Aetherium Conduits

Aetherium Conduits are not merely inanimate objects, but intricate, humming networks woven from pure Aetherium, designed to channel and manipulate Auric Resonance. They are the arteries and veins of civilizations that have mastered the subtle energies of the world, capable of powering entire cities, propelling airships across the skies, and even warping the very fabric of reality. The Aerilon Ascendancy were masters of the craft, using them to create the Skystrider Paths and their Cloud Cities of Aerilon. Unlike the Gnomish Tinkers, who approach them with a scientific curiosity, the Order of the Azure Hand views them as sacred instruments, key to achieving their Celestial Alignment Ritual. The Dwarven Abbey debates their use, with some, like Archivist Theron, seeing their potential benefits and other decrying them as dangerously unstable. Conduits are often found near locations where Auric Resonance is strong, such as the Aetherium Fount or sites scarred by The Great Sundering.

The construction of Conduits is a closely guarded secret, requiring a deep understanding of Resonance Weaving and the precise alignment of celestial bodies. The Forgotten Smith may have been the one who invented the technique, but all records of his involvement have been erased. Misuse of Conduits can have catastrophic consequences, as demonstrated by the fate of the Lost City of Umbral. The Chitinous Swarm seem to be repelled by them. Perhaps the Cobalt Corsairs would find them a valuable resource. Even the Silent Monks of Durin's Peak have shown interest in their construction. The Crimson Cartographers seek to map out areas where they may be located, and have created the Resonance Staircase in order to reach these devices. The secrets of the conduits may be hidden in the Vault of Whispers. Their structure is detailed in a lost Chapter of Artifice. Could they be connected to the Warped Gates?