The Metallurgist's Manual

A golden manual made by the first true emperor of The Old Petulic Empire. In the manual's golden pages lie the secret texts to creating Red Steel, a magical steel like alloy that is nigh unbreakable and inflicts incredible damage on impact so long as the weapons are taken care of properly.
The Metallurgist's Manual is the last work of Petulius Regulus, the first true emperor of the Petulic Empire. It is said that Regulus was found peacefully resting in his forge, burnt to a crisp, with the golden manual glowing in his arms and a stoic look on his face.
The Manual was lost during the assassination of the last Petulic emperor, and has been missing ever since, presumably stolen by the individual or group who assassinated the emperor and his family.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

This ancient book conveys upon it's user the ability to make masterworks of war. Any weapon crafted with this artifact's knowledge does double the amount of damage dice (1d6 shortsword --> 2d6). To retain this feature, the weapon must be soaked in the blood of an ancient red dragon once a year.
For every point of damage the manual takes, it immediately heals the same amount, and conjures a spectral weapon that seeks out it's attacker and does the same amount of damage back. The only way to destroy this tome is to burn it in the fires of the forge where it's first weapon was created.
In the event that a weapon created from the manual is unable to be soaked in the blood of an ancient red dragon after a year has transpired then the red steel of the weapon will turn to rust and acquire a consistency of hard packed dirt.

Significance

Cultural

Item type

Unique Artifact

Subtype / Model

The Metallurgist's Manual

Used by

• The Metallurgist's Manual

Manufacturer

The Old Petulic Empire

Related ethnicities

• New Petulian

Owning Organization

The New Petulic Empire

Rarity

A unique artifact from a bygone era.

Weight

50 lbs

Dimensions

18×10 in.

Base Price

2,500 for the gold alone. A large fortune for its intended purpose. Priceless for its cultural significance.

Raw materials & Components

50 lbs of gold