Aeum

Aeum manifests as a white to translucent crystalline growth, most often found as veins and blooms in ore extracted from Alanas craters. It does not occur as a workable metal on its own. The material taken from these craters is silver seeded with Aeum crystal dust, ground fine when the meteors struck Alana.

Refiners crush and wash the ore to concentrate the silver and the pale crystal grit. Heat then drives Aeum’s defining reaction: under high temperatures, the crystal phase softens at its edges and binds into nearby metal, threading itself through the host as a luminous inclusion. Smiths speak of "Aeum taking the melt" when the fusion starts, because the metal changes first in feel and flow, long before any visible sheen appears.

When people talk of Aeum, they usually mean the mix of silver fused with Aeum dust. Only few know about the truth.

Aeum Dig Site by Tillerz using MidJourney

Physical & Chemical Properties

• Aeum emits a faint blue glow when in an almost pure state, creating an ethereal and captivating visual effect.
• The crystal feels cold to the touch, contrasting with its magical warmth and energy-conducting properties.
• It exhibits exceptional heat resistance, requiring specialized furnaces or, in extraordinary cases, the fiery breath of a dragon to reach the temperatures necessary for melting and shaping.

History & Use

Common Use

Aeum serves as a potent catalyst for magical energy, allowing practitioners to focus and direct their magical abilities with precision. It enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of spells and enchantments, making it highly sought after by wizards and enchanters.

Industrial Use

Levitation

Airships

The utility of Aeum extends beyond spellcasting. When combined with other rare materials, Aeum exhibits unique gravitational effects that are harnessed in the propulsion systems of airships. Aeum only makes the ships fly, not move, so additional propulsion systems like sails or propellers are required.

To power an airship of 20 tons, a minimum Aeum drive weighing at least 40 pounds is required. However, attunement to the Aeum drive is necessary, and it takes approximately 20 days for a person to establish this connection. To ensure the availability of trained pilots for their airships, the Royal Airship Company of Farenia employs a constant rotation of pilots. This strategic approach ensures that there are always skilled individuals ready to operate the Aeum-driven airships and navigate the skies.

Ae

Note: Aeum is the same material as the "Mithril" mentioned in Sable Aradia's Toy Soldier Saga:

Type

Metal

Taste

Metallic, with a faint hint of something like burnt steak

Color

light blue

Melting / Freezing Point

961.8 °C

Common State

solid

Aeum Ring by Tillerz using MidJourney

Aeum Staff by Tillerz using MidJourney

Flying Islands and Cities

Some flying islands exist in Alana. After the crystals hit Alana, some landmasses rose to the sky, lifted by Aeum crystals that fused with the right materials to make it happen. These landmasses broke apart though, and a small group of flying islands was born.

The dwarves of the Technocracy of Magramine brought their capital city Skulk into the sky, after verifying that the whole settlement sat on a massive slab of granite. Using an army of warforged labourers they underbelly of the city was carved free. Giant aeum crystal from a nearby crater raised the whole city into the air, and a large number of dwarvish runes embossed around the rim of the city ensures that the city stays at its location.

Aeum Dig Site by Tillerz using MidJourney

Aeum Dust

Aeum dust is collected and used in the creation of magical ink and pigments for spell scrolls, ensuring they have an extra touch of potency. Aeum dust is not needed for those, but it makes the creation easier.

Luminous Algae Cultivation

Luminous algae thrive in waters within and near Aeum craters. Harvesters gather them in bulk, then seal their glow into street lamps and lanterns.

Aeum-Infused Plants

Water runoff from the refining process can sometimes enrich the soil with trace amounts of Aeum. Certain plants and herbs that grow in this enriched soil can develop unique magical properties, making them highly sought after for potions and elixirs.

Hazardy

Accidental Magic Surges

Hazard: Proximity to Aeum can trigger uncontrolled magical surges, potentially harming or transforming miners.
Mitigation: Miners receive specialized training to handle Aeum safely and employ wards and protective spells when working closely with the metal.

Wildlife and Fauna

Hazard: The unique ecosystems surrounding Aeum craters may host a variety of creatures that have been transformed or empowered by exposure to Aeum radiation or by consuming Aeum-contaminated water sources. These creatures can exhibit aggressive or dangerous behaviors.
Mitigation: Security personnel and formidable barriers are employed to protect workers from potential encounters with these mutated or magically enhanced wildlife. These measures are crucial to safeguard workers against unpredictable and potentially hazardous interactions with the altered fauna inhabiting Aeum-rich environments.

Distribution

Storage

Significant quantities of Aeum must be stored at secure facilities, with strict limitations on the amount in each stack. These storage facilities are safeguarded by the formidable Farenian Empire's military forces, ensuring the utmost security. Aeum is exclusively distributed in small quantities to certified craftsmen and practitioners.

Law & Regulation

The maximum amount of Aeum an individual is permitted to own and store is restricted to one pound. To acquire another batch of Aeum, they must engage in crafting and trade to deplete their existing supply.

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