Cup of Lycurgus

Overview

A Lycurgus Cup is a dual (and in some cases when magic is used multi) colored vessel made from glass that is impregnated with silver and gold nano particles. The plain versions of the Cup are still very useful and are NON-MAGICAL yet they still detect poisonous substances. Therefore attempts at dispel magic will have no effect on their detection ability.

Function

A Lycurgus Cup alters in color depending on what is put into it - it remains green when empty, or filled with liquids such as plain water, or non-acidic drinks. When filled with acidic drinks such as wine it turns a deep red - the deeper the red the more acid is present. Therefore a bright red cup is a sign of very high acidity in the cup - potentially fatal.

The Cups are said to turn a dark purplish red when filled with poisoned substances, and capillaries allow the liquid to connect with some of the gold embellishment which in turn will also turn dark black and green to further show a deadly (instant death) poison being present in the drink.

Shatter-protection

The Cup can be made with different versions of protections on them. Each cup also comes with a shatter-proof carry case that can withstand crushing blow strikes directly from any strength up to 18/95. (Allows save vs. Crushing blow above that force as if made of iron.)

Versions of Cup

1. Standard

As stated above

2. Detection Spells Added

- Detect Magic (Adds Blue Glow to cup if magical liquids are placed within it.) + 500gp

3. Detoxification Spells Added

Neutralise Poison is cast on any liquid placed in the Cup after 2 segments (Gives color warning) then spell is cast. (Works only once - must be re-embued after each use) + cost of spell and + 1000gp.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Nano particles of gold and silver change the color of the glass depending on the substances through which the light has to pass - these are sometimes referred to as Zeus-Cups as a result of their use of light in this way.

Manufacturing process

The blown glass is fired and filled with the gold and silver particles - some versions are said to have orichalcum in them that change the goblets into multi-hued goblets of brilliance.

Significance

Often used by high end dignatories, often diplomats are issued these as parting gifts when undertaking their first positions out of the kingdom.

Empty on the Left and Poisoned on the Right

Item type

Sensory / Aid

Manufacturer

Glassblowers Guild

Owning Organization

Glassblowers Guild

Rarity

Very rare - only made by Glassblower Guild members.

Weight

500gms

Dimensions

30cm/1' deep tankard type glass

Base Price

100 gp

Raw materials & Components

Fine Gold (10 gp worth), Silver (1 gp worth), Crystal Glass, and undisclosed coloring and mixing agents.

Magical ones require spellmonger assistance.

Tools

Created using blast furnaces and glass blowing equipment.