Aetherwrights
#### Overview
The Aetherwrights Guild is the most advanced magitek consortium on the continent of Velastra, headquartered within the storm-swept mesas of Vhar-Khazel. Masters of blending arcane theory and mechanical design, the Aetherwrights are responsible for the continent's only functioning airships, crystal conduction networks, and stormglass reactors. They act as both artisans and scholars, blending arcane resonance theory with high-conductive crystal engineering to create the magitek systems that power Vhar-Khazel’s cities and dominate its skies.
Though nominally under the oversight of the High Sirocco, Vhar-Khazel’s ruling caste, the Aetherwrights operate with near-total autonomy in all technical matters. Their works are protected as national treasures, and their discoveries are considered state secrets. To be an Aetherwright is to walk the line between divine alchemist and imperial architect.
Founding and Timeline of Key Events
| Year AR | Event |
|---|---|
| 655 AR | Foundation of the Guild: Aetherwrights emerge from a collective of crystal-mancers and machinists in the storm city of Draelspire. Originally formed to stabilize the erratic stormfurnace powering the city. |
| 674 AR | Discovery of Stormglass Conductivity: Chief Archanist Doven Khyel develops the Khyel Resonance Model, allowing energy transfer through refined stormglass conduits. |
| 682 AR | First Sky-Skimmer Test: Aetherwright prototype airship, Whisperbound, completes a 36-league flight. The Guild gains immediate political protection under High Sirocco decree. |
| 698 AR | Accord of Sealed Currents: An agreement with Caelvaris limiting the export of magitek arms and enforcing trade sanctions on illicit crystal use. |
| 719 AR | Rivalry with Nyssavren Escalates: Trade tensions flare over crystal extraction rights; rumors suggest Nyssavren spies infiltrated Draelspire. |
| 735 AR | Crystallurgy Division Formed: Focusing on theoretical uses of magitek with living tissue. This initiative would later be linked to controversial relic experimentation. |
| 761 AR | Stormlock Array Constructed: Massive energy grid built to protect Avaruun from hostile sandstorms. Requires monthly calibration using relic-grade crystals. |
| 810 AR | Ashveil Conduit Incident: A failed trade experiment with Caelvaris results in a relay overload. The explosion uncovers a black market for relic-fragments tied to Nyssavren. |
| 814 AR | Post-Emberfall Reforms: Following the rebellion in Caelvaris, the Guild imposes stricter internal regulation. The Artificer's Inquest is formed to monitor misuse of relic energies. |
| Current (818 AR) | Chief Arala Vey consolidates power, advocating a return to theoretical advancement. She restricts further trade of stormglass magitek with Nyssavren and sponsors secretive expeditions into the Blackreach Sands. |
Major Political & Technological Decisions
- Relic Sovereignty Mandate (703 AR)
All relics discovered in Vhar-Khazel are to be documented and tested by the Aetherwrights. Unauthorized use is punishable by exile. - Magitek Exportation Treaty (710 AR)
Permits controlled sale of lesser magitek to Sylvaraeth and Caelvaris. Forbidden from including stormglass cores or elevated conduction matrices. - Directive 4-9 “Nullflame Protocol” (814 AR)
Any magitek systems discovered to resonate with Ifrexus’ energy are to be dismantled immediately. Arala Vey personally signs this directive. - Conductor Guild Act (772 AR)
Allows Espers trained in non-Aetherwright facilities to be contracted for energy matrix stabilization, introducing regulated cross-nation collaboration.
Relationship with the High Sirocco
The Aetherwrights Guild operates under a mutual dependency with the High Sirocco. While technically subject to the Sirocco’s rule, their technological dominance grants them de facto independence. The Sirocco enforces protection over the Guild’s intellectual property and laboratories, in exchange for exclusive access to their most advanced airships and defensive technologies.
Tensions occasionally arise when the Guild oversteps into political arenas. Arala Vey, while loyal in policy, has expressed private dissatisfaction with the Sirocco’s bureaucratic interference. Several Sirocco agents serve as liaisons and “custodians” within the Guild—some are honored advisors, others veiled watchdogs.
Notable Relics and Inventions
Relics:
- The Sirocco Lens — A rotating crystal device that can redirect stormwinds to generate kinetic energy for turbines—rumored to be a gift from Zepharos himself.
- Core of Azure Motion — A stormglass orb that pulses with rhythmic gravitational shifts. Used to stabilize early prototypes of directional airships.
- Skybreaker Rod — A relic tool capable of drawing lightning into a stored arcanite matrix. Weaponized version later scrapped after a catastrophic test.
Innovations:
- Stormglass Conduction Grid — An elemental feedback system allowing high-capacity power to be rerouted during sandstorms or conflict.
- Aether Rig Harness — An exosuit worn by engineers that boosts reaction speed and allows safe traversal of live magical conduits.
- Levitite Keel Crystal — A synthetic core component used in all modern airships. Manufactured exclusively in Draelspire.
Leadership
Arala Vey – Chief Aetherwright and Lead Theorist Visionary, severe, and enigmatic. Arala rose through the guild ranks by solving the Vaen Oscillation Paradox, a decades-long mystery that plagued stormglass stability. She maintains a stoic and often ruthless demeanor, but is fiercely protective of the Guild’s independence and future.
