Orichalcum

Properties

Material Characteristics

Orichalcum appears as silvery veins in stone, frequently shining in light when polished even slightly.

Physical & Chemical Properties

As Corestone is infused with Fire and Diver's Bait with Air, Orichalcum is infused with Earth. Perhaps unsurprisingly for the element, however, this does not lend it many supernaturally interesting properties, though it does lend it some more mundane ones of extreme value. Orichalcum never rusts, but despite this is capable of being worked into metal of significant durability and quality. It also possesses an unusually high presence, making it suitable for containing supernatural beings or energies alike. Its bright reflective sheen is just an added bonus.

Geology & Geography

Orichalcum is located deep within The Eye, only brought up by volcanic activity in certain regions. Barring this, it must be found deep underground or within the Plane of Earth, lending it even more value due to its scarcity.

History & Usage

Discovery

Orichalcum has been discovered by various explorers and nations across the history of The Eye, from the Ashland volcanoes of Arrboth to the Dwarven Peaks. It has never been found in significant quantities, however, relegating it to the finest of equipment or artifacts and preventing it from having any massive impact on a region's economy or military prowess.

Cultural Significance and Usage

This metal often finds its way into powerful weapons and ceremonial armors due to its properties and scarcity, only being held by the greatest of generals and royalty. Merfolk in particular prize it for its inability to rust, and reserve it for their most celebrated generals. While Adamantium and other powerful materials can potentially result in a more supernaturally potent weapons, the shine of Orichalcum is unmistakable on the battlefield, and just seeing such a weapon drawn can be enough to give soldiers pause.

Manufacturing & Products

Orichalcum, for all its splendor, is nearly useless unless processed into metallic form. It provides neither a penalty nor bonus (+0) to Forging, but is capable of reaching +15 quality in the hands of a sufficiently skilled smith. On top of this, it confers a Presence bonus to any weapon, armor, or other piece of equipment that is primarily crafted from it. Specifically, Orichalcum grants a Presence bonus of +50 or double the Presence of the item (including base presence and quality bonuses), whichever is lower. Apart from the added resistance to magic and physical effects this results in, the metal cannot rust through any mundane means.

Common State

Ore