Aurichalis
Properties
Material Characteristics
Pure aurichalis ore is a translucent red-gold, almost coppery, color that has a reflective quality. While making an alloy with the material does eliminate the translucence, the overall gold hue remains but loses the red coloring. Aurichalis also maintains a consistent warmth that is just above the ambient temperature.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Aurichalis is an extremely durable metal that rarely breaks. Much knowledge of its properties have been lost over the centuries, yet researchers posit now that the strength of the metal comes from its infusion of natural magic. In addition, whether in its pure or alloyed form, aurichalis has a unique feature that causes the metal to shine brightly and emit luminance when immersed in near-darkness.
The natural magic contained within the metal appears to have other benefits as well. Ancient texts once claimed that aurichalis could be used to affect magic spells. During wars between derivos and aelferi during the Golden Age of Ascension, the discovery that aurichalis could absorb spells and either reduce or end their effects changed the dynamic of the front. The advantage that the derivos had achieved with sylvonis was countered, and the conflict soon diminished into a standstill that both sides gladly ended through negotiations.
History & Usage
Discovery
During the Golden Age of Ascension, all of Taermidra experienced incredible growth technologically. The derivos discovered ways to make an alloy of iron and silver that, when cooled following the smelting process, became nigh unbreakable. This new metal, sylvonis, could also be used to reflect or contain magic, capturing spells to be unleashed in the future or absorb the enchantment's effects. Sylvonis established the derivos as the dominant military, and the other ancestries feared for their own presence would be diminished as a result
Such was true also for the Aelferi. In their quest to secure their culture's dominance over the craftwork of the age, they delved deep in the hills beneath the forests where legends claimed raw magic could be found. The search took nearly six months, but at last their mines found a vein of gold ore that became the first site of aurichalis.
Aurichalis only grows in woodlands where the ygrondas trees prosper. These trees' roots descend deep into the earth and emanate magic as they thrive. While this provides a clear means by which to identify potential aurichalis veins, there is significant risk to the ygronda tree during harvesting. Unfortunately, when the tree dies, so too does the aurichalis vein. As a result, the source of aurichalis remained secret, and much of that history has been lost during the Era of Ruin.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Aurichalis has been central to aelferi culture for over a millennia. Many outsiders refer to it as "aelferi metal" due to this ancestry's predeliction for the metal. Because of its rarity and cost, however, aurichalis has been used mostly as a sign of prestige, power, and wealth. Nobles sprinkle aurichalis dust on their banisters and lace it within building supplies so that the inside of their homes glow at night. The aelferi rulers of Isilmar have a throne composed entirely of aurichalis to signify their status.
Binding Aurichalis
One element in particular has been lost to time: binding aurichalis to a wielder. In the Golden Age of Ascension, it became common practice to safeguard one's aurichalis relics to a bloodline to deter thieves and prevent the full effects of a weapon or relic being used by outsiders. The ritual required fresh blood that had been infused with magic, which it must be bathed in to achieve the effect. The blood requirement in this ritual in particular relegated the usage of aurichalis to the aelferi because of their natural blood. It is theorized that animancers may be able to achieve a similar bond with the metal; however, due to the scarcity and lack of knowledge regarding this facet of aurichalis, modern researchers have not attempted this. Once the ritual has been completed, the aurichalis is bound to that family's bloodline. The only way to end the binding is for all relations of the original binder to be slain, or for the weapon to be rebound willingly. Even in the Golden Age of Ascension, this process was not often practiced, as it required an owner of the original bloodline to bathe the item once more in their blood, and then for the new owner to do so before the first blood dried. Even then, it is debatable whether the aurichalis would no longer respond to the original owner.Benefits of Binding Aurichalis
Despite the grisly nature of the binding, there is a key benefit to performing such a ritual. When aurichalis is bound to someone, its latent magic is awoken. The item's natural luminescence can be triggered on command, not just in total darkness. Furthermore, the aurichalis can then be used to affect others' magic. A fireball slung at a wielder of a sword bearing aurichalis bound to them, for example, could fizzle into smoke and rendered ineffective when it comes in contact with the bound metal.
Type
Ore
Value
$$$
Rarity
Very Rare
Color
Pale yellow, sometimes translucent if more pure
Boiling / Condensation Point
6267°F (~3464°C)
Melting / Freezing Point
3200°F (~1760°C)
Density
10300 kg/cubic meter
Common State
Solid
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