Loadstone

"I can still hear his screams as Cedric, the court's mage, sent out frost from his palms, and the grey matter at the man's feet began to... it started to move and writhe around him. It snaked its way up his legs and ate him just as fast as it was freezing him. And just as soon as it had gotten to the top of his head, Cedric threw flames at it and it stopped moving just as fast as it had started. I'm just glad that thing wasn't transparent, I get enough details in my nightmares already."
-Unnamed Scribe, Court of Hajadir

Loadstone is a naturally-occuring substance resembling a grey, immobile gelatin. However, at low enough temperatures, it will start to consume its surroundings without bias, enveloping all until it has nothing left or is heated back to normal. It has had historic uses in executions and rubbish management for a short period of time.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Inert loadstone resembles a light grey gelatin, though it is nonamorphous. However, when activated at low temperatures, its surface gives off a light purple hue and becomes much more malleable.

Geology & Geography

Apart from the Inignian Pinnacle of Cloudreach, loadstone can be found roughly 100m under several lakes or deltas in Endhaven, as well as in trace amounts in the Quim Sands.

History & Usage

History

Loadstone has been used for centuries to deal with the disposal of refuse, though it has also had some limited capacity in executions. However, during one execution in the mountaintop palace of Inignia, the substance could not be heated to stasis soon enough, resulting in the whole of the peak consumed by loadstone, even to this day.

Discovery

The inhabitants of the hamlet of Kilgore discovered loadstone when a pocket of the material close to the bottom of a lake encompassed the entirety of the water during a particularly cold winter in 1037. Many governments quickly sought out and started mining loadstone, publicly for disposal but most likely for war purposes, before its popularity died with the consumption of Inignia. Large quantities have been stockpiled by various powers ever since, though it has not been used since.

Hazards

The case of Inignia has caused many to use loadstone safely and sparingly, always making sure to be near a roaring fire or a pyromancer.

Environmental Impact

Due to loadstone's insatiable nature, it is advised not to use it in arctic or frigid environments out of fear of the substance coating the biome entirely.

Reusability & Recycling

Loadstone is a product more useful destroyed than recycled, as it could easily wipe out all life if the world becomes cold enough. However, once it has multiplied and been forced into its inert state, parts can be harvested and used elsewhere for various other tasks.

Distribution

Trade & Market

As with any item, loadstone has its fair share of willing buyers, though many never question their true intentions as to what they will use it for. Nonetheless, there is a small but extravagant demand for it in some black markets.

Storage

Despite the inherent danger, loadstone is most safely and most often carried on the trader's person, as their body heat will likely prevent activation even in arctic climates.

Law & Regulation

Many territories and governments have an overwhelming ban on loadstone with the exception of Eruside, which only bans the use of it after dusk.

Type

Biomaterial

Value

7,500K/g (estimated black market value)

Odor

Lemongrass

Taste

Sour

Color

Grey when inactive, grey-purple when active

Boiling / Condensation Point

Unknown

Melting / Freezing Point

-15°F