Rhupite
Long ago, when Year Zero began and reality was changed, a mineral known as rhupite entered the planes. So far, rhupite is the rarest mineral on Aohiri, commonly found in only three places: Illwurn, Ursund, and Gal'Dhunn. It's no surprise that these minerals are coveted by all, as the true extent of their power is both astounding and utterly terrifying.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Rhupite in its natural state is known to give off a vibrant blue glow. Because of its adamantine luster, lightning-like sparks of magic energy can be seen within it. When cast under the glow of non-magical light, rhupite can appear purple to the eyes, alternating between different shades by the second. When in the presence of magical light, however, a rhupite crystal’s natural blue glow will intensify and become saturated.
Rhupite Variants
As of recently, wizards from Illwurn have discovered that there are seven subtypes of rhupite. When subject to magical spells, harmful or otherwise, rhupite absorbs said magic instead of bending to its effects. Upon doing so, rhupite may emit one of six different colors for about half a minute: black, red, indigo, gray, white, and orange. Because rhupite comes from space, researchers have given each of these subtypes a name corresponding to an astral body. The final rhupite subtype, named "nebulae," is capable of producing any of the other six colors (though only once per testing) and will do so when subjected to magical effects. Because of nebulae rhupite's tricky nature, mages have often found themselves fooled, thinking the nebulae subtype was another subtype entirely. It's for this reason that mages must test their rhupite twice or thrice to see if the mineral produces a different color than the last.Rhupite Subtypes and Colors
| Subtype | Glow |
|---|---|
| Black Hole | Black |
| Comet | Red |
| Dark Matter | Indigo |
| Nebulae | Any Color |
| Magnetar | Gray |
| Moon | White |
| Sun | Orange |
Geology & Geography
Rhupite is extremely rare, with concentrations found approximately only twice per millennium, but it’s known that rhupite is not created naturally on Aohiri. Three of the largest clusters of rhupite have come from space, and it’s been theorized that all rhupite is brought to Aohiri in the same manner. Most notably, rhupite is drawn to parts of Aohiri that contain large concentrations of magic ranging from its wildlife to its spellcasters. It’s theorized that the bigger the concentration of magic, the more likely a rhupite meteor will land near it. As Aohiri is a planet in which magic permeates all beings, the discovery of rhupite seemed inevitable to many.
Interestingly, rhupite seems more abundant on different planes of existence, particularly that of the Feywild and Shadowfell, where magic is wild but malleable.
History & Usage
Discovery
Rhupite was first discovered by King Baldrek Leonhardt III of Illwurn, who had a penchant for finding magical items and gems. Initially mistaking it for sapphire, Leonhardt III was surprised to find that it was capable of generating magical power on its own, revealing its nature as a different material entirely. Though he was the first to discover it, Leonhardt III’s brother, Rhukie Leonhardt, was the one to name it, as Leonhardt III was terrible with names. Nonetheless, Leonhardt III was the first to utilize the mineral, realizing that, in the presence of rhupite, magic spells and weapons were augmented to incredible levels.
With the help of Bergeron and Illwurn’s artificers, King Leonhardt III was able to create the first (and until a few millennia later, only) airship, The Celestial Magus.
Everyday use
Though the rarity of rhupite makes its usage just as rare, prospective wizards and artificers have found much success in manipulating the mineral’s ability to absorb and generate magical power to substitute multiple components of spells. The bigger the rhupite crystal, the more components it can substitute. When rhupite is used as a component in a spell, said spell increases in power or effectiveness, making it a versatile and potent mineral. An ordinary fireball becomes a scorching sea of flames, a simple ray of frost becomes a stream of ice, and an average darkness may steal one's eyesight for days.
Generation
Rhupite is not only capable of absorbing and generating magical energy, it is also capable of storing life energy as well. This was recently discovered by a wizard in Ursund who found that normally short-lived races such as orcs and aarakocra would have their lifespans extended if they regularly used rhupite in their daily lives. It is unknown if there is a limit to the amount of life energy that rhupite can bestow. Rhupite is known to react strongly to the presence of ghosts, and it is commonly used by ghost hunters to eliminate evil spirits, converting them into pure energy that is then stored into the crystal itself.Cultural Significance and Usage
For many people, rhupite represents pure goodness crystalized. In the case of Illwurn, however, rhupite represents ambition, as the use of rhupite in crafting has allowed them to create machinery impossible to produce otherwise. The reason airships are able to lift into the air is because enormous concentrations of rhupite are naturally repelled from large bodies of matter. When rhupite floats, it is floating away from the ground, and its strength means it can carry objects with it.
Its connection to pure good is due to the fact that simply being near rhupite crystals that are sufficiently large can produce feelings of euphoria and goodwill, encouraging camaraderie. Though Ursund sits upon a massive concentration of rhupite, only Illwurn's Jewel of Phantasm (a massive, uncut rhupite crystal) is large enough to produce this effect.
Refinement
Rhupite, in its most raw state, is its most useful, as attempting to refine the mineral can cause its ability to absorb and generate magic to weaken. Because of this, any rhupite found is rarely cut, though this means socketing the gems into weapons or pieces of armor is difficult, as the armor must be made for the purpose of fitting the uncut mineral, or the mineral’s raw power must be partially sacrificed for the sake of the armor.
Distribution
Trade & Market
Rhupite is only commonly found en masse in three locations on Aohiri: Illwurn, Ursund, and Gal’Dhuun, each of which is on a different continent entirely. Though the impossibly rich may have it cut for the sake of accessories, it's typically bought in large numbers by mages or Dili, people who lack a typical Aohirian’s ability to harness magic.
Law & Regulation
Even in these spare locations, rhupite is not readily sold and is only distributed when the town’s respective government allows it. Because the magic within these minerals is so powerful, the distribution of rhupite is typically forbidden; Ursund is an oddity, being the only major city that sells rhupite freely.
8RP
Type
Ore/Mineral
Odor
Odorless
Taste
Minty
Color
(In natural state) Blue
Melting / Freezing Point
1670 C. - 1700 C. (3038 F. - 3092 F.)
Density
21.874 g/cm3
Common State
Solid
Related Locations
WARNING!!!
The consumption of rhupite in large amounts may lead to addiction. Being in the mere presence of rhupite produces a feeling of contentedness, and it encourages goodwill. It is harmless until consumed, upon which this goodwill becomes corrupted and may slowly usurp the victim's personality. It is believed that rhupite addiction encourages the addict to enforce total order and the complete annihilation of evil. They follow a "cosmic law," believing they are paragons of good and faultless in all aspects. This means that they cannot be reasoned with under any circumstances. RECOMMENDED: Under no circumstances do you question them, or they may deem you a target as well."Evil infects the good men of this planet. With my guidance, they shall be cleansed and born anew. Lay on your back, expose your belly, and my sword shall make the first incision upon your sinful body! Repent! Repent!"- Sirius von Arkinos, Officiant of Purification
Mmm, minty. I can see why perhaps it was first consumed. The effects of people consuming it, however, are terrifying. Yikes. This is a really interesting material - I love that it can turn spells into stronger versions of themselves.
Explore Etrea | March of 31 Tales