Blue Magic Battery

ATTN: Chairman Donovan
Re: Yearly R&D Dept. Report

As you know, with the passing of the recent era, noted as ending on December 21, 2012, a wave of energy passed over the Earth which resulted in the rediscovery of magic as a working power. It has been my duty as Director of Research and Development to discover what, if any, use these new abilities will have for this Company. It is not an exaggeration to say that it will take decades to begin to understand magic, but I feel that in these past several months my department has made a good start.

We have been working on manufacturing magical artifacts, and have found some interesting snags. We have found that magical artifacts of any sort must be handmade by a person with intense focus and concentration, although skill with magic itself is not necessary. Our best crafters, thus far, have been a group of patients with certain psychological disorders, including OCD, certain phobias, and schizophrenia. This was an unexpected development of other researches. Our empaths noticed certain objects from Craft Time resonating with magical energy. (We have since had to separate the empaths from the patients except for specific examinations, because they were repeatedly overwhelmed by the emotions of the patients, on one occasion becoming violent toward eachother and guards.)

Thus far we have been unable to make artifacts by mechanical means, even when duplicating exactly what one of the patients have made. With a certain amount of concentrated effort, an object can be made to hold a small charge for a short while, but it is neither as efficient nor as effective as a handmade piece. Not every component must be natural or handcrafted, but the finished piece must be designed and assembled by a conscious human. Also, it appears that with the handmade pieces, each has a specific function set by the maker. This will likely limit commercial and military uses, except as specialty items for experts and collectors.

I know your preference for trying certain new things yourself, so I have sent you the most powerful object we have yet been able to produce. Please read these instructions carefully, sir, because this is a very dangerous artifact.

This is the Blue Magic Battery and Amplifier. Although there are two pieces, it works better as one. The bracelet both stores magical energy and amplifies it, making what you do more potent and effective. The ring amplifies and directs magical energy, much like a laser, but be very careful. The bracelet seems to have an 'pressure release valve' function, but the ring does not. It is possible to wear the cuff without the ring, but NEVER wear the ring without the cuff! We attempted it once in the lab, which resulted in the deaths of one mage and two lab personnel.

Also, limit your contact with this artifact if you can. We have found that the mental state of the patient lingers in the artifacts they create. This set was made by one of our most prolific, most effective, and also most dangerous patients. She has killed four people, twice by garrotte, once with a knife and once by drowning. She is usually very polite, but insists that the human race must be drowned in order to cleanse the Earth. Mages who have worn this continuously for more than 10 hours have reported becoming agitated and paranoid. We have limited its use to 12 hours maximum.

As far as use goes, the patient believes that color magic is stronger than elemental magic, and belief strongly affects how magic works. In this case, you can store blue magic energy by meditating on the color blue for a few moments at a time, and visualizing light or water flowing into the square. You will know that it is full when the meditation begins to feel 'sluggish' or 'heavy'. (It is difficult to apply common terms to such subjective sensations. I can only describe the way it felt to me.) Also, any magic you cast using this must be associated with the color blue somehow, which is not very limiting if you use your imagination.

Whatever magic you cast while it is charged will not cost you anything but concentration, even spells you normally find quite strenuous. It will also be far more effective, so gauge carefully when casting precise or destructive magic. This may make wearing the Battery/Amplifier enticing or addictiv, but please be careful. We have not been able to study the cumulative effects of exposure to it. Pay attention to how you feel, and do not hesitate to come see me if you have any questions at all.

On a personal note, I know you've often poked fun at me for understating things. I also know how enthusiastic you can be, sometimes to the point of recklessness. So please, remember that it's me saying these things and asking for caution. You know I wouldn't say it if I didn't feel it was necessary. I may have been your employee for a long while now, but I've been your friend longer than that.

-Michael Dawson, Director of Research and Development

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A whole different take on 2012! Slightly inspired by the Novels of the Cleveland Portal by S. Andrew Swann, [link] . (good books, you should read, yes.)

My most recent BIG project, a cuff bracelet!and ring set! This one is not for sale, it's my new showy piece, made with steel wire for fine details, aluminum frames, opalescent glass (mock moonstone) beads, and a large glass square.

Yes, I know, story-thing is LONG, but it was in my head, and it went so well with this piece! I had to do it. So there.

->Razzi