Arcanite

History
      Arcanite is the catalyst with which the races have learned to control the volatility of arcane magic.This crystaline substance has been found in caves of the far north, The Hellfrost. The discovery of this substance brought an end to an age of mage hunters, an end to the ban on practicing arcane magic, and an end to the hysteria that the talk of mages would bring.
      Before arcanite had been discovered, arcane magic would result in chaotic magical storms, known as Conflux Storms. These storms would have devastating effects to the natural world, and the wielder of magic themselves. It would also bring untold collateral damage to the unsuspecting people nearby. Because of this, the practice of arcane magic was banned. Wizards, Sorcerers, and Warlocks would be hunted unceremoniously by those that feared the conflux storms. Crusades of fanatics known as mage hunters would offer to track down and kill magical practitioners for a fee, to keep towns and villages safe. This was a dark time for mages, and they would have to go into hiding to preserve their arts. Sorcerers especially feared to be identified, for they would be slaughtered for something they had no control over.
      When arcanite was discovered, it was assumed to be another type of valuable crystal. Traders from the Hellfrost would take the crystals to dwarf and elf cities, hoping that those people might have a use for the beautiful crystal. It was a secret sect of mages however, that had purchased the crystals from a trade caravan that discovered their value. With the proper refinement, a mage could use an arcanite crystal to control the excess wild energies that resulted in conflux storms. The mages perfected the refinement of the arcanite, and then used their research to appeal to rulers across Variel to allow the study of the arcane. This was granted, and the Mage Institute was formed.

Refinement
      Arcanite can be refined by evoking magic spells within its vicinity. The casting of arcane magic would result in the start of a conflux storm. The arcanite would absorb the wild energy of the conflux storm, transforming it from a jagged, milky crystaline rock, to a smooth, glass-like substance that crackles with magical energy when it is used as a focus for casting. During the refinement process, the excess material that dissolves off the arcanite is known as arc resin. It has its uses as a magical component, or an alchemy ingredient. It can also be used as a hallucinogenic drug, which some gang leaders use to coerce people into working for them.

Physical Description
      When mined, arcanite appears as a jagged rocky crystal, similar to a quartz or other unpolished gemstone. It can be any color, but it is distinctly identified by the yellow glow it gives off from its inner layers. When refined, it appears as any other polished crystal or gemstone, seemingly brimming with energy, and its yellow glow is replaced by an ever crackling display of brilliance from its inner layers.

Type

Biomaterial