Aeum

Aeum, the catalyzer of magical energy and the key component for airship propulsion in your fantasy world, possesses distinctive properties and characteristics that make it a valuable and unique resource.

Aeum Dig Site by Tillerz using MidJourney

Properties

Material Characteristics

Aeum is a bluish, pretty hard metal embedded in white stone. It is not readily available in its pure form but must be extracted through a process involving breaking down the white stone and subjecting it to intense heat to obtain pure Aeon.

Physical & Chemical Properties

• Aeum emits a faint blue glow when in an almost pure state, creating an ethereal and captivating visual effect.
• The metal feels cold to the touch, contrasting with its magical warmth and energy-conducting properties.
• It exhibits exceptional heat resistance, requiring specialized furnaces or, in extraordinary cases, the fiery breath of a dragon to reach the temperatures necessary for melting and shaping.

Geology & Geography

Aeum is primarily found within the numerous impact craters of Alana, which hold a unique historical significance as remnants of the Titan Wars that occurred nearly 3,000 years ago.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Aeum serves as a potent catalyst for magical energy, allowing practitioners to focus and direct their magical abilities with precision. It enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of spells and enchantments, making it highly sought after by wizards and enchanters.

Industrial Use

Airship Propulsion

The utility of Aeum extends beyond magic. When combined with other rare materials, Aeum exhibits unique gravitational effects that are harnessed in the propulsion systems of airships. To power an airship of 20 tons, a minimum Aeum drive weighing at least 40 pounds is required. However, attunement to the Aeum drive is necessary, and it takes approximately 20 days for a person to establish this connection. To ensure the availability of trained pilots for their airships, the Royal Airship Company of Farenia employs a constant rotation of pilots. This strategic approach ensures that there are always skilled individuals ready to operate the Aeum-driven airships and navigate the skies of your fantasy world.

Refinement

Aeum Resin

As Aeum is melted and shaped, a residue known as Aeum resin forms and solidifies. Aeum resin is a valued material in the creation of magical wands and staffs, as it can be carved and shaped to enhance a wizard's spellcasting abilities.

Aeum Dig Site by Tillerz using MidJourney

Byproducts & Sideproducts

Aeon Residue

Byproduct: During the extraction and purification of Aeum, some residual impurities and less-pure forms of Aeum are left behind.
Use: Aeon residue, while not as potent as pure Aeum, can still be employed for low-level magical enhancements or as a component in the creation of magical trinkets.

Aeum-Infused Stone

Byproduct: The white stone surrounding Aeum is often infused with traces of Aeum during the extraction process.
Use: Aeum-infused stone is highly sought after in construction and crafting due to its innate magical properties. It is often used for creating enchanted architecture, wards, and protective barriers.

Aeum Gas Emissions

Side Product: The heating and refining of Aeum can release small amounts of Aeum gas into the atmosphere.
Use: Aeum gas is sometimes collected and utilized as a temporary, ambient magical energy source for small-scale enchantments or as an ingredient in alchemical experiments.

Luminous Algae Cultivation

Side Product: The glow emitted by Aeum can stimulate the growth of luminous algae in the water used during the refining process.
Use: Luminous algae are harvested and used as a sustainable light source in underground settlements, providing a soft and soothing radiance.

Aeum Dust

Byproduct: Fine particles of Aeum dust are generated during the shaping and refining of Aeum.
Use: Aeum dust is collected and used in the creation of magical ink and pigments for spell scrolls, ensuring they have an extra touch of potency.

Aeum Gemstones

Byproduct: Occasionally, during the extraction process, Aeum crystals may form within the stone, separate from the main Aeum deposits.
Use: These Aeum gemstones are highly prized as magical talismans, as they can store and release bursts of magical energy when needed.

Aeum-Powered Artifacts

Side Product: Over time, the tools and equipment used in the Aeum harvesting and refining process may absorb traces of Aeum.
Use: These artifacts become coveted collector's items, as they can channel and amplify magical abilities when wielded by skilled practitioners. They are often sold to Artificers, Enchanters and Blacksmiths who want to imbue their products with magic or who need magic tools to be able to form certain material.

Hazards

Accidental Magic Surges

Hazard: Proximity to Aeum can trigger uncontrolled magical surges, potentially harming or transforming miners.
Mitigation: Miners receive specialized training to handle Aeum safely and employ wards and protective spells when working closely with the metal.

Wildlife and Fauna

Hazard: The unique ecosystems surrounding Aeum craters may host a variety of creatures that have been transformed or empowered by exposure to Aeum radiation or by consuming Aeum-contaminated water sources. These creatures can exhibit aggressive or dangerous behaviors.
Mitigation: Security personnel and formidable barriers are employed to protect workers from potential encounters with these mutated or magically enhanced wildlife. These measures are crucial to safeguard workers against unpredictable and potentially hazardous interactions with the altered fauna inhabiting Aeum-rich environments.

Environmental Impact

Aeum-Infused Plants

Water runoff from the refining process can sometimes enrich the soil with trace amounts of Aeum. Certain plants and herbs that grow in this enriched soil can develop unique magical properties, making them highly sought after for potions and elixirs.

Distribution

Storage

Significant quantities of Aeum must be stored at secure facilities, with strict limitations on the amount in each stack. These storage facilities are safeguarded by the formidable Farenian Empire's military forces, ensuring the utmost security. Aeum is exclusively distributed in small quantities to certified craftsmen and practitioners.

Law & Regulation

The maximum amount of Aeum an individual is permitted to own and store is restricted to one pound. To acquire another batch of Aeum, they must engage in crafting and trade to deplete their existing supply.

AE

Note: Aeum is the same material as the "Mithril" mentioned in Sable Aradia's Toy Soldier Saga:

Type

Metal

Taste

Metallic, with a faint hint of something like burnt steak

Color

light blue

Melting / Freezing Point

961.8 °C

Common State

solid

Aeum Ring by Tillerz using MidJourney

Aeum Staff by Tillerz using MidJourney

This is GM information

The Aeum Anomaly: Rarely, an anomaly known as the "Aeum Cascade" occurs, causing an uncontrolled surge of magical energy emanating from an Aeum deposit. This phenomenon is unpredictable and has occasionally led to the creation of powerful magical artifacts, each shrouded in mystery.
Aeum's Influence on Dreams: Some individuals have reported vivid and prophetic dreams when in close proximity to Aeum. It is believed that Aeum has a subtle influence on the dream realm, granting glimpses into the past, present, or future. This secret knowledge is shared among select dreamwalkers.
Aeum Nexus Points: Aeum-rich environments are said to contain "nexus points" where the barriers between realms are thin. At these locations, magical phenomena are amplified, and portals to other planes may spontaneously open.
Aeum Metamorphosis: Rare individuals who undergo a deep and transformative connection with Aeum may experience physical changes. Their eyes may adopt a faint bluish hue, and they gain an extended lifespan, effectively becoming Aeum-infused beings.
Aeum Monoliths: Ancient civilizations erected monolithic structures made of Aeum to serve as conduits for celestial energy. These Aeum monoliths are scattered across the world, their purpose and true potential shrouded in mystery.
Aeum's Connection to Astral Travel: Aeum is a conduit to the astral plane. Those who meditate deeply while touching Aeum can astrally project themselves, allowing them to explore other dimensions, interact with spirits, or gain profound wisdom.

Plot Hooks

The Aeum Cult: A secretive cult worshipping Aeum's sentience has surfaced, claiming to receive divine revelations from Aeum itself. The party is hired to infiltrate the cult, uncover their true intentions, and prevent any potential catastrophic rituals.
Aeum Anomalies: Mysterious Aeum anomalies have begun to plague a region, distorting reality and warping magic. The adventurers are hired to investigate the source of these disturbances and restore balance before the anomalies grow out of control.
Aeum Bandits: A group of bandits has been stealing Aeum shipments destined for the Royal Airship Company of Farenia. The adventurers must infiltrate the bandit's hideout, recover the stolen Aeum, and uncover their motives.
Aeum Nexus Expedition: A renowned explorer has announced plans to lead an expedition to a remote Aeum nexus point, where the boundaries between realms are thin. The party is invited to join this perilous journey, facing otherworldly challenges and uncovering forgotten mysteries.
Aeum Scholar's Research: An eccentric Aeum scholar believes they have discovered a method to harness Aeum's power in ways previously thought impossible. However, they require the party's assistance to conduct experiments and protect their research from those who seek to exploit it. This adventure can unfold in two distinct ways, offering your party a multi-level experience. In the first scenario, the party must fend off adversaries determined to hinder the scholarly research. These foes, driven by a hidden agenda, aim to disrupt the scholar's work and must be thwarted. Alternatively, in the second scenario, the party becomes essential partners in the scholar's research endeavor. They will face a series of challenging tasks, such as swiftly locating the precise materials needed, extinguishing a sudden forge fire, and meticulously maintaining the forge's heat at a constant, critical level.