Interlude A1.I

On Ancient Artifacts

“...As we approach the culmination of our discussion on modern aethertec, it is impossible to ignore the unprecedented advancements we are witnessing within the Ravaelian Empire. The refinement of Luminiferous Aethereum has reached heights previously unimaginable, fueling the Empire’s ability to produce increasingly potent aether-powered weaponry, from enhanced firearms to the complex mechanisms that animate the tik-tok men. These achievements, while remarkable, represent merely the crest of a wave of innovation sweeping through our contemporary society.

Yet, despite these impressive strides, we must acknowledge the limitations that persist in our understanding and application of aethertec. Our modern Artificers, though brilliant in their craft, have yet to fully replicate the enigmatic prowess of the Ivaldi, the ancient race whose sorcerer-artificers created Artifacts that continue to defy the passage of time. These Ivaldi-wrought items stand as enduring testaments to a mastery of aether that, even now, eludes us.

There are two principal distinctions between modern aethertec and the Artifacts of the Ivaldi, distinctions that highlight both the strengths and the shortcomings of our current technologies. The first of these is the indestructible nature of Ivaldi-wrought items. For all intents and purposes, these artifacts are impervious to harm. They can only be damaged—though rarely, and only under specific conditions—by other Artifacts of Ivaldi origin. Even then, such damage can only occur if the Ivaldi Artifact wielded is of sufficient power and is employed with precise intent. This property alone elevates these items beyond the reach of our most advanced aether-powered weaponry, which, despite its formidable capabilities, remains vulnerable to degradation and destruction.

The second, and perhaps most intriguing, characteristic of Ivaldi Artifacts is their possession of what we refer to as Intent. Unlike modern aethertec, which functions purely as an extension of the artificer’s will and the aetheric energies it channels, Ivaldi Artifacts exhibit a form of self-governance, an intrinsic purpose that resonates with qualities akin to a living Soul. This Intent is not a mere enchantment or programmed directive; it is a fundamental aspect of the Artifact’s very being, woven into its creation by the Ivaldi in a way that we have yet to fully comprehend.

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To illustrate, consider the famed blade Nightsinger, a weapon of Ivaldi origin that has been passed down through generations. Nightsinger does not simply respond to its wielder’s commands; it seems to anticipate them, aligning itself with the wielder’s very thoughts and emotions. Famously, it fights on its own accord, without the need to be wielded. And its wielders have spoken of the blade speaking to them through their connection. This behavior suggests an attunement not just to the physical realm but to the spiritual or aetheric essence of its user—a phenomenon that provides invaluable insight into the Old Magic of the Ivaldi.

What we must understand is that this Intent is not a superficial enchantment but a manifestation of the deeper laws that governed the Ivaldi’s mastery over aether. It is, in essence, a glimpse into a forgotten paradigm of magic where the boundaries between the material and the aetheric were not merely bridged but blurred to the point of indistinction.

In our pursuit of replicating these ancient artifacts, we are confronted with a dual challenge: the need to advance our aethertec to the point of true indestructibility, and the equally daunting task of imbuing our creations with an Intent that mirrors the soul-like qualities of Ivaldi artifacts. To achieve this would be to unlock the full potential of aether, to grasp the very essence of what the Ivaldi achieved millennia ago. Achieving this would permit those without Soulsinging capabilities to grasp a fraction of that power. The applications would bring forth the dawn of a new, powerful age for humanity. Until then, we must continue our studies, peering through the veil of history in the hopes that one day, we might rediscover the lost secrets of the Ivaldi and bring their ancient wisdom into the light of our modern age.”

An excerpt from a lecture delivered by Guild Master Izmir Kresla.

Delivered on the 12th Day of Rain Moon 1279 P.C. at Brightwash Military Academy, Wrifton.

The lecture was recorded using a portable scrying mirror and a remote scribe.