Artifact of Artifice 39-A
It wasn't until surface investigation turned to careful excavation in the sinkhole in the Shattered Isles that the first intact relic of real significance was uncovered. Labeled 39-A, this round artifact measures 3" in diameter and weighs approximately 7.5 pounds. It appears to be made of a silver metal resembling titanium on its surface, but its weight indicates it is not a solid sphere of pure titanium, which would weigh 18.5 lbs. The artifact has no legible language in the intricate, asymmetrical engravings that cover every part of its surface.
Material
Expert gran'Duovaren metalworkers were consulted on the likely material composition of 39-A. Their requests for material samples to test for reactivity, chemical composition, and arcane dating were denied. As a result, they could only offer theories: the sphere had a partially-hollow interior and/or a different metal, compound, or alloy under a surface of solid titanium. Metallurgists did confirm that the orb's engravings were made by tools and not arcane methods.Decoration
Aeldvaren scholars conducted a thorough census of Aeldvaren art history in an attempt to decipher the engravings' origin and nature. Unfortunately, they could only conclude that the artifact lay firmly within the general Aeldvaren culture while not being an example of any specific Aeldvaren people, culture, or time period.Mechanical Design
39-A appears to be one singular, solid piece of metal, but Duovaren horologists have closely examined the artifact and theorize that it is, instead, a moveable device. Again, due to its age and rarity, Aeldvaren researchers did not allow any hands-on tests to try to manipulate the relic, leaving further speculation as to its function or purpose to intellectual exercise. Duovari propose that it is a kind of puzzle box, perhaps even a cultural time capsule intentionally buried for later generations; unfortunately, Aeldvari still did not allow any attempts to open it.Arcane Design
Aeldvaren archmages and Duovaren artificers have studied the artifact and concluded in agreement that it was once arcane. Current leading opinion is that it is an Aeldvaren device that functions similarly to many highest forms of Duovaren mecharcane devices, indefinitely powered by a feedback loop between physical components and arcane enchantments. Its purpose and use, however, are still uncertain. Discarded possibilities include a calendar or clockwork device--its asymmetrical design does not lend itself to the measurement of cyclical time--and most guesswork centers around it being a way to store information for later playback. The events of the Shattering, a worldwide arcane catastrophe some 11,000 years ago, most likely destroyed or dispelled whatever arcana was still imbued in the artifact. No trace of active magical effect remains.
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Item type
Unique Artifact
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