Carbuncle

Carbuncles are magical constructs "summoned" by arcanists. Despite their pet-like appearance and demeanor, these are not living things, but the concrete expression of abstract, mathemagical concepts of arcanima.

Creation
As with any other of their spells, an arcanist creates a carbuncle by visualizing patterns of aether, and then exerting their own personal supply of aether to form the construct, in a form that will carry out the arcanist's intended purpose.

Carbuncles, in particular, are constructed around a "core" gemstone of particular aetheric properties, which gemstones lend their name to the classification of the carbuncle. Emerald and topaz are the most commonly used gemstones, though they are far from the only suitable crystals. The construct then exerts abilities based upon what gemstone was used.

Nature
Despite the term "summon", carbuncles do not have a separate, lasting existence or identity like true beings. They are created in the moment the arcanist casts the spell, and cease to exist when dismissed. There are a few, narrow exceptions to this, but it is likely due to the carbuncle's essential nature or method of summoning being different.

Carbuncles, though counted as elementals, are not generally capable of speech or meaningful communication on their own.

Emerald
The emerald carbuncle is the first construct most arcanists learn to employ. Its focus is generally upon dealing out harmful magic to anything its master deems a threat.

Topaz
Topaz carbuncles are a great deal more aggressive than their emerald counterparts, and more durable as well. Arcanists will generally employ them to draw the attention of groups of enemies while picking off targets at a comfortable distance.

Aquamarine and Citrine
Ulan's recent breakthroughs in gemstone research have yielded the aquamarine and citrine carbuncles. Though not useful for combat or other typical applications, the two stones are capable of maintaining a much larger, rideable form of the construct that is capable of limited flight.

Ruby
It is rumored that the Warrior of Light is capable of summoning a ruby carbuncle, using the same methods as summoning an egi.