Orichalcum
Orichalcum is an opalescent grey gemstone that is mostly found near areas of volcanic activity and are most abundant around subsea and island volcanos. Formed in much the same way as obsidian (volcanic glass), when lava of a certain elemental makeup is rapidly cooled, it is said that it traps the essence of the volcano within the gemstone.
Properties
Physical & Chemical Properties
Armour: While wearing medium or heavy
armour made with orichalcum, you have
advantage against Strength saving throws
against spells and magic effects.
Weapon: When you hit a creature with a
weapon made with Orichalcum, you deal an
additional 1D4 Force Damage.
History & Usage
Discovery
The Kobolds of the Golden Chain had long been enslaved by the Minotaur herd and were born into servitude. Several generations later, a small group of youths, led by Sint (slaves had no last names nor culture, for fear this would give them some sort of pride) planned and executed their escape. The 4 Kobolds were successful and made it to the mountain range and managed to find refuge in a large volcanic cavern filled with stalactites and stalagmites that shown brilliantly in the light of their single, stolen torch. Sadly, the Minotaur guards had found their tracks and found them soon after. Having been half hidden and sleeping when the slavers found the escapees, Sint was relatively unseen but awoke to the cries of his comrades as they were beaten and chained yet again. With no weapons and no hope, Sint looked around desperately for a way to save his friends. A stalagmite, very thin, was just within reach. With every ounce of strength left in his half starved body he grabbed the thin rod and broke it off at the base, now wielding a small club. The slavers laughed at the miserable site of a kobold with a tiny stone rod in his hand and stood there laughing until Sint reached the first Minotaur and swung. The Minotaur flew across the cavern and was impaled on the sharpened rocks. Sint was as surprised as the Minotaur's grim resolve set in. Sint tried to let out the reptilian screech native to his people, but said screech had been replaced by a Draconic roar that caused the entire cavern to tremble. The spark of revolution had been lit by the fire of Orichalcum.
Everyday use
Though orichalcum is sometimes used in armor and weapons, its most common use is in magical items and jewelry. It is one of the key elements used to create "items of Giant strength", meaning any item specifically used to augment the strength of the wearer.
Cultural Significance and Usage
The Sea Elves and Yuan-ti native to the islands of Gravenburn Islet use orichalcum not for its inherent abilities, but for its beauty. The Sea Elves use it in their works of art, carving great statues and other effigies, most often left in windows to catch the moonlight. The Yuan-ti use it exclusively for matrimonial purposes and the recognition of new additions to their community (read "birth." A female Yuan-ti will wear a bracelet with an orichalcum bead for each child born to her.
However, the Kobolds of the Golden Chain have uncovered the substance's true potential, with some even creating full suits of armor of orichalcum. Kobolds, typically being rather smallish with a strength reflected by their size, are often preyed upon by larger races of lower moral standing. Their discovery of orichalcum put a swift end to that, and quickly placed a peace in their area. The Kobold city of Terrigandra is well known for liberating many and any small races that were enslaved far and wide.
The amount of fire orichalcum has dictates its value. Orichalcum with high amounts of fire (the brightness of the opalescence reflected in light) is incredibly valuable and will produce much higher grade items.
Type
Mineral
Value
750 GP per Unit
Rarity
Rare
Color
Opalescent grey
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