Polyhedric Powerglass
Stop trying to play Stackstones with powerglass pieces! Those are both fragile AND dangerous!Polyhedric powerglass, more specifically, is the name for polyhedral formations of powerglass - a fusion of silica glass, boron trioxide, and magic-aspected crystals (such as Istralite). Usually found in six-sided cube or four-sided prism form, these glass crystals are capable of retaining magical energy over an extended period of time for use in machinery and to aid in spellcasting.
History & Usage
History
Technology within Polyhedra continues to advance past the boundaries of clockwork and simple magic. Their newest vehicles and machinery require power, typically arcane, to maintain their animation - often-times needing to draw on a source more heavily than the spell Permanency would allow.
Until the development of both polyhedric powerglass - from within Polyhedra itself - and the dwarven invention of ley siphons in nearby Fjolkandr, advances in technology were heavily stymied by said magical requirement, and whilst ley siphons have their place, it was their own invention that had Polyhedra's engineers excited.
Due to the length of time powerglass can retain its charge, they immediately began to test the efficiency of different forms - if a small-scale matrix of any given shape could be found to outperform the standard, even small machinery and weaponry could be augmented with extreme levels of power. The most effective individual shapes were found to be those mimicking the classic six polyhedral shapes used in Stackstones and other similar games: 20-sided, 12-sided, 10-sided, 8-sided, 6-sided, and 4-sided. These seem to evenly spread power throughout the individual 'cell' without stressing the container or limiting access.
Discovery
Hard hats, goggles, and anti-magical shielding is required at all times within the lab!Powerglass was researched over the course of the past century by a number of Polyhedra's top scholars, engineers, and mages in conjunction with forces and individuals on an international scale. The research team was primarily led by Hyptia Dodecahedron, an accomplished mathematician and writer in her own right, with significant magical assistance from Enrey Tetrahemihexahedron, who would provide the first successful magical charge. Their research finally proved to be a success in early 5625, after thousands of shattered shapes and magical explosions. The first successful use powered a clockwork bird for approximately four hours before the charge, comprising of five uses of Arcane Mark from Enrey, finally expired. Though the number of individuals and countries with research that went into the development of powerglass is far too high to list, it is important to recognise that all who participated did so with the understanding that this was to be used for arcane magic. No nation heavily against the arcane, such as Gildómar, took part.
Industrial Use
So far, due to the relative recency of this invention, little has been accomplished with its use. However, the Spherical has commissioned a team of advanced mages and engineers to work together with the Cogs of Brigh to develop a powerglass battery that can serve as an emergency fallback for machinery as large as an airship - if this can be accomplished, Polyhedra's military power is predicted to increase by unforeseen levels.
Distribution
Trade & Market
We have learnt of your advances. Please inform us of your availability for a discussion.Thus far, polyhedric powerglass is exclusively available to citizens of Polyhedra for their experimental purposes. That does not mean it has only been available within the country in the past. Fjolkandr aided in the developmental techniques used in the formation of powerglass and have received a few pieces for their own testing purposes, though are reportedly more focused on the development and stability of their own ley siphons. Similarly, the finest crystalline components are those obtained in conversation with the Tower of Sathelis: the Querei have retained knowledge of aethercrystal crafts practiced by their cousins in Galasthin, though with less detail, and thus Polyhedra have a standing offer for any snow elven allies to work with their newest advancement. Perhaps the most disturbing offer of trade for a set of polyhedric powerglass is that extended by the isolationist nation of Vexua. Reportedly, an android entourage were sent to the Spherical as emissaries from the island nation after word had begun to spread about the powerglass. It is not known what exactly was said between the two parties, but the Vexuans left with seven pieces of the powerglass, and the Spherical was not seen for an entire day.
Type
Biomaterial
Value
Incredibly expensive
Rarity
Production exclusive to Polyhedra; rare elsewhere
Odor
Faint scent of pink.
Taste
Like warm glass. Sometimes spicy when active.
Color
Luminous clear glass refracting all colours of the rainbow.
Boiling / Condensation Point
820 °C
Melting / Freezing Point
N/A
Common State
Solid
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