Aztec Death Crystal

Aztec Death Crystals are α3 artifacts with debatably non-anomalous properties. They are considered collectors items, prized for their rarity and allure.
== History ==
Aztec Death Crystals are a psuedo-supernatural phenomena that existed prior to 1992. They were discovered by 16th century spanish prospectors, who unearthed them in formerly Aztec territory and sold them to the highest bidders. The price of these crystals rose dramatically after it was discovered they were limited to a specific area within the valley of Mexico, and the conditions necessary for their creation were entirely unknown. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of aztec death crystals were unearthed and distributed across the globe. Ironically, even the modern technology of the post-pigeonhole years has been unable to recreate the conditions necessary to form natural aztec death crystals, and lab-made imitations fetch a far poorer price.
== Attributes ==
These crystals form as sharp, finely-cut and incredibly durable specimens, though their rarity and size make them unfeasable for use as weaponry or coatings compared to the far more common (and cooperative) diamond. Visually, the aztec death crystal is almost as clear as quartz, though unlike its cousin, irregularities tend to be cleanly separated between different facets of the crystal, resulting in geometric "shapes" of cloudy or opaque areas rather than general murkiness. 
By far, the aztec death crystal's biggest draw is its namesake ability. Due to some facet of its alien design, light reflected through the crystal has the potential to bypass a failsafe of the human brain and cause a neural short circuit, resulting in seizure, coma, and rapid brain death. This grisly trait has earned them a scary reputation, though in truth this effect can only manifest through a deliberate attempt to invoke it:
# The Crystal must be positioned at precisely the right angle and location to absorb the light rays, which must be bright, white light. Any other color will have no effect.
# The viewer must stare pointedly at precisely the right angle into the crystal, allowing the irregular light to bypass the optic nerve. This is not possible with a casual glance or even a pointed stare at arms length; the crystal must be held no farther than 5 inches from the eye, without any material between the eye and the crystal.
# The viewer must hold this position for more than 2 seconds. Blinking or looking away will mollify the reaction before it passes the critical threshold.
Because of this, the aztec death crystal is a very safe collector's item for those with impulse control, and also makes for an interesting - if socially daring - centerpiece to any eccentrists ensemble. 
== Trivia ==
* High Overseer Stake owns an aztec death crystal.
* Kallids are immune to the effects of the crystal, mostly because they have no eyes, but also because their brain structure differs too much from humans.
Category:Phenomena
Category:Neutral