Fulgurite
Properties
Material Characteristics
Fulgurite comes in varying shapes and sizes. The biggest fulgurite ever found measured almost 8 feet in length and 4 inches in diameter. On average, they are between 8 to 10 inches long and between 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Bigger specimen are carefully broken down into 2 to 3 inch sections for safety and ease of transport and use. Even those smaller sections still hold a significant amount of magical energy.
In terms of appearance, fulgurite is reminiscent of tree branches, expect that it is hollow on the inside. The surface is most commonly rough and uneven. In fact, more than one person has mistaken fulgurite for a barnacle-covered piece of driftwood. And some who decided to touch this supposed piece of wood have paid a hefty price for doing so.
Physical & Chemical Properties
The material is resistant to extremely high temperatures. Even in the coldest of circumstances, fulgurite is always slightly warm to the touch.
Geology & Geography
Fulgurite can be found in deserts and, even more rarely, on larger beaches, after thunderstorms.
Origin & Source
Fulgurite is the result of lightning striking sand, causing the sand to melt down and fuse with whatever other minerals can be found in the ground.
The gathering of this material is handled by the Gatherers of the Finders of Fortune guild. They typically are commisioned by spellcasters, enchanters or on behalf of the government.
Life & Expiration
Due to the magical energy it holds, Fulgurite is surprisingly sturdy. It can hold its magical charge indefinitely until used.
History & Usage
Discovery
Fulgurite was first found and used by scientists during the Age of Discovery. Back then, it was primarily used to strengthen wards and barriers. Later, towards the Age of Dread, it was used to make siege and war weaponry, such as ballistae, even more deadly.
Everyday use
Fulgurite is most commonly used for lightning-based enchantments. The wearer of a fulgurite-enchanted weapon gains the ability to cause lightning damage to enemies. When applied to a piece of armor or an accessory, it grants its wearer resistance to lightning damage.
It can also be used to cast high-level lightning magic, even allowing spellcasters to cast lightning magic stronger than their natural abilities would normally allow them to cast. This is rarely done, however, as fulgurite is extremely rare and thus very expensive. And even handling smaller chunks of this material still comes with a certain amount of danger.
Hazards
Touching fulgurite often results in the release of an electric charge. While this does not destroy the fulgurite or affect the level of magical charge it holds, it does pose a danger to the person harvesting it. Those who harvest fulgurite wear specially enchanted leather gloves protecting them from lightning damage. The severity of the discharge is dependent on the size of the material. Touching larger pieces is downright deadly, and even the discharge caused by the smaller chunks is still unpleasant and can result in nasty burns.
It was as if Indal had been struck by a high-level lightning spell, or perhaps the breath of an adult blue dragon. One moment, I was arguing with my colleague, my friend. I had told that fool not to touch that curious-looking branch, had told him that I had a bad feeling about it. He had laughed and said I was just being paranoid after that incident with the Freckled Orchid. Then, there was this zapping sound, followed by the neigh overwhelming stench of burnt flesh. Where once had stood my friend, only a burnt-out husk covered in Lichtenberg figures remained.
Reusability & Recycling
Once a piece of fulgurite has been used, it loses all magical properties and crumbles into dust.
Distribution
Trade & Market
Due to its rarity and properties, fulgurite is only carried by shops specializing in all things magic in bigger cities.
Storage
Pieces of fulgurite are stored in leather satchels. This reduces the probability of someone accidently coming into contact with it. As leather is non-conductive, it provides an additional layer of safety.
Type
Ore/Mineral
Value
400 gp per 2 to 3 inch chunk
Rarity
Extremely Rare
Odor
Burnt ozone
Taste
It tastes burnt, it is, however, strongly recommended to not lick or otherwise taste Fulgurite
Color
Sandy, with grey and green hues
Melting / Freezing Point
3000°C / Cannot be frozen
Common State
Solid, fossilized
Related Locations
Related Professions
Freckled Orchid
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