Arcane Diffusion

Arcane Diffusion is a power source discovered in 1521. Arcane Diffusion uses a complex series of equations to essentially "burn off" Magicka Energy into a form of arcanely-charged nuclear energy. This energy source is incredibly efficient to the point of being theoretically an infinite energy supply, but is highly dangerous and volatile.

History
In the year 1515 PA, the Energy Crisis begins. The Pact Of Nations realizes the damage from Petroleum engines will cause the air to become so polluted that it kills 40% of the population within 20 years. A rapid and panicked search for alternatives begins, and after six years of research, the Astral School of Abinor invents the solution, a product known as Arcane Diffusion. The refuse from expended Magicka can be processed into a virtually unlimited energy source. The Pact Of Nations funds a massive project to rapidly roll out Arcane Diffusion to replace traditional energy. By 1527, 98% of the worlds energy is produced with Arcane Diffusion. Arcane Diffusion Cores are used to create the first Droids in 1540, who became accidentally sapient due to the magical energy. Conflicts arise over how Droids should be handled, as the large population created in factories begin demanding rights and equality.

In 1857, amidst growing tensions across the world, independent mages working for the Republic of Sopraton discover and invent the first Arcane Diffusion Bombs, an extremely dangerous destructive weapon that releases massive explosions of astral energy. ADBs are used extensively throughout the First Occult War and onwards.

Dangers
Arcane Diffusion builds up in the Mana of nearby objects, making them toxic and dangerous to living beings. It also builds up in the Astral Signature of metahumans and can cause similar poisonous effects. Areas near heavy Arcane Diffusion become a lot more volatile, heavily increasing the chance of Arcane Mishaps.