they are shed, so the amount of Draconium with 'platinum streaks' in them would suggest a large population of young dragons getting ready to shed, likely the spearhead of a Tshiv'ash invasion.
History & Usage
Everyday use
Draconium is used as a power source for many technologies in Dim World, particularly in mechs and lazars. Lordships often fight fiercely over Draconium sources.
Since the original purpose of Draconium was to support a baby dragon as it developed, the crystal contains a huge amount of energy. Some crystals also contain very trace amounts of magic, which may be the last usable magic left on Dim World.
Draconium, Drac-cons, and the Tshiv'ash Invasion
Sometime just prior to the shut off of magic to Dim World, the people of Tshiv'ash had launched an invasion with Dragons. These dragons were the most feared weapon of the otherworldly invaders, and news of the danger quickly spread throughout the ancient Dim World. Long after the Dragons (and many of the cultures that witnessed them) were dead, the myth of horrifying creatures from beyond can still be found in nearly every culture in Dim World. They're called Drac-con, Drogons, Draks, Draculs, Dwons, and a thousand other names, but they have a distinctive common thread. They're always an unspeakable evil from an unknowable world (though some cultures transplant them to their own faerie/demon/underworld) that come to do horrible things (eat children, steal soles, cause natural disasters ect.). All the remnants of an invasion the world will never know about. When this strange new crystal with the power of a dozen forests' wood was discovered, the only way many could describe that power was 'like the drac-cons'. And so it was named Draconium. They managed to name dragon eggs after dragons without knowing they were dragon eggs or what a dragon is. Impressive. I think.
Odor
faintly metallic and crystalline odor, which becomes stronger when used as a fuel source
Taste
Earthy but largely flavourless. Why did you lick it??!
Color
ranges from teal to lalac, translucent, typically glows especially when in use. Sometimes contains streaks of platinum.
Boiling / Condensation Point
YOU TRIED TO BOIL IT??!!!! *sigh* 570 C
Melting / Freezing Point
Sometimes parts of a crystal will get melty in the larger mechs. 200 C
Common State
Solid crystals
Related Species
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It's not my fault the crystal looked so tasty...