Red Rock

Eleanora    Technology & Magic      Red Rock

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The geographical wonder of the Ariella Divide that splits the continent is home to a resource that is used in every corner of the world. The soft core of the Red Rock is easy to harvest but treacherous to get to. Only the hearts of the largest stone will provide the best deposits.

Deans say that its’ captivating vivid crimson hue is a painting Dea had lain upon the earth. Sunlight glimmers with a fiery intensity across the surface, beckoning adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Extraordinary, its’ unique ability is to ignite upon impact. When struck with sufficient force Red Rock releases a burst of thick illuminating sparks. The heat generated from this reaction can warm the chill of the evening air, transforming a simple strike into a reliable resource for warmth, light, and fire.

History and Tradition

Historically revered by the old way of tribal life, the igniting red rock has been used in ceremonies and rituals to symbolize the connection between life and death. Tabians did not traverse the mountains of the Ariella Divide in these young years, so the attributes of this material was thought of as divine and to be respected.
Tabians are serious about their traditions and superstitions. Igniting red rock is still used in rituals or ceremonies to invoke luck or protection. Lighting a large ceremonial bonfire with Red Rock specifically could symbolize the fiery spirit of ambition, manifestation, good outcomes, and even a celebration of a bond.

Technology

As generations passed the properties of Red Rock had been studied and utilized for a greater quality of life.
The "Strike Plate" is the most common form of the technology and used similarily as light switches. Upon stepping on a Strike Plate on the floor, a dense click is heard as a small amount of Red Rock ignites a trail of oil within the system. This trail may end in a glass lamp, row of lamps, or if the building is well ventilated- the crown of an entire room like a fireplace incased in crystal above. Small strike plates are also used for the forge, stoves and ovens.

Drawbacks

• Potential Energy. When using red rock, it is important to consider the dangers. It has the potential to light fire anywhere, so it is a huge fire risk to use it in places that have flammable such as wooden homes or ships. Even though the igniting mechanism for Strike Plates are within a metal box, the dangers of oil and flame can be unpredictable in its’ nature. The sparks themselves are not hot enough to burn the skin, but powerful enough to ignite minimal kindle nearby.
• Limited Availability. The core of red rock is not easy to obtain individually. The Red Rock Mining Coalition are an independent mining community that excavates, sells and distributes Red Rock Core world wide. This is one of the very few diverse communities that work together for a common cause remaining in the world. There has been those that have tried to mine Red Rock independently, but few have succeeded enough for the prize's worth.
• Legal Restrictions. The government of Eleanora treats all forms of Red Rock as a hazardous material and is tightly controlled. Most homes on that side of the continent use traditional oil and potassium chlorate matches, instead.

Pirate use

"With a spark from the Red Rock, we conjure fire from stone as fierce as our darkest deeds, reminding us that every treasure comes at a price. May every flame consume what it touches."

Do pirates care about Eleanora’s laws? Of course not! In Dea, red rock is free use with the educational understanding of its limitations and hazards. Deans have lived along the edges of the red rock cliffs and mountains for generations. All are taught to respect the material from an early age, as it should be.

The pirate raiders under Lance’s control have recently taken a new advantage. It fascinates the pirate leader, so he had cooperated with his Demolitions Master Lukas to invent a way to harness the fire power on the fly. Something quick and more practical than using two hands. Ah yes, the Fire Snap.

Fire Snap

Simple name for a deadly use. A tight fitting made out metal adorns the fore-tip of the middle finger with a scored metal pad, and another on the thumb with Red Rock Core. The arsonist must wear fingerless leather gloves to protect the palm of their hand. Then, the arsonist “snaps” their fingers together. The friction of the red rock and rough metallic pad ignite brilliant sparks every Tabian has come to recognize. Pirates that are fortunate enough to have this invention handy can ignite a fire anytime, anywhere.

Core Powder

This material is not used in bomb crafting due to the unpredictability. The true potential is ignition. It has been discovered that if a hard surface is covered with pulverized Red Rock Core, it can be used as a weaker strike.

Upon the Sea

Upon the ship Rhovanielle there is minimal concern for its burning power, so strike plates are utilized throughout. That is because the wood of the ship itself is flame resistant and made from the Lyra tree. This wood is also exceedingly rare—what might a Tabian create if they were to discover it?