Arcanist’s Core
In the ever-advancing field of Alchemy and Artifice, few creations command as much respect—and caution—as the Arcanist’s Core (a.k.a Lantern Pendant). This masterfully crafted pendant is not a simple trinket but a marvel of engineering, requiring infused crystals of unparalleled complexity. Depending on the crystal inserted, the pendant grants the wearer extraordinary abilities, ranging from raw physical augmentation to arcane manipulation of the world around them.
A Masterpiece of Alchemical Craftsmanship
The Arcanist’s Core is a delicate yet durable construct, forged from electrum-infused alloys and layered with gold-traced alchemical circuits. Suspended at its heart is a removable crystal housing, where an infused crystal—the true source of the pendant’s power—can be slotted in. While inactive, the pendant shimmers faintly, its surface etched with shifting symbols that respond to the wearer’s pulse.
When activated, the pendant subtly alters its wearer, aligning their physical or mental state with the properties of the infused crystal within. Each crystal bestows a unique enhancement, making the Arcanist’s Core a sought-after treasure among scholars, warriors, and industrialists alike.
Most Arcanist’s Cores are designed with a dual-function system, meaning they grant a combination of related abilities that draw from the infused crystal’s energy reserves. These abilities range from passive enhancements, such as heightened perception or increased stamina, to active powers, like kinetic augmentation or arcane shielding. However, every use of the pendant depletes the crystal’s stored energy, requiring careful management by the wearer. Once drained, the crystal cannot be used again until it undergoes a recharging process, which demands direct exposure to Solis—the life-giving sun of Nyria. Depending on the crystal’s complexity and previous usage, recharging may take anywhere from a few hours to several days, making strategic use of the pendant crucial for those who rely on its power in battle, diplomacy, or industry.
The Heart of the Pendant
The true brilliance of the Arcanist’s Core lies in its ability to adapt to different infused crystals, each a pinnacle of Alchemical Artifice. These crystals are among the most expensive and dangerous materials to produce, requiring a labyrinthine sequence of transmutations, condensations, and reactions to stabilize. Even the most seasoned alchemists face severe risks—burns, explosions, poisoning, or outright annihilation—while attempting to craft them.
A single crystal requires tens of rare components, each undergoing rigorous processes before being layered, fused, and attuned to a precise harmonic resonance. Even with perfect execution, the failure rate is staggeringly high, making these crystals a luxury of the elite. Prices start at 850,000 quid for simpler varieties but can soar to 5,000,000 quid for the rarest and most potent.
Notable Infused Crystals & Their Effects
• Aquamarine Infused Crystal – Stores alchemical energy that can be transferred wirelessly to nearby devices or weapons, empowering them. It also significantly enhances the wearer’s physical strength,
• Sanguine Ruby Infused Crystal – Heightens reaction speed and perception, allowing the wearer to anticipate movements and react at supernatural speeds.
• Moonstone Infused Crystal – Grants an intangible aura of persuasion and deception, subtly altering the perceptions of those around the wearer.
• Obsidian Infused Crystal – Reinforces the wearer’s resilience, reducing damage taken from both physical and alchemical attacks.
• Turmaline Infused Crystal – Grants the wearer an acute sense of the supernatural, allowing them to detect unseen forces and navigate hidden realms.
A Treasure of Power & Prestige
The Arcanist’s Core is more than a functional artifact—it is a symbol of status. Only the wealthiest, most influential individuals can afford to possess one, and even fewer have access to the infused crystals required to unlock their full potential. Whether adorning the throat of an emperor, resting beneath the robes of a cunning merchant, or hanging at the neck of a battlefield commander, the Arcanist’s Core remains a testament to the heights—and dangers—of alchemical ingenuity.
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