electrostat

A DEVICE DESIGNED TO PROTECT AEROSHIPS AGAINST LIGHTNING

The skies have always been regarded as the domain of the Gods of Heaven, even after their banishment to the Firmament. The early aeroship pioneers found residue of the Gods in the form of random surges of lightning and electricity streaking through the clouds, which caused major damage to their vessels, especially in the turbulent Cloudsea on the edges of the world. To this end, the Arcanist Guilds worked to invent a mechanism to conduct and dissipate this dangerous ephemera. Using the extremely durable metal orichalcum and infusing it with mana, the arcanists developed a device they called an electrostat. In time, these electrostats would become decorative and elaborate pieces on luxury aeroships, as opposed to the more utilitarian rods found on less wealthy captains’ ships. Most times, these less attractive electrostats could be hidden until inclement weather or heavy cloudcover would force a captain to raise his in anticipation of some type of lightning strike. The more cautious among aero pilots would keep their electrostats raised all throughout the flight, favoring safety over aesthetics.

An elaborately decorated electrostat recovered from the cruiseship “Franczeska Justine”, lost somewhere in the Sardonyx Sea. The heavily scored electrostat washed up near the Elodus Light several weeks after the last received missive from the aeroship. Local talk among the pilots of the Far North is that her captain, Jacopino, foolishly flew too far into the perilous Crystalsea in a reckless attempt to entertain his guests. The refurbished electrostat is currently on display in the permanent collection of Archduke Pewter of the Eynhallow.

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