Proposed Method: Lodestone-based Mana Charging
Proposer/Inventory: Saa of Kun Qalasi
Description of method: By using a specialized Tass crystal embedded in a small lodestone, generate magical power through the rapid transmission of the lodestone through ambient mana ('mana friction') in order to gain and maintain power. The frame is constructed in stone, with two separate lodestone columns of different alignments on each side. A couple of inches away from both columns, a pair of crystals are embedded that changes the crystalline lodestone's affinity, causing it to stop abruptly and be drawn toward the other column.
Same change of affinity happens there.
Another crystal is embedded in the middle of the path whereupon the lodestone discharges its magical energy stores, allowing that energy to be moved to a separate, more permanent container.
Expected result: The small lodestone travels between each column at blazing speeds, absorbing ambient mana, without ever touching any of the sides, and then releasing that mana into a storage container for use.
Benefits of method: Zero-maintenance. When the process begins, it continues forever (theoretically) unless tampered with, generates no heat beyond the initial burst when the process is started and the generator is sealed airtight, and can accrue large amounts of energy extremely quickly due to the speed at which the collection lodestone travels. It is also a self-contained solution that requires no external investment beyond the crystal embeds.
Drawbacks: Collection lodestone will fly between both lodestone columns at ridiculous speeds, and therefore it has incredible destructive potential. As a result, once the generator is active, it cannot be disabled again. The setup is very susceptible to design flaws and needs to be perfect out of the gate. The frame has to be assembled on-site and the generator cannot be moved once it is assembled and activated.
Saa would note that if there is no container to collect the gathered mana, the design would simply eject it back into ambience, adding that it is probably unwise for non-mages to stand next to the external mana-conductor, but besides that, this method poses no risk if it is applied correctly.
Visuals of the frame demonstration (that Saa notes will be completely sealed in its final implementation):