Introduced:  Ancient Powers Updated:  Shifting Tactics
Arcanum Mana-smith

The Mana Forges were introduced during Ancient Powers although keys were not widely available until the following patch, Risks and Rewards. Keys can be obtained by hunting Pristine Mana Shards and turning in 10 per key up to five times a week (25 per key thereafter) or as a reward from a number of quests (see below). Other than the chests in the Faction Strongholds, the Mana Forge chests are the only location where the new Tier 7 Loot can be obtained. The chests vary in the probability of what they will contain. All chests can produce any item, but a weapon chest will contain mostly weapons most of the time, research/mage chests will contain mostly VIII spell components, armor will contain mostly armor, and the equipment chests will contain a mix of mostly armor and weapons. Advanced chests will contain more jewelry and clothing items.

Arcanum Mana-smith tells you, "Welcome to the Mana Forge!"
Arcanum Mana-smith tells you, "This wonderful place is one of three locations where the Arcanum is putting the wonders of the Ley Lines to work for the betterment of all Dereth."
Arcanum Mana-smith tells you, "If you wish to partake of the works of the Mana Forges, there is something you must do."

Each Mana Forge has an Arcanum Quota Officer (gives Mana Forge Key for 10 Pristine Mana Shards (up to five timers per week), an Arcanum Mana-smith (gives Mana Forge Key for 25 Pristine Mana Shards, and an Arcanum Broker who will buy unwanted loot from the chests. Given that mana shards are givable/tradable, it's unclear what purpose the turn in limit serves in pragmatic terms. Previously the quest keys opened all non-shard chests and Pristine Mana Shard keys only open the shard chests, however in Seeds of Corruption these restrictions were lifted and now both keys will open any of the chests. During the Shifting Tactics the loot profiles of the chests were significantly improved, making 400 high stat and 420 weapons more common, all item sets an equal chance of occuring, and less artwork (dinnerware).

Locations

Mana Forge Chests

How to Obtain Keys

Quests with Key Rewards

Quest Key Timer
Aerbax's Citadel (4 Use) Fortified Mana Forge Key 29 days
Aerbax's Prodigal Harbinger (2 Use) Braced Mana Forge Key 13 days
Aerbax's Prodigal Human (1 Use) Mana Forge Key 13 days
Aerbax's Prodigal Olthoi (2 Use) Braced Mana Forge Key 13 days
Aerbax's Prodigal Shadow (2 Use) Braced Mana Forge Key 13 days
Apostate Citadel (1 Use) Mana Forge Key 28 days
Asheron's Savior (4 Use) Fortified Mana Forge Key 27 days
Blight Lord Lair (Quest) (1 Use) Mana Forge Key 29 days
Clutch of Kings (1 Use) Mana Forge Key 21 days
Corrupted Pyre Oak (1 Use) Mana Forge Key ?? Days (2 Weeks)
Summoning of T'thuun (3 Use) Strengthened Mana Forge Key 29 days
Delving into Claude's Mind (1 Use) Mana Forge Key 13 days
Guardian of the Deru Trees of Marae Lassel (2 Use) Braced Mana Forge Key 27 days
Lady Mhoire (1 Use) Mana Forge Key ?? Days (2 Weeks)
Lord Mhoire (1 Use) Mana Forge Key ?? Days (2 Weeks)

Quests with Pristine Mana Shard Rewards

Quest Timer Notes
Black Coral Golem Kill Task 3 days Must have access to one of the Black Markets.
Blighted Coral Golem Kill Task 3 days Must have access to one of the Black Markets.
Carenzi Race Track/Monster Fights N/A Grand Casino Chest can contain Pristine Mana Shards.
Weeding of the Deru Tree 3 days Must have access to Freebooter Black Market.

Quests with Adventurer Token Rewards

Quest Timer Notes
Bound Wisp (Quest) ?? (Less than 23 Hours) Bound Wisp will not exchange tokens for keys.
Monthly Game Hunter 24 Hours Each kill task is on a unique timer.

Alternative Currency Items

Each item may be turned in to an Arcanum Mana-smith for a Mana Forge Key. There is a 2 week timer for each item.

Retired Ways to Obtain Keys