Originium Crystal

Lore & Background

Before the widespread discovery of this mineral, Terra relied on traditional fuels and magic arts that varied by region. The sudden proliferation of Originium revolutionized industry, allowing for rapid industrialization in nations like Rhodes Island's neighbors. However, the price was immediate. Those who worked with it began falling ill, their bodies glowing faintly before succumbing to Oripathy. This disease spreads through contact or airborne dust, creating a societal divide between the infected and the healthy. The origins of Originium remain shrouded in mystery, though some theories suggest an extraterrestrial connection or ancient catastrophe. It is found in veins deep underground, floating in the sky islands, and even embedded within the bodies of certain beasts. Over time, nations have built their economies around its extraction, leading to conflicts over rich deposits. The medical community struggles daily to find a cure, while researchers like those at Rhodes Island study its properties to mitigate harm without sacrificing progress.

In Their Own Story

Dust settled on the goggles of the surveyor as he brushed away debris from the newly exposed vein. It shimmered with a faint blue hue, beautiful and deadly all at once. He knew the safety protocols by heart: sealed suit, limited exposure time, immediate decontamination upon return. Yet, the hum of the crystal seemed to pull at his very bones. In the distance, the silhouette of a containment unit loomed, holding those who had breathed too much dust. Progress demanded sacrifice, but tonight, the cost felt heavier than usual.

Reader's Guide

Originium functions as a high-density energy source capable of powering machinery without combustion. When refined, it releases stable thermal and kinetic energy, driving engines and weapons alike. However, the mineral emits invisible radiation that interacts with human biology on a cellular level. This interaction triggers Oripathy, a condition where cells mutate uncontrollably, eventually crystallizing the victim's organs and turning them into Originium-infected entities. Society relies heavily on this paradoxical resource. Industries cannot function without it, yet the workforce fears infection. Medical institutions prioritize containment over cure in many regions, leading to segregation of infected individuals. Rhodes Island stands apart by seeking a treatment rather than isolation. Certain Arts users harness Originium energy directly, channeling its power through specialized devices or innate abilities, though this accelerates their own exposure risk significantly. Notable applications include the propulsion systems of airships like the Arknights mobile base, various military weaponry used by factions such as the Reunion and Rhodes Island, and medical reagents that attempt to suppress symptoms. The mineral's ubiquity means almost every aspect of life in Terra is tied to its presence, from heating homes to powering city grids.

Did You Know?

• Originium dust can trigger infection even without direct skin contact.
• Some Arts users channel Originium energy through their bodies as a conduit.
• The mineral glows faintly when exposed to certain types of magical resonance.
• It is the primary reason for the existence of the Doctor's organization, Rhodes Island.