Arcana Obscura's Artifact Archive

Arcana Obscura is home to a number of obscure arcane artifacts, all of which are held in our wonderful and detailed archive! Like the library, the Archive is open to the public every Monday at 7:00-10:00 PM EST.
Whether you're here to simply examine what we have on display or if you're here to make a donation yourself, regardless, we happily welcome you!
(Note: Due to safety regulations in Ishgard, only the Low/Medium Risk items are currently on display to the public.)

Low-Risk Items

Below are the listed Low-Risk items currently available to view!
A Low-Risk item is an item that will not try and break its own containment, an item that is not dangerous when not used, or an item that will not induce any harmful long-term effects.

A1 - Red Honey (1 jar)

Red Honey, also known as Prisoner's Honey to some, comes from Lamplighter Bees, found in Amdaporian areas where clashes with Mhach occurred. The lamplighter bees, when exposed to a red subspecies of Exile's Rose, are said to go "mad" and begin harvesting not from flowers but from people, collecting from tears, ears, and orifices, and any means necessary really the thing they need to make their honey -- memories. They take straight from the victim (who must be alive) and make Red Honey.Its distinctive carmine hue pairs with a sickly sweet taste and it imparts on its consumer the memories with which it was made, allowing them to live them. It is an increasingly rare thing, commonly found in black markets due to its forbidden nature. There's contesting between scholars if the bees are voidsent, ashkin, or simply natural, and which flowers trigger the bees' response. Victims notably do not die in the process and instead are, over a long period of harvesting, made into husks. The book notes that it is called "Prisoner's Honey" for the penchant of some black markeeters to cage various people of interesting backgrounds in large gardens to facilitate the lamplighter's process.Containment Procedure:
It is to be contained at all times within a secure container, either a jar or vial, with a lock on the container to prevent accidental ingestion. It must also be clearly and plainly labeled to avoid accidental ingestion. Otherwise, it poses no risk to anyone.

A2 - The Endless Gravy Boat

A silver gravy boat, filled to the brim with delicious-looking gravy. If poured, it never runs out of gravy.There is no maker's mark, no fanciful artwork and no flourish except on the side, where there is a design of a cornucopia, full to the lip with food, engraved into it. There are no stylizations or the like to tell when or how it was made.Containment Procedure:
Kept in standard storage container A-2 with an airtight lid clamped onto the boat.

Donated by: The Silver Hand

A3 - The Bottle of Endless Potion (On Loan)

Thanks to experimentation with A2 - The Endless Gravy Boat, I was able to create a potion that never runs out of...well, potion. This is an extremely useful medical tool, as it can accelerate the regeneration process in the event that I cannot do so myself. More than that, its endlessness means we never have to worry about running out.Containment Procedure:
I almost always keep the Endless Potion on my person, but in the event that it is not there, it is usually hidden among the other potion bottles in my office. There is inscribing around the lip of the bottle, as well as around the base.Note: The Bottle of Endless Potion is currently on loan to one Lady Avianne for research and study.

A4 - Mistblade

As an experiment to see how far I could push the magic on A2, I decided to imbue a sword, a really frail and crappy one, with a similar endless enchantment. The result was a frail sword...with a blade that reformed almost immediately after being destroyed. By reusing its own aether and pulling in a very slight amount from the air around itself, this sword has become all but unbreakable.Containment Procedure:
To be kept in a standard Weapons Storage Locker.

A5 - The Endless Quiver

A brown leather quiver with silver trim, enchanted by Emma Anaximander, in a manner similar to A2 and A3. Functions largely off of the user's aetherpool, using their aether to form new arrows. The arrows function, but then disappear quickly after hitting their target.Containment Procedure:
Contained in a storage container when not in use.

A6 - The Strength Gauntlets

A pair of brass gauntlets with glowing veins of either aether or some kind of ceruleum that doesn't run out. It reminds me of electrope, after a fashion. Something to investigate?Pretty much does what it says on the tin. If you wear them, they secure themselves and then make it so you can lift roughly five to ten times your own weight. They also punch hard enough to shatter stone, which makes them extremely useful.Containment Procedure:
Kept locked in a marble box in storage container A-6.

A7 - The Double Slate

A stone tablet originally engraved by Amdapori White Mages during their heyday. It is roughly eight ilms long, a full fulm high, and is roughly four ilms in thickness. It is deeply engraved with grooves made by basic stonework chisels as well as by means of magic. Embedded in the center of the tablet is a depression that appears to be an eight-pointed star. It is made of basic limestone, the same as most of Amdapor's stone. There are traces of woven aether in it, even now.Supposedly, the magic within this tablet was copied originally from a now long-lost allagan ruin. We'll never know how true that is I suppose, given that the Elementals probably sank and destroyed it. But anyways.The magic within the tablet is a spell that doubles the potency of the caster's other spells with little to no extra aether cost. The only condition is that this spell, which I'm thinking to call "Double," only works so long as the user concentrates on it.From other reports, this spell has, albeit infrequently, made its way into the modern day. I'm not entirely sure how, but regardless, this option is now mine as well, and I would happily offer it to any of our staff.Containment Procedure:
The tablet is to be stored within a sealed airtight glass container, which is to then be stored within Storage Cabinet Compartment A7.Due to the stone's age, a special softening foam is to line the inside of the glass container, and due to the importance of the spell, the cabinet compartment it is contained in is to be locked.

A8 - Meteorite Core

A meteorite core made of a strange iridescent metal that is highly aetherically reactive, and highly mutable. Initially, it landed in Thavnair as a much larger boulder, but further analysis has revealed that while most of the exterior layers are mere iron, the core within is made of this very different material.In experimentation, it reminds me much of electrope, but there is a strange, near-living quality to the metal. It seems to react when struck, and when I feed it aether, it seems to brighten. It is difficult for me to say what we ought to do with it, but for now, it is contained.Containment Procedure:
The Core is to be contained in an aethertight containment vessel in storage compartment A-8.

A9 - Allagan Tomestone Collection

These tomestones were recovered from the recently uncovered Allagan Ruin in Western Thanalan. I have to go through them and discover the specifics of what they say, but for the moment they remain in my office, contained in a small storage device where they will not degrade anytime soon.Addendum:
Below, I will be keeping track of what I discover of the tomestones, usually in categorizing them.-Romance Novels: Okay so, a bunch of these things appear to be independently written romance novels. These are trashy, too. Raine will absolutely love them. Most of them involve members of the Allagan royal family (who are almost definitely fictitious) and members of their staff. From what I understand, this was a kind of forbidden love, and the author seemed fixated on them. There are also mentions of minotaurs? Every now and again.
-Arcanima Advanced Instructions: This is actually practical and useful information, things I might be able to use to transfigure Luna into a more advanced form. I wonder how advanced I could make this. Experimentation will have to be done in order to fully comprehend this and what it offers.Containment Procedure:
To be kept in locked tomestone storage container A-9.

A10 - Golden Mask Fragment

A piece of a strange golden mask, the consistency of which feels like flesh and skin, but the mask itself is made of gold. It's burned and melted, and the edges of the metal have scorch marks on it. Otherwise, it poses very little risk.It is dark and fire aspected, but beyond that, it is not hazardous or aetherically radioactive.Containment Procedure:
Kept in storage drawer A-10.

A11 - Blazing Whetstone

A whetstone inlaid with veins of what appear to be fire-aspected crystal. When used to sharpen a weapon, it will cause the weapon to take on a fiery aspect.As an aside, I am always curious for aspected items, but this one in particular caught my eye not only due to its ability to pass its aspect onto other items according to its function, but also the manner in which it is imbued with aspected aether. Namely, that parts of it were specifically imbued with fire aether until they transformed into crystal. At least, that is my best guess as to how it was done, though I'd also like to send a message to some of my alchemical contacts in thavnair to see if it's even possible to transform an item into crystal.I have to imagine it would take a tremendous amount of aspected aether, in a focused beam, likely while the item in question is braced with aetherically-absorbent material to ensure that the aspect doesn't radiate outwards. Similar to...what is it, 'blue-ing' metal during a smithing process, I think its called?Regardless, while replicating this effect would theoretically be possible, I do not think our little archive is currently equipped with the required equipment. Even so...being able to sharpen your weapon according to the aspect of the prey you hunt would be exceedingly useful. Something to look into eventually.Containment Procedure:
To be kept within an aethertight storage container in compartment A-11.

Donated by: The Whispered Word

A12 - The Infinite Pen

A small polished steel fountain pen with an acacia wooden handle, and no way to open it. It seems to have the same enchantment on it as A2 and A3 have. It's fascinating how versatile said enchantment is, honestly.Containment Procedure:
Kept closed in storage compartment A-12.

A13 - Unwritable Paper

A simple sheet of square paper, 1 fulm by 1 fulm, which is seemingly unwriteable. That is to say, if one attempts to write on it, the ink simply doesn't appear on the paper...
...or so it seems. In reality, this effect is an advanced form of glamour that persists even if one tries to dispel it. The thing is covered in scribbles, but you can't see them unless you use aethersight, and even then you really have to look for it. It's just fun, honestly. I will have to look into the glamour technique, though.Containment Procedure:
Kept in a specialized, temperature-controlled compartment, compartment A-13.

A14 - Trenchcoat of Marmotry

A long, grey trenchcoat. When worn, it causes the wearer to be physically transformed into three separate marmots. Yes. Three marmots. They behave like marmots, they scuttle around like marmots, they are annoying like marmots.
Esuna-ing all three of them at once will restore the body. Otherwise, it lasts for up to twelve bells. Twelve of the most annoying bells you've ever had to deal with.Containment Procedure:
Kept in sealed storage compartment A-14.

A15 - Amulet of Recording

A pendant with a crystal inserted into the top. The enchantment has made it so that pressing the crystal once makes the crystal begin to record your vocalizations, another one press makes it stop, and two presses at once stops whatever is being recorded, and begins playing whatever is stored on the crystal in question. The crystal's storage is full, so any new recordings will overwrite older ones.I am thoroughly amused by this item. It was used by a mage of some great renown to record his findings, but I suppose his child must have gotten ahold of it at some point, because partway through his interesting explanations there's suddenly the voice of a toddler cooing and giggling and making all sorts of Littol Child Sounds. It's very adorable, I have to get Ria to listen to it.Containment Procedure:
Kept in storage compartment A-15. Noted as needing further study and potential replication.

A16 - Fools' Touch

A set of jewelry made to look like claws you can put on your hand, and each part of which is attached to each other by little gold chains. The thing is made almost exclusively of gold, with the only exception being topazes inserted into it for decoration.If it touches anything that is not already gold, it causes the object to be dyed gold near-instantly. To be clear, it does not actually turn the item into gold, but rather, it simply dyes them gold.I now have a fully functional gold aethertight container, I guess. I recommend being very careful with this one; I accidentally dropped it and had to scrub the floor.Containment Procedure:
Kept in aethertight storage container A-16.

A17 - Dalmascan Magnolia

A seed of an extremely rare species of magnolia tree. It is originally of dalmascan habitation, though its particular reproductive cycle means that the species is nearly extinct. Its name in dalmascan means something to the effect of "Corpse-Eater Tree," which I feel is quite apt, given its behavior.The seed appears to be a rich brown hue and is notable for the large red splotches across its surface, a indication of its particular species. Speaking of the seed, this tree only produces one seed in its entire lifetime, near the end of its life. As a tradeoff, however, the tree is extremely difficult to kill. It survives and comes back from almost any disaster you can think of.However, we must address the behemoth in the room. In order to properly grow, the Corpse-Eater Magnolia must be fed not with water, but with the corporeal aether of animals and, in particular, the corpses of spoken folk make extremely beneficial meals for it.I feel it necessary to point out that this is not the first thing from Dalmascan soil that tends to feed on flesh, as my darling Velvet is so keen to remind me. It is an interesting similarity; I wonder if it is something in the Dalmascan desert in particular that does this, or if it is truly just a coincidence.The signature deep red blossoms this tree produces go for a significant sum of gil due to their rarity and the fact that, like all magnolias, they only bloom for two weeks. I feel like it is important to note this.In spite of any rumors, however, what it does not do is reach out with tentacles to suck the aether from your body and cause your bones to liquefy. That's ridiculous.At the end of the day, it is just a plant.Containment Procedure:
To be kept in a sealed aethertight container in storage compartment A-17.

A18 - Floating Carpet

A 9x12 fulm carpet with intricate flowing wind and cloud designs etched into its surface. When unrolled, it floats approximately four ilms above whatever surface it is currently "on."Experimentation has shown that if you slide an object under the rug, it will distort in the same manner that a normal rug might if you put something underneath it. It is very annoying to stand on however, as it bends and distends slightly if someone does try and stand on it. Also, it doesn't ever stay in one place on account of there being no friction to hold it in place.Containment Procedure:
Kept in containment compartment A-18. Rolled up.

A19 - Aethersight Spectacles

In the process of identifying the effects of item B10, I was able to rebalance the aetheric aspect of the eyes, as well as calm the aetheric activity within. The culmination of this was that I was able to identify how the aethersight ability of the eyes functioned.That done, I then synthesized a pair of lenses that had the same aetheric configuration as the 'aethersight' effect. Once I was able to have them inserted into a pair of spectacles, I gave them a test, and they appear to function normally. They will be monitored, but now we have a brand new resource. This first one will be going into low-risk storage, but when I get some free time I'll have two or three of them made.Containment Procedure:
Stored in standard storage compartment A-19.

A20 - Heads Up Coin

A standard-sized early sixth astral era coin, made of gold.
When flipped, the enchantment on it manipulates wind-aspected aether immediately around it to land such that it is always heads-up. No matter how complicated your flipping your technique, it always ends up on heads-up.Containment Procedure:
Placed in glass display A-20.

Donated by: Tuga Atara

A21 - Duelist's Attire

An old set of Red Mage Duelist's Attire, woven with magics into its surface. This particular attire has been made to weather all kinds of wear and tear, and it has been torn, repaired, torn, and repaired over and over. Someone, long ago, really loved this set of duelist's attire, and it shows. It's been extremely well cared for, and even after being restored, I am awed at the incredible condition of this attire. It is a true work of art. I am very proud we are displaying this piece.
Rest well, fellow practitioner of Red Magic. You earned it.
Containment Procedure:
Kept in aethertight containment display A-21.

Donated by: Ms Rabbit

A22 - The Earring of Storm Warding

Supposedly blessed by Lord Seiryu himself, this silver earring is in the image of a curling serpent with pale sapphire-blue eyes. When worn, all rain and harsh winds within the immediate vicinity of the wearer will cease to affect them. It's just a really useful enchantment for a storm. I actually like it quite a bit as a result.It's always the common ones that are the most fun, I think.Containment Procedure:
Kept in standard container A-22.

Donated by: Ms Rabbit

A23 - The Chalice of Organic Replication

A golden chalice, lined with crystals and hints of engravings both around the rim and all about the body of the chalice. Initial studies suggested something close to Nymian scripture, but closer examinations suggest that this is a far more modern magical creation, due to not only the nature of its effect but also because of the styles of the engravings. Many of them ape the Nymian style, but there are certain...things that old Nymian relics have that this one lacks. Namely, Nymians were all about their flourishes and interspersing their enchantments with fervent prayers. This chalice's engravings have no such flourishes or prayers.Experimentation and analysis have revealed that, if an organic substance is placed within the chalice, the chalice will automatically replicate it until it is nearly overflowing. The copies it creates, as far as can be ascertained, are perfect copies, accounting for the falloff effect by drawing from the six large crystals placed within it, as well as the six elemental crystals situated beneath each of the more traditional, unaspected crystals. Each of these crystals requires regular aetheric re-infusion, lest they grow dim or be drained entirely of aether.We've had replication items before (notably, see A2 and A3), and it definitely requires quite a bit of work to create something that can perfectly replicate whatever is put into it, but the most interesting part of this particular item for me is that it exclusively replicates organic material. If one were to place, say, a gil piece inside the chalice, it would not replicate as expected. Initially, it would attempt to replicate it, but as soon as the chalice is full to bursting, every single gil piece, including the one you placed inside it, would turn into a pile of ashes and dust. The same is true for any and all inorganic material placed within the chalice.I almost want to suggest this is indicative of an artistic message, that it's a comment on the fact that only food and drink hold any real value and that all else is merely an invention of spokenkind's greed, but...who knows. I'm just speculating at this point.Containment Procedure:
Kept in standard nonaethertight storage container A-23.

Donated by: Beguiled Springs

A24 - Bear Mask

An old, wooden mask of gridanian make, with the face in the image of a bear's. Aetherically reactive ink is scribbled in intricate prayers and wards about the mask. Upon deeper examination, it becomes clear that the patterns of wards and prayers form into the patterns used in transfiguration circles. This one, however, is focused on a singular location: the head of the wearer.When one puts the mask on, their head is immediately and instantly transformed into that of a bear. Their mind does not change, but there is...a distinctly different set of instincts and senses that come with having a bear's head. It is a very complicated sensation to describe, that's for sure.There is no telling why someone would make something like this, but if I had to guess, I would think this was used to try and ward off a Phecda, as the wards and prayers on it ask for protection and forgiveness from Nophica and the Elementals for the creation of this mask. Not only that, but the mask was found on a body that appeared to have been mauled to death by a giant bear, so.The dating on the mask and the symbology used tells us that it is a relatively new creation, specifically from just after the seventh umbral calamity. Which places it at about...what, eight years old? I think?
Regardless, it is a fascinating cultural item, and will make a fine addition to the archive.Containment Procedure:
Kept in standard storage container A-24.

A25 - The Gambler's Coin

A golden coin appearing at the moment like a gil piece, commonly used by gamblers and the like during games of chance. During a coin toss, they flip the coin, and call a side, head or tails. The opposite side of the one they call, from that moment until the holder stops concentrating, now shows their opponent's perspective.The uses of this coin are very broad, but suffice it to say that anyone with a tendency for con artistry or intelligence gathering would have a number of uses for it. On its own, however, it is not dangerous nor a problem.Containment Procedure:
Kept in storage container A-25.

Donated by: Beguiled Springs

A26 - The Compass of Desire

A compass in an ornate gold (it's actually pyrite) casing, which is made with a design meant to evoke occult imagery and look mysterious. Strange symbols in place of normal directional indicators, odd runes around the edges of it, anything and everything someone could ask for to use this as a display piece is here.In actuality, it's something of a gag item, which is deeply funny. According to the lore that was sold to me, this thing is bound to a voidsent and when used, will lead the user to their desire. However, when it was given to me, it was done so for free, and the person giving out the item told me something interesting: "You have to concentrate hard on it for it to work."After taking it back to the library and researching it, however, I can safely say that it is not tied to voidsent. Instead, what we have here is an occult-themed aetherometer, which reads the aetherial signature of the item you're thinking on, and points in the direction of said item. However, the less familiar you are with the item, the more difficult that gets. A great example is, say you wanted to meet someone famous, but you know literally nothing about them personally. The compass will just point you to the nearest living person. However, if you are an artisan in need of specific rare materials, which you have used before and which you are therefore familiar with, this item would be able to point you towards the nearest instance of said material. Funny as a gag, excellent as an actual tool. A fine addition to our library, methinks.Containment Procedure: Kept in display storage container A-26.

Donated by: The Silver Hand

A27 - Weapon Charm (Pale Winds)

A brass feather, attached by a small chain to a clip that can be affixed to the hilt of a weapon or other item. On the edges of the feather as well as in the grooves, there are small aetheric inscriptions, which then also run up along the length of the chain to the clip.
When the charm is attached to something like a tool for mining, botany, or to a melee weapon, it manipulates the wind-aspected aether around that item to make it so that the item will hit more swiftly and with more force than it would otherwise.
If it is attached to a ranged weapon, the same holds true and the weapon has an increased range.On the surface, this by itself is a good item. Where it becomes something truly of note for me, however, is that if I can study how the 'attachment' effect works, I can create items that allow us to enchant items, then take off and switch around those enchantments as desired. It opens up a whole world of potential enchantments. However, I suspect this charm is pushing the limitations of what such a thing can do, and in order to capitalize on such a potential, I'll have to get creative on how I execute its design.
Something to be worked on, I suspect.Containment Procedure: Kept in storage container A-27.

Donated by: The Whispered Word

A28 - The Rod of Weightlessness

This bronze and red-hued metal rod, approximately two fulms in length, is made in an ancient Mhachian style, but the engravings upon its form are distinctly Skallan runes, indicating that though the rod was made in Mhach, it was enchanted in the Drowned City.When held, the rod allows the user to cast Gravity (up to level four) or Anti-Gravity (up to level four), provided the user is a competent spellcaster. If the user is an exceptional caster, however, this also allows them to mix the two spells to increase or decrease the level of weight of either themselves, or on a specific area within short range (up to approx. 15 fulms). If used correctly, this could allow someone to levitate themselves as desired, or even fly should they wish it. There are multiple uses for this item, and I will be studying it's enchantments for use in warding and in spellcraft as a whole.On a more personal note, the historical importance of this rod does not escape me. Antigravity magic was likely the floundering city of Skalla's final hope as the floods came for them. It occurs to me, however, that even though the mages of Skalla cracked antigravity magic, that knowledge alone did not save them.It is sobering to remember, occasionally, that our world constantly courts the edge of disaster, and that the efforts of a few individuals who do not have care could push it this way or that.Containment Procedure: Kept in Artifact Storage Container A-28.

A29 - The Shocking Rug

An old, Mhachi purple carpet with gold trim, no larger than a welcome mat and no thicker than an average floor rug. If touched, it applies a mild, harmless electrical shock to the body, which can then be transferred to another person who touches the first.
In short, this happens to be another example of a mhachi joke item. However, considering the trouble the library went through to acquire the damned thing, I can't say I'm laughing very much. People died for this item.Containment Procedure: Kept in standard containment vessel A-29.

B1 - The Golem Sword

Originally, this weapon began life as a Magekiller Golem employed by ancient Amdapor, as a kind of defense mechanism.In the ancient times of centuries past, the golem would use its weapons to feed on the aether of its enemies, and would use this aether to both regenerate itself, and to cast certain spells. The sword has shockingly static and ice-aspected aether, something that allows it to repel things like voidsent.Containment Procedure:
The Sword must be stored within a metal aethertight containment vessel of at least one ilm of thickness, and must be kept from all stone or wood at all times if it is ever removed from its container.

B2 - (Removed) The Book Mimic

Recently, we have come into possession of a Mimic, shaped like a book, which apparently is owned by one of our librarians, Ynakra.He tends to enjoy sleeping most of the day, though he's excited and eager to play and hunt whenever I come in. He's mostly been eating meats, as most mimics do, and seems to enjoy the sight of the books.It makes sense, after all. If voidsent are the souls of mortals, then Mimics are, by all accounts, the souls of dogs that have been transformed; they're very small but very animal-like, and like all voidsent, they enjoy mostly organic and living aether. This one has taken to eating meats every day. I don't want to put him in an aethertight container, but we may not have a choice...Update 12/20:
Yna has taken him back and is taking better care of him. I am marking this entry as removed.Containment Procedure:
None.

B3 - The Bangle of Elemental Control

The Bangle of Elemental Control is a silvery bangle composed of what I believe to be an aetherically-sensitive material, which has then been inscribed with numerous symbols and patterns. It is meant to harmonize with an elementally-aspected crystal, housed within a secured slot in the top of the bangle, and through this 'harmonization,' it allows the wearer to telekinetically move any manifestation of that aspected aether.This ability is limited in both scale and scope; it cannot control a tornado, or silence a wildfire with a single sweep of the hand. Nor can it control aether beyond the reach of approximately 180 yalms.Containment Procedure:
Must be kept within a specially-locked aethertight container in compartment B-3.

B4 - The Schematics for the Aetherborn Armor

I keep these schematics primarily on my person for safety reasons, but even with them always close, I feel it necessary to enter them into the archive under official record, considering the danger they could represent if the wrong people were able to produce the armor.The Aetherborn Armor, produced from (theoretically) high-quality leather and metals is to be imbued with several distinct capabilities:1. The ability to rapidly regenerate using implanted pools of Dark Matter on the layers of the armor between the outer protective layer and the inner layer that touches the wearer's body. Using modern techniques, when the armor is damaged, aether reacts with the dark matter and causes it to reform into the metal of the armor within moments. This only ends if the armor is so damaged that the pools of dark matter become overwhelmed.
2. The ability to heal the body operating it just enough so that the armor can hold its wearer's body together. Even should the individual's body break, the armor will help keep them operational.
3. The ability to be instantaneously teleported to and from the wearer's body, either altogether, or in separate pieces: helm, chest, arms, legs, boots. When it is teleported away from the wearer, the armor is sent to a predetermined 'return point' which is done via aetheric attunement, and seems to work across any distance. Due to the lack of actual mass being transported, the aetheric cost is extremely minimal.Containment Procedure:
When not on me, it is to be stored with container B-4.

B5 - 'Of Knights and Princesses'

A crate of carved carbuncle gemstones, each of which creates constructs right out of a fairy tale. Knights, princesses, a terrifying dragon, et cetera. There's something like 16 of the things in the crate. I've decided to store each stone in its own separate compartment, but keep them all in the same box. That way, at least we know where they all are.Containment Procedure:
To be kept in standard individualized storage container B-5.

B6 - Yuki-Onna Greatsword

A greatsword that seems to be made of bone and which is completely, and I do mean completely, ice-aspected. I stare at it and I cannot help but wonder if the various segmentations along the blade, subtle though they are, are indicative that multiple bones--including the spine of the creature it was taken from--were integrated into this design. It is, pun slightly intended, chilling.The creature it was taken from, a yuki-onna, is a yokai of hingan (and sometimes doman from what I understand) lore. Supposedly, a yuki-onna is the vengeful spirit of a woman who was attacked, and then left to die in a blizzard. The blizzard froze even her soul, until nothing was left but a howling, angry demon, seeking a cold vengeance on anyone she comes across. Sightings of the creatures are not too common, but are still frequent enough for there to be some record of them.I can at least attest to the chill; the blade of the greatsword in question is so cold that it flash-freezes anything that it touches, regardless of whether that something is touching the edge or the flat. Thanks to the explanations of some associates, I have learned that the greatsword was created from artificially augmenting the already-available material, which makes sense. Dark Matter is the go-to for that kind of thing, I would think.
I believe before her death, this poor creature was ice-aspected with a very overactive aether. As it stands, though, if left in an aethertight storage container, this weapon will harm no one, least of all its own wielder, but if it is wielded, over time I believe it may begin to influence its wielder.Containment Procedure:
To be contained within aethertight storage container B-6, and preferably locked into a sheath lined with calm-aether fire-aspected crystals.

B7 - The Mimic Coin (x1)

Simply put: a mimic, in the form of a single coin. In its current form, it takes the visage of a gil piece, but I imagine it can take the shape of whatever coin it wishes. Like all mimics, it can eat meat. Furthermore, if it is placed near another coin, gil or otherwise, it will excite the aether of the coin and transform it into another of itself. I imagine with a few hundred of these things, they would be very deadly. However, when isolated in sealed containers, they are not dangerous.If sequestered inside of aethertight containers, they show signs of dormancy, as if falling asleep. For now, this has seemed the best method of storing them, as otherwise they will need to be fed regularly like any other mimic, or they will begin to starve.Containment Procedure:
Stored within miniature aethertight storage container B-7.

B8 - The Ring of Elemental Control

A ring variant of B3 - The Bangle of Elemental Control. This variant is able to control the inserted crystal's aspect up to 20 yalms out from your personage. The amount it is able to control is smaller, as well, making it a less dangerous version overall.Containment Procedure:
If not being worn, the Ring is to be stored in miniature aethertight storage container B-8.

B9 - The Mimic Tattoo

You know, I love my job. Some days, you come in, get a cup of hot cocoa, come down stairs to check your deliveries, and then you discover someone has sent you a leathery piece of tattooed skin. In a box.And then you realize, too late, that the tattoo is in fact alive. And can move. And is most certainly a mimic. And so, your morning starts with being jumpscared by a hungry mimic.We have fun here.Subject is a tattoo depicting what might originally have been a stylized depiction of Seiryu, the auspice. The tattoo is, in fact, a mimic, and can move between the bodies of people, assumedly via skin to skin contact (established after experiment one, where I touched the leather skin with gloved hands, and the tattoo first tried to get onto me, then tried to bite me outright).Experience tells me that once it is "bonded" with a host it likes, the tattoo enters a symbiotic relationship with the host wherein the tattoo attempts to protect the host's body and in exchange, it feeds off of a portion of the aether the host takes into itself at meal times.If forced to attack, the mimic forms massive razor sharp teeth out of its own ink and attempts to bite the offending party. Like all mimics, it can be placated the old fashioned way. This one is a mean little bastard, though.Containment Procedure:
Kept in aethertight storage container B-9.

B10 - Yuki Onna Eyes

A set of eyes as dark as midnight, clouded over and nearly frozen. The eyes are also larger than average spoken eyes, being about 1.6 ilms in diameter.Upon analysis, the eyes are ice-aspected and their aether is overactive, suggesting to me that, like the greatsword, they are still alive in some subconscious capacity.However, whether or not it is alive matters quite little to me, as that is not why I purchased its eyes. Unlike the Sharlayan aether readers, these eyes can be used in a similar capacity to my own; the Yuki-Onna was blessed with aethersight, as I am. However, unlike myself, I believe this came about as a result of their overactive aether mutating them.Theoretically, if I were to try and replicate this effect, I could create a pair of spectacle lenses that could allow for aethersight. Now there's an eye-dea...Containment Procedure:
Kept within sealed aethertight container B-10.

B11 - Cardinal's Honey (x1 vial)

A worse form of A1 - Red Honey. Whereas Red Honey contains the memories of the Lamplighter Bees' victims, Cardinal's Honey is what happens once they move past that, and extract the soul.By putting out contacts, I have come into the possession of a single vial of the stuff--apparently, it is hyper-concentrated, and it has the single agony and pain of the soul involved focused into a single liquid. It is, in fact, a more raw version of the operation performed in Alexandria.If ingested, the imbiber slips into a coma and swiftly perishes, which is honestly for the best. That's not why I want it anyways. I want to see if a soul can be reverse-engineered from this stuff, divorced from its pain and suffering. I do not know if it is possible, but it is one of those pipeline dreams I adore so much.Containment Procedure:
It is to be contained at all times within secure container B-11, either a jar or vial, with a lock and clear, plain label on the container to prevent accidental ingestion.

B12 - Demon Down

A black feather, swirling with dark aether, like a corrupted version of a Phoenix Down. Analysis of the aetheric patterns and effects of the particular dark aether surrounding this item suggests that when placed upon a person's body, it keeps them from being affected by healing magicks, and furthermore, it may also be used to restore an Ashkin's body to full health.I don't know for certain what this would do to someone's body, and I'm not particularly eager to find out. Sounds...dark. And nasty. This feather could likely be a ritual component in some dark spell. I don't dare try and ask what variety, though.
Containment Procedure:
Kept in aethertight containment vessel B-12.

Donated by: Ms Rabbit

B13 - Armor of Cassius Sas Vespasian

A particularly well-kept and stylized set of Garlean armor, complete with gunblade. It is engraved with numerous intricate patterns and it is very finely put-together. Whoever once wore this armor must have been very mighty indeed. There's nary a scratch on it.This set is in medium-risk storage because the enchantments on it seem specifically made to counter red magic. Like, very specifically to counter the 'ver' set of spells. Furthermore, the gunblade is made to interfere with the proper flow of aether in the body. Getting hit by it doesn't allow for healing, not immediately.I cannot imagine having to fight this thing. It seems like a nightmare no matter who's in it. Even a newbie could probably have a decent shot against your average red mage.Containment Procedure:
Kept in aethertight display container B-13.

Donated by: Ms Rabbit

B14 - The Whistling Mushroom

A mushroom, red-capped, that is filled with a series of holes that run all the way through it. When air passes through the holes, any nearby who hear the whistling of this mushroom begin to sprout mushrooms of the exact same type as this one.Such growths can be treated by competent healers, but they must be treated quickly (within minutes, preferably) to avoid permanent and even lethal damage. It's never a good thing when the body is overwhelmed by mushroom growth. Obviously.Containment Procedure:
Keep in locked aetheright storage container B-14. Wear earplugs when handling at all times. Have a healer on hand when handling in the event of exposure.

Donated by: Lilivia Livia

B15 - Storm In A Bottle

A round-bottled potion containing what appears to be a small levinstorm within its solution. It is filled almost to the cap. When uncorked, you can feel the gale-force winds within. I wonder how Whispered Word managed to capture a storm... perhaps something to ask about, later. The bottle holds approximately three doses within.First and foremost, if drank, the potion grants the user enhanced speed and a much shorter reaction time. This lasts for roughly one bell before fading and leaving the user exhausted for a time of approximately ten minutes.However, if the bottle is shattered, it causes a levinstorm to rapidly generate over the place where it was shattered, striking any within that area should they enter or linger within with bolts of levin for approximately five minutes before the storm fades.Containment Procedure: Kept within padded storage container B-15.

Donated by: The Whispered Word

High-Risk Items

Below are all High-Risk items. Examine at your own peril.
A High-Risk item is an item that is either so powerful that they cannot be left to anything but the highest level of containment precautions, something that will damage you if you try and use it, or something that will actively attempt to break its own containment.

C1 - The Death Book

One of the many trap books we have here at the library, the Death Book is far and away the most extreme. From what I understand, it is the result of spellcraft created originally by voidsent, transcribed onto pages that are some sort of leather...I suspect it to be mortal skin, but I don't dare open the book to try and test it. This has only been from a cursory, external examination. Additionally, we keep the thing chained and locked up. For a reason.On each and every page of this book, there is ward after ward that causes the reader to have an instantaneous heart attack so intense they just...die.Containment Procedure:
Kept in storage container C-1.

C2 - (Removed) The Black Mage's Soul Stone

The soul stone of a black mage, allowing one to rely on Mhach's ancient, terrible techniques. It is full of several high-level spells as well.I have employed the use of my abilities to devise a small weakness within the stone. There is a tiny crystalline device, built into the back of the stone, undetectable unless you're looking for it, which allows someone who knows it's there to activate it. The device immediately grows and grows until it splits the stone and destroys it.If the stone is used for nefarious ends, I have zero qualms with shattering it.Containment Procedure:
The stone is to be kept within storage box C-2, a container that is rigged to cast Level 5 Death on the opener if the wards on the box are not properly disabled prior to opening. I am not taking any chances.

C3 - Of Beast and Wood

The book "Of Beast and Wood" is a collection of pages and observations written by a madwoman who was forcibly shunted into the aetherial sea for two days, which to her felt like an entire moon.These observations were codified as spells, extremely high level conjuration magicks the likes of which would kill a normal conjurer for even attempting to use. Things such as a complete healing of an entire army, or the immediate restoration of an entire forest from complete deadness to full bloom. It is conjuration on a scale hitherto undreamt of. If one were to try and execute these spells, they would need a truly massive amount of aether, possibly a direct conduit to the lifestream itself, and such things are both outside of my reach and should likely remain as such for everyone.Containment Procedure:
Of Beast and Wood is kept locked in container C-3.

C4 - Old Garlean Puppet Doll

A Galataea Magna type Voidsent Hunting Device. An old Garlean experiment on what might happen if they used voidsent to try and destroy voidsent. It has been passed from owner to owner, until finally finding its way here.The Doll has signed a contract decalring that it will not harm anyone or anything excepting direct self-defense. Since then, it has taken to assisting with chores around the library at nighttime. She also takes orders exclusively from 'her owner,' also known as Emma Anaximander. All she requires is three meals a day, or she risks being starved.Containment Procedure:
None. She is able to contain herself, if ordered to. She is only in high risk containment because of what she is. Cannot risk this information getting out and about.

C5 - Mercurial Plate

A circular plate, roughly one fulm in diameter and appearing externally to be about one ilm in depth, made of some kind of dark green ceramic. It is filled to the brim with a silver substance that is completely still, and does not obey the laws of physics. For example, when the plate is flipped upside down, the liquid it contains is perfectly still. The liquid only ripples if something touches its surface, in which case it behaves like normal mercury.I made brief mention of the depth earlier as "appearing externally" to be about one ilm. This is because, on a hunch, I tried to stick a measuring stick into the center of the mercury-side of the plate. The stick went in as far as I would let it without stoppage.I tried a specific experiment, in which I took a weight, attached it to a very, very long rope, and dropped it into the plate. I let it go for about fifteen to twenty minutes, and there seemed to be no end in sight. Wherever that plate leads to...I don't really want to know.Containment Procedure:
Kept within locked storage container C-5, with explicit instructions on what the item inside does placed on the top of the container.

C6 - Spatial Warp Spinning Top

Why do we always get the weird ones?Object is a spinning top, with the exterior ring composed of some kind of iron, and the rest of it being composed of some kind of copper or bronze. It appears to be engraved with runes all over; at first it seems like it might be marked or worn from age, but those marks are actually intentional carvings, and there are small, barely-noticeable crystals inserted all over it.At rest, it is a perfectly normal, albeit ornate, spinning top. However, should anyone start to spin the top, it will immediately hold in place and begin spinning on its own, so quickly that I fear to try and stop it with my bare hands. Looking directly at it hurts the eyes and induces a rather nasty headache, and it appears to warp and pull in the space directly around it, either speeding it up or slowing it down, oscillating between them.The top can be halted by either touching the very top or by throwing something at it, a cloth or rat will do. At which point the top just spins out.I wish I could just tell you how this thing works or why it was made. But this is one of the rare instances in which I cannot immediately discern why this thing is the way it is. Culturally, it is Nymian in origin, and the engravings make me think of arcanima, which tracks. A Nymian ruin is also where Livia found it.That being said, it will probably take me months of consistent, constant study to try and figure out why the hell this thing works or how it works. Dimensional compression? Slowing someone is one thing, but hastening them? That's a new one, even for me. And the headache and eye strain business?This thing is getting put in high risk storage until I figure out whether or not it could accidentally break space and time.Containment Procedure:
Held in standard container C-7.

C7 - Remnants of the Memory Reader

An ancient piece of allagan technology, now broken and destroyed by Vela. It looks to have once been a seat with a headpiece that goes around the face.
I can hazard a guess as to its purpose by its name, but the allagans were particularly cruel, so I can only imagine it was quite brutal and painful in function. For that reason, due to the risk of it being repaired potentially, I have decided to place it in the high-risk category.Containment Procedure:
Kept in storage container C-7.

C8 - Miniature Aitascope (x2)

Note: I will be referring to both items as one due to the relatively minimal difference in their functions.Subject appears to be something of a cross between an astrolabe and a telescope, with lenses made of crystal and an aetheryte in the very center. It appears to primarily be made of brass and/or gold. When active, the lens at the end of the telescope will project a doorway directly into the aetherial sea. It will remain open until the device is turned off.For reasons that should be obvious, this is going into the deep vaults in high risk storage. No one is to know about it outside of immediately trusted personnel.Containment Procedure:
Held within a specialized vault, and locked via the same means as the restricted section, in Vault Containment Space C-8.

C9 - Circlet of Aethersup

A circlet of silver, made in a modern style, with a circular red crystal housed in the center.
The crystal in the center of the circlet contains a void, a space which is deprived of all aether and which is constantly trying to pull more aether in as a result. Normally, this would cause the crystal to crack and shatter, or worse, explode, as the interior void and exterior matter equalize. However, somehow, this crystal has remained stable.The secret of why this is reveals itself when examining the silver of the circlet itself. It is engraved with intricate runes that all cause the gemstone to remain stable, and for the void to only 'activate' and begin sucking aether into itself upon a specific spell being cast by the wearer of the circlet. A perfect tool for a voidsent. A nightmare for the rest of us.Containment Procedure:
Placed in aethertight storage container C-9.

Donated by: Tuga Atara

C10 - Book of Perverse Terrors

An old, Mhachi tome, preserved by enchantment. Black leather cover with a strange rune on the front that I think is supposed to mean "The Mystery," but which, if you squint at it carefully enough, looks like two people fornicating. I bring that up only because, well...you'll see.
...
Okay look. For the sake of my job, I have to put this one in high risk because of the qualifications of our risk-based system. But sometimes, there are some items that I think should be on display for objectively funny reasons. I want to put that here as I note my strong objections to this gemstone being hidden away from the rest of society. Got it? Objection noted?Okay. Cool. Let's talk about the book of Mhachi sex jokes.First of all, the book curses the reader to suffer awful night terrors until such time as they finish reading the book. If you're fluent in Mhachi, this is just a funny prank book that ensures whoever you give this to has to suffer through these horrible innuendos one after the other with no option to stop.
If you're a modern day person, however, it can be kind of frustrating to be translating this ancient occult text...only to learn it's the equivalent of a mhachi prank book. Anyway, due to the dangers sleeplessness provides, I still have to put it under high risk, which feels like a crime.Containment Procedure:
Kept in standard container C-10; nothing special about it, it's not hurting anybody. But if someone steals it, it'll be the funniest theft we've ever had. I'm just saying.

Donated by: Ynakra Voilinaut

C11 - The Faithful River Rocks

A set of ancient doman river stones that have been worn into the shapes of animals; specifically, animals who prey on one another in a food cycle, with one piece missing: mankind. Staring for too long will give one the urge to pull them apart, among other hallucinations. Despite this, all aetheric readings come up completely blank.And, against my best judgement, I must ultimately conclude that these objects are, in fact, filled to the absolute brim with akashic energy. It boggles my mind that they have not yet caused a primal emergence, though I suspect they will not until the final, missing piece is placed into the circle. Notably, they appear to be warded with doman runes of protection, and bear some resemblance to the depictions of life and death in doman mythology. It's in the way they fit together, as well as the warding runes.I am putting this in high risk because obviously. I'm not letting a primal come anywhere near our labs.Containment Procedure:
Kept in a locked aethertight storage container, sealed with several doman wards of protection from evil and purity.

Donated by: Katsuki Saito