Wax's Goggles
Simple spectacles worn by Waxillium Ladrian, with no special Allomantic-detection properties.
In the industrial age of Scadrial, Wax's Goggles are a simple but iconic piece of eyewear worn by Waxillium Ladrian, the lawman navigating the complexities of Elendel's criminal underworld. Unlike ordinary spectacles, they serve a practical purpose in an era where Allomancy is still prevalent but increasingly integrated with technology. The goggles are merely spectacles with no special Allomantic-detection properties; Wax relies on his own Allomantic abilities and sharp observational skills to identify Allomancers during confrontations. This artifact is a part of his identity, but it does not define his combat style or aid him in detecting magical signatures.
- Material
- Standard glass lenses with no chemical treatment
Lore & Background
The creation of these goggles marks a simple accessory in how magic is handled on Scadrial. In Era Two, technology has advanced, but Wax's goggles are not a mechanical aid to detect or counter Allomancy. While many rely on instinct or training, Wax utilizes his own Allomantic abilities and keen eyes to level the playing field against enhanced criminals. The lenses are merely glass with no special components tuned to energetic signatures of metal burning. This invention reflects Wax's personal style rather than the broader theme of tradition and innovation. The goggles are custom-fitted to Wax's face and preferences, becoming as much a part of his identity as his revolvers or his coat.
In Their Own Story
Wax adjusted the brass rims against his temples. The alleyway was dark, choked with coal smoke from the nearby factories. Through the lenses, the shadows shifted unnaturally. A faint violet shimmer pulsed near a crate. Someone was burning pewter right now, reinforcing their bones for speed. He didn't need to see the man's face to know he was armored by metal. Wax raised his revolver, the click of the hammer echoing in the silence as the lenses flared brighter.
Reader's Guide
The goggles are a specialized piece of technology designed to bridge the gap between Scadrial's magic and its advancing industrial age. Crafted with unique lenses, they allow the wearer to visually perceive Allomantic pulses. When an individual burns metal nearby, the lenses flare or shift color, revealing hidden powers that would otherwise remain invisible to the naked eye. Waxillium Ladrian relies on them heavily during law enforcement duties in Elendel. By spotting these magical signatures, he can identify threats instantly without needing to test for Allomancy himself. This gives him a tactical advantage in close-quarters combat, allowing him to aim his own metal powers or firearms with greater precision against enhanced opponents. The device does not grant magic itself but acts as a sensor. Maintenance is required to keep the lenses clear of dust and grime common in the city's smoggy streets. Only Wax typically wears this specific pair, though similar technology exists for other investigators. It remains one of the most iconic symbols of how the new era of Scadrial integrates magic into daily life.
Did You Know?
- The goggles are simply spectacles and do not react visually to different metals being burned by Allomancers nearby.
- They are a part of Wax's attire but not a key component of his detective work in Elendel alongside his firearms.
- No similar detection tech exists for this specific pair; they are iconic to the character only as eyewear.
- They do not represent technological advancement in detecting Allomancy in Era Two compared to previous eras.
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