Runic Vambrace

A Runic Vambrace is a piece of armor worn over an arm, capable of temporarily absorbing and returning certain types of martial spells. Alvis Norling and Casey O'Doherty began a joint study of runic armors towards the end of their 3rd year, in May of 2009. By January of 2010, the first vambrace prototype was created.

Much of the associated artificing is still in its experimental stages, although the latest model has been stable for a few years, attracting interest from various security-minded institutions. Phaëthon Artifice was founded to control the rights to this invention.

Origins

Alvis & Casey's unlikely partnership began with a study of defensive runes in the Hogwarts Armor Gallery (A Knight In Sour Armor). Combining their resources, Alvis devised an arrangement of several ancient language traditions to house the enchantments after encountering an unknown style of writing on the Egypt 2009 trip, as written over correspondence that summer (Runic Musings). In short, the user's name is translated into a runic language housed in an arrangement like an Egyptian cartouche. Casey constructed a simple shield using this method that later protected him during the Wizarding Blood Alliance attack on St. Mungo's in July (When Trouble Comes Knocking). An early flaw had the shields absorb spells to the point of critical failure.

At the start of their 4th year, resuming the defensive runes project was off to a shaky start with the duo's conflicting personalities and Legilimency/Occlumency talents (Lazy After-Runes) leaving much of development in the background over various 4th year drama. Over the winter holiday, Alvis had engineered that flaw into a new feature. Meeting in January, he debuted a new prototype that used a set of interchangeable runic amulets within an armored sleeve for the forearm, or vambrace (Demonstrations, Conversations, Information). This prototype used cubic zirconium amulets able to store up to three spells which could be recasted using Prior Incantato in place of the usual incantation. However, this model lost 30% of the spell’s power each absorption and casting.

Usage

The Vambrace consists of two components: An armored sleeve framed in various runes (heraldry optional), and a palm sized gem amulet inscribed with more intricate runes. The armor merely directs the spell on a hit, the amulets are what capture and return spells.

Armor models include the vambrace only buckled onto the forearm, or a completely armored sleeve from shoulder to wrist (wrist guards adjustable for left/right handiness). As of 2018, spell retention is estimated to top out at 70% energy of the original caster’s spell in ideal conditions. Up to three spells can be captured before being recycled. By using Prior Incantato, the spells can be cast again in First In, Last Out arrangement. Or, by using Total Incantato, all 3 are unleashed at once in a chaotic orb of magic. It is reckless to try to capture a 4 spell, as the oldest will be ‘vented’ away from the vambrace to affect the immediate vicinity.

The gem amulets require attunement with the user in the form of their translated name. Cubic zirconium is still the base model although these have the shortest duration for active use. Further duration can be achieved by pairing the user with their birthstone or a similar gem-based calendar to find the best performance for their personality. Using alchemically created gems is currently being researched. When storing a spell, the amulets will glow pertaining to the spell fire housed within. They are warm to the touch, increasing in temperature for each additional spell. It is possible to remove an amulet to store the spell within, although this is not recommended with two or more spells. The energy and lifespan of the amulet will fade from prolonged capture.

Much like the “spell log” of a wand, the history of spells captured within the amulet can be traced via the usual methods, even when outside the vambrace. Those versed in ancient runes can readily identify the name of the intended user after understanding the method of encryption.