Overview
Tempestine crystals are able to control lightning and electrical currents. They appear in shades of deep purple and often seem to have small sparks flickering inside them when shaken or placed near another source of electrical power. The intensity of a Tempestine crystal's purple saturation is a reliable indicator of its power — the more saturated and vivid the colour, the stronger the specimen.
Rarity & Demand
To find a Tempestine crystal powerful enough to meaningfully harness lightning is a rare fortune indeed. However, the market in Ardelûn maintains a significant and growing demand for them. Inventors are constantly on the verge of discovering new applications for electrical power, and Tempestine sits at the centre of that frontier.
This combination of scarcity and high demand makes Tempestine one of the most commercially valuable of the resonance crystals, and the trade in high-grade specimens is fiercely competitive.
Applications
Tempestine's capacity to conduct and control electrical currents has made it foundational to some of Ardelûn's most sophisticated technologies.
- Automatons — Tempestine crystals are the primary power source for automatons: lifeless robotic constructs typically designed for a single purpose, ranging from simple labour machines to complex defensive devices.
- Charge Generators — Larger crystals can be used to charge generators and conduct electricity to power a range of developing technologies.
- The Ascension Clock Tower — A large Tempestine crystal is integrated into the construction of the Ascension clock tower in New Aerilon, powering its mechanisms and illuminating its face.
- Everyday Devices — Smaller varieties of Tempestine can be found throughout Ardelûn powering simple devices.
See also the Resonance Crystals overview for broader context on crystal usage across Ardelûn.