Æther Core (AEther)

'A delicate gleaming polyhedron used to contain and utilize Æther. The core is encircled by a collection of mysterious shards each branded with a series of intricate runic symbols.'

Glorious Purpose: Suspended safely within the chassis of a machine construct the Æther Core powers the otherwise empty husk that encapsulates it.

Runic Steel:  Runic Steel Shards can be added and removed in the event that the attuned creature requires alteration.
An Æther Core acts as a spellcasting focus/component pouch and/or a spellbook; granting the attuned creature the ability to learn new spells as well as cast them without the need for Material Components. 

Progress, No Matter the Chaos: As a result of Æther's magical nature, excessive tampering or damage to an Æther Core can be incredibly hazardous to you and those around you. When the creature this item is attuned to, or the item itself, takes bludgeoning damage, a DM can have you roll on the Wild Magic Surge table.
When a creature makes a change to or attempts to tamper with the core and is not proficient with tinker's tool, a DM can have that creature roll a Dexterity saving throw. If the roll is a 1, roll on the Wild Magic Surge table.

                                                                                 
Notes from the designer:
                                                                                 
Glorious Purpose: For my character, the Æther Core was designed to essentially be their heart. If it is destroyed, my character is dead. Be aware however that this may not be the case for your character or creature! It may simply function as a way for a mechanical creature to cast spells.

For DM's: 
You may wish to incorporate the Æther Core into your combat encounters in the way you or one of your players might! Have some fun with it!
                                                                                 
Runic Steel Shards: 
These are primarily to add flavour to the item. The ultimate goal was to provide an explanation for how my own Warforged character was able to cast magic. If you are playing a Wizard and are using the core as a Spellbook, I recommend referring to the 'Your Spellbook' section of the Wizard's Class Features in the PHB and adapting the material costs and time requirements from the 'Copying a Spell into the Book' section to this item. Using it as a spellcasting focus or component pouch is much simpler, refer to the PHB for the relevant ruling. Either way, discuss with your DM what you both think would be the most appropriate way to incorporate it into the game and the story being told.

For DM's:
Some potential requirements to use the item in the previously mentioned ways may include

• Have your player visit a blacksmith in order to have the shards forged.
• Have your player spend an appropriate amount of time practising the spell they wish to learn in order to enchant the shards.
• If your player simply wants to use the core as a focus or component pouch, you might want to have them perform a ritual to infuse shards with materials that they have purchased or found.

                                                                                 
Progress, No Matter the Chaos:
This was designed as an easy way to allow my DM some potential for fun behind the scenes dice rolls. Generally, I would ignore this in gameplay and look at it as nothing but flavour. Talk to your DM about this before implementing it into your games.

For DM's:
Wild Magic is fun, play with it carefully. Make sure the damage taken is significant enough to initiate a roll.