Aerocrystal

Unit value: 250gp
Weapon: A weapon made from Aerocrystal allows the wielder to use either Strength or Dexterity (this does not count as finesse!).

Properties

Material Characteristics

When found, these transparent crystals are often part of large, jagged geodes, and it is possible to retrieve shards of practically any size from such formations. The geodes shimmer through varying hues, usually based around one particular colour and, when mined, this shimmering fades (but does not cease entirely) to become more subdued.
When exposed to a large source of energy, the crystals can become extremely volatile, and begin to spark, however are capable of being used to focus such energy.

Physical & Chemical Properties

An aerocrystal is often brimming with power, slightly cold to the touch, with an air of electricity around it. If one were to put an ear to the a geode or mined raw material, they would be able to hear the faint throbbing hum of energy within the crystal.

Compounds

Aerocrystals are often used as one of the main components in the creation of foci for aetherial machinery such as aether cannons

Geology & Geography

Usually found below ground level, often at higher levels - one need not dig too deep to find aerocrystal, although it is not uncommond to find denser, heavier crystals in lower regions.

Origin & Source

Aerocrystal clusters or geodes which can be found both above and below ground - however above ground is very rare.

Life & Expiration

The magical essence of raw aerocrystal usually remains for a few months unless forged into a more stable state through bonding with other materials - i.e. a weapon, or aether focus.

History & Usage

History

Originally, aerocrystals were first used for extravagent jewllery, until the Gnomes got ahold of it. Naturally inqusitive and born inventors, the Gnomes first took these crystals to the Elves, to experiment with how the crystals could be used to create weaponry lighter than it's usual metal form. Weapons made from aerocrystal compounds were discovered to be much faster to swing, and lighter to carry, making them favourable for Elves and other races who preferrec lighter or more elegant weapons.
When the Dwarves got hold of it, they also tested it's usage with heavier wepons and were delighted to find similar results - warhammers which were faster and easier to swing, whilst still retaining their usual properties. The Gnomes and the Dwarves worked together with the Gnomish inventions, further forwarding and powering the Archanomechanical Age. Through their experimentation, they discovered that aerocrystals were capable of focusing inordinate amounts of energy, although becoming extremely volatile in the process. The Gnomes and the Dwarves tinkered for years, discovering that the combination of aerocrystal foci, bound by more stable compounds such as adamantine or cold iron, were able to focus and even store marginally smaller amounts of energy, however become less volatile and unstable in the process - leading to the creation of the first aether weapons.

Discovery

Aerocrystal was first discovered by the Humans inhabiting the Halidore Isles, who initially used it to craft elegant jewellery, before the Gnomes began to tinker with it's properties.

Everyday use

Aerocrystal is most commonly used to create incredibly lightweight weapons and foci for aether-based weaponry.

Refinement

The crystals require no refinement, however do often undergo slight refinement for the creation of an aether focus - in order to remove the jagged edges of the raw crystal.

Reusability & Recycling

Due to the theory that aerocrystals harness their naturally-found energy from the Elemental Plane of Air, it is assumed that returning a dormant crystal to this plane could potentially allow one to 'recharge' the crystal. Due to the large quantities of these crystals present in the Material Plane, however, it is as of yet unknown whether such a feat has been attempted and indeed if it would even work as theorised.

Distribution

Storage

Aerocrystal can, for the most part, be stored relatively safely in any standard container, however exposure to a significant energy source can cause one or more of the crystals to become volatile.

Aerocrystal is a shimmering, lightweight crystal, found in many sizes and colours. Holding one of these crystals, one is able to feel the raw energy which flows through them - energy which is theorised to somehow be harnessed from the Elemental Plane of Air.
Mines of these crystals exist across the world and the varying planes, but it is commonly regarded that the largest mines of this substance on the Material Plane are found on The Halidore Isles

Type

Metamaterial

Value

500gp per pound of crystal

Rarity

Common

Odor

None

Taste

None

Color

Varies - it is theorised that this is based on temperature or climate of where they are mined. The crystals mined in the Halidore Isles are often a blue/purple colour, whilst crystals found in warmer regions are often yellow, orange or red.

Boiling / Condensation Point

None

Melting / Freezing Point

None

Density

Dense, yet incredibly lightweight

Common State

Solid