The Aetherium Spark is an incomplete version of the powerful Aetherium Conduit. This prototype is smaller, with visible unfinished components and fewer embellishments. The mechanical craftsmanship is apparent, but several key parts are clearly missing or not yet fully integrated. The weapon still contains brass gears, a leather-wrapped grip, and glowing tubes that indicate its arcane potential. However, it lacks the full energy housing system seen in the completed Aetherium Conduit.
Abilities: Spell Channeling: The Aetherium Spark can still function as an Arcane Focus for an artificer. When attuned, it allows the artificer to cast any spell that requires an Arcane Focus through the weapon, firing spells in the form of energy beams.
Partial Energy Stockpile: The Aetherium Spark has a more limited version of the Energy Stockpile feature. Once per Short or Long Rest, the artificer can use a Bonus Action to store a 1st-level spell they know into the Aetherium Spark. This stored spell can then be fired as an Action. Only one spell can be stored at a time, and it must be used before a new one can be stockpiled.
Unstable Overcharge: The Aetherium Spark can still channel some chaotic energy, but in a very unstable form. Once per day, the artificer can use an Action to activate Unstable Overcharge.
Roll 1d6:
- 1-2: The weapon backfires, dealing 2d6 Force Damage to the wielder.
- 3-4: The weapon fires a Ray of Lightning in a straight line, dealing 3d6 Lightning Damage (DC 13 Dexterity Save for half) to all creatures in a 30-foot line.
- 5-6: The weapon releases a pulse of Frost, dealing 2d8 Cold Damage to one target within 30 feet and reducing its speed by 10 feet until the start of the artificer’s next turn.
Drawback: Due to the unfinished nature of the Aetherium Spark, it lacks stability. Each time the Unstable Overcharge is used, roll a d20. On a result of 1, the weapon becomes nonfunctional and needs 1 hour of repair time to be restored to working condition.
Lore: The Aetherium Spark is Bakkus's incomplete prototype of the powerful Aetherium Conduit. He made away with it when his master was murdered and has been on the run ever since, trying to keep this valuable artifact away from those responsible for his master's death. While it lacks the full power of the finished weapon, the Aetherium Spark is still a testament to Bakkus's skills as an artificer and serves as a glimmer of hope for completing his master’s greatest project.
Notes: Roll 1d6: 1-2: The weapon backfires, dealing 2d6 Force Damage to the wielder. 3-4: The weapon fires a Ray of Lightning in a straight line, dealing 3d6 Lightning Damage (DC 13 Dexterity Save for half) to all creatures in a 30-foot line. 5-6: The weapon releases a pulse of Frost, dealing 2d8 Cold Damage to one target within 30 feet and reducing its speed by 10 feet until the start of the artificer’s next turn. Drawback: Due to the unfinished nature of the Aetherium Spark, it lacks stability. Each time the Unstable Overcharge is used, roll a d20. On a result of 1, the weapon becomes nonfunctional and needs 1 hour of repair time to be restored to working condition.
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