Calomel
A calomel weapon overcomes damage reduction of creatures with the fire subtype as if it were a magic weapon, even if it does not have an enhancement bonus. For example, a mundane calomel blade wielded against a mature adult red dragon (fire subtype) would overcome that creature’s damage reduction 10/magic as if it were a magic weapon.
Weapons made of calomel cost twice as much as their normal counterparts. For example, a longsword made of calomel would cost 30 gp. Items without metal parts cannot be made from calomel (so that an arrow could be made of calomel, but a quarterstaff could not). A double weapon with only one half made of calomel increases its cost by 50%. For example, a two-bladed sword with one blade of calomel and the other of steel would cost 150 gp. Calomel has hardness 10 and 30 hit points per inch of thickness.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Calomel, in its raw, unrefined state, is immediately recognizable by its striking pallor. Unlike the earthy tones of iron or the fiery hues of copper, raw calomel ore possesses an almost unsettling whiteness. Indeed, some specimens exhibit a near translucence, allowing light to penetrate and dance within its crystalline structure. When illuminated directly, the ore throws back a remarkable luster, a shimmering quality that hints at the potent energies contained within. It is a fascinating peculiarity that calomel is invariably discovered in close proximity to subterranean springs, suggesting a relationship, perhaps symbiotic, between the metal and the lifeblood of Khyber.
The true marvel of calomel, however, lies in its transformation through the arcane forging process. The alchemical secrets required to unlock its potential are closely guarded, passed down through generations of skilled smiths. When subjected to the proper rituals and techniques, the ore yields to the hammer, becoming surprisingly malleable. As it cools, the metal settles into a consistency akin to that of a well-tempered steel alloy, achieving a remarkable balance of strength and ductility.
While calomel can theoretically be used to craft any item, its unique attributes make it exceptionally well-suited for weaponry. A finished calomel weapon possesses a distinctive appearance: a pale gray shimmer, bordering on translucence, marks its form. But the most peculiar characteristic is undoubtedly the constant condensation that forms upon its surface. Even in arid environments, tiny droplets of water incessantly bead upon the metal, giving it a perpetually damp and ethereal quality.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Beyond its aesthetic properties, calomel possesses a unique advantage in combat. A weapon forged from this extraordinary metal bypasses the damage reduction of creatures with the fire subtype, as if it were imbued with magical properties. This effect persists even if the weapon lacks any formal magical enhancements. This makes calomel weapons invaluable tools in confronting the forces of Fernia, offering a tangible advantage against fiery foes that few other metals can provide.
Geology & Geography
Unlike its more common cousins, Calomel is almost exclusively found within the borders of Argonnessen, the ancestral home of the dragons. This isolated distribution immediately suggests a connection to the draconic energies that permeate the continent. However, its formation is far more specific than a simple proximity to dragon influence.
My research, corroborated by accounts from rare expeditions permitted by the dragons, indicates a crucial and consistent geological factor: Calomel is invariably found adjacent to subterranean hot springs. These are not ordinary geothermal vents. The waters associated with Calomel deposits possess a unique mineral content, heavily saturated with dissolved carbonates and exhibiting a faint, almost imperceptible luminescence.
My hypothesis is that Calomel forms through a complex process involving the interaction of these unique mineral-rich waters with specific types of volcanic rock – primarily basalt and andesite – common in Argonnessen's interior. The dragonshards, in their nascent form, appear to precipitate out of solution within the porous rock, slowly accumulating over millennia. The dragons, through their latent, continent-shaping magic, seem to have inadvertently created these specific conditions, fostering the growth of Calomel in localized, geothermally active pockets.
The geographical implications are equally significant. Calomel deposits are rarely found on the surface. Instead, they are typically buried deep within cave systems and subterranean fissures carved out by the very hot springs that contribute to their formation. This inaccessibility explains its rarity and the difficulty in procuring significant quantities, even for the most well-funded expeditions.
History & Usage
History
Calomel was famously utilized by the famous adventurer Arthul Vernuthan prior to his single combat against the power-mad red dragon Xarkapastarthan. Secretly mined, refined, and forged into a blade of slender gray death, the ore’s special attributes carried Arthul to victory, but his defeat of Xarkapastarthan embittered other dragons of the region, who decried Arthul as an opponent of the draconic Prophecy itself. Presumably Arthul was slain, and his blade lost. However, knowledge of calomel, where to mine it, and how to refi ne it still persists.
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