(08-04-2014, 07:20 PM)gasmask Wrote: Basically-- how are aether crystals actually formed? Where do they come from? I'm wondering about matter states, too. I've been thinking of aether in terms of it being a kind of gas that can solidify into crystals under specific circumstances-- maybe the liquid form of it is Ceruleum.
So, Erik from the MNK quests explains this pretty well in the lore I sited below. But in english, Aether Crystals are formed by large concentrations of aether condensing together. This usually occurs in areas which have suffered heavy loss of life. Silvertear Lake being an excellent example.
(08-04-2014, 07:20 PM)gasmask Wrote: How are aether crystals drained to create ceruleum? What's the process? I've seen mention of it being done in reactors, so is it safe to say that's what's always required-- or is it actually done another way and what I read was wrong? What sort of equipment would be necessary to refine crystals into ceruleum?
We aren't really ever given a how, unfortunately. We just know that it happens. My best theory would be to suggest thinking of Ceruleum like real world crude oil. Crude oil is formed from the carbon remains of dead plants/animals. Over many millennia the remains are buried and compressed beneath mud and sediment and rock until the carbon remains turn into crude oil. (I know that's probably a super rudimentary explanation of the process, but..)
Likewise, aether is left behind by dead plants and animals in our world. It lingers until it becomes a solid, crystal state. Perhaps over many millennia these crystals are absorbed back into the earth and become ceruleum. This process may even be sped up by reoccurring Umbral Calamities. Anyways, this theory really only "explains" the naturally occurring Ceruleum deposits that are found beneath Northern Thanalan and Silvertear areas.
This naturally occurring Ceruleum (crude oil) is then refined into something useful. (ie. Crude oil into Gasoline) Again, we're not given how this process works in the game, but assuming the real world comparison is accurate, I imagine you'd need a Processing Plant to do it? IDK.
Anyways, additional info we do have!
-From 1.0 we know that there is a process to extract ceruleum from aether crystals. How it works is a mystery, only that it leaves behind a Deaspected(dead) Crystal.
-We know that the ceruleum refining process gives off a blue, gaseous byproduct. It does not appear to be harmful. (Hence Bluefog's name.) This is speculation, but I imagine a person not native to Eorzea or a person prone to aethersickness might feel some effects from this blue, gaseous byproduct.
-Refined Ceruleum is a HIGHLY volatile substance. Handle with caution. It is prone to blow up.
-Ul'dah's Amaljina & Sons Mineral Concern owns the production of all Ceruleum. Interesting tidbit, up until the Battle of Silvertear, the Syndicate's biggest Ceruleum trade partner was Garlemald. So you can thank Ul'dah for supplying the ammo for Garlemald's world domination.
(08-04-2014, 07:20 PM)gasmask Wrote: If anyone has any links or places to look for more lore on thaumaturgy-- or black mages-- as well as alchemy, I'd really appreciate it!
I think I've posted this info in a few places across the RPC. I'll see if I can try to find some links for you. But to give a synopsis:
Thaumaturgy is believed to be a derivative form of magick discovered during the 5th Umbral Era. The 5th Umbral Calamity was a great Ice Age that covered all lands and seas in ice and snow. This is believed to have occurred roughly 3000 years ago. This ice age lasted until Man discovered the ability to manipulate fire without flint or tinder.
Thaumaturgy draws on the caster's own aetherial energies. Meaning that it can be dangerous if improperly used. Also, in order to successfully cast magic, Thaumaturges require a medium. This usually comes in the form of an aetherially enhanced gemstone placed upon a wand or stave. This gemstone acts as a channel to focus the energies of the body into a spell.
Now Thaumaturges of today and the Magi of the 5th Astral Era were ultimately limited in power by their own aetherial stores. Until Shatotto. Her ambition knew no limitations, but her body could not support the magic she wished to achieve. So she devised a technique that stole the aether from land around her to supplement her own power. This technique was coined "Black Magic" likely because when the spell was cast, the land around the caster died.
This, of course, caused a lot of issues as more and more Magi began using Black Magic. It's pure devastating nature started to kill the planet. This led to the War of the Magi and eventually a 6th Umbral Calamity that washed away the taint of magic from Hydaelyn.
Here's some additional lore on the topic you may find interesting:
