Arcana Focus

An arcana focus is a piece of rune-inscribed metal, stone, wood, or cloth which, when attached to an object, gives an arcanist the ability to manipulate that object remotely via their arcana skills.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

The color of the arcana focus's decorative inking and the specific runes inscribed upon it determines the specific ways in which an arcana user can manipulate the object to which it is affixed. For example, a green arcana focus might be affixed to to a Clockwork Automaton summoned from the Winder's Guild's stock, allowing the summoner to directly control the pre-programmed movements and functions of that automaton without having to know how to build, program, or otherwise manipulate said automaton's machinery directly. In another example, a blue arcana focus inscribed with one set of runes might allow an arcanist to see the environs of the focus remotely, in the manner of a crystal ball, but another set might instead allow the arcana focus to conjure a bank of illusory fog; the key, in this case, is that blue corresponds to powers of perception, while different runes might correspond to the enhancement or ablation of perception.

Significance

Winder's Guild Signet by BCGR_Wurth

In addition to their utility to arcanists, arcane focii have come to serve as an informal 'badge of office' for those giften in the arcane or mechanical arts. A stylized arcana focus can be found in the Winder's Guild signet, where the green faceted circle represents the focii found within clockwork automata called forth from a Guild Hall of Archetypes. Notably, this example of an arcana focus is spare in its representation, as making one too detailed might have the unwelcome side-affect of granting passing arcanists 'control' over the wearer, machine, or structure on which it appears.

Item type

Magical

Related Technologies

• Clockwork

Rarity

Arcana focii are common sites in the workshops of arcanists, alchemists, and clockwork engineers alike. Because they require specialized skill to manufacture and employ, however, most of the public has only passing familiarity with the objects.

Dimensions

1' to 12' diameter

Base Price

Varies

Raw materials & Components

Arcana focii of any material must first be shaped into circles or spheres, with the shape determined by the way in which it will be affixed to the object to be affected by it. The focii must then be inscribed with specific magical runes, which are then inlaid with inks containing the powder of various appropriately-colored precious stones.