Drakeshard Ore
Drakeshard Ore is an exceptionally rare metal infused with latent draconic energy, found deep within the caverns of Gam Badur. This ore is highly sought after for its unique ability to hold and amplify enchantments, particularly those related to fire, strength, and resilience. The metal is rumored to have formed in the aftermath of ancient battles where dragons once roamed, with their lingering essence seeping into the stone over millennia. Weapons forged from Drakeshard are said to cut through dragonhide with ease, while armor made from it can withstand immense heat and magical flames.
Properties
Material Characteristics
The ore is slightly heavier than steel but significantly stronger and has a smooth texture but slightly warm to the touch, even in cold environments. It naturally amplifies fire-based enchantment, making it the ideal conduit for fire-based magic.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Once forged, Drakeshard can store immense amounts of heat, allowing weapons to glow red-hot without melting. It is also naturally resistant to all forms of fire and heat-based damage. It can absorb fire-based spells and convert them into magical energy that enhances its wielder’s attacks. The metal also reacts in the presence of dragons, sometimes vibrating or subtly shifting in color based on the creature’s affinity.
Geology & Geography
It is found deep within Gam Badur’s caverns and is particularly in areas of residual volcanic activity. Some believe it also exists near ancient dragon burial sites. Scholars theorize that Drakeshard Ore forms when raw metal is exposed to dragon breath over centuries, permanently altering its structure.
History & Usage
History
Legends speak of Drakeshard Ore as the crystallized remains of dragon hearts, left behind when an ancient dragon perished in battle. Others claim it was a gift from fire deities, buried within the earth for only the most skilled smiths to uncover. Dwarves tell tales of weapons forged from Drakeshard being wielded by legendary warriors who could command fire itself.
Everyday use
It is commonly used in forging flaming swords, battleaxes, and polearms that radiate intense heat. For armor, it is used to craft fire-resistant plate armor that protects the wearer from magical and mundane flames. Often incorporated into rings of fire resistance, staffs of flame, and even enchanted war golems. As a standard for all drakeshard infused items the heat metal spell is absorbed into the weapon or armor and causes no effect.
Manufacturing & Products
Inferno Fang (Legendary Longsword)
A masterfully crafted longsword, its edge so sharp it is said to slice through steel like parchment. The blade glows a dull crimson, and when swung, it leaves behind a burning afterimage in the air.
Effects:
- Deals bonus fire damage on hit, igniting non-magical materials.
- Can be activated to superheat the blade, causing it to cut through mundane/non-magical armor effortlessly.
- Once per long rest, can release a crescendo slash, sending a burning arc of fire up to 60 feet.
Emberfang Dagger (Very Rare Dagger)
A small, wickedly sharp dagger forged entirely from Drakeshard. It retains heat so well that even after being removed from a forge, it remains warm to the touch for hours.
Effects:
- When it pierces flesh it deals an additional 1d6 fire damage
- Inflicts wounds that resist magical healing unless cooled with magical ice or after a long rest.
- Can be used to ignite flammable materials with just a touch.
Draconic Talon (Rare Spear)
This weapon mimics the deadly precision of a dragon’s claw. It is nearly unbreakable, and its tip can pierce even the toughest hides.
Effects:
- Can pierce magical defenses, ignoring resistance to magical attacks.
- If thrown, it returns to the wielder in a burst of flame causing 2d8 fire damage.
- Attacks against creatures with fire immunity deal 1d8 bonus slashing damage.
Dragonforged Plate (Legendary Full Plate)
This suit of armor is said to have been forged in the heart of a volcano, imbued with the lingering spirit of an ancient fire dragon. Its surface is a mixture of crimson and obsidian, pulsating with heat.
Effects:
- Grants immunity to fire damage and resistance to lightning damage.
- Can absorb fire spells cast at the wearer, reducing their cooldown times on fire-based abilities.
- Once per day, the wearer can unleash a wave of heat, burning all enemies in a 15-foot radius.
Pyrestone Aegis (Very Rare Shield)
A kite shield reinforced with Drakeshard, able to withstand even dragon’s breath. It radiates warmth and never feels cold to the touch.
Effects:
- Grants resistance to fire and radiant damage.
- As a reaction it can reflect fire spells back at the caster for half damage with a successful saving throw.
Cinderscale Cloak (Rare Cloak)
A flowing mantle lined with thin Drakeshard filaments, making it resistant to flame and heat-based magic.
Effects:
- Grants advantage on saving throws against fire-based attacks.
- Once per short rest, the wearer can transform into living flame, becoming untouchable for 1 round.
- Reduces the effectiveness of cold-based magic against the wearer.
The Magmaforged Gauntlets (Rare Gauntlets)
These heavy gauntlets pulse with residual draconic energy.
Effects:
- Increases unarmed strike damage, dealing additional fire damage.
- Allows the wearer to heat metal objects to dangerous levels on touch.
- Grants resistance to lava-based damage, allowing limited traversal across molten surfaces
Dragon’s Breath Amulet (Very Rare Amulet)
An amulet crafted from refined Drakeshard, designed to harness draconic power.
Effects:
- Once per short rest, allows the wearer to exhale a cone of fire, mimicking a dragon’s breath attack.
- Increases the effectiveness of fire-based spells and enchantments.
- Protects against magical flame manipulation, making the wearer immune to fire control effects.
Distribution
Trade & Market
It is typically traded within elite smithing guilds, high-ranking military factions, and arcane institutions. Trade is strictly regulated by Gam Badur’s guild masters, and only licensed enchanters may work with it. It is highly desired by warlords, powerful spellcasters, and collectors. Smuggling raw Drakeshard is punishable by death in some regions.
Storage
Direct exposure to extreme cold may cause it to temporarily lose its fiery properties, requiring reheating before forging.
Law & Regulation
Only approved members of the Rune Carver’s Guild may refine or sell Drakeshard Ore and unauthorized forging of Drakeshard weapons is illegal in many kingdoms due to its destructive potential.
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