The Virtu (object)

The Virtu is a blue, glowing sphere that serves as the source of magic that guards the Mirador and is protected by the Curia.
== Description ==
The Virtu is a glowing, blue sphere that looks as though it has been made of glass, that maintains defensive spells in order to protect the Mirador and the wizards within. It was made originally of stone. It is the most complicated thaumaturgical construct the wizards of the Mirador have ever created. It cannot be touched by someone who is not a wizard of the Mirador, whose oaths are not recognised. 
Because wizards swear oaths on it every day, it maintains its power, and gives magic in turn to individual wizards. It is said to have the ability to guard objects, the fabric of the Mirador, and people. Its foundations include the Sim and the necromantic energy. 
Felix identifies its magic through song. Even when broken, he is able to hear the last strand of its broken magic. 
The defensive spells helped to keep the Mirador safe until its destruction by Malkar through Felix in book one. It is repaired in book two, by Felix and Mildmay, with the assistance of Mavortian von Heber. This healing causes Felix to collapse for over 48 hours. Felix primarily uses hydromancy, and anchors its foundations using the Sibylline cards the Rock (the Plinth), the Dog and the River (the Sim). 
== History ==
Created by the Cabal in 2101 - 178 years prior to the events of book 2, The Virtu - as an attempt to convince the wizards of Melusine to work together. As a result of the cost of magic used to create it, the Cabal all died young.
It is considered the oldest continuous thaumaturgic (magical) working on the continent. 
== Appearances ==
In Melusine, Malkar uses Felix's magic to break the Virtu, driving him insane. As a result of this, the Lord Protector struggles to look after the city, and the Mirador catches fire for the first time since its creation. Felix - driven mad due to Malkar's compulsion and magical workings upon him - is committed to St. Crellifer's asylum, where Lord Robert of Hermione conducts unethical, forced experiments on him to try and repair the Virtu. 
In The Virtu, Felix finds out the Virtu was powered by necromantic energy. He clears this (removing all the ghouls in the Mirador at the same time), and uses the Sim as one of the new anchor/foundational points.
Category:Objects
Category:Locations