Azurtung

In the mines deep, Azurtung is found, A metal of power, both mystic and profound. Its radiant glow, a captivating sight, But handle with care, for it is naut but a blue blight. -A popular line from the play "Alvane and the Azurtung Avarice"
Azurtung Ore in its natural state

(Art by Midjourny)

Properties

Material Characteristics

Its ethereal essence lends it a pale blue radiance, reminiscent of the enchanting depths of arcane energies. While possessing the appearance of a dense ore, Azurtung can be smelted, forged, and shaped akin to conventional metals. Yet, it must be emphasized that exposure to this enigmatic substance is fraught with immense peril. Ill-fated attempts by misguided smiths to fashion weapons from Azurtung have resulted in a series of catastrophic events. Some foolishly believed that incorporating lead handles would mitigate the hazards, naively assuming that the lead encasement could contain the radiation. Although the handles made the weapons seemingly safe to wield, provided the lead sheaths were meticulously crafted, the truth remained that Azurtung was far from suitable for combat applications. Moreover, wounds inflicted by Azurtung-infused weapons tended to fester and poison their unfortunate recipients. Consequently, such arms were deemed repugnant tools of assassins and sadists.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The essence of Azurtung lies not only in its remarkable density but, more significantly, in its potent and latent magical charge. Its true value is found in its ability to revitalize and empower magical objects. As a core component of magical batteries, Azurtung can replenish their energy or even serve as a direct source of magical power for spellcasters, revitalizing their own reserves. However, caution must prevail, as this magical fuel necessitates containment within specialized lead receptacles to ensure safety. Any breach or damage to these receptacles can result in catastrophic leakage with dire consequences.
While the art of working with Azurtung in a secure manner has not been fully mastered, its utilization predominantly occurs within grand-scale operations. Massive lead-lined arcane furnaces harness its raw energy to generate steam, drive machinery, or, more frequently, channel the raw power into rechargeable magical devices, as well as imbue magical tools and weapons with enhanced potency.
One intriguing side effect of Azurtung is observed when its magical charge has been depleted. At this stage, it becomes safe to handle and retains its inherent density as a naturally occurring metal. Although of little value to most, it has been discovered that when mixed with flux in the crafting of steel, depleted Azurtung enhances a weapon's susceptibility to enchantments. Furthermore, it has gained popularity among practitioners of the burgeoning science of guns. Many gunslingers assert that depleted Azurtung bullets yield more powerful shots compared to traditional materials like lead or brass. Thus, its applications extend beyond the realm of conventional magic, influencing the realm of technological advancement and weaponry.

Compounds

Indeed, as a newly discovered and enigmatic ore, Azurtung holds the potential for a plethora of yet-undiscovered compounds and properties. Among these, one compound known as Azurium emerged, causing a sensational chain of events within the realms. Discovered by the esteemed gnome alchemist, Kuri Maisenmoss, Azurium unfortunately fell into the hands of the nefarious Guild of Alchemists Medicant, an organization serving as a façade for charlatans, medical fraudsters, and practitioners of hazardous shortcuts in the production of healing potions and medicines.
The Guild of Alchemists Medicant shamelessly propagated false claims, asserting that Azurium tablets were safe and possessed miraculous healing properties, promoting health, vitality, and an assortment of other deceits. Alas, the consequences of their deceit became starkly evident when one of their snake oil salesmen managed to distribute a substantial supply of Azurium tablets to the unsuspecting populace of Meadowsweet Mills. The true and dreadful danger of Azurium swiftly unraveled. Regular or even sporadic consumption of the tablets resulted in a gradual and insidious magical contamination, giving rise to malevolent mutations.
Meadowsweet Mills, gripped by this calamity, had to be quarantined, with many of its inhabitants falling gravely ill and succumbing to their afflictions. Not to mention the unimaginable horrors that befell those unfortunate souls who mutated into eldritch abominations, their sanity lost as they turned on their own friends and family in a twisted frenzy of carnage and consumption.
As a consequence of these harrowing events, Azurium has since been declared highly illegal outside of controlled studies and regulated environments. The Guild of Alchemists Medicant met its well-deserved demise at the hands of intrepid adventurers who brought the leaders of the guild, revealed to be fully aware of the dangers of Azurium, to justice. They met a fitting end at the gallows, their crimes laid bare before all.

Geology & Geography

The geological distribution of Azurtung remains confined to the enigmatic region known as the Broken Isles. Speculations abound regarding its connection to the cataclysmic Land Shatter spell, which shaped and infused the land with volatile and unpredictable magic. It is believed that the spell's effect may have engendered the formation of Azurtung within this specific territory. However, the extent of its occurrence beyond the Broken Isles remains a mystery, as exploration and discovery in other parts of the world have yet to reveal its presence.
The unique circumstances surrounding the creation of the Broken Isles and the pervasive influence of unstable magic in the region suggest a singular and localized genesis for Azurtung. Further studies and geological investigations are necessary to ascertain if this extraordinary ore exists elsewhere in the vast expanse of the world. Until then, the Broken Isles stand as the exclusive domain where the secrets of Azurtung's formation and enchanting properties unravel amidst the remnants of the Land Shatter spell.

Origin & Source

The origin of Azurtung has sparked diverse beliefs and theories, ranging from mystical lore to scientific speculation. According to ancient tales and folklore, some attribute the genesis of Azurtung to be the tears shed by Syann. Others draw parallels, suggesting it could be akin to her clotted blood, implying a deeper connection to the living beast that is our world.
On the other hand, scientific minds approach the matter with a more empirical perspective. They propose that Azurtung is a naturally occurring ore, formed through geological processes, which has absorbed dangerously unstable magical energy. This absorption has resulted in the buildup of this potent energy within the ore, yet to be fully diffused or released.

Life & Expiration

The precise half-life of Azurtung's magical charge remains an enigma, yet to be conclusively determined. However, initial testing and informed conjecture have pointed towards a remarkably protracted half-life, potentially spanning at least a thousand years. Such estimations indicate that the latent magical energy contained within Azurtung persists and gradually dissipates over an extended period, allowing for its long-term storage and utilization as a potent source of magical power. This also means if all Azurtung was created by the Land shatter then it is a limited resource and can not be replicated only driving arcanists to further crave this magical fuel source.

History & Usage

History

Azurtung, a remarkable metal unveiled in the recent era amidst the shattered isles, emerges exclusively in the vicinity of ley lines and their converging nexuses. Possessing a subtle radiance that bestows a pale blue-silver hue, it emanates a faint glow within the realms of darkness. Alas, its unearthing was swiftly accompanied by the manifestation of magical anomalies and outbreaks of supernatural ailments. Azurtung, rightfully held accountable, prompted the sealing of the mine until a proficient assemblage of magical experts arrived to scrutinize the situation with proper warding precautions. A multitude of samples were diligently gathered, sealed within lead boxes adorned with powerful wards, and dispatched to the esteemed High Guild of the Arcane for comprehensive analysis.
For numerous cycles of the sun, the mine remained sealed, safeguarding the samples within their protective lead containers. However, it was not until the venerable gnome Alchemist Kuri Maisenmoss was enlisted by the High Guild to embark upon a meticulous exploration of Azurtung's properties that it gained prominence on the global stage. Through extensive examination, it was unveiled that Azurtung harbors an exceedingly potent dormant charge of magical radiation, which, if subjected to prolonged exposure, could induce poisoning, affliction, mutation, and even graver consequences.
Despite the inherent perils of Azurtung, the spellcasting community found themselves enticed by its formidable latent magical charge. Promptly, the High Guild began acquiring mining rights and deploying clockwork miners encased in lead, suitably equipped to harvest and preserve Azurtung. For it was discovered that no other substance in the world serves as a more potent reservoir of magical energy than this lethal metal.

Discovery

The initial deposits of Azurtung were discovered by miners from Barim, Bolim, and Barver the Bouldersmith Brothers trading consortium. Recognizing the unique properties of the mineral, they sold the mining rights to the High Guild. The dwarven trade consortium, however, distanced themselves from Azurtung, referring to it as "That damned and tainted magical metal" and showing no interest in its acquisition or utilization.

Everyday use

Azurtung finds its most common application in the realm of magical power sources, serving as a vital component in arcane energy rechargeable batteries. It is also utilized to a lesser extent in highly specialized magical furnaces and engines. While infrequently employed in weapon craftsmanship and alchemical practices, depleted Azurtung has garnered popularity among proponents of emerging gun technology. Many musket users swear by depleted Azurtung musket balls for their remarkable stopping power.

Cultural Significance and Usage

As knowledge regarding the safe handling and proper usage of Azurtung expands, it is highly probable that this magical substance will establish a prominent presence within the Magocracy of Degara and potentially other nations with a strong focus on magic. However, if hazardous incidents persist, Azurtung runs the risk of becoming stigmatized and associated solely with reckless individuals and deemed a tool only embraced by the deranged.

Refinement

The toll of fatalities associated with Azurtung extends beyond its mere discovery, as early attempts to smelt the mineral proved perilous. Despite taking precautions, skilled metalworkers lost their lives during the smelting process, requiring the implementation of magical heat and enchanted smelters. It was soon realized that the smoke, slag, and impurities released during Azurtung smelting carried a dangerous magical charge, necessitating special handling techniques. Notably, species resistant to magic were found to exhibit resistance to these effects. In an effort to find a safer method of refinement, the High Guild enlisted the services of the dwarven inventor Kazdrum Kettlefoot, although the endeavor came at a significant cost.
Kazdrum Kettlefoot, a remarkably talented mountain dwarf inventor with an inherent resistance to magic, proved to be the ideal candidate for the task at hand. Assembling a handpicked team equipped with specialized wards and handling equipment of his own design, Kazdrum embarked on the mission to develop a safe method of refining Azurtung. After three years of relentless labor, the culmination of their efforts resulted in Kazdrum's Azurtung Smelter. This ingenious contraption employed skilled engineering, dwarven rune craft, warding spells, and a network of magically reinforced pipes, along with lead and asbestos materials, allowing the hazardous slag and impurities to be channeled into lead-lined casks.
Once processed into ingots within a Kazdrum Azurtung Smelter, the metal can be forged through more conventional means. Individuals resistant or immune to magic can handle the forging process with minimal to zero risk. Undead and constructs, with minimal protection required, can also engage in Azurtung metalworking, provided they wear lead-lined armor to safeguard against any disruption of their innate magical nature. Wealthy wizards have been known to invest in anvils warded with anti-magic fields or purchase magically blighted properties specifically for Azurtung work. Such measures ensure that Azurtung loses all magical properties within the designated area or its effects are nullified. The intricate and expensive steps involved in working with Azurtung contribute to its exorbitant cost.

Byproducts & Sideproducts

The refinement process of Azurtung ore to metal yields an unpleasant byproduct known as Azurtung slag, which poses significant hazards. This toxic waste emits a deadly combination of poisons and unpredictable magical radiation. To contain it, storage in heavy lead casks is currently the only known viable method. Attempts to magically drain or neutralize the slag have proven to be highly dangerous. However, there is a theory that Arcanivorous creatures, which possess the ability to consume magic and are immune to mundane poisons, might be capable of safely devouring Azurtung slag. Unfortunately, no magical lifeform capable of handling both the intense magical energy and the inherent toxins of Azurtung waste has been discovered thus far.

Hazards

The hazards of Azurtung are numerous and tragically well-documented, with numerous unfortunate events serving as reminders. Its emission of erratic magical energy poses a severe threat, causing a devastating supernatural sickness known as the Blue Burn. This affliction manifests as painful, glowing blue rashes on the skin, resistant to curative magics and inflicting a slow and agonizing death.
Moreover, prolonged exposure to Azurtung's magical radiation has resulted in documented cases of horrific and unpredictable mutations in living creatures. Reports include transmutation of internal organs into stone, blood transforming into burning oil within veins, the growth of crystal spikes bursting through the skin, and countless other unimaginable effects.
The most severe and seldom-discussed cases involve Azurtung poisoning victims who transform into Eldritch Abominations. These unfortunate souls suffer an overwhelming onslaught of grotesque mutations, accompanied by a complete loss of cognitive function. Some resign themselves to a grim fate, while others become enraged monsters, unleashing their fury upon any living being within their reach.

Environmental Impact

Azurtung has become a subject of intense controversy and concern, with many individuals expressing strong opposition to its use. Druids and nature worshipers view Azurtung as a cursed reminder of the destructive Land Shatter spell and its detrimental impact on the Lay Lines. They argue that it should remain untouched, allowing its presence to naturally disperse into the Lay Lines over time. Others advocate for a method of draining Azurtung away, directing it into the ambient magical aura of the world.
Those who are aware of the dangers posed by Azurtung slag are even more adamant about its avoidance, asserting that the waste product is far more detrimental to nature than raw Azurtung ore. Thankfully, no instances of Azurtung Waste leakage or prolonged contact with the environment have occurred thus far, sparing the natural world from potential harm.
Given the dark and troubling history of Azurtung, it is understandable that there is a justified fear regarding the mishandling of Azurtung slag by those driven by greed, laziness, or foolishness. The potential for disaster looms ominously, and caution must be exercised to prevent any further calamities associated with this hazardous substance. It is crucial that those entrusted with its storage and disposal remain vigilant and responsible to avoid any potential catastrophic consequences.

Reusability & Recycling

The potential of Depleted Azurtung, once drained of its magical properties through meticulous and extensive usage, holds promise for further exploration. While currently deemed useless to most mages, with the exception of crafting enchanter's steel flux, its dense nature and untapped possibilities warrant further study to unveil its hidden uses and potential applications. Researchers and scholars may yet uncover its true value and unlock the secrets held within Depleted Azurtung.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Azurtung is a rare commodity that is seldom traded or sold openly in any market. Its inherent danger, stemming from its radiation and the need for specialized handling and care, renders it essentially worthless to traders who lack the knowledge and expertise required for its safe utilization. As a result, only a select few organizations and individuals who possess the necessary understanding are involved in its exclusive trade.

Storage

The storage of Azurtung necessitates the use of sealed lead containers, with an emphasis on achieving maximum airtightness for enhanced safety. In many cases, additional measures such as potent magical wards or powerful anti-magical auras are employed to neutralize the hazardous effects of its magical radiation.

Law & Regulation

Azurtung and its derivative substances are classified as controlled substances by the esteemed High Order of the Arcane Arts. As a result, many trade centers strictly prohibit the entry of individuals carrying Azurtung, with such attempts often resulting in severe consequences. Smuggling endeavors involving Azurtung have proven perilous, leading to tragic outcomes for smugglers who mishandled the substance during the illicit transport.

Type

Ore

Value

Often ten or more times its weight in gold

Rarity

Very Rare outside of the Broken Isles where it is found with an alarming frequency.

Odor

Nil

Taste

Nil

Color

Pale Silvery Blue, when processed the resulting metal becomes even more vibrant blue in hue

Common State

Solid

(Art by Midjourny) Refined Azurtung ingots