Echo Stone

Written by strawberryAle

A rare gemstone found only in two places of the world, Echo Stone is a precious mineral mined primarily for its beauty, and its ability to seemingly channel magic. It is frequently used in magical equipment; such as capstones for staves, or firearms meant to channel arcane energy. Echo Stone is seldom found outside of Llyne, and is widely known as one of the most expensive materials in the world.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Echo Stone is a bright, multi-coloured gemstone that constantly shimmers and gleams with myriads of different colours. Upon closer inspection, diaphanous yellows, greens, reds, blues, and every bright colour between and betwixt can be found swirling beneath the glassy surface of the gem. And yet, shattering releases no gas or substance; it merely causes both pieces to shimmer and glow just as strangely.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The gemstone is notably warm to the touch. In some cases, one can also describe it feeling slick and sticky. Other pieces can feel strange and pulsing, as if it were throbbing or twitching in their grip.
Stranger though is the property that gives Echo Stone its name; the whispers that are said to be heard upon those who bear jewelry or handle the gem for a prolonged period of time. Many say that they hear a slew of voices speaking to them. Prolonged use is said to lead to insomnia of whoever owns the gem. And yet, euphoria is granted to those that wear or use the stone; a strong sense of self-satisfaction follows. Some even go as far to say that the insomnia is simply the removal of the need for sleep, while other long-time wearers claim to have no longer needed to eat due to the gem's influence.

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In time, these whispers become commands. They urge the wielder of the stone to commit certain actions. If the wielder agrees, then the stone grows increasingly more demanding for more substantial tasks. Should these tasks be disobeyed, then the user finds themselves separating reality from fiction; the boundary between dream and reality are severed, and they witness horrible things before inexplicably waking up with no memory of falling asleep. This is what forces many owners of the gem to refuse sleep.

Geology & Geography

Echo Stone is found in two places; one is found in Llyne, beneath a mountain known as Whispering Rock.
The second is found in the Lyranovan mountains, and is seldom explored due to its location being in a dangerously inhospitable land plagued by the undead. This mountain is referred to as Rainbow Rock for its gems; infrequent expeditions are lead there to pilfer the stones, but it's often avoided due to the dangers around it.

Origin & Source

Echo Stone is not a true stone, but a gem. It's known for being found in strange formations; typically literal vein-like growths that undulate across the otherwise uninteresting walls around them. Some are found in strange patterns or shapes; prospectors once likened an ore formation of the Echo Stone to resemble a heart -- Not a lovely, pink or pretty shape, but the beating, throbbing thing found in one's chest.

Life & Expiration

It remains firm and everlasting; the gem never deteriorates or changes, but simply keeps its beauty.

History & Usage

Discovery

A recent discovery, Echo Stone was found by the Duke Errin, often known as the 'Grey Duke' for his choice of remaining neutral in matters with the Church. Upon discovery, Errin had chosen to begin a settlement around the mines, setting the stage for the first mining operation to harvest the strange material. The gemstone was known for absorbing and reacting well with magic, allowing mages to channel it very easily. This was very useful; as the mountain range containing this gemstone was only a lonely road away from Siel, the most esteemed Mage Academy in Llyne.
In time, Duke Errin profited off harvesting the gemstone. Not only for its use in jewelry, but for the use in providing his military with adequate magical weaponry.

Everyday use

Two reasons; the simple one is jewelry. The stone is very appealing, warm to the touch, and is even said to cause euphoria in certain cases.
The second reason is as a magical tool. The Gemstone is capable of absorbing arcane energies placed upon it and amplifying it to a small degree, allowing mages to essentially, use less energy to create stronger spells.
Recent discovery of Echo Stone has also allowed for Duke Errin's knights to harness its energy to grant them, what they claim to be a form of vision at every angle around them. Thus, began the 'Blind Knights'; an order of knights who wear special rings adorning this stone, with full steel helmets that lack slits...even stranger, the knights are also capable of fighting without breath, granting them an unrelenting savagery that makes them unparalleled in combat.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Special orders are given to Duke Errin for those requesting the stone; where it is then extracted directly from the mines and sold at an exorbitant price. Lyranovan Echo Stone has the same qualities, yet is more difficult to reach due to its location. It is still sold at an incredible price, to those lucky enough to attain it.

Law & Regulation

Selling of the stone without Duke Errin's knowledge is punishable by death.

Value

Exceptionally high; Echo Stone is sold at a rate of roughly 5,000 Gold a pound. (Or roughly 11-12 Gold for 1 Gram.)

Rarity

With only two known places in the world that hold this stone, it is exceptionally rare outside of its home isles.

Taste

Some madmen would enjoy the flavor of a gemstone, and so the taste is often frequently likened to a strangely warm, slick taste of iron.

Color

The colours change from many bright colours of the rainbow; greens, reds, and blues, all the bright and pretty colours that give it a faint luster. The patterns shift within the gem constantly.

Melting / Freezing Point

None; Echo Stone has not been discovered to melt, and it remains perpetually solid.

Density

Density varies a lot more than any stone should. Some are known for being weightier than others, akin to lead, while others are sometimes reported to be as light as a cork. The most common density found in Echo Stone is around 14 Grams per Inches Squared

Related Species

• Humans