Coral

Coral is a word that is used to describe both the structure and the living creatures that create, form and live in the structure. While most coral in its natural habitats is very much alive and growing, there are certain areas where the living creatures have died off and left behind the skeletal remains of their strutural foundation.
Only certain varieties of coral are capable of being used to create armor and weapons.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Far too many to mention, coral is as varied as the myriad of fauna that walk the surface world.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Armour: Replaces the metal. While wearing medium or heavy armour made with coral, you speed while swimming increases by 10 feet.

Weapons: Any melee weapon made with coral doesn't have disadvantage on attack rolls while underwater.

History & Usage

Discovery

Coral has been in use as long as stone, if not longer. This is nearly impossible to know. The first recorded use of coral being used as armor was of a brain coral. The hardened coral body (which closely resembles that of a brain) was hollowed out and worn as an adornment and was believed to add to the wearers intelligence, which is preposterous. It was discovered soon after that the hardened coral was infinitely stronger than a humanoid skull, and was tested in various different applications.

Everyday use

While it is quite popular as knick knacks and small trinkets and baubles, only certain varieties are suited for armour and weapons. Coral can be found as far inland as you can go, even in the far reaches of the Underdark, though its rarity and novelty is reflected in its price.  Jewelry made of coral is also very popular.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Though it is popular among sailors and pirates alike, the merfolk of Nanbeliard believe it to be sacred and will only harvest the remains of coral long dead.

Hazards

The hazards presented by the harvesting and processing of coral are many, from the crushing depths at which it grows to the deep sea predators that hunt the coral forests of the deep. Also worth mentioning, that there are several varieties that are highly toxic, and even leathal, to any living creature. Yet another hazard you should know of is the fact that all coral is alive. Taking the life of a creature just so that you can use its home for something is sure to upset any number of dieties or merfolk.

Type

Biomaterial

Value

150 GP per Unit

Rarity

Common

Color

Varied, but will eventually turn to a bleached-bone white color after all pigmentation fades.

Common State

Alive

Toxic coral that is used in weapons does carry its toxic properties in addition to its base properties, adding any of a multitude of effects such as poison, necrotic, confusion and paralysis to name a few. Toxic coral should never be used for armor, unless you're going to give it to someone you do not like.