Oasis Pearls, Al'kireth|Heart of Hidden Waters or Droth-Kuur|Thirst’s Secret

Oasis Pearls are typically found in a solid, spherical form, ranging from the size of a grape to that of a quail’s egg. They are smooth, glossy, and often opalescent with subtle inner hues that shift with the angle of light—most commonly cool greens, soft blues, and desert golds. Some possess a faint internal glow, especially when placed in water or under moonlight.

Unlike oceanic pearls, these are not nacreous, but composed of calcified mineral resin, secreted over time by desert-dwelling molluscoid creatures that anchor themselves within subterranean spring chambers. The final result is a pearl that feels surprisingly cool, even in the hottest sun, and hums softly when placed near a leyline.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Oasis Pearls are chemically stable, non-toxic, and resistant to heat, cold, and pressure. However, when immersed in water, they exude a calming aura, making the surrounding liquid taste fresher, feel cooler, and radiate a sense of psychic stillness. Alchemists have discovered that the pearls contain minute traces of elemental water and spiritual essence, making them useful in the creation of clarity draughts, dream restoratives, and desert survival elixirs.

In magic-rich areas, they exhibit mild ley attraction, gently tilting toward nearby sources of water magic or latent emotion.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Oasis Pearls are considered precious and rare, but not unheard of. Their value increases significantly depending on size, hue, and magical potency. Pearls that glow when submerged or respond to moonlight fetch extremely high prices in Qirina and Esliviel markets, often traded for magical favors, rare ink, or spellbound silk.

Export from Zola is heavily regulated, while Durrozhonth restricts trade only to those who have killed beneath the sun.

Storage

Pearls are traded through desert-runner caravans, temple-licensed merchants, or duel-brokers who use them as tokens of silence, vision, or promise. They are stored in sand-packed ivory boxes, silk-wrapped clay flasks, or blessed water bowls, always kept cool and shielded from direct sunlight.

Type

Mineral