Witchrock
Witchrock refers to magical metallic shards left behind by the comet which impacted the world during Starfall, an event that split history into two halves - B.C. (Before Cataclysm) and A.D. (Astral Descent.) Divine magic faded from the world following Starfall. The meteor's impact released enough arcane energy to levitate landmasses. It enveloped the planet like Saturn's rings, cutting off communion with the Old Gods.
It appears in formations of geode-like clusters of jagged sharp-edged prismatic crystal that absorb all light. It is dense and deceptively heavy, surprising those who handle it for the first time. Witchrock has a surface that is smooth but unyielding, stronger and more durable than adamantium yet more flexible than mithril. It is most commonly found on the surface Wasteland.
When first recovered, these obsidian meteorite mineral fragments are filled with arcane energy - the source of sourcery and High Magic, required material components to conjure any significant dweomer or incantation. (Blood magic and shamanistic rune, ritual, and ceremonial magic do not require Witchrock, but are significantly less powerful than High Magic.) When charged with arcane energy, Witchrock is slightly warm to the touch, exuding a faint hum of energy and static electricity.
While known for its ability to absorb light, the property of charged Witchrock changes when exposed to moonlight - under which it fluoresces an iridescent octarine sheen that seems to pulse and ripple like flowing magic, giving it a mesmerizing, liquid-like appearance.
Recovering Witchrock, which is often fused with the surroundings or tunneled as volatile veins into the earth, is perilous. Disturbing its natural deposits can disrupt the surrounding magical balance, causing dangerous phenomena such as wild magic surges, arcane explosions, or localized environmental shifts. Otherwise, once harvested, Witchrock is relatively stable under normal conditions, maintaining its structure and arcane charge indefinitely if left undisturbed in its natural crystalline form.
Prolonged exposure to charged Witchrock often leads to a complex mix of extraordinary abilities and tragic mutant deformities - such as those of the Morlocks of Wretinridge.
Very few have the stamina and mental fortitude to forge Witchrock into arms or armor, so these items are extraordinarily rare. Acquiring one is rarely a case of gold and silver, but of barter, favor, and politics. Forging of Witchrock is a perilous endeavor as it resists manipulation like no other. Smiths work the forge in lead-lined suits but are still subjected to vivid nightmares and disturbing hallucinations which often drive them to madness. The extreme heat required causes Witchrock to sublimate into a dangerous and volatile magical vapor, which can violently react with its surroundings. A byproduct of worked Witchrock is a powdery dust known as Essence, raw magical power which can be infused into objects to enchant them by rare and elusive alchemical masters.
In addition to powering spells, Witchrock fuels much of the Aetheria Dominion's advanced arcane technology - burned in mana furnaces to fuel their airships or used to power arcane constructs such as sentinel golems.
Witchrock's relative scarcity and power as a source and amplifier of arcane power make it a symbol of stature and authority, a cornerstone of innovation, and a catalyst for conflict - wars have been fought over the procurement of Witchrock.
It appears in formations of geode-like clusters of jagged sharp-edged prismatic crystal that absorb all light. It is dense and deceptively heavy, surprising those who handle it for the first time. Witchrock has a surface that is smooth but unyielding, stronger and more durable than adamantium yet more flexible than mithril. It is most commonly found on the surface Wasteland.
When first recovered, these obsidian meteorite mineral fragments are filled with arcane energy - the source of sourcery and High Magic, required material components to conjure any significant dweomer or incantation. (Blood magic and shamanistic rune, ritual, and ceremonial magic do not require Witchrock, but are significantly less powerful than High Magic.) When charged with arcane energy, Witchrock is slightly warm to the touch, exuding a faint hum of energy and static electricity.
While known for its ability to absorb light, the property of charged Witchrock changes when exposed to moonlight - under which it fluoresces an iridescent octarine sheen that seems to pulse and ripple like flowing magic, giving it a mesmerizing, liquid-like appearance.
Recovering Witchrock, which is often fused with the surroundings or tunneled as volatile veins into the earth, is perilous. Disturbing its natural deposits can disrupt the surrounding magical balance, causing dangerous phenomena such as wild magic surges, arcane explosions, or localized environmental shifts. Otherwise, once harvested, Witchrock is relatively stable under normal conditions, maintaining its structure and arcane charge indefinitely if left undisturbed in its natural crystalline form.
Prolonged exposure to charged Witchrock often leads to a complex mix of extraordinary abilities and tragic mutant deformities - such as those of the Morlocks of Wretinridge.
Very few have the stamina and mental fortitude to forge Witchrock into arms or armor, so these items are extraordinarily rare. Acquiring one is rarely a case of gold and silver, but of barter, favor, and politics. Forging of Witchrock is a perilous endeavor as it resists manipulation like no other. Smiths work the forge in lead-lined suits but are still subjected to vivid nightmares and disturbing hallucinations which often drive them to madness. The extreme heat required causes Witchrock to sublimate into a dangerous and volatile magical vapor, which can violently react with its surroundings. A byproduct of worked Witchrock is a powdery dust known as Essence, raw magical power which can be infused into objects to enchant them by rare and elusive alchemical masters.
In addition to powering spells, Witchrock fuels much of the Aetheria Dominion's advanced arcane technology - burned in mana furnaces to fuel their airships or used to power arcane constructs such as sentinel golems.
Witchrock's relative scarcity and power as a source and amplifier of arcane power make it a symbol of stature and authority, a cornerstone of innovation, and a catalyst for conflict - wars have been fought over the procurement of Witchrock.
Inspiration: Delirium from the Dungeons of Drakkenheim
In response to the prompt Describe a material that is valuable due to its rarity. What is it used for?
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