Between the Lines

Wednesdays 8PM - 10PM Central Time USAMateus - Shirogane - Ward 9 - Plot 46Teleport Anchors Available By Request

Are you in search of a rare tome or knowledge lost to the ages? Perhaps a relic of unknown properties has come into your possession, and you wish to have it appraised and potentially sold to the highest bidder? Or maybe you desire an item of antiquity? We also offer translation and restoration services.Between the Lines is a library of rare (and not so rare) books, esoterica, and antiquities. The library is open on Wednesday nights (Central Time USA) or by appointment for discerning individuals who can afford the wares.And remember, not all things may be bought with gil...

Feature Collection

Echoes of Aether: The Mysteries of Magick and the Occult
SOLD

This captivating collection delves into the arcane arts, exploring the intricate interplay between Aether and magick throughout Hydaelyn's history. Readers can uncover the origins of Black and White Magick, the rise and fall of Allagan aetherochemistry, and the enigmatic Voidgate phenomena. Titles also examine cultural approaches to magick, from Mhach's dark rituals to Sharlayan's scientific pursuits, as well as contemporary theories on the balance between life, death, and the soul. Ideal for aspiring thaumaturges, curious scholars, and those who dare to peer beyond the veil.

About

Between the Lines is a library role play venue open on Wednesday nights from 8-10 PM Central Time (USA) or by appointment! While there are multiple branches of the library, the main branch is on Mateus. Appointments might take place at other locations.Please understand that we run on a shoestring staff; it's literally myself and a couple of others when they are available. We cannot be everywhere all at once. Yes, I am usually dual boxing the proprietor and the doorman. If you wish to interact with the latter, please send that character a tell.Between the Lines may be a largely self-guided experience for visitors, but we will do our best to interact at least minimally with every patron who steps through our doors. If you have any questions about the layout of the venue (i.e., where the various genre sections are located), please reach out to the staff, and we're happy to give you directions so you can role play accordingly.Between the Lines is also a Free Company on the Mateus server of the Crystal Data Center (North America). Interested in joining a creepy occult "library" FC run by a suspicious figure with the tag <BOOKS>? Let me know, and I'm happy to give your character an IC interview.

Staff

The Majordomo

Sokhor, as most know him, serves as Qaelemont's Majordomo, managing the Elezen's estates and affairs with a quiet, authoritative presence whenever Qaelemont is otherwise occupied. This tall, enigmatic Xaela is the senior-most member of Qaelemont's staff, with all others deferring to his judgment in the absence of their master. His age is indeterminate, though he appears to be in his thirties, yet there is something unsettling about him—particularly his eerie, thousand-malm gaze that seems to pierce through the veil of the mortal realm and into something far beyond. His presence is most often felt during the night, when he oversees the household in the hours of darkness.

Naohiro

The second in command among Qaelemont's staff is Naohiro, a Raen whose near-silent efficiency rivals that of Sokhor. Though he occasionally engages in conversation, it is always with measured brevity, revealing only what is essential to address a question or convey important information. While Naohiro may not exude the same unsettling aura as Sokhor, there is an unmistakable peculiarity about him that can be disconcerting. His watch is typically during the daylight hours, ensuring the smooth operation of the household under the sun's gaze.

Deryk

A familiar face in the library, Deryk greets everyone with a warm smile and a cheerful wave. The ginger-haired Hyurzen, rarely seen far from Qaelemont's side, can occasionally be found tending to various parts of the estate when his master is away. In his early twenties, Deryk’s emerald eyes sparkle with youthful energy, and his smile could melt even the coldest heart. Always eager to assist, he takes pride in helping others find the perfect tome, though one should be careful what they wish for—Deryk is more than willing to escort anyone to Qaelemont for such requests.

Devin

Devin, a loyal servant and companion, is frequently seen bustling about the grounds, always eager to lend a hand. With a bright smile and an upbeat demeanor, he takes joy in assisting everyone, especially Qaelemont and Deryk. But don’t be deceived by his innocent appearance—Devin is well-versed in the arcane arts, and while he may blush easily, he’s a formidable protector of those he holds dear. A lover of romance novels, Devin enjoys spending time in the library, though his passion for helping often sees him taking on nearly every chore in the house.

The Librarians

Tea and Tentacles

Welcome to our book club—yes, it’s that kind of book club.Between the Lines presents a one-of-a-kind experience: Tea and Tentacles, hosted by Scarlett Clover. Time to be announced!We showcase writers from all corners of Eorzea and beyond. Sip on Scarlett’s handpicked teas while enjoying an evening of poetry, short stories, skits, and more on our open stage. After the performances, there will be a brief Q&A session, followed by an informal "signing" of their works. (Tipping is encouraged but not required.)We can't wait to see you there!

Floor Plan

Between the Lines utilizes the Sharlayan Decimal System for the organization of its collection. The Reference Page mammet is always glad to assist patrons in finding the perfect book if they're unable to navigate the card catalogue at the center of the library by themselves.

Application

Interested in joining the Between the Lines team? We invite you to join our Discord server, where you can get to know our community, explore the atmosphere, and discover the various roleplay opportunities available. Within the server, you'll find a staff application link, and note that an in-character interview is required for all potential employees.Please be aware that Void Hunter-type characters are generally not considered for employment. Lawfully aligned characters may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Between the Lines is managed by a villainous character and staffed by the same. It is an occult/dark/horror-themed RP community that maintains a facade of civility and normalcy. We expect all staff members to be at least 18 years old (preferably 21+) and to conduct themselves in a mature, respectful, and adult manner.

Rules

1. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in this venue. While business hours are Safe For Work, there may be Mature IC themes (occult, horror, etc.) discussed during library hours pertinent to in game subjects.2. Be polite and respectful. No attacking allowed. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Disagreements are allowed, but keep them civil or take them to private channels (party, tells, etc.). While intellectual debate is allowed and encouraged, hostilities are not permitted on the premisis.3. No politics, no religion, and no conspiracy theories about real life subjects. Want to theorycraft and discuss in game politics, religion and conspiracies? Have at it. But leave real life issues at the door.4. No hate speech. This is a sex, kink, and equality positive space. Between the Lines is not an ERP venue, but we acknowledge that people are allowed, within reason, to be free to express themselves. Please no nudity or any sexual behavior which might offend non-consenting parties.5. No trolls allowed.6. Nothing underaged allowed in an NSFW form. This is to include loli and shota images/writings. Anything under 18 years old is considered underaged. The caveats to this rule are historical and factual artistic and literary references to such art and literature may be discussed (but NOT in detail) and that ageplay can be discussed as long as it is abundantly clear that the participants are consenting adults. Characters which appear to be minors are also not allowed. Lalafells are welcome to participate in the venue, but may not interact in an NSFW manner.7. No harassment will be tolerated. Treat the staff and fellow patrons with respect.8. Do NOT request money, subscription time, in game gil, items, etc. from other people here. We are all adults and should be financially responsible for ourselves in and out of game. All transactions are strictly IC RP only. Nobody will ever ask you for money or items, either in game or real life. If this occurs, please report it to a member of the staff.9. Consent is still vital, even in role play. While noncon RP scenes may take place, please be certain OOC that such a scene is welcome among all participants. Understand that no means no and if someone does not want to participate in a role play with you, respect their no and move along.10. Please treat everyone with kindness and respect. This is a safe place for roleplay and for people to have fun. IC sassiness and villainy are fine, but expect IC consequences for your character's IC actions. "It's just RP" is not an excuse to trample on people's consent, and if it is brought up in OOC that it isn't really welcome, we ask you to please respect that. This venue is a place for FUN RP. If you wish to engage in conflict RP here, you MUST seek OOC consent of the staff and all participants before doing so and, again, expect IC reactions to disruptive behavior.For any questions or concerns, please reach out to any staff member.

Kugane Night Market

02 Jan 2025 - 7:00pm CDT - Coeurl - Kugane, Rakuza District

Rumors have reached you... it's a rare opportunity. Beyond the watchful eyes of the law, a renowned dealer of rare books and antiquities is preparing to offer an exclusive selection of items for discerning collectors...

Books

If you're looking for the more mundane literature to be found at Between the Lines, you might be sadly disappointed. Only select esoteric volumes have been brought for sale for this night. One might find what they seek, be it fame, fortune, power, or glory, but there is always a price to pay...

1. "Codex of the Umbral Bloom" - SOLDAppearance: Bound in black leather, the cover is adorned with shifting runes that glow faintly in violet when touched. The edges of the pages are stained with a dark, inky substance. The black leather cover is unnaturally cold, the runes shifting like liquid shadow under one's fingers. The faint violet glow flickers like a dying star, occasionally emitting small sparks of Aether. The spine is reinforced with iron studs, each etched with sigils of protection.Description: A powerful Mhachi artifact steeped in Voidmagicks, this tome teaches the art of summoning, binding, and banishing Voidsent. Its language is an ancient Mhachi dialect, with some passages written in the native tongue of Voidsent. The ink appears to crawl across the pages, rearranging itself for those the book deems worthy. Handling the grimoire for extended periods can cause dizziness and strange whispers at the edge of hearing.2. "Veil of Aether: A Study in Corruption" - SOLDAppearance: A worn, crimson-covered book with an embossed ouroboros symbol on the front. The spine is cracked, and faint scorch marks mar the edges. The crimson cover has a gritty texture, as if imbued with dried blood. The ouroboros symbol shimmers faintly under direct light, revealing intricate, hidden runes within its circular design. The pages bear faint stains, and the edges are jagged, suggesting hasty cutting.Description: This chilling work delves into the effects of corrupted Aether on both the body and mind, blending detailed observations with unsettling personal anecdotes. Its diagrams range from clinical to grotesque, showing how the author’s experiments led to horrific transformations. Some sections are written in an erratic hand, indicating the author’s own descent into madness.3. "Bloodlines of the Black Heavens" - SOLDAppearance: A tome bound in Allagan metal, inscribed with geometric patterns that faintly glow in the dark. Its pages are thin sheets of a shimmering, metallic parchment. Smooth and reflective, the Allagan metal cover feels unnaturally warm. The geometric patterns shift under one's gaze, creating the illusion of endless depth. The metallic parchment pages crinkle softly, producing a faint chime when turned.Description: This genealogical tome traces the bloodlines of Allagan aristocracy, revealing their use of heretical magicks to secure power. Diagrams detail genetic experiments, the use of Voidsent as familiars, and the crafting of biotechnological monstrosities. The book serves as both a historical record and a cautionary tale of unchecked ambition.4. "Whispers of the Void" - SOLDAppearance: A simple clothbound journal with fraying edges. Its cover bears no title, but the inside pages are scrawled with maddening symbols and erratic handwriting. The frayed journal feels fragile, as if it might disintegrate in one's hands. Its clothbound cover is damp and smells faintly of mildew. A faint, rhythmic tapping sound emanates from it when left undisturbed.Description: Chronicling the author’s slow descent into madness, this book provides disjointed instructions on communing with the Void. Some pages are filled with spidery, unreadable script, while others are marred by incoherent scribbles. Touching it evokes a feeling of being watched, and prolonged contact can induce paranoia.5. "The Bonewright’s Legacy" - SOLDAppearance: Bound in pale bone fragments held together by sinew-like threads, the cover features a single carved skull. Its pages are thin, brittle vellum. The bone cover is smooth and polished, the carved skull seeming to leer at the holder. The sinew threads occasionally emit faint creaking noises, as if alive. Each brittle vellum page is thin enough to see faint silhouettes of the text on the other side.Description: A grim masterpiece by a Gelmorran necromancer, this manual details necromantic rites with chilling precision. Rituals for crafting undead from sentient remains are interspersed with philosophical musings on death and decay. The book’s faint smell of rot intensifies the closer one reads.6. "Tides of Blood: A Study of Hemomancy" - SOLDAppearance: Wrapped in a deep red leather cover, its title appears to be written in what looks like dried blood. The pages have a velvety texture. The deep red leather seems to ripple like liquid under certain lighting, and the title glistens as though freshly written. The pages emit a faint coppery smell, like old blood, and are unnervingly soft to the touch.Description: This manual explores hemomancy in both its healing and destructive forms. Rituals for drawing power from blood are described alongside stern warnings about the magic’s addictive nature and spiritual toll. The book seems to resonate faintly with its reader’s heartbeat, growing stronger during bloodletting rituals.7. "The Moonlit Maw" - SOLDAppearance: A slim, silver-bound book with crescent moons embossed along the spine. The pages are pearlescent and emit a faint, cold glow in darkness. The silver-bound cover has a faint frost that chills the fingers, and the crescent moons seem to shift position when viewed under moonlight. The pearlescent pages shimmer with a soft, otherworldly glow that intensifies in the dark.Description: This collection of Fenrir myths weaves together chilling tales and dangerous rituals tied to lunar Aether. Prophecies foretell icy dooms and untold power for those who can harness Fenrir’s might. The book warns of dire consequences for those who invoke his power unprepared.8. "The Pale Queen’s Favor" - SOLDAppearance: A dusty, tattered tome with a cover that appears to be made of faded velvet. Silver script runs along the edges, too faint to read unless under moonlight. The velvet cover feels damp and frayed, as though aged by centuries of neglect. Silver script along the edges becomes legible only under moonlight, revealing the name and titles of the Pale Queen.Description: A forbidden tome chronicling dealings with an Elder Voidsent, this book blends unsettling folktales with actual contracts and rituals. It contains vivid accounts of those who sought the Pale Queen’s aid, only to pay unimaginable prices. Reading it leaves an impression of frostbite on the fingers.9. "Dances of the Damned"Appearance: A leather-bound book decorated with Dotharl motifs, including swirling patterns resembling wind and fire. Beads and feathers dangle from the spine. The leather-bound cover features intricate Xaelic patterns that seem to come alive under firelight. The dangling beads and feathers shift with unseen winds, occasionally emitting soft, melodic jingles.Description: This shaman’s guide teaches soul manipulation through dance-like rituals. It describes intricate movements that weave Aether into potent spells. The cryptic language suggests it is a sacred text of the Dotharl, not meant for outsiders. Warnings about the dangers of missteps are scattered throughout.10. "The Witch’s Last Supper" - SOLDAppearance: A thin, charcoal-black book with no visible title. The edges are scorched, and the pages are filled with meticulously handwritten recipes. The charcoal-black cover feels rough, as if charred. Its scorched edges occasionally flake, leaving a faint soot mark on the hands. The handwritten recipes are penned in a spidery script, accompanied by alchemical symbols.Description: Combining alchemy and culinary arts, this guide blurs the line between sustenance and sorcery. Recipes range from potions disguised as meals to dishes requiring rare and morally ambiguous ingredients. Some recipes are outright lethal, designed to eliminate foes through subtle means.

Items

1. Abyssal Bloom - SOLDAppearance: Encased in a flawless crystalline resin, the black lotus appears unnaturally perfect, its petals shimmering with an iridescent, oil-slick glow that seems to shift when viewed from different angles. The resin pulses faintly with energy, and the scent of the flower escapes through unseen cracks, carrying an intoxicating mix of sweetness and decay.Effect: Crushing the flower releases a burst of aether-infused powder that, when inhaled, temporarily grants the user mastery over Voidmagicks, allowing them to summon Voidsent or wield destructive Void energy. However, this power comes at a steep price: users experience vivid, nightmarish hallucinations of the Void and suffer extreme fatigue and nausea as the magicks fade. Repeated use risks permanent mental and physical degradation.2. Soulweaver's Needle - SOLDAppearance: Crafted from enchanted silver, the needle is impossibly thin and glows faintly in dim light. The thread trailing from its eye is ethereal and constantly shifting in color, resembling a strand of living Aether. The needle hums faintly when held, as if eager to be used.Effect: The Soulweaver’s Needle allows the user to weave fragments of a soul into inanimate objects, animating them into constructs that obey simple commands. These constructs last only as long as the Aether within them holds, typically no more than an hour. The needle’s magic requires a living donor, and each use drains vitality from the soul it touches. Prolonged use risks permanently damaging the donor’s essence.3. Mask of the Veiled MatronAppearance: The porcelain mask is unnervingly lifelike, painted with the serene, regal visage of an ethereal queen. Its edges are gilded with silver filigree, and its eye slits are veiled with a thin, translucent fabric that shifts like mist. The mask feels unnaturally cold, as if sapping warmth from the air around it.Effect: Wearing the mask allows the user to pierce the veil between the mortal world and the Void, seeing and communicating with Voidsent. These entities often reveal secrets or forbidden knowledge, but wearing the mask for extended periods risks creating a permanent connection, making it nearly impossible to remove without severe consequences. The mask’s cold touch leaves frostbite-like marks on the user’s skin.4. Thornpiercer LanceAppearance: The shaft of the lance is crafted from knotted blackthorn wood, its surface marred with deep grooves as if carved by a blade. The dark steel tip is etched with glowing crimson runes that appear to shift and rearrange themselves when blood is spilled nearby. A faint, metallic scent of blood lingers around the weapon.Effect: The Thornpiercer Lance draws life force from those it strikes, transferring vitality to its wielder. When plunged into the earth, the lance can anchor itself as a conduit to communicate with wandering souls. However, using this ability attracts malevolent spirits and weakens the wielder’s own life force with each use.5. Fellheart BandAppearance: The silver ring is tarnished and misshapen, its surface engraved with intricate, serpentine patterns that seem to shift when observed closely. The pulsating red gem at its center is warm to the touch, almost as if alive, and faint whispers emanate from it in quiet moments.Effect: The Fellheart Band greatly enhances the user’s charisma, making their words almost impossible to resist. However, each use leaves a blackened mark on the wearer’s soul, visible only to those with spiritual sight. Over time, the user grows more dependent on the ring’s influence, and prolonged use can erode their willpower, leaving them a thrall to its unknown creator.6. Whispering Lantern - SOLDAppearance: The lantern is made of aged black iron, its surface decorated with engravings of mournful faces and spiraling patterns. The glass panels are frosted with a perpetual green mist that swirls as if alive. When unlit, faint whispers can still be heard emanating from within.Effect: When ignited, the lantern’s eerie green flame reveals hidden spirits, Voidsent, and other entities invisible to the naked eye. These beings are irresistibly drawn to the light, and while the lantern provides protection from weaker spirits, more powerful ones may seek to destroy the wielder or steal the lantern for themselves.7. Gravekeeper's BellAppearance: This small brass bell is aged and cracked, with dark stains along its edges that resemble dried blood. Its handle is wrapped in worn leather, and the bell emits a mournful, resonant chime when moved, even without being rung.Effect: Ringing the bell calls forth the dead within its sound radius, animating them and binding them to the ringer’s will for an hour. The dead retain their memories and emotions, which can lead to unsettling or hostile interactions once the spell’s effect ends. The bell’s power grows weaker with each use until it must be "fed" with the blood of a living creature to restore its potency.8. Stormseeker Chalice - SOLDAppearance: The chalice is forged from black iron, its surface engraved with storms swirling in intricate detail. The rim is lined with jagged edges, as if mimicking thunderclouds. When held, faint echoes of thunder and the smell of ozone fill the air.Effect: Drinking from the chalice rejuvenates the drinker’s body and mind, restoring vitality and stamina. However, the chalice demands a sacrifice of blood before it can be used, and its effects grow weaker if not replenished frequently. Prolonged use creates a dependency, and failing to feed the chalice results in severe physical withdrawal symptoms.9. Shard of the Bleeding MoonAppearance: The shard is a jagged fragment of deep crimson crystal, its edges razor-sharp and glinting as if freshly wet with blood. It pulses faintly with an inner glow that ebbs and flows like the phases of the moon. When held, the shard feels unnaturally warm, and its glow intensifies when exposed to moonlight, casting eerie reflections resembling veins. The shard emits a low hum that grows louder the closer it is to a source of Aether.Effect: Pressing the shard against bare skin floods the user’s body with a surge of power drawn from lunar Aether, greatly enhancing their strength, speed, and magical abilities for a brief time. This empowerment, however, is deeply unstable—prolonged use leads to uncontrollable violent impulses, paranoia, and eventual madness. The shard’s glow becomes erratic as the user’s mental state deteriorates. Those who succumb to its effects may find themselves permanently bound to the shard, unable to part with it.10. Ebon QuillAppearance: This quill is unnaturally long and sleek, crafted from the feather of a Second Rung Voidsent. Its shaft is deep black, with a faint, oily sheen that ripples in dim light. The tip is perpetually wet with a dark, viscous ink that never drips, as if the quill itself is alive. When held, it feels unnervingly light, and a faint whispering can be heard emanating from it, as if the feather retains the murmurs of its original owner.Effect: Writing with the Ebon Quill brings words to life, making anything penned a temporary reality for a short time. This power is incredibly seductive but comes at a steep cost: every stroke siphons the user’s life force, causing visible physical deterioration. Overuse can lead to fainting, premature aging, or even death. The creations conjured by the quill are unstable, often taking on malevolent or unintended forms if the user’s intent is not perfectly clear. Destroying or altering a reality created by the quill requires immense magical effort.

Antiquities

These are the most extraordinary items offered at tonight's Night Market. Rare and powerful, they cannot be obtained easily. Mastering them will demand strength, determination, and dedication. Suggested quests for role-play flavor are included.

Alchemia's Essence

Description: Alchemia's Essence is an exquisite alembic, forged from an alloy of rare metals and adorned with intricate alchemical symbols and runes that gleam with an otherworldly luminescence. Its design is both elegant and functional, with multiple chambers and conduits designed to channel and refine magical essences.Features:1. Magical Distillation: Alchemia's Essence possesses the ability to distill magical energies from various sources, including rare herbs, elemental essences, and mystical artifacts. It can extract, purify, and concentrate these energies into potent elixirs, essences, and potions imbued with specific magical properties.2. Transmutation: The alembic is capable of transmuting mundane substances into magical counterparts. Through a precise combination of alchemical processes and arcane incantations, it can transform base materials such as lead into precious metals like gold, or imbue ordinary liquids with mystical properties in small quantities.3. Aura Analysis: Alchemia's Essence has the ability to analyze the magical aura of substances and individuals. By capturing samples within its chambers and subjecting them to alchemical scrutiny, it can discern the nature, potency, and alignment of magical energies present, providing valuable insights for alchemical experimentation and spellcraft.4. Alchemy Automation: Through the infusion of enchanted mechanisms and arcane sigils, Alchemia's Essence can operate autonomously, following pre-set alchemical protocols and recipes. This automation feature allows for the continuous production of magical elixirs and potions, freeing the alchemist to focus on more complex experiments and rituals.5. Temporal Manipulation: In its most advanced configuration, Alchemia's Essence can manipulate the flow of time within its chambers. By harnessing temporal energies and channeling them through its conduits, it can accelerate or decelerate the aging process of substances, allowing for rapid maturation of potions or the preservation of delicate ingredients.6. Ethereal Conduit: As a conduit for magical energies, Alchemia's Essence serves as a focal point for rituals and spellcasting. It can amplify the effects of incantations and enchantments performed in its vicinity, drawing upon the latent energies stored within its chambers to empower magical workings and rites.Origin: Legend has it that Alchemia's Essence was crafted by a master alchemist of Allagan times, who sought to unlock the secrets of the cosmos through the synthesis of magic and science. Through years of tireless experimentation and mystical insight, the alchemist succeeded in creating this wondrous artifact, which had been thought lost to the ages...Limitations: Despite its remarkable powers, Alchemia's Essence is not without limitations. Its abilities are contingent upon the skill and knowledge of the alchemist wielding it, and misuse or mishandling of its powers can have dire consequences. Moreover, the creation of certain elixirs and potions may require rare and exotic ingredients, making them challenging to procure.Quest: Those seeking Alchemia's Essence must embark on a quest of alchemical discovery, delving into ancient texts, consulting with wise sages, and overcoming trials of intellect and intuition. Only those deemed worthy by the alchemical spirits and attuned to the subtle rhythms of magical alchemy will be granted access to its full transformative powers.

Heart of the Slumbering Abyss - SOLD

Description: The Heart of the Slumbering Abyss is a sizeable black opal, the size of a clenched fist, nestled in an intricately designed, claw-like iron mount. Its dark surface shifts, illuminated by nebulous streaks of blue and violet that glimmer beneath the stone’s polished surface. Light plays off the deep, iridescent colors in a way that feels almost organic, as if it has a pulse—slow and rhythmic, like a heartbeat echoing from some distant place. Tiny etchings in ancient Mhachi script circle the mount, with some characters worn smooth by time, leaving faint indentations of warding spells and commands of restraint. Suspended on a woven cord of ancient leather, the mount is crowned with a tiny piece of voidsilver, a metal rumored to be mined from the darkest, most arcane depths. When held, the Heart radiates a mild warmth, its pulse faint but palpable, like a slumbering presence awaiting reawakening. It emits a low hum to those attuned to magick, a resonant reminder of untold power lying dormant, its potential as terrifying as it is tempting.Features:1. Void Summoning: The bearer can summon low-tier voidsent creatures (shadows, specters, minor fiends) to aid in battle. These voidsent act as temporary allies, defending the bearer and absorbing damage, though they dissipate once the Heart’s energy begins to wane.2. Dark Aether Manipulation: Allows the bearer to manipulate aether more easily in shadow or dark environments. This feature grants proficiency in spells that draw on the Void’s energies, including shadow-based attacks and ethereal bindings. It enhances the potency of dark magick for the wielder, but it does not grant knowledge or skill to those unfamiliar with dark arts.3. Aetheric Resilience: The Heart strengthens the bearer’s aetheric resistance, granting temporary immunity to Void corruption. This resilience allows the user to travel in areas with Void taint or resist the influence of voidsent energies, such as charms or possession attempts.4. Wraith’s Gaze: By focusing on the Heart, the bearer can briefly peer into the Void, revealing hidden magickal pathways or identifying voidsent disguises. This ability can be used once a day for up to one minute and requires deep concentration, as it carries some risk of attracting attention from Void entities.5. Dream-Linking: At night, the bearer may enter a trance that enables contact with sleeping individuals, sharing visions or brief communication through dreams. This ability is enhanced when contacting others who have been touched by the Void, though repeated use may cause nightmarish aftereffects.Origin: The Heart of the Slumbering Abyss was crafted by Mhachi voidmages during the Third Astral Era, when the Mhachi sought mastery over the Void to bolster their empire. During an attempt to tap into the boundless energies of the Abyss, Mhachi scholars discovered a way to capture a fragment of the Void’s essence within an opal. Through extensive binding rituals and the sacrifice of captured voidsent, the artifact was forged as a vessel to contain—and control—the energies within. The Heart was believed lost after Mhach’s fall, but rumors hint that it was safeguarded by a group of shadowy caretakers who hid it among relics they hoped would never be disturbed.Limitations:Corruption Over Time: Despite its protective wards, prolonged use erodes the bearer’s aetheric stability. Each use of its dark magick features slowly attunes the bearer’s soul to the Void, risking an eventual transformation into a voidsent creature or causing physical and mental manifestations of Void corruption (e.g., shadowy aura, worsening nightmares, uncontrollable surges of dark energy).Psychic Vulnerability: The Heart’s power leaves a psychic link to the Void, which can attract the attention of voidsent. Overuse may cause these creatures to seek out the bearer, sensing the artifact’s presence. As a result, the Heart-bearer may frequently experience disturbing visions, hear strange voices, or be more prone to Void-influenced charms and mind-control attempts.Power Restraint Requirements: To prevent corruption and balance the artifact’s power, the bearer must periodically perform rituals to cleanse or “quiet” the Heart. These rituals typically involve rare reagents found only in places heavily influenced by the Void or ancient Mhachi relics. Failing to perform these rituals increases the artifact’s strain on the bearer, causing temporary aetheric drain, leading to chronic exhaustion and weakness in magickal defenses.Wielding Knowledge Requirement: The Heart’s powers cannot be accessed without a base knowledge of dark magicks or aetheric manipulation. Attempting to use it without proper skill or focus can backfire, causing accidental discharge of dark energy or attracting voidsent hostility. Additionally, its dream-linking abilities may pull untrained users into the Void itself if not used cautiously.Blood Payment: Each use of the Heart’s more powerful features requires a small sacrifice of the bearer’s own life force or aether. This manifests as temporary physical frailty, a shortened lifespan, or gradual scarring, with the opal growing warmer and more intense in color as it consumes this life force.Quest: To unlock the Heart’s full potential, the bearer must travel to the Ruins of Mhach, where ancient sigils still linger in hidden pockets, safeguarding the ruins’ deep secrets. Only by reaching the inner sanctum of the voidmages and performing a binding ritual under the Watcher’s Tower—a location said to still resonate with the powers of voidbound spirits—can the Heart be awakened and its power controlled.