Kolean Salt

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Salt harvested from the Lost Lakes is known to have unique magical properties, thanks to the curse that vanished those lakes. The Kolean Halfling clans that herd in the area are the only exporters of this magic component, and they carefully limit the supply so the nature spirits who took the lake's water won't be angered again.

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History & Usage

History

Was used only locally for many centuries, until ancient trade routes through the Suscoln Desert Steppe were taken once again, thanks to technology that lightens the burden on horse-drawn wagons, allowing them to not have to stop in the area.

Arcane scholars in Thundermaw discovered its uses as a magic component for various spells relating to water. Demand only further increased when it was found to be effective at magically protecting aetherite crystals from water damage in transportation.

Discovery

The Koleans discovered its properties soon after the lakes dried up. All rivers that flowed into the lake would vanish, people crossing the salt flat were more easily dehydrated, and even sealed vessels would lose their water. The first astral trout showed them how the salt that blighted an outpost could be used as a blessing by those who respected the spirits.

Cultural Significance and Usage

To the Kolean, this salt is a symbol of protection when used respectfully, even though the process of harvesting it from the inhospitable lake bed is dangerous. Small amounts are carried in vial pendants to ward off evil. It is an especially good preservative, so it is used to dry food, prevent mold, slow freezing, and mummify the dead, but it is not eaten.

Hazards

Consuming this salt can cause rapid death by dehydration.

Its occasional use in assassination attempts is the origin of an idiom in Common: "salt your own rations."

Environmental Impact

Can vanish bodies of water proportional to the amount of kolean salt spilled in. However, it is rarely found in amounts substantial enough to dry much more than a large barrel-full of water.

Reusability & Recycling

The water-sapping properties are lost gradually as it takes water, eventually leaving regular salt behind that is safe for culinary use.

Type

Ore/Mineral

Odor

Odorless

Taste

Like if salt could hate you (to be fair, this salt probably does)

Color

White, barely tinted green

Common State

Solid