Demonite

Demonite is a rare mineral that is typically found in mines near the upper levels of the underworld. It may resemble other metallic ores at first glance, but its exceptional density sets it apart, as it is unusually heavy for its size.
Demonite poses a formidable threat to underground mining operations, earning it the moniker "Demonite" due to its covert and insidious method of causing harm. It emits slight warmth upon contact, which is insufficient to cause immediate burns. However, prolonged exposure can result in injuries akin to burns. Furthermore, extended contact with this substance can lead to illness.
The unique characteristic of this material is that it resists containment. Insulated containers, such as those used for Furnaceland Stones, fail to confine it, as it erupts into a dazzling blue light, accompanied by intense heat, when attempted. Exposure to this light accelerates the harmful effects of the ore, resulting in the associated sickness manifesting more rapidly and severely.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Demonite is a metallic ore with a muted silver-gray hue. Its considerable density gives even relatively small specimens remarkable weight. One of its most striking characteristics is its perpetually warmer surface.

Geology & Geography

Demonite is found in the deepest recesses of mines dug by surface races. This location also places it near the upper boundaries of the subterranean expanse, which is known as the underworld.

History & Usage

Hazards

Demonite is an insidious and treacherous ore with a feared presence in the mining community. Miners treat it with utmost caution and regard it as a dangerous affliction upon their sites. Mere contact with the metal, even for a relatively short period of time, can cause burn-like damage to the skin, known as Slow Burns. Prolonged exposure to demonite is known to cause a disease known as Demonite Sickness further cementing its reputation as a hazard to be wary of.
The most serious threat, however, comes when attempts are made to contain the ore ostensibly to mitigate the damage it causes. Sealing demonite in insulated containers designed to shield against its aura results in the dramatic eruption of brilliant blue light and heat. Individuals exposed to this radiant display are often affected by demonite sickness in a drastically accelerated manner, and the symptoms manifest with increased severity. This phenomenon serves as a stark reminder of the inherent unpredictability and danger that demonite poses to anyone who comes in contact with it.

Distribution

Law & Regulation

Notoriety surrounding the inherent dangers of demonite has led to its outright prohibition in many societies. Most nations have enacted laws that categorically forbid the possession or trade of demonite because of its dangerous nature. Upon discovering veins or deposits of demonite during excavation, miners are typically expected to follow established protocols. In such situations, miners are usually given specific instructions to either seal off the mine section containing the demonite or isolate the dangerous area. Designed with a proactive approach, this method aims to prevent accidental exposure to the harmful effects of the ore, safeguarding the well-being of miners as well as the entire community.

The Chronicler's Insights

During my time spent with the miners of Alvur, I uncovered the chilling truth about Demonite—a truly insidious substance. It camouflages itself as ordinary metal; you'd never suspect its malevolence until it begins to take its toll. Unless, of course, you attempt to handle it, for Demonite is perpetually searing to the touch and deceptively weighty, even when mistaken for a dense metal like lead.
Prolonged exposure to Demonite triggers a gradual descent into misery. It starts with a gnawing sickness in the pit of your stomach, followed by a brief reprieve of a few days. But then, the sickness returns with a vengeance. Hair loss, brittle nails, and bouts of nausea become your unwelcome companions. You'll run a fever and shed pounds at an alarming rate. To make matters worse, other ailments often seize the opportunity to afflict you during this weakened state. Recovery may come within a few months, but Demonite Sickness could also lead you to an early grave.
Merely holding a piece of Demonite doesn't exacerbate the sickness, but it exacts its own torment. Picture yourself as a miner, unknowingly clutching a fragment for a few minutes. By the next morning, your hand would throb with tenderness and sport a fiery red hue, as if you'd scalded it on a searing skillet. In the ensuing days, the redness intensifies, accompanied by swelling. A couple of weeks later, the outer layer of your hand takes on an ashen appearance and flakes away. After a few months, your fingers turn pallid and cease to respond, lifeless but still attached. In the following months, they gradually disintegrate, leaving you with nothing but a stump of an arm, a stark testament to the relentless "slow burn" inflicted by Demonite.
I have heard that in the bygone era, long before the sinister nature of Demonite was unveiled, adventurous souls often carried chunks of it during their expeditions. These unsuspecting travelers would employ Demonite to keep their camps warm throughout the night, eliminating the need for tending a traditional fire. Little did they know that this seemingly innocuous practice would inevitably lead to a morning after marred by dreadful sickness. The blame was often placed on ill-fated catches, poisonous fruits, or tainted game.
Fast forward to the present day, and miners have adopted extreme precautions when Demonite rears its malevolent presence within their subterranean realms. Entire fertile sections of mines are promptly sealed off or intentionally collapsed, embodying the ethos of "better safe than sorry." Furthermore, most jurisdictions have imposed strict bans on the intentional possession of Demonite, recognizing that no legitimate use for it exists that isn't intertwined with treacherous consequences.

Type

Mineral

Taste

Metallic

Color

Dull silvery-grey

Density

High

Common State

Solid