Eldershard

A mysterious, glowing blue mineral found deep within the ruins. Scholars believe it was used by the lost civilization for magical amplification.

Eldershard is a mysterious, glowing mineral with incredible magical potential, making it highly sought after by scholars, mages, and artifact hunters. Found in the ruins of a long-lost civilization within the Shattered Peaks, it serves as both a window into the ancient past and a powerful conduit for magic. Though rare and difficult to obtain, the magical properties of Eldershard make it a crucial component for those wishing to amplify their arcane abilities or craft legendary artifacts. Whether revered as a sacred relic or exploited for its magical power, Eldershard remains a vital and mystifying resource in the world

Properties

Physical & Chemical Properties

Eldershard is a relatively brittle material, making it difficult to work with in large quantities without the right expertise. However, when properly handled, it possesses several unique properties:

1. Magical Resonance: Eldershard seems to be infused with a kind of magical energy that makes it highly responsive to arcane manipulation. When placed near other magical items or energies, Eldershard has the ability to amplify or focus that power, acting as a kind of magical conductor. This makes it invaluable to those seeking to enhance their spells or craft powerful artifacts.
2. Glow: Eldershard's defining feature is its glowing blue hue, which fluctuates in intensity depending on external conditions. The glow is not simply aesthetic; it seems to act as a sort of magical indicator, lighting up more brightly in the presence of arcane disturbances or when exposed to raw magical energy.
3. Brittleness & Fragility: Despite its magical properties, Eldershard is fragile compared to metals like Blacksteel or even Stormglass. While its inherent glow and resonance make it valuable, it is easily shattered or cracked under pressure. As a result, it must be carefully extracted and handled by skilled miners or mages familiar with its properties.

Geology & Geography

Eldershard is a rare and enigmatic glowing blue mineral found deep within the ruins of the Shattered Peaks, often in areas where the land was once inhabited by an ancient civilization that has long since disappeared. This mineral is believed to have been a crucial component in the construction of magical amplifiers or arcane power sources used by that lost civilization. Unlike other minerals, Eldershard seems to possess an inherent magical resonance that makes it highly sought after by scholars, mages, and artifact hunters.

The mineral itself appears as large crystalline formations embedded in the rock, often radiating a soft, ethereal blue glow. The glow is most intense when the mineral is exposed to arcane energies or when it is agitated by physical force. It is found only in the deepest and most dangerous sections of the Shattered Peaks, often in long-forgotten ruins or temples buried within ancient caverns.

History & Usage

Discovery

Eldershard is extremely rare, only found in the deepest parts of the Shattered Peaks, where the ruins of the lost civilization are buried. Many of these areas are treacherous, not only due to the dangerous terrain and volatile weather conditions of the region but also because they are guarded by arcane wards or magical creatures left behind to protect the mineral.

Once harvested, Eldershard is highly prized by both mages and artifact creators. The supply of Eldershard is limited, making it a coveted commodity that fetches a high price in the markets of the world. Only the wealthiest or most skilled collectors can afford to acquire it, and it is often only available in specialized shops or through secretive guilds dedicated to its acquisition.

Everyday use

The primary value of Eldershard lies in its ability to enhance and amplify magical energies. Scholars and mages who study the lost civilization's arcane practices often look to Eldershard as a key to unlocking their forgotten powers. Below are some of its known magical uses:

1. Magical Amplification: Eldershard can be used to amplify spells or magical rituals. Mages who are familiar with the mineral often use it as a focus in their arcane apparatuses, enhancing the potency and reach of their magical abilities. When used in conjunction with other enchanted items, Eldershard can make spells more powerful or even allow them to be cast at a greater distance or with increased duration.
2. Magical Artifacts: Eldershard is highly sought after for its use in crafting magical artifacts that require amplification. It is particularly valued by artifact smiths who craft enchanted weapons, armor, or jewelry. Artifacts made with Eldershard can have effects such as boosting the effectiveness of protective wards, increasing a weapon's ability to deal arcane damage, or even enabling energy-absorption for magical shields.
3. Power Conduits: Eldershard has been used in the construction of arcane conduits—devices capable of channeling and focusing magical energies over great distances. These devices might be used to power magical cities, temples, or even arcane factories, where vast amounts of magical energy are required for various purposes.
4. Runic Magic: Eldershard can also be inscribed with ancient runes that enhance its properties. Scholars believe that the lost civilization may have used Eldershard to create runic amplifiers that could enhance the power of magic for specific purposes. When inscribed with specific symbols or runes, Eldershard can even store magical energy for later use, creating arcane batteries that could power spells, enchantments, or other mystical devices.

Cultural Significance and Usage

The discovery and use of Eldershard are tied to the lost civilization that once inhabited the region. Scholars believe that the mineral was at the heart of the civilization's technological and magical advancements. Ancient texts suggest that the civilization utilized Eldershard as part of their ritualistic practices, where its power was harnessed to amplify the energy of celestial events, such as eclipses or lightning storms.

Since the civilization’s fall, Eldershard has become a mystical relic, viewed as a sacred and powerful material. Some believe that the crystals carry the knowledge and secrets of the lost civilization, and those who study them might unlock forgotten magics.

Today, the mineral is mostly sought by scholars and arcane researchers who study the mystical properties of Eldershard, hoping to uncover its long-lost secrets. In addition to those seeking knowledge, adventurers and treasure hunters scour the ruins of the ancient civilization for Eldershard to be used in powerful magical crafts, or to sell it to the highest bidder.

Type

Mineral

Related Locations

• The Shattered Peaks