Blood copper

Mined from the caves of The Understate of Palme, blood copper is an easily manipulated version of copper. It can easily be cast into shapes or gently molded. The material gets its name from the blood-like appearance and texture before it is set.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Blood copper is a thick liquid, described as highly viscous in texts. In liquid form it gives off a strong metallic scent and is a deep crimson, lending to the blood part of the name. While liquid it is cool to the touch and will pour or pool. Blood copper boils at a very high temperature, but as it does, the material becomes more solid. If it is completely boiled, the blood copper becomes solid. Otherwise, the blood copper simply increases in viscosity. If boiled to solid, the material can be gently shaped while it is still hot. Once completely cooled, however, the material is extremely tough. Tested against standard copper, blood copper is far more durable.

Geology & Geography

Blood copper was discovered in the Understate. While others have searched, other veins of the material have not been found.

History & Usage

Cultural Significance and Usage

Given the prominent use of metal across all of Rhina, blood copper is not an enormous technological advancement. However, it is a sought after material due to how it can be shaped by someone with less skill than is needed to forge other metals. It is still preferable to have a skilled metalworker shape the blood copper as proper setting brings out the full durability of the material and final shaping, especially sharpening, are difficult.
Far more importantly, however, blood copper appears to have a higher attunement to magic than other materials. When imbued with spells, the material will hold onto the full power better than other metals. This allows stronger effects to be stored, and the effect will not fade as quickly.
Blood copper can be shaped into anything that other metals can. Weapons and armor are particularly popular. Ornaments for spell casting are also popular. Those wealthy enough may also seek out blood copper art.
Because the material has only been found in Palme in current times, this makes it a particularly valuable resource. It helps bolster the Understate's economy. The skilled metalworkers of the Understate are therefore likewise valuable.

Odor

mettalic

Color

crimson

Common State

liquid