Aetherium Crystals
Aetherium Crystals are deep crimson, translucent formations resembling condensed crystal structures. Their crystalline lattice glows faintly, pulsing in response to nearby magical fields. The largest specimens exhibit fractal-like growth patterns, sprouting in jagged formations around Ley Line outflows or sites of immense arcane activity. When fractured, Aetherium emits a brief surge of raw magical energy, often arcing in brilliant flashes of blue or violet before dissipating.
In its natural state, Aetherium is highly volatile, absorbing and amplifying magical energy from the surrounding environment. This property makes raw Aetherium dangerous to mine, as unregulated extraction can result in arcane surges, explosions, or spontaneous magical anomalies. Prolonged exposure to unrefined Aetherium can also cause mutations in living beings, erratic spellcasting effects, or shifts in local reality.
Formation and Occurrence
Aetherium is exclusively found on magically active worlds, forming in proximity to Ley Lines, rift zones, residual magical catastrophes or other areas of latent magical energy. The mineral grows over centuries, absorbing ambient arcane energy and crystallizing it into a condensed, usable form. Some scholars believe Aetherium originated from the dawn of the Arcane Revolution, when Merlin activated Avalon’s ley lines, permanently altering the magical landscape of the system.
The density and purity of Aetherium deposits vary based on location:
Shallow Deposits: Found near minor ley line outflows, these crystals are small and unstable, often used for experimental or low-power applications.
Deep Core Veins: Ancient deposits formed over millennia, these crystals are exceptionally potent, harvested for industrial and military use.
Corrupted Aetherium: Some deposits are tainted by necrotic or chaotic magic, resulting in volatile, mutated variants that can have unpredictable effects when processed. This is rare, and usually due to the input of dark wizards.
Industrial and Magitech Applications
Over centuries, the Eternal Empire has refined methods for safely harvesting, stabilizing, and utilizing Aetherium, making it the backbone of all Magitech innovations.
Energy Cells & Capacitors
Aetherium is the only known naturally occurring capacitor for raw magical energy, making it essential in:
Spelljamming Ships – Used as power cells for propulsion, shields, and weapons.
Automata & Warforged – Some advanced models use Aetherium cores for self-sustaining energy.
Military Magitech – Arcane firearms, war constructs, and shielding systems integrate refined Aetherium batteries.
Civilian Infrastructure – Lighting grids, heating systems, and industrial machinery rely on smaller Aetherium energy cores.
Fuel Sources & Refinement
When refined, Aetherium becomes a potent, rechargeable energy source, surpassing even enchanted gemstones or alchemical fuels.
Raw Aetherium – Highly unstable, used only in extreme circumstances or experimental research.
Refined Aetherium Cells – Contained within specially crafted housings, powering magitech devices safely.
Depleted Aetherium – Spent cells can be recharged at Imperial facilities, extending their usability indefinitely.
Alchemical Usage
Some researchers have discovered that microdoses of Aetherium, when distilled into elixirs, enhance spellcasting ability and mental acuity. However, high doses lead to arcane addiction, neural degradation, or magical mutation. The black market for Aetherium-based narcotics thrives in the outer colonies.
The Aetherium Rush & Imperial Control
Aetherium’s importance has driven centuries of conflict and exploitation, with the Eternal Empire maintaining an iron grip on its extraction and distribution.
Indent Mining Operations – Indentured workers are sent to hazardous Aetherium mines, where arcane surges and magical toxicity are common risks.
Black Market & Rebel Supply Chains – Smugglers and rogue sorcerers seek to steal, refine, or weaponize Aetherium against the Empire.
Aetherium Wars – Entire conflicts have erupted over control of major deposits, with planetary governors and System Lords vying for dominance.
Despite its dangers, Aetherium remains the cornerstone of modern civilization, ensuring the Eternal Empire’s continued rule—so long as its supply remains uninterrupted.