Yrddestones

Yrddestones are the most physical manifestation of the Aetherial flow's effect upon the world. They are a precious resource fueling technological innovation, a conduit for manipulating aethereal currents, and a sign of wealth carried by the most opulent of the world.

History

The discovery of Yrddestones can be traced back to the chaotic early days of Yrdde, a time when the shattered remnants of earth were still settling into their new configuration. Survivors of the cataclysm, clinging to existence on the newly formed floating islands, faced a desperate struggle for resources.
Legend tells of a lone scavenger, searching through a rubble-strewn canyon, who stumbled upon a vein of glittering stones radiating a gentle warmth. Desperate for any source of light or heat in those bleak times, the scavenger brought the stones back to their settlement. That night, as they huddled around the strange glowing rocks, a curious thing happened. The air around the stones crackled with a faint, blue energy. Plants placed near them flourished overnight, and wounds seemed to heal faster in their presence.
Word of the discovery spread, and soon these glowing gems, dubbed “Yrddestones” for their radiant beauty, became a source of both hope and fascination. Experimentation with the stones revealed their potent potential - they amplified the effects of magic, fueled intricate mechanisms, and possessed a seemingly inexhaustible energy source waiting to be harnessed.

Mining

Dwarves, with their innate resistance to the Aetherial Flow’s unpredictable currents and generations of expertise in mining, are the undisputed masters of Yrddestone extraction. They possess an intuitive understanding of the earth, a sixth sense for detecting veins of these potent gems hidden within the very rock that forms the foundations of floating islands.
Before a pickaxe ever strikes the stone, a team of dwarven surveyors ventures forth, equipped with specialized tools— dowsing rods that hum with Aetherial resonance, maps depicting ancient fault lines and areas of concentrated magic, and, for the most experienced, a simple touch of calloused hands against the earth, listening for the faint whispers of buried energy.
Once a vein is identified, the arduous task of excavation commences. Tunnels are painstakingly carved into the rock, reinforced with sturdy timber supports or, in the case of particularly unstable areas, Yrddestone-infused alloys to stabilize the Aetherial flow and prevent cave-ins.
As miners delve deeper into the heart of an island, the concentration of Aetherial energy intensifies, creating pockets of instability. These fluctuations manifest in various forms— sudden surges of heat or cold, hallucinatory visions that distract the miners, or, in the most perilous instances, violent eruptions of raw magic, transforming tools into molten slag or collapsing entire tunnels.
Old-world ruins are a rare and even more deadly threat. Forgotten chambers filled with arcane machines, guarded by slumbering constructs made of glittering metal. These remnants of a forgotten civilization can be a source of priceless treasures, but there are few in Yrdde who can overcome such guardians without great cost in life.
There are other ways to mine for Yrddestones, of course. Some prefer the Imperial method, using large quantities of slave miners to strip-mine entire areas in a brute force search. There are always more prisoners of war, convicted criminals, and other undesirables to burn through, and every death means one fewer mouth to feed and body to clothe.

Refinement

Extracting raw Yrddestones is only the first step. Transforming them into usable energy sources for airships, weapons, or magical enhancements requires a careful process of refinement.
The Alchemist’s Guild plays a crucial role in refining Yrddestones, working within specialized workshops built with lead-lined walls and Yrddestone shielding to minimize Aetherial interference. Skilled artisans and master alchemists utilize a combination of techniques to extract the stones' full potential. Raw Yrddestones are immersed in alchemically prepared baths, cleansing them of impurities and stabilizing their inherent energies. This involves a delicate balance of herbs, minerals, and controlled doses of opposing elemental essences to neutralize any volatile imbalances within the stones.
The purified Yrddestones are then carefully shaped and polished, their facets meticulously cut to enhance the flow of energy. Some are left in their natural crystal form, while others are carved into spheres, pyramids, or specific geometric shapes based on their intended use. For applications that require specific elemental frequencies – enhancing Fire magic, for example, or creating an Ice-based weapon – Master Alchemists conduct rituals using carefully selected runes and elemental foci, imbuing the stones with specific properties and amplifying their resonance.

Everyday Usage

Yrddestone technology permeates almost every aspect of life in Yrdde, transforming daily routines and creating a society that blends the natural and the magical with seamless practicality.

Lighting

Even the simplest homes often incorporate small Yrddestones as lamps, providing a steady, warm glow that never fades.

Heating and Cooling

Yrddestones, when combined with runes, can regulate temperature. They heat homes in frigid climates or provide a cool respite from the blazing desert sun.

Airship Propulsion

The engines that power airships rely on high-grade Yrddestones to generate thrust and lift. The efficiency of a ship is often determined by the quality of its stones.

Communication Systems

Yrddestone-powered magitech allows for long-range communication. Signals are amplified, transmitted through crystals, and relayed across vast distances.

Use in Magic

For mages, Yrddestones are more than just tools or fuel sources; they are conduits for amplifying and storing their abilities, essential for both mastering their craft and surviving the perilous demands of their practice.
Attuned Yrddestones are often set within intricately carved metalwork and integrated into rings, amulets, staffs, or wands – objects that become a mage’s focus, an extension of their will and a vessel for storing power.
Through meditative practice, a mage can transfer a portion of their own energy into a prepared Yrddestone, storing it within the stone for later use. This practice allows them to overcome limitations – a Fire mage could avoid self-immolation by draining excess heat into a stone, while a Wind mage could maintain their breath during a long, arduous battle by drawing stamina from a charged stone.
The wealthiest of mages carry a number of such stones, and many a magical duel is decided by whichever combatant has the most money to spend.

Item type

Magical