1. Notes

Arcstone

Magic

The source of the Sentran arcstone is a closely guarded secret. The Empire has had a steady supply of high-quality arcstone for the last few centuries. There are other mines, all heavily guarded, scattered across the continent. The Imperial Army transports the arcstone from mines to the capital with river barges, finally reaching the Imperial Docks. The Dwarven Entente have at least one buried somewhere in their mountains. Another is believed to be in the middle of the Sabein Desert where the Elves are busy mining. 

The Arcstone is a key component used by Magewrights in the construction of more complicated devices, from levitators to lighting.

Arcstone Importing

Imperial Arcstones arrive in the city from an unknown mine. The miners that go there never return. Arcstones are shipped by ship over the River Aniene. The transport is managed by the Imperial Army; they provide the ships and men. The ships arrive in the city at the Imperial Docks. These docks were once a hub of trade within the city, until the imperial government took over everything there. All docks, warehouses, and other buildings became property of the Empire, who paid a fair price.

Once arcstones arrive at the docks, they are distributed to nearby warehouses, again under the supervision of the army. The Ministry of Imports then distributes arcstones throughout the city to Pallida University, Magewrights, the Order of the Gorgon, and other organizations.

Arcstone Poisoning

As use of the arcstone has spread, so has cases of what has become known as "arcstone poisoning." It's believed to be caused by prolonged exposure to unrefined arcstone, and is typically found amongst Magewrights and Manufactory workers. The latter are more common because they have less access to protective measures. Special protective case to store and transport arcstone is made of heavy ironwood and covered in arcane symbols written in Kurunite, which is unfortunately a mineral not easily accessible to the Empire.

The exposure of unrefined arcstone tends to happen over years before any sign of arcstone poisoning is apparent. Typically, this is a blue tinge to the victim's eyes and blood vessels. Over time, the victim's organs begin to fail, eventually leading to death. The whites of the eyes turn into a bluish color.

After processing, there are no detrimental effects from being around arcstone.