Essencia

"What is the use of a cloudy stone? Ahh, Radovist, you have much to still to learn. This small piece of crystal may not appear as much, but it holds within it the greatest secrets of our land. Now, pass me my staff. Let me show you the true power of the Aurelian Empire."

Properties

Material Characteristics

In its natural state, essencia is imperceptible to the naked eye. When it is contained within a carrying element such as clear quartz, it takes on the appearance of wispy, cloud-like milk, suspended in stone.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Unstable once extracted from the stone that it is housed in, essencia's value is such that it is often transported within substantial quartz deposits to enable it to be safely relocated, traded and consumed.
The most prized and valued property of essencia is its innate connection to the weave. With the correct materials, time and enchantments, it can be used as a means of capturing a small part of weave in order to imbue an otherwise ordinary object with powers beyond the physical. This can range from small parlour tricks such as a puff of smoke, or a flash of light, to history defining cataclysmic events.

Geology & Geography

Common quartz is currently the only known material that can effectively hold essencia in suspension for any period of time. Whilst quartz itself is of little value, quartz quarries have been the basis of significant conflicts - if only to secure the potential of captured essencia suspensions.

Distribution

Law & Regulation

The Aurelian Empire has strict controls over the trade, consumption and possession of essencia. It is unknown whether or not this is to artificially increase the value of such by constraining availability, or if it is part of a wider program to ensure it does not fall into the hand of the Empire's enemies.

Type

Metaphysical