Cavorite

Cavorite is an element that, when excited by stimuli, causes surrounding materials to behave with masses a fraction of what they really are, producing significant amounts of heat in the process. The mass-reduction effects of this element have made possible various advancements in technology, with particular emphasis on flight technologies. Brooms that incorporated simple Cavorite containers became common, particularly as racing craft, but the real impact of Cavorite was felt by airship makers. The massive, fragile gas cells that early Airships relied on were made obsolete as newer, sleeker designs incorporating Cavorite chambers no longer required nearly the same amount of lifting force, while still being able to handle as much, if not more cargo. This new potential led to the rapid expansion of military airfleets, as these new craft could carry heavier armor and weaponry to match their wet navy counterparts.
Considering how miraculous Cavorite seemed, it is unsurprising that the limitations of the element were soon discovered. Though not nearly radioactive enough to cause biological harm the way uranium and radium are, long-term exposure is believed to carry similar health risks. Much more notable, however, is the extreme heat generated by active Cavorite, and the tendency of overheating Cavorite to breach containment explosively. Therefore, Cavorite chambers require dedicated cooling systems for all but the lightest craft, which must be protected nearly as well as the Cavorite itself.

Utility

Mass-reduction is frequently utilized to reduce the forces required to move vehicles, reducing the strain that each lightened part places on the framework without adversely affecting other structural properties of the materials that the vehicle is made up of.

Manufacturing

Synthesis of mana crystals and various alloys at extreme pressures and temperature.

Inventor(s)

Dr. Robert Cavor

Complexity

Typically requires a reliable power source, whether magical or electrical, and an active cooling system for any Cavorite chambers designed to affect objects of significant mass.

Discovery

Theorized of in 132 AV, and successfully synthesized in 135 AV by a Decian Kingdom scientist, in a transmutation experiment seeking to explore the properties of mana storage crystals.