Orbs

Near the end of the reign of Emperor Udaan-Zu'Rei, research was begun to find a way to enchant weaponry. Mages at the University proposed that if they could concentrate Aether into something solid, it could be attached to an object and grant the object the characteristics of the Aether itself. After much testing, the concept of orbs was born. These tiny objects would be fitted into specially designed weapons and armors, their properties signified by the color of each orb. The two most powerful orbs were the purple (imbued with corruption energy) and black (filled with the energy of living souls).

Only Imperial smiths were taught the craft of forging the orbs (smiths such as Kresh). As the Triumvirate collapsed, more and more defected and began to set up privately owned shops.