Otherworldly Essence

In the other dimensions that intersect with Tephra, high concentrations of spiritual energy can be found, and sometimes created, in the form of faintly glowing gems. These are valued across the planes, and especially in the material world where they can be used for powerful magic.

Properties

Geology & Geography

On Tephra, Life and Death Essence are carried through portals and "thin places" by spirits entering the mortal world. They can also be found in smaller quantities in the stone of deep caverns and high mountains, both dangerous places to mine.

Origin & Source

These magical gems come from the realm of the dead and the kingdoms of the gods. In both cases, they seem to crystallize in interesting ways - a tree in the forest of some afterlife cave might grow a tiny fruit of Death Essence, or a wondrous sculpture in Berronar's treasury might be seen holding a fragment of Life Essence one day.

History & Usage

History

Knowledge of the Essences dates back to the Age of Legends, but both have been associated strongly with organized religion.

Everyday use

Death Essence is needed to cast the Animate Dead and Create Undead spells, and for intelligent undead creatures to make a corpse into one of their own kind. It provides a source of negative energy that allows undead to move, and a hungry motivating force called the Reaping.
Life Essence is needed to cast the Raise Dead, Resurrection, and Reincarnate spells - anything that restores a body to true life. It calls back the soul from the World Below and repairs or replaces damaged organs.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Both types of Essence are almost never seen in a market stall. Regardless of the law, most people hesitate to flaunt the wealth needed to resurrect your dead loved ones, and treat these as the magical and gods-given substance they are. To buy them, one must know the right contacts - temples of Ereshkigal or Xanag, disreputable wizards, or government officials are a good place to start searching.

Law & Regulation

Kobir bans the sale and transportation of Death Essence, and requires a licensed explanation from those who wish to acquire or sell Life Essence. Kirohyne has no restrictions on the trade of either.

Type

Metaphysical

Value

Even a small piece of Otherworldly Essence can be fairly valuable, with a minimum of 25 gold pieces for tiny crystals. The maximum value, more than most individuals can afford, is 25,000 gold pieces for a highly energized or large amount.

Rarity

Life Essence is much rarer than Death Essence - a troubling thought, or a way for the gods to ensure that raising the dead is not a frivolous affair.

Color

Life Essence is clear, slightly blue or white but transparent. Death Essence is black and shiny like oil.

Density

Cannot be shaped except by magic.

Common State

Solid