Lantern
Project Arcanum’s Lantern is a handheld arcane detection and classification instrument developed under the oversight of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MSTI), in coordination with the Arcane Science and Development Authority. Designed to identify and assess the presence of magical potential in individuals, it plays a central role in the enforcement of the Sorcerer Classification and Integration Decree (SCID).
Compact, efficient, and field-ready, the Lantern enables trained operatives to conduct instant, non-invasive evaluations of magical capability, producing a visible classification based on established Imperial thresholds. With its standardized output and tamper-resistant design, it is regarded as a critical tool for maintaining legal compliance, identifying high-risk individuals, and guiding recruitment into state-approved arcane programs.
Though simple in appearance, the Lantern houses a sophisticated array of arcane detection technology—able to differentiate between latent, active, and unregulated magic with a high degree of accuracy. It is deployed across military, civil, and security branches of the Empire, and is a required tool for all licensed magical screenings.
Since its formal adoption into field use, the Lantern has become not only a technical asset, but a visible symbol of the Empire’s ongoing commitment to order, structure, and responsible arcane stewardship.
History
Originally developed under the early stages of Project Arcanum, the lantern was first envisioned as a supportive diagnostic tool to detect and assist emerging magic users before accidental awakenings or loss of control occurred. It was a quiet program, not widely deployed, and intended mainly in academic and medical contexts.
After an attempted assassination on Empress Salena Andrea Athomath by rogue sorcerers, the project was rapidly restructured under the newly expanded Sorcerer Classification and Integration Decree (SCID). Development shifted toward enforcement and containment, with prototypes adapted for field use by military and administrative agents.
The first public deployment marked a turning point in the Empire’s relationship with magic—transforming the lantern from a passive scanner into a regulatory and symbolic device of authority.
Significance
Project Arcanum’s Lantern is a cornerstone of the Empire’s commitment to public safety, responsible magical stewardship, and realmwide stability. Far more than a detection tool, it symbolizes the Empire’s dedication to understanding and guiding magical potential—ensuring that gifted individuals are recognized, supported, and placed where their talents can best serve society.
Through its calibrated classification system, the Lantern enables swift, objective identification of magical ability, helping prevent accidental awakenings, misuse, or unintentional harm. By providing clarity and structure, it empowers both the individual and the state to act with confidence and foresight.
Its widespread adoption has greatly reduced the risks associated with unmonitored magical activity, while also streamlining recruitment into essential roles such as research, security, and the esteemed Sapphire Glaive. The Lantern affirms that magic, when responsibly managed, is not a threat—but a vital asset to the strength and harmony of the Empire.
Item type
Mechanical
Creation Date
3 AFE
Owning Organization
Rarity
Highly Restricted — Produced in limited batches and only issued to designated personnel under strict licensing. Not available to the general public. Unregistered possession is a serious federal offense under Imperial law.
Weight
0.9 Kilograms
Dimensions
Length: 15.2 cm Width: 6.4 cm Thickness: 3.2 cm
