Vervalium

[stilcho]

Lowell had recommended coming up with some sort of resource which could be found within the Larian territory. I've finally gotten around to getting my idea posted.
I wanted to pop this up here before posting it in the Larian section to see if anyone has any comments/suggestions regarding it. Let me know what you think.

Vervalium

A psych-reactive ore found on Laria and the surrounding systems. It has been known of and used on the planet throughout their history. A skilled smith is able to use the ore to create several alloys with which weapons or items may be created allowing a strong psychic to imprint certain effects within them. This may then be used by those with weaker powers, or in rare cases, by one with no ability at all. One recent use of it has been the creation of paired orbs, which can allow a psychic link between two individuals allowing a near perfect secure source of communication over long distances. It is thought there is a limit, but so far Larians have not spread out far enough in the galaxy to reach the limit.

[Jason]

I like that. Make it a very rare commodity and even greater empires would pay healthily for those orbs. Would also make your empire a target for more stories and destinations.

[lowell]

I agree. It could also be used as a security/recording device if it were sensitive to psychic imprints. Emotional vibrations could be imbedded into the alloy which could later be read by a psychic. It would hold a record of events that transpired around the substance, but because it could be fashioned as almost any kind of a device or object it could be placed in plane sight without anyone knowing what it is.

I wonder if it could also be used as a key/lock? Say the Vervalium has been imprinted with a specific emotion or thought. The device could be a touch plate to a sophisticated lock/door/vault. A person would be prompted to touch the plate and say a word - say the name of an individual. The emotion they feel when they say the word must match the emotion imprinted on the plate in order for the lock to open.

For example the emotion could be loyalty. If the user does not express this the lock will remain locked. This could prevent enemies from opening the lock. Others who are forced to do so would fail as well, because they would feel fear as their primary emotion over the one required.

Sorry -- just thinking out loud. Obviously you can see it's a great idea.