Auzil Oil

Auzil oil is created by the emulsification of auzil beetle eggs. As lantern fuel, the oil burns longer and more efficiently compared to other oils. Due to its rarity and extended burning capabilities, auzil oil became a coveted luxury item by scholars and nobility.
Auzil Beetles are not abundant, and collecting their eggs is a challenging and hazardous endeavor. The limited supply of auzil oil contributes to its ever-increasing value in the market.

Egg Harvest

Endemic to Iothea Isle, Auzil beetles are large, dog-sized insects, measuring approximately 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) in length, and have a golden metallic exoskeleton that shines an iridescent blue-green hue. Auzil beetle eggs are laid in clusters of 50 to 100 eggs. Each egg is approximately 1 to 2 inches in length and 1 inch in diameter. Despite the large clutch sizes, and in part due to the harvesting industry, most auzil beetles do not survive to full sexual maturity making the eggs a scarce commodity.
Auzil beetles possess a dangerous ability to produce a deadly acidic spray from glands located in their abdomen. When threatened or agitated, they can release this spray as a deadly defense mechanism against predators. The beetle is very aggressive once engaged, and will not relent their attacks until their target has been killed. As such, the acidic spray poses an extreme risk to anyone attempting to collect their eggs.
To collect these valuable eggs, specialized hunting groups utilize protective gear coated in auzil oil. In addition to its value as a fuel, auzil oil naturally resists the acid produced by adult auzil beetles. Cloth and wood soaked in auzil oil are highly desired by hunters looking for these eggs.
The hunting groups usually track the Auzil Beetles to their colonies, which are located in lush, forested areas near bodies of water. Once they locate the clusters of eggs, the hunters proceed with caution to avoid agitating the beetles but are typically equipped for inevitable altercations with the beetles. Such encounters may be life-threatening for hunters, and in instances where a group is unprepared can result in the death of the entire hunting party.
Using specialized hooks, the hunters carefully remove the eggs from the colony without triggering the defensive response of the beetles. They must be swift and precise to minimize the time spent near the beetles. Upon successful collection, the extracted eggs are transported to refining facilities where the valuable Auzil Beetle oil is produced through an emulsification process.

Properties

Material Characteristics

The oil has a notably high viscosity, giving it a thick, slow-flowing consistency. It tends to cling to surfaces, creating a thin, even coating when poured or spilled, and when touched, the oil feels smooth and silky. Upon contact with the skin, the oil imparts a mild cooling sensation.
When light is shown through, the pale yellow oil emits a subtle glimmer, exuding a lustrous appearance. Auzil beetle oil evaporates slowly, allowing it to retain its liquid state for long periods. If cooled, the oil can begin to solidify into a waxy solid.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Auzil oil is chemically stable under normal conditions, but it may undergo decomposition or oxidation when exposed to prolonged extreme heat. The oil is highly combustible, making it an efficient energy fuel that burns longer than other oils.
If properly stored in sealed and airtight containers, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, the oil can retain its ideal state for 2 to 3 years.

Type

Biomaterial

Odor

Earthy, musky, and slightly citric

Taste

Metallic and tangy

Color

Yellow

Common State

Liquid

by Midjourney