Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
The Erupting Earth saw the return of magic to
Dunya. Many have learned to harness the power of
magic since the cataclysm. However, those that
wield the power of magic found they had one
limitation. They could not permanently enchant
items.
As discussed in Chapter 9, only Artificers may create
permanent magic items other than scrolls and
potions. Where Alchemists can create potions and
sorcerers can scribe scrolls, only the Artificer can
create magic items.
As the power of the Artificers were not discovered
until the Age of X, other ways were searched for. It
was discovered that the Erupting Earth had done
more than return magic to Dunya, it had altered some
things on an elemental level.
This change created new ores that had not been
present on Dunya before the cataclysm. It also
changed plants and minerals creating new minerals
along with the new flora discussed in Chapter 11.
These new ores were mined and smiths began to find
ways to forge items from these new metals. Some
even experimented with combining these ores to
create even more metals.
These new metals possessed properties that mimic
some magic items. Master Smiths gathered and
created carefully guarded tomes discussing the new
metals and their properties. These discoveries have
allowed the Blacksmith’s Guild to maintain a
position of prominence despite the rise fo the
Artificer’s Guild.
As those that could control magic continued to
explore the extent of the magic, they discovered the
ability to travel to different planes. There they found
new metals and minerals they brought back to Dunya.
Also, those that could wield the power of magic
discovered they could travel to different planes.
These explorers brought back new metals and ores
for the smiths as well.
Adventurers, too, see the value of wondrous metal,
wood, and crystal from the far corners of the world
and beyond. They may be sought after as a form of
wealth, similar to magic items. They can make for
interesting quest objectives for factions who would
put the material to direct use in the world. And many
of the cheaper materials are less disruptive of the
game balance than conventional magic items, making
them safe to put on sale directly to the players.
Acquisition
Exotic materials cannot be found in your local goods
store. Some represent a significant risk to acquire,
others can only be obtained in remote locations, and
others are simply incredibly scarce. In some cases,
you may come across a settlement with a connection
to a particular material, such as a town sitting atop a
mithral mine. In other cases, it is necessary to seek
out these rare substances in stran.ge locations.
Materials that enter the trading system inevitably find
their way to cities or other locations where the
wealthy and powerful congregate. Whether you seek
a raw material or a finely crafted product of the same,
expect to face an exorbitant price tag once a seller is
located.
Buying and Crafting
The Exotic Materials table shows the market value
for raw, unworked materials. Most crafted items,
such as tools or structures, require an amount of the
material equal to their weight. Weapons and armor
always require 101b's of the material (half for light
weapons).
The cost of a crafted item, such as a set of
adamantine armor, includes both the cost of the
materials and the workmanship necessary to create it,
to determine the cost, first use the Materials table to
determine the cost of the raw material in pounds, and
multiply it by the amount required. Second, multiply
the cost by two to include the cost of the labour
involved. Third, add the regular cost of the item in
question.
For example, a suit of adamantine plate armor costs
2000gp. (250gp for the adamantium required, 250gp
for the cost of working the adamantium, and 1500gp
for total cost of creating plate armor.)
Items can only be made from materials similar to
their common form. For example, a sword can't be
made of fabric, and hide armor can't be made of
metal.
Materials
Adamantine
Adamantine is one of the hardest substances in
existence. In the eyes of architects, engineers, and
warlords across the land, nothing can take its place as
the most resilient of all building materials. Many a
warrior owes their life to the plates of adamantine
across their chest.
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
Possessing a dark non-reflective surface and
surprising density, adamantine can weather blows
that would crush any lesser metal. In contests of
force, adamantine surpasses almost every other
substance and emerges unblemished.
Adamony
This is, if possible, even harder and stronger than
regular adamantium (generally considered to be the
hardest/strongest metal known). It is so rare that only
two items constructed of it have ever even been
alluded to in legends: a ring of great power and a
long altham'e cum dagger; both created and owned
by the awesome magician Phandalume the Mighty.
However, should armour or other weapons ever be
forged from Adamony, it should be considered as "
+'7''. Note that Adamony is indestructible by any
known means (from H-bomb blast to magikal
disintegration) though its wearer certainly wouldn't
be. Its value is about ten (10!) times that of nonnal
adamantium
Arcadian Tin
Arcadian Tin is a pure white ore that is found in
abundance throughout the good-aligned higher
planes. It is considerably more difficult to find in the
prime material plane where it can only be found in
formations exposed to sustained magical light.
Arcadian Tin radiates light like a torch when in
darkness.
Arcadian Tin is remarkably receptive to
enchantments of all kinds but is particularly useful in
the crafting of magic items that focus on light and
Wisdom enhancing effects. Arcadian Tin is a favorite
when it comes to crafting magic items due to its high
affinity for magic. It is receptive to all manner of
infusions magical or otherwise save those that create
darkness. Any attempts to infuse darkness inducing
magic in to Arcadian Tin fail utterly.
While Arcadian tin is not particularly suitable for
weapons and armors due to its low density and
softness, bronze made from Arcadian Tin is perfectly
suitable for such a task.
Arcadian Tin is a very rare luminous white metal
with high magical affinity. The metal is prized by
good-aligned creatures who value its ability to
enhance wisdom. The ore also radiates light when in
the dark. This ore is quite easy to work with even for
the most amateurish mage-smiths and is thus highly
prized. It is typically used in the crafting of magic
items over arms and armor.
Aurebony
This; metal is about as strong as good bronze but
retains its natural weight. It is known to have a
deleterious effect upon dragon kind, its simple touch
causing great pain to them All weaponry and armour
built from this mystik black metal is considered to be
" + 4'' (but is still damn heavy!) and totally immune
to any flame or fire (though the wearer would not
be!) regardless of potency or source.
Chlorophite
Chlorophyte is an enigma, a living mineral with a
latent psionic signature all of its own. It slowly
converts mud and stone into more of itself, forming a
vast network that has expanded deep underground.
Long a mystery; scholars now believe that it arrived
centuries ago when an errant meteorite fell from the
stars.
This bright green mineral form a complex lattice in a
host material, usually stone. Possessing only the
barest glimmers of thought, chlorophyte turns its
psionic power to suit the intentions of intelligent
beings in physical contact with it.
Weapon, armor, amulet or rod made of chlorophyte
can hold PSP depending on the amount of
chlorophyte used, There is a limit of 50 PSP before
the cholorphyte lattice is overwhelmed and ceases to
function.
Black Orichalcum
This metal is thought by some to not only have "life"
but "sentience" as well. It is rare beyond description,
"+ 6" if made into armor or weapons and is reputed to
be the base metal the "Three Great Swords of Doom"
were grown from. No one today knows the secret to
the making of this magik resistant ( + 50% to MRS)
metal or even if any still exists in today's world. In
fact, little beyond legend is known of this arcane
metal and even these mythic references are far and
few between. One fact, however, can be relied on! It
is worth incalculable amounts ( GM-adjudicated)!
Brozahrium
This brass-colored metal is much prized by seafarers
as hull sheathing for their vessels. It absolutely won’t
rust, corrode or otherwise degrade itself due to water
and weather usage. Also note that 95% of all sea-
going "hull garbage" such as barnacles and the like
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
will not attach themselves or grow upon this metal. It
is about the same electrical weight conductor and
strength as copper (100.725%) but is 20% better
electrical conductor. Neither as rare nor common, it
has a value equal to gold, weight for weight.
Cadrium
This dense, heavy, reddish-brown metal is usually
buried so deeply underground (a mile or more) that it
is almost never seen (much less mined) by anyone
but dwarves. With 90% of the weight of gold and
about as hard as pig iron, its one great asset is that it
can withstand great amounts of heat without
transmitting the heat through itself. For instance, a
one-inch-thick piece could withstand a direct
blowtorch flame for, literally, hours without the
opposite side ever getting warm - rather like the heat
shield tiles on the space shuttle!
Anyway, the actual melting point of this dense metal
is an astonishing 11,820°F And, please note, that heat
would only go all the way through to the far side of a
1" thick piece at about 10,000°F! For the last 1,820°
before meltdown, the side away from that heat will
only be about one sixth as hot as the far side taking
the heat.
For example, at 11,200' on one side, the other side
will only be 200'! This goes on until the last 20
degrees before meltdown at which time the metal
reaches its “glow point" and becomes hot all the way
through, equally. Then, as it melts at 11,820, it begins
to "superheat'' (if the outside applied heat is hotter
than this) and, at 13,000° it begins to boil. By 14,950,
it is commencing to vaporize and will lose 10% of its
mass each second it is that hot (or hotter).
Seldom seen in amounts larger than an ounce or two
at a time, such small pittances are, nonetheless, still
sufficient to ''leaf plate" an entire round shield's front
because it is so mailable at high temperatures (9,000
or higher). Such protection would render said shield
front effectively fire/heat proof (within the given
parameters above). Figure its value at approximately
6,850 ounces of gold for each single ounce of
Cadrium!
Cold Iron
This iron mined deep underground, known for its
effectiveness against fey creatures, is forged at a
lower temperature to preserve its delicate properties.
Weapons made of cold iron cost twice as much to
make as their normal counterparts. Also, any magical
enhancements cost an additional 2,000 gp.
For example, a +2-longsword made of cold iron
would cost 10,330 gp, because the price doubles for
the longsword itself (15 gp to 30 gp), the +2
enhancement bonus costs 8,000 gp, and enhancing
cold iron costs an additional 2,000 gp. (The price
includes 300 gp for the masterwork component.)
Items without metal parts cannot be made from cold
iron. An arrow could be made of cold iron, but a
quarterstaff could not. A double weapon that has only
half of it made of cold iron increases its cost by 50%.
A two-bladed sword with one end of cold iron and
the other end steel would cost 150 gp.
A metal weapon, made with Cold Iron, will cause an
extra damage to fey, undead, and demons it it hits
them. It also counts as a magic weapon against these
creatures for purposes of immunity and resistance.
Due to the expense, cold iron is often applied as a
wire (made by pulling or swaging) and then inlayed
into the weapon, rather than making the whole
weapon of the metal.
Fey, Undead, and Fiends have difficulty passing a
barrier of Cold Iron. To do so, they must save vs.
petrification. This is why some graveyards have cold
iron chains surrounding them, to prevent the dead
from rising as undead and leaving the graveyard.
Corundium Ore
Corundium Ore is dull brown ore that forms in areas
that require both extreme physical pressure and the
presence of magical or elemental earth. It has
occasionally been known to form in very deep
forgotten caverns of the prime material plane where
long forgotten portals once stood. Corundium is
extremely dense and nearly as hard as Adamantium.
Corundium is somewhat resistant to magical
energies as well as most forms of manipulation. The
rewards for working Corundium into arms and armor
are significant. Corundium weapons tend to be
extremely hard and are capable of dealing enhanced
damage, particularly bludgeoning weapons.
Corundium armors are somewhat more prized as they
can be near impregnable. Armor made from
Corundium confers significant damage reduction but
is often ridiculously heavy. Corundium is not
especially useful in the crafting of magic items.
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
Corundium is very rare and extremely hard. It is
usually found in very deep mines or caverns.
Corundium is a popular find only with those races
intimately tied to the Earth. But among these peoples,
it is greatly prized. It is notoriously difficult to work.
Corundium is almost entirely resistant to heat,
pressure and even magic. As such, only the most
dedicated mages and smiths can hope to successfully
forge the ore into something useful. This often
involves the use of Netherium. Even so, its hardness
is highly valued in magical alloys and its magical
resistance serves as an important stabilizer for more
chaotic metals and alloys.
Corundium grants a +2 to weapons and armor and
armmor gets a +2 vs. all types of fire (yes that
includes magic and breath weapon.
Dark Iron
Dark Iron is a magical ore most frequently found in
places ex- posed to supernatural shadow where it
absorbs the very essence of darkness. It can be found
in abundant qualities on the plane of shadow and in
many places on the material plane. It is dark gray in
color and seems to absorb rather than reflect light.
Dark Iron is somewhat lighter than normal iron but is
equally strong.
Dark Iron is prized for its non-reflective qualities as
well as its magical affinity which makes it more
receptive to enchantments. Armors and weapons
made from Dark Iron do not reflect light making it a
prized metal for use by those looking to be stealthy
but effective. Enchantments that play to this affinity
are especially potent, especially
if they involve shadow or illusion. Edged weapons
made from Dark Iron tend to be sharper than normal.
Dark Iron is prized for its stealthy qualities by those
with connections to illicit businesses and activities.
This will often involve those with less than reputable
intentions. The metal is said not to reflect light.
While very rare to find, Dark Iron is not prohibitively
challenging to work and can be shaped by most
skilled blacksmiths who have some arcane training.
Many smiths who work with the metal are highly
reluctant to advertise their services, preferring to
avoid attracting the attention of local authorities or
anyone who might come asking questions. Tracking
down the crafter of a Dark Iron weapon is often a
good way to gain information on the weapon’s
owner.
Dragon Iron
Dragon Iron is made from a combination of rocks and
ore, which are melted by a dragon’s fire breath. Once
properly shaped and cooled, the resulting metal takes
on a silver sheen and is found to be lighter and
stronger than forged iron. A sword made from
Dragon Iron is strong enough to cut through an iron
blade with surprising ease.
The ingredients for Dragon Iron are three parts
limestone, two parts sandstone, one part iron ore, and
melted by a dragons fire breath.
It is possible that Dragon Iron is purified iron
(without the slag and impurities), with some carbon
and nickel mixed into it, thereby creating a form of
steel. This would make the alloy both lighter and
stronger than crude iron and give it the metallic
sheen.
Dragon Iron has been proven to be extremely tough,
as it has withstood many things. For example, it has
been able to endure a full blast of any dragon’s breath
weapon
Dragon Iron can be used to reinforce structures,
making them far stronger than they were before its
addition. It is implied that this reinforcement enables
the structures to withstand heavy impacts.
When Dragon Iron is forged into a bladed weapon,
the weapon gains the sharpness property. When an
unmodified 20 is rolled, not counting any modifiers
for strength, magic or skill it will sever an extremity
—arm, leg, neck, tail, tentacle, whatever determined
by random dice roll. This will only affect small and
medium targets.
Extremity Roll (d12)
Arm/tentacle 1-6
Leg/Tail 7-11
Neck 12
If used to hit metal (weapons, armor, etc) the item
must save at a -2 or be shorn into pieces.
Armor from Dragon Stone grants a +3 to saving
throws vs. dragon breath weapons and any item made
with dragon iron gains a +4 to its saving throw vs.
dragon breath weapons.
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
Dreamstone
Dreamstone looks almost like a pale green crystal to
the untrained eye, but can be worked as iron despite
its appearance. It is associated with abjuration magic,
dreamers, and musicians.
Dreamstone is light—half as heavy as iron, yet just as
strong. More importantly, dreamstone is strangely
resistant to magic. An object made of dreamstone
gains a +4 bonus on any saving throw made against a
magical source. Creating a magic item that
incorporates any amount of dreamstone into it
increases the price of creation by 5,000 gp, as costly
reagents and alchemical supplies must be used to
treat the metal during the process.
Weapons made of dreamstone weigh half as much as
normal, and gain a +1 enhancement bonus on damage
rolls against constructs, magically created undead,
and summoned creatures. Dreamstone armor weighs
half as much as other armors of its type, and is
treated as one category lighter than normal for the
purposes of movement and other limitations (light
armor is still treated as light armor, though). The
armor’s maximum Dexterity bonus increases by 2,
and armor check penalties are reduced by 3. The
armor’s spell failure chance increases by 20% and
applies to all magic cast while wearing the armor,
regardless of the magic’s source or class abilities
possessed by the wearer. The wearer of a suit of
dreamtime armor gains a +2 resistance bonus on all
saving throws against spells and spell-like abilities. A
shield of dreamstone does not add a resistance bonus
to saving throws or reduce spell failure but it adds a
+2 deflection bonus from spells and spell-like
abilities that require a ranged touch attack.
Dreamstone has 30 hit points per inch of thickness
and hardness 10. Dreamstone ore is worth 50 gp per
pound.
Ethril
One of the rarest of ebon metals, Ethril is as light as
willow wood and can float! It is also as strong as fine
nickel steel and totally unaffected by any degree of
cold (though its user certainly would not be!) This is
without regard to the source or potency of the cold, of
course.
All weaponry and armour constructed of this metal
would be "+ 5'' and it is known to be toxic to Elves!
Its merest touch causes nausea (etc) among Elves and
a stab wound or cut caused by Ethril (on any Elf)
causes ld12+ 1 HP of toxic poisoning (each time)!
Elves hate this metal and consider all who use It their
enemy. On the other hand, it is a total, 100%, non-
conductor and block against all psychic emanations,
regardless of type, power or source. In the oldest
Elven legends, it was called "Eliadolyn" or "Kiss of
Death". Its value is approximately four times that of
normal Milhril.
Fel Iron
Fel Iron is a bright green iron derivative that is found
in abundance near fiendish and evil-aligned magic.
This ore has absorbed some of the evil power of the
lower realms and is frequently used by its denizens.
The influence of fiendish auras permeates the metal
to its core granting it an affinity for not just fire and
acid but evil as well.
Fel Iron is both heavier and harder than normal iron.
Weapons made from Fel Iron tend to do more
damage than their normal counter parts. Fel Iron is
also particularly receptive to enchantments of Fire
and Acid. Armors made from the Ore provide
protection from those elements as well. Fel Iron
weapons also have a tendency to cause particularly
nasty wounds and infections.
Fel Iron is rare and prized by Orcs and evil- aligned
humanoids as a symbol of power and leadership.
Despite being significantly heavier than normal iron,
the ore is still popular amongst the nefarious. The
extra mass just adds to its awesomeness.
Fel Iron nearly always inflicts burns of some kind
when used in slashing or piercing weapons. Its extra
weight is effective in bludgeoning weapons as well.
Fel Iron armor is a hero’s treasure for evil warrior
types. These types will do nearly anything to get their
hands on such an item.
Fel Iron is highly resistant to heat and will only be-
come malleable through the application of magic and
thus requires magical forging. The ore is difficult to
work even once it has been made malleable and thus
requires significant talent for anyone seeking to forge
the material.
Feronite Ore
Feronite is a brilliant yellow ore that bears some
similarity to copper in its characteristics, though it is
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
a good deal harder. Feronite is most commonly found
in rocks near powerful leylines and fey energies.
Locations that combine this with frequent exposure to
electrical currents are sure to produce Feronite.
Mining Feronite can be somewhat tricky as it is
highly conductive and can retain electrical charges
for quite a long time.
Feronite is particularly receptive to magic involving
arcane electricity. Weapons made of Feronite can
deliver stunning charges to foes. Armors made from
Feronite can also provide significant protection from
Lightning based attacks. Infusions of electrical
energy can be erratic but always powerful. Feronite
armors and magic items also tend to provide limited
protection from charm magic. Alternatively, it can be
used to strengthen charm magic in items if so desired.
Feronite is a rare metal with an affinity for electricity.
Arms and armor involve electrical enchantments and
protections.
Feronite is a favorite metal of fey creatures and elves.
It is prized for not only its electrical affinity but for
its affinity for charm magic as well. Magic infusions
involving feronite tend to also be slightly chaos
aligned.
Feronite is not quite as hard as normal Iron and
typically requires the addition of small quantities of
other ores or materials (usually iron, tin or carbonite)
to be effective in the making of weapons. This is not
necessary for armors or magic items. Feronite
weapons thus require greater skill than do armors.
Findruine
The Immortals of Faery have the skill to forge a
metal beyond the capabilities of Mortals called
Findruine (Gaelic) or Gwenefydd (Welsh). This is a
strong, light, white-bronze metal that enables the
faery to wield swords and other iron-like objects
without harm to their senses. Mortals cannot replicate
or even understand how the Faery smiths compose
this enchanted alloy and have tried many times.
Every metal item created in Faery is constructed from
this substance and appears to mortals as similar to
iron, but more delicate in appearance yet infinitely
denser and mightier. Although magical in its forging
and fusion of gold, silver, tin, and copper, this metal
is not innately magical until properly enchanted or
given a Dragon Stone.
It is assumed that every item of magical nature
granted or involved with the faeries is derived from
Findruine, since the threatening nature of iron is
impractical for use. The most polished and buffed
items made from this metal will have the ironlike
shine with which mortals are familiar, yet with an
additional touch of the Otherworld in its luster.
Godbone
Few substances in the world are as strange and little
understood as the glossy black stone called
“godbone” by the Shou. Their witch-women insist
that the rock is the solidified remains of their god,
who sacrificed himself in this world to save his
chosen people. The jagged black shards of the stone
can be used to open a channel to the sleeping god’s
power by those versed in the ancient secrets.
The Shou witches share these secrets with no one but
their apprentices, and certainly not with the hated
human invaders. Captured Shou witches have been
interrogated by human sorcerers, but even under the
influence of spells of charming and domination, the
instructions they provide make no sense. Some magi
have theorized that the secrets are only
comprehensible to a Shou who has undergone the
initiations required of a witch.
“Raw” godbone is the crude black stone itself,
chipped from veins deep in the mountains or
unearthed from scraped hillsides. The rock is rare,
with the veins less common than gold and each one
guarded with savage fervor by any Shou that find it.
Most are crowded with local tribes, each one waiting
for their chance to seize the sacred stone from its
current keepers.
In its raw form, the godbone has powerful warding
effects against outer planar creatures. A person
bearing at least a pound of raw godbone on his
person gains the benefit of a Protection from Evil
spell against the attacks or influences of outer planar
creatures. Such creatures cannot touch a person
bearing godbone unless the bearer attacks them first,
though they may use ranged attacks and spells.
Under the arts of certain elder witches, the raw stone
can be shaped and formed into sharp weaponry and
tough armor. Godbone can also be used to fuel
magical spells with its innate geomantic power. One
pound of raw godbone is required per level of the
spell to be augmented. When so employed, the spell
automatically functions at its most powerful, with all
random effects maximized. If the spell involves
rolling on a random table, such as Reincarnation or
Teleport, the caster may roll three times and take the
preferred result. Shou witches are aware of this
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
quality of godbone, and the most powerful are not
reluctant to use it against the hated humans.
Godbone is exceedingly expensive on the open
market, with Tien Lungan sorcerers often making a
point of purchasing or confiscating every scrap they
can lay hands on. A pound of raw godbone will easily
fetch as much as a thousand gold koku in the
marketplaces of Xian or Hohnberg.
Godbone Armor: This armor is equivalent to either
leather, splint mail, or very rarely plate mail,
depending on its manner of construction. Countless
tiny stone plates of godbone are painstakingly drilled
and bound with leather thongs and backing into suits
of enchanted armor. This armor always has at least a
+1 bonus. While wearing the armor, the possessor
gains the benefit of a Protection from Evil spell.
Godbone armor gives a -4 hit penalty to the attack
rolls of any extra-planar creature attacking the
wearer.
Godbone Weaponry: This weapon is invariably of
at least +1 enchantment, and usually takes the form
of a club, mace, spear, or dagger. While carrying the
weapon, the wielder gains the benefit of a Protection
from Evil spell. While godbone weaponry appears to
be made from that brittle, jagged black stone, nothing
short of powerful magic or the thews of a giant can
damage such a weapon. Godbone weaponry is always
able to injure extra-planar beings, regardless of their
normal weapon immunities.
Greenweave
Greenweave's rarity is not due to its constituent parts.
Dragontail fern, the sole element, is one of the most
common weeds in the eastern ridgelands. No, the real
challenge to acquiring this material is locating a druid
capable of spinning the still living fronds into binding
Matrimony.
Dragontail fern forms long, sinuous fronds with
pinnae that resemble a dragon's scales. It's surface is
fuzzy and dappled with all the colors of the forest,
creating a hazy optical effect when rustled by the
wind. When woven into Greenweave, the
resulting fabric maintains this strange appearance. It
provides a +25% to hide in natural surroundings
Druids of 5th level or higher can create one pound of
raw greenweave by casting druidcraft on a dragontail
fern continuously for one hour. The fern must be
alive and rooted, and it is consumed by the process.
Hartwood
When a tree falls, its lifeforce slowly retreats into the
core wood and fades out of existence. If it falls in the
feywild, there is a chance that its lifeforce is
sustained by the latent magic of the plane. In such a
case, the dead outer layers eventually decay to reveal
a column of still living hartwood at its core. Guided
by the soul of its parent tree, hartwood has a penchant
for helping its owner push past mortal limits and
accomplish legendary teats when the need is greatest.
Description: Hartwood is an impossibly pale, almost
luminous material. Sturdy yet compliant, soft yet
unyielding it practically embodies the platonic ideal
of workable wood.
Hartwood counts as a fey entity for the purposes of
spells and effects that refer to a creature's type, such
as the spell Detect Evil and Good.
When a creature attempts to use an item
made of hartwood to accomplish an
extraordinary feat, such as make an impossible
shot, survive an impossibly powerful blow, or
pick an impossibly difficult lock, the item may
choose to have the creature roll a 20 on the
skill check attack roll, or saving throw. This
effect can't occur more than once a week. (The
decision to activate this property ls controlled
by the DM. It generally triggers in moments of
narrative climax.)
Example Item: Hartwood Quill.
Some of the world's greatest poems and
stories have been written in a moment of
inspiration granted by a hartwood quill.
Hellstone:
This metal is blue-green and glows with great power
that can poison those who sample of its might for too
long or two directly. Hellstone is associated with
conjuration magic and artistic passion. Hellstone
functions as steel when used to craft weapons and
armor, but anyone who carries or wears hellstone
arms or armor becomes sickened for as long as the
gear is carried or worn, plus an additional 1d4 hours
after it is removed. Likewise, a character in an area
with heavy concentrations of hellstone becomes
sickened as long as he remains in the area. This is a
poison effect. Weapons and armor made from
hellstone glow with an intensity equal to that of a
candle. Scholars have long debated where the glow
and associated sickening effect come from, but most
agree that the source of the power comes from the
Dark Patron himself. Hellstone weapons are treated
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
as masterwork weapons and are able to bypass the
damage reduction of azatas. Armor are considered
masterwork as well.
Hellstone can also be powdered and alchemically
distilled with other rare catalysts and chemicals to
form a much more potent toxin. A pound of
Hellstone is enough to make 1 dose of hellstone
powder.
Hellstone Powder: Poison—ingested; save negates;
onset 10 minutes; frequency 1/minute for 6 minutes;
effect 1d4 Con plus nausea; Cost 900 gp.
Hihi'irokane
Hihi'irokane is a red/orange metal obtained from
hihi'irokane ore. Its name is greater goblin for
"flame-colored metal" or "brilliant scarlet metal". It is
rustproof, ultra-hard, and an excellent conductor of
both heat and spiritual energy (sometimes to the point
of being warm to the touch). Hihiirokane is harder
than diamond, immune to rust and an excellent
conductor of souls, emotions or spiritual energy.
When enchanted by greater goblin shamans these
weapons tend to take on enchantments involving soul
stealing, vampiric, or cause fear/despair. Only great
heroes of the great goblins will wield these types of
weapons, but woe comes for any that faces one of
these weapons. When armor made of hihi’irokane is
enchanted it holds abilities such as cause fear or
despair.
Hoodoo Loam
In the endless muck and mire of the southern
swamplands, deposits of hoodoo loam periodically
surface. Although it's strong enough to be used for
tools, this chalky clay returns to its primordial form
under the right conditions.
Hoodoo loam is a thick, mucky paste in its raw state,
but skilled potters can quickly shape and fire it into a
substance resembling a stone. Nonetheless, it quickly
becomes soft and mud-like when submerged in a
solution of water and mineral oil.
Items made of hoodoo loam only take 1 hour to craft
per pound of raw material. Hoodoo loam converts
back into raw material when submerged for one hour
in a bath containing 1 vial's worth of mineral oil.
Ironwood
The mightiest trees the world has ever seen,
Ironwood pines can reach 30 feet across at their base,
and over 300 high. Its flesh is so tough that
woodsmen opt for drills and picks over saws.
Even when freshly harvested, ironwood's grayish,
pitted surface gives it the appearance of a petrified
relic. Without the proper tools, carving ironwood is a
slow and arduous process.
All Ironwood items gain the benefits of both wooden
and metal implements, and only suffer from
downsides that affect both material types. For
example, they are non-flammable despite being made
of wood, and are immune to rust despite acting
similar to a metal.
Ignium
Deep beneath the earth, in the fiery roots of every
volcano, the raw heat of the elemental plane of fire
seeps through into the prime material. Bound by the
forces of pressure and time, the surrounding rock will
eventually stabilize into a magmatic yet sturdy stone
substance known as Ignium.
Ignium is solid stone with a turbulent fiery force
visible just beneath the surface. Despite approaching
the melting point of stone, it remains a sturdy
building material. The intense heat spills out into the
surrounding area, driving up the surrounding
temperature and searing all that it comes in contact
with.
Ignium is immune to any effect that would harm it
due to cold. It emits bright light in a 10-foot radius
and dim light for an additional 10 feet. It ignites
flammable objects it comes in contact with, and deals
ld6 fire damage to creatures it comes in contact with.
Worn and carried items usually include padding that
protects the owner from this effect.
Kyrrad
This deep sapphire-blue metal is one of the forgotten
things of the race of Mist Elven kind. It was made in
a process requiring 13 years from an amount enough
for but one single bastard sword. It is said to be that
the metal was an alloy of black mithril and a ruby
colored “metal” that had fallen from the sky “like a
blazing sun”. Once that translucent red “star metal”
was all used up it could no longer be made. Al
properties of this metal are unknown so caution
should be used in dealing with it. However, at a
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
rough guess anything made of this stuff is at least +7,
at least. Be warned!
Laconium Ore
Laconium is a rare and beautiful blue ore found in
rock formations exposed to supernaturally cold
conditions. It is common in the outer planes wherever
cold dominates and as well as locations on the prime
material plane regularly exposed to cold and magical
auras. The ore radiates cold even in normal
conditions.
Arms and armor made from Laconium are
particularly receptive to cold magic. Weapons made
from the ore retain the metal’s chilly aura and often
frost over when exposed to air. Laconium is slightly
harder than iron. Armors are particularly good for
resisting cold damage but can also be worked to resist
heat as well.
Laconium is a rare metal with an affinity for cold.
Arms and armor involve cold enchantments and
protections.
Laconium is a favorite metal of Ice Giants who
frequently mine the ore for use in their best weapons
and armor. The metal radiates cold and is a favorite
of any creature that enjoys a cool breeze. Due to the
fact that the ore radiates cold, it is some- times used
by the very rich to cool rooms. Laconium has a
tendency to extinguish normal fire and thus requires
magical skill to work and forge.
Linite
This shining silver metal is either incredibly hot or
freezing cold when found. Linite is associated with
evocation magic, artifice, and order. Forgewrights
across Porphyra debate as to whether linite is a single
substance created by the Maker of Ways or two
similarly tinctured metals. When raw linite is found,
it has a 50% chance of being hot linite or cold linite.
Physical contact with linite deals 1 point of energy
damage (either fire or cold, as appropriate). Hot linite
can eventually ignite objects, and cold linite in water
quickly surrounds itself with a 1-foot-thick shell of
ice. A weapon made of linite deals +1 point of
damage of the appropriate energy type each time it
strikes a foe, but also deals 1 point of the same
energy damage to the wielder each round it is used in
combat.
Likewise, linite armor deals 1 point of energy
damage per round to a creature wearing it, and deals
1 point of energy damage each full round a creature
is grappled by someone wearing linite armor. Cold
linite armor grants fire resistance 5, while hot linite
armor grants cold resistance 5. (The type of armor
does not alter the amount of resistance granted.)
Typically only creatures with natural resistance to
fire or cold seek to use linite weapons or armor.
Maritime Quartz
When deep ocean currents converge from the four
corners of the world, their meeting point is often host
to an outcrop of Maritime Quartz. Harvested by
enterprising merfolk, these prized constructs of salt
and brine soon enter the hands of wizards who value
their strange relationship with magic.
Maritime Quartz is a clear crystal that comes in a
variety of shades of blue and green. Like many
crystals, this material possesses a deep purity that
allows it channel magical power in an efficient
manner. However, items made of maritime quartz are
also suited to perform tasks of a less enigmatic
nature.
Holding an item made of maritime quartz does not
prevent you from performing the somatic
components of spells. Example Item: Maritime
Quartz Sword.
A weapon carved of maritime quartz allows a warrior
versed in spellcraft to freely practice the Art on the
field of battle.
Mawine
This metal’s structure allows it to pass through iron
and steel without touching them, seemingly shifting
in and out of phase with reality. This quality earned
the pale metal the nickname “the Dark Maw’s bite.”
Mawine is associated with necromancy magic,
prophecies of doom, and assassins. Mawine is the
softest of the solid godmetals, being only slightly
less malleable than lead. It doesn’t function well for
crafting armor as a result, and though mawine
weapons can penetrate most metal armors with
relative ease, the weapons tend to break easily.
Mawine has 10 hit points per inch of thickness and
hardness 5. A mawine weapon deals damage as if it
were one size category smaller than its actual size,
and is always treated as if it had the broken condition.
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
It ignores all armor or shield bonuses granted by iron
or steel armor or shields. Mawine weapons cannot
damage these materials at all (and, by extension,
cannot harm iron golems or similar creatures).
Mourningsteel
Long associated with demonic cults, mourningsteel is
actually a relatively benign alloy created through a
merging of steel and rare red clay. However, that
hasn't stopped demonic cults from embracing the
association and utilizing mourningsteel heavily for
their weapons and tools.
Mourningsteel is a shiny metal suffused with streaks
of brilliant crimson. Used predominantly for
weapons, mourning steel hisses as it passes through
the air, traveling faster and striking deeper than
conventional weapons.
Tasks that require the cutting edge of a mourningsteel
blade can be completed in half the time. Examples
include cutting through a wall of vines, or sawing
through a wooden board.
Weapons made of mourningsteel ignore resistance to
non-magical slashing damage.
Mithral
Prized by elves and dwarves alike, mithral has been
forged into some of the world's finest creations.
Noble personages laud it for its beauty, making
mithral a coveted choice for jewelry and ceremonial
armor.
Mithral is a flexible metal, lighter than iron but just
as hard. It has a natural pearly tone, as well as a
silvery surface that glistens when polished.
Items made of Mithral weigh half as much as
comparable items. (This property doesn't affect the
cost or amount used in crafting).
If mithril weapons don't have the Heavy property,
they gain the Finesse property. Otherwise, they lose
the Heavy property.
Mithral armor pieces never impose disadvantage on
Dexterity checks or have a Strength requirement. -
Nephelium
Found only in the rarest of areas deep underground
saturated with strange energy, nephelium has all the
attributes of iron (it is ferrous), except that is
transparent. It does not add to the qualities of a
weapon or armor, but alloys made from nephelium
are transparent. Thus nephelium plate appears
glasslike, as does a nephelium battleaxe. Adding
mineral impurities to nephelium can produce
different colors i.e. shades of sapphire, emerald and
ruby. Nephelium can be enchanted just like standard
iron. Weapons and armor fashioned from nephelium
cost 100 gp more than weapons or armor fashioned
from standard material.
Netherium
Netherium ore is a blue or purple metal that exists in
abundance as dust in the Astral Plane. While the
substance is fairly abundant, harvesting large
amounts can be quite tedious. This latter factor is
what tends to make Netherium expensive as it can
take months to harvest enough Netherium to make an
ingot. However difficult and time consuming, some
intrepid individuals are always willing to put in the
effort.
Once harvested, Netherium is quite amazing stuff. A
remarkably soft metal, it is easier to work than gold.
It is among the most receptive metals to physical or
magical tampering and can be melded with nearly
any other metal to increase its magical potency.
While a poor choice for arms and armors, Netherium
is prized as an ingredient in magic items of all kinds.
Nethe- rium increases the potency of any magical
enchantment placed on a metal alloy in which it is an
ingredient. Nethe- rium is fairly easy to work with in
simple forging or magic item craft.
Netherium is common in the Astral plane and very
magical. It is highly sought after by mages and
magical smiths and commands a high price. Planar
travelers often use Netherium in lieu of coinage for
currency.
Uncommon. : Metals that under normal
circumstances will not bond, will often do so with the
right infusion of Netherium. Even normal metal
weapons can be improved by Netherium. The most
potent magical items are crafted from Netherium.
Netherium’s greatest value is in its use as a bonding
agent in the making of other more potent alloys. For
some legendary alloys, a Netherium infusion is the
only way they can be created. The forging of greater
alloys however can require extraordinary skill and
knowledge depending on the alloy being sought after.
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
Obsidian
Arising in the wake of volcanic activity, obsidian is
most commonly found buried at the base of long-
dormant mountains. Although brittle, it naturally
fractures into shear edges and smooth planes, a
necessity for crafting knives and arrowheads in days
long past.
Obsidian holds the appearance of a shard of glass, but
with a natural shade ranging from deep purple to
black. Smooth and reflective, obsidian will often
display its contours with a glossy sheen.
Coming into sharp contact with an Obsidian object
may cause a creature to take ld4 piercing or slashing
damage. (This property does not increase the damage
dealt by obsidian weapons, or allow obsidian armor
to inflict return damage.)
Weapons made of Obsidian that deal either piercing
or slashing damage gain the positive benefits of both
damage types, and only suffer downsides that affect
both damage types.
When a creature makes a grapple attempt against a
creature wearing obsidian armor, it takes ld4 slashing
damage.
Orichalcum:
Orichalcum is a form of copper found deep in the
ocean. It must be worked into a final form by water-
dwelling creatures, for it spoils and becomes normal
copper if it touches dry air before it is tempered. It is
a deep reddish-bronze. Orichalcum was worked by
eladrin and fey in days before men walked under the
sun. They bore it in Orichalcum weapons cost as
adamantine weapons to make. The material confers
no particular benefits to armor. Orichalcum does not
rust or corrode.
Rosantium
This pale, rose-colored metal is so rare as to have
been seen only eleven known times in the past 17,000
years. Note also that it has never been seen in any
amount greater than a 7” bladed dagger either. It has
approximately the same weight (99.875%) as
aluminum but has most of the same tensile properties
of titanium, heat resistance properties of the finest
bronze and one "special" property: for each hour's
exposure to direct sunlight, it will "glow" (at half
sunlight brightness) for 20 minutes -sort of a metallic
"sunstone".
It is also 100% non-conductive to all forms of
electrical energy regardless of source or potency. It
has a value of some 40 times that of fine steel (i.e.
twice that of Stellaine).
Sarahandium
This greyish-white metal bums hotter than
magnesium (at about 9,850F), weighs about 20%
more and is ignited in only three ways: natural heat
of 5,000°F +; arcane heat of a minimum 60 HP
potency; any electrical shock/charge of minimum 55
HP potency. Nothing else, it seems, will cause this
very light but fairly strong (as strong as aluminum)
metal to burn.
Note also that, once alight, it will consume a 1'
diameter rod of itself at the rate of l' in length every
30 seconds. Such a burning rod would produce a 30"
diameter area of 10 times full sunlight brightness and
have a damage potential of 1D20 HP potency per
second of contact with the "flame" or rod tip. The
light decreases in intensity by one full daylight of
brightness for each 5'' in diameter more than the
initial 30".
For example, at 45" from the source, it would be 7
times brighter than full daylight; at 60', it would be 4
times and, at 75" only equal to daylight intensity. The
heat damage also radiates outward about 18', each
one inch from the burn point, subtract one HP from
the 1D20 roll (1 HP minimum). Thus, just getting
near it can burn you! It is too bright for most
humanoid eyes to view directly. While not rare, this
material is not common either and is most often used
in alchemical processes or (very rarely) by thieves to
cut through metal vault doors and such.
The thieves call their fire cutters "Dragons' Tongues".
Each 1' in diameter by 1" long slug is worth about
400 GS. It is most often found in deep mines. Note
that Sea Elves use it to light their way underwater.
Silbony
Said to be incredibly destructive to those things
undead, it's merest touch is capable of disrupting
lesser creatures of this type and of burning horribly
those considered "greater" undead. It does conduct
magik, unlike its nonnal silver counterpart (which
doesn't), is as hard as carbon steel but as light as
aluminum. All weaponry made from Silbony is said
to be "+ 3" and capable of striking/affecting all
creatures (from demons to demi-gods). A creation of
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
the titan race who called it "Saerai” it is as valuable
(ounce for ounce) as Mithril
Skybough Amber
In the elemental plane of air, colossal, buoyant trees
known as Skyboughs raise their branches to the
heavens. Although wood harvested from a skybough
quickly loses its buoyant properties, its hardened sap
does not.
Skybough amber has a brilliant white sheen, like a
luminous pearl. Warm and soft to the touch, it leaves
a pleasant milky scent in the air. Raw sap must be left
to harden for two months before it becomes hard
enough to work with.
Skybough amber weighs nothing, and it slowly floats
to the ground when released. As the amber increases
in temperature, its buoyant force increases. In hot
conditions, it rises into the air and reaches
equilibrium while bearing weight equal to its volume.
In furnacelike conditions, it can bear up to 10 times
its weight equivalent before reaching equilibrium.
(Since skybough amber is weightless, it can't be
measured by weight. One pound is considered to be
equal to one 6 inch square block.)
When skybough amber ammunition is fired from a
ranged weapon, or a weapon with the thrown
property is thrown, the range of the attack is doubled.
Melee weapons that don't have the thrown property
gain it (range 20/60) but don't have their range
doubled. Additionally, weapons gain the finesse
property.
Creatures wearing armor made of skybough amber
fall at a rate of 60 feet per round, don't take fall
damage, and can land on their feet.
Flying Ships
Skyships fly using massive deposits of skybough
amber contained in the ships core. The altitude of the
ship is controlled by heating or cooling the deposit
through a system of furnaces.
Steilaine
This silvery-blue metal weights about 2/3 that of fine
steel but is very close to four times harder. It is also
some 20% less brittle than said steel and about 25%
more heat resistant. Its origins, composition (if,
indeed, it is an alloy and not a pure metal) and
manner of working are known only to those Mist
Elves who live in their woodland kingdom.
Over the millennia since it was first worked, many
weapons and a fair number of pieces of armor have
been made from it. Almost all (98%) are still in Mist
Elven hands. Those few items that are not are mostly
pieces destroyed or similarly lost in situations of peril
Virtually none are in non-Elven hands by gifting or
direct trade/sales. They value it too highly to disperse
it to "lesser races".
This unique metal is one of the finest "non-magical"
kinds available in Dunya and is a much-coveted
possession by non-Elves (especially) as well as
Elves. The fact that it does effect/strike all known
things (undead to were-creature) may have a lot to do
with this. Cost wise, it is worth about 20 times fine
steel (i.e. a 15 GS dagger would cost 3(X) GS in
Stellaine). All items made from this metal are
considered "+ 1" and of sharpness, just on general
principles.
Stormphrax
In rare cases, great storms from the elemental plane
of air have been known to cross into the prime
material. When a bolt of lightning is released from
one of these raging maelstroms, it crystallizes upon
impact with the ground to form a jagged spire of
glimmering stormphrax. Description: Stormphrax is a
crystal of concentrated lightning, elemental power
incarnate. It takes the appearance of a pure, light blue
crystal with bright tendrils of electrical power
coursing below the surf ace. Despite maintaining a
brittle integrity, it's instability makes crafting with it a
difficult prospect.
When a fragment of stormphrax is snapped or
destroyed, it annihilates and deals 3dl0 lightning
damage to each creature within 10 feet of it. Even
when stable, sparks jump to it from metallic surfaces
within 10 feet of it, and it constantly emits an audible
buzzing sound. Any creature that comes in contact
with it gets shocked and can't take reactions until the
beginning of its next turn. Worn and carried items
usually include padding that protects the owner from
this effect.
Weapons made of stormphrax deal lightning damage
rather than their regular type, and a creature hit by
one can't take reactions until the beginning of its next
turn due to the natural property of stormphrax.
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
Creatures wearing armor made of stormphrax have
resistance to lightning damage. (Striking a creature
wearing stormphrax armor doesn't provoke the
shocking natural property.)
Transcendental Bronze
Perhaps the rarest of all metals, this mysterious
element only forms in the far reaches of the outer
planes. Transcendental bronze distorts the weave into
multidimensional spirals, endlessly echoing every
twist and vibration that passes through it.
Transcendental bronze is a soft metal with a
burnished surface ranging in color from coppery to
golden depending on the angle of the light. A faint
hum can be heard when the metal is touched by
magic.
Transcendental bronze can be made into magic items
5 times faster than usual.
When transcendental bronze comes under the effect
of a spell which lasts for 1 minute or longer, it
internalizes the spell, causing it to persist for 24
hours. The spell persists even if the caster fails to
maintain concentration or chooses to end the spell.
The caster still has full control over the behavior of
the spell; for example, they could use their bonus
action to reapply the damage of an internalized Heat
Metal spell. When an internalized spell reaches its
original duration, its effects immediately end on all
creatures and objects beyond the bronze item. For
example, if an Animate Objects spell is cast on one
bronze object and nine regular objects, the regular
objects will be animated for 1 minute while the
bronze object will be animated for 24 hours.
Only one spell can be internalized at a time.
Whenever a new spell becomes internalized, a
previously internalized spell immediately ends if it
has passed its original duration or the caster did not
maintain concentration.
Transcendental bronze armor also internalizes spells
that were cast upon its wearer. If the armor is doffed,
the spell's effect is suppressed until a creature dons
the armor. Example ltemi Hooded Lanturn of
Darkness.
A lanturn made of transcendental bronze will
maintain the Darkness spell for 24 hours. The hood
can be flipped down to quickly contain the spell.
Tilferium
A rare and exceptionally hard fantastic metal with
great tensile strength and the capacity to “store”
magical force. It is worth at around two times its
weight in platinum. Its weight is about 20% that of
steel. It corrodes very slowly when exposed to strong
alkaline substances.
It does not hold an edge well. It is a dull gray-green
in node form. One ounce of the metal contains, and
can contain, sufficient magical energy to power one
spell of middling sort. Tilferium is always alloyed
with other metals, the maximum part of any sucmix
being one-tenth. This is done to strengthen the alloy
and to allow the containment of magical energy
placed within such objects as are ten forged from the
alloy.
Gives a +3 bonus to armor made from this metal. If
wearing armor or using another magic item of this
metal, it gives the user a Spell Resistance of 1 +
caster level (up to 3, if the character is a spell caster).
True lce
A rare and exceptionally hard fantastic metal with
great tensile strength and the capacity to “store”
magical force. It is worth at around two times its
weight in platinum. Its weight is about 20% that of
steel. It corrodes very slowly when exposed to strong
alkaline substances.
It does not hold an edge well. It is a dull gray-green
in node form. One ounce of the metal contains, and
can contain, sufficient magical energy to power one
spell of middling sort. Tilferium is always alloyed
with other metals, the maximum part of any sucmix
being one-tenth. This is done to strengthen the alloy
and to allow the containment of magical energy
placed within such objects as are ten forged from the
alloy.
In the deep north, and at the peaks of the highest
mountains, the raw cold of the elemental plane of ice
seeps through into the prime material. Suppressed to
an unfathomably low temperature, the ice that forms
there loses its ability to thaw. Known as true ice,
items built of this material can withstand the fiery
heart of a volcano, never mind the heat of the sun.
The enormous density of true ice makes it heavier
than lead and stronger than steel. Though it looks
much like regular ice, it's darker, stormier interior
betrays its nature. A room containing true ice
instantly feels chillier, and a creature in contact with
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
true ice feels as though its vital force is being drained
from its body.
True ice never melts, and it's immune to any effect
that would harm it due to heat. Any nonmagical
flames that come within 5 feet of true ice are
automatically extinguished, and any creature that
come into contact with it has its speed reduced by 10
feet until its next turn. Worn and carried items
usually include padding that protects the owner from
this effect.
Weapons made of true ice deal cold damage rather
than their regular damage type, and a creature hit by
one has its speed reduced by 10 feet until it's next
turn due to the natural property of true ice.
Creatures wearing armor made of true ice have
resistance to fire damage. Weapons cause an
additional 1d6 cold damage. While amror get a +2
Save vs Heat and Fire
(Striking a creature wearing true ice armor doesn't
provoke the slowing natural property.)
Vartium
This shiny blue-green metal is fairly rare and usually
seen only in small (1-3 lb) amounts. Mined almost
exclusively by the Var-Tanga clan of orcs, it has a
value of about seven times that of pure gold. Its one
major property is that it has an inherent 60% magic
resistance. Otherwise, it resembles a good nickel-
steel in its tensile and heat resistance properties.
There is some evidence to support old alchemical
legends that, when alloyed with mithril (in an
unknown percent combination) the resulting “new”
metal is close to adamantium in most ways, this
legendary metal has the name “Vartril”.
Vulcanite Ore
Vulcanite is a bright orange ore found near lava flows
and areas subjected to sustained magical or
supernatural heat. It can be found in the outer planes
or the material plane in decent quantities. Even so,
mining it can often prove problematic due to the
environments in which it tends to be located.
Vulcanite ore is particularly receptive to
enchantments relating to fire and heat. Weapons
enchanted with fire spells tend to be particularly
potent while armors offer added resistance to fire and
heat. Vulcanite is otherwise similar to iron in weight
and hardness. Worked Vulcanite tends to shimmer
and radiate heat even when it has cooled and is
always hot to the touch (though not unbearably so).
Vulcanite is a rare metal with an affinity for fire.
Arms and armor involve fire enchantments and
protections. Vulcanite is prized by Fire Giants and
Salamanders for crafting arms and armor. For these
and other fire-dwelling creatures, it is a symbol of
status.
Working Vulcanite Ore requires high levels of heat
and thus requires either magical workmanship or
forging by creatures which inhabit a similarly
scorching environment. It is otherwise easy enough
to craft.
Yaddrakk
This naturally occurring metal is 25% harder yet 15%
lighter than "normal" grey iron. It and the black steel
(called ''Yaddrann") made from it hold arcane and
mystik powers within it more strongly than any other
known substance. Thus, many of the magik weapons
and armour of olden times were made from it.
Sadly, however, the veins of this metal, deeply
locked miles beneath the earth, were played out and
no new quantities of this great metal have been seen
nor source discovered in over 10,000 years. Its value
now is, weight for weight, equal to Platinum but only
a few of the dwarven kind still know the secrets
necessary to the working of this wondrous iron/steel.
If one is lucky enough to acquire weapons or armor
of this metal, they should be considered as + 1 (iron)
and + 2 (steel).
Xagium
A very rare and very hard metal with incredible
tensile strength and the capacity to “store” magical
force. It is worth at around four times its weight in
platinum. Its weight is about 50% that of steel. It
does not rust or tarnish, and it is a non-conductor of
electricity. It holds an edge of great keenness very
well. Although difficult to work, it can be forged as
flexible or unyielding. The metal has a dark metallic
blue color that tints other metals with which it is
alloyed. One ounce of the metal contains, and can
contain, sufficient magical energy to power one spell
of highest sort, or about 150% the energy of tilferium
(see above). Xagium is always alloyed with other
metals, the maximum part of any such mix being
one-eighth, thus giving that much blue color to the
mixture. This is done to strengthen the alloy, give
flexibility and durability to it, and to allow the
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
containment of magical energy placed within such
objects forged from the alloy.
Gives a +4 bonus to arms and armor made fro this
metal. If wearing armor made from this metal, any
electrical-based magical attacks do only half damage
with no save, and no damage with a successful saving
throw.
Also, if wearing armor or using another magic item
of this metal, it gives the user a saving throw bonus
of 1 + caster level (up to +5, if the character is a spell
caster).
Silks
On Dunya there are some very large species of
arachnidae (spiders), most of which create "silk" to
one degree or another. Webs, tunnel lining; and so on
are the natural uses for it in its "raw'' form. However,
when processed and otherwise alchemicaly treated, it
becomes one of the moot precious of all cloths
known. Here then are the most usually found types,
their special properties and a few notes about them.
Grey Silk:
Standard grades from most common giant arachnids
(usually of the ''wolf” or tarantula types) make up this
type. Color will range from light steel grey all the
way to dark charcoal grey. All are equivalent to an
AC 5 chain mail armor when woven into clothing.
Water beads off it like a duck's feathers and a 1/8”
diameter rope can support up to 2,600 lbs. That rope,
if 50' in length could be rolled into a golfballsized
sphere quite easily and would weigh all of 6 ounces
or so. This is the most common kind of spider silk,
encountered 60% of the time.
Black Silk:
This shiny ebon silk is derived from certain western
breeds of cave spider and has all the properties of the
grey except that it is slightly stronger, able to support
3,000 lbs on a 1/8” diameter rope and is AC 4 in
clothing form. Neither very common nor very rare, it
is encountered 15% of the time. Do note that it is
highly priz.ed as "armour" by Assassins.
Emerald Silk:
A translucent emerald green silk derived from a
particularly nasty and hard to kill jungle variety of
tree-climbing wolf spider indigenous to jungles. This
silk supports about 2,400 lb; on a 1/8” thick strand
and is 100% resistant to all acids of less than 300 HP
potency. More powerful acids do 10% damage for all
HP above 300, each 25 HP thus done being enough to
destroy a 6" inch square of material. Otherwise, it is,
in all ways, like grey silk. Fairly rare, it is
encountered only 5% of the time.
Blue Silk:
Derived from the rare and deadly "sea spiders'', it is
about half the weight of grey is 99.9% air tight to
1,000" depths, capable of supporting 1,250 1bs on
1/8” strand (50” roll into the a ball the siz.e of a large
marble) and equivalent to AC 6 in clothing from. It is
very, very rare and seen only 1 % of the time. The
color ranges from deep navy blue to light sky blue.
Red Silk:
Ranging from bright scarlet through dark bride red to
pale, pinkish-red, this exceedingly rare silk comes
from the dread Red Fang spider. In all ways, it is
identical to grey spider silk save one: the silk is 100%
fireproof vs all heat/fire of 500 HP potency or less.
Greater heat docs 5% damage for all HP greater with
each 30 HP above this amount being enough to
destroy a 6' square of the silk. It is so rare, it is
encountered only 2% of the time and seldom in any
amounts sufficient for clothing pieces larger than,
say, a glove or two.
White Silk:
Taken from the northern snow spiders, this rare silk
(seen 3% of the time) will support 2,000 lbs on a 1/8”
strand, is equivalent to AC 5 in clothing and is
generally like grey silk otherwise. It also insulates
against cold so well that up to 120 HP potency of
same would not penetrate a single layer of the silk!
121-200 HP potency cold does 5% damage, 201-250
HP does 10%, 251-300 does 20%, 301-350 does 50%
and 351-400 HP does 75% damage beyond that layer.
These damages are for the items HP beyond 120 HP
and each "step" thereafter in their proper proportions.
The extra cold doesn't harm the silk, just penetrates
it!
Color ranges from snow white to a sort of ivory
cream color, however, it is "fluffier" than most spider
silks, 50’' of this rope would form a baseball sized
sphere.
Spiga Silk:
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
Silk from the dread Spiga is exceedingly rare (1 %
chance) and almost never available in any significant
amount (ie. more than 6 square inches). It is AC 3
equivalent in cloth but weighs about 50% more than
ordinary grey silk. Thus 50'' of 1/8” rope would
weigh about 9-10 pounds and would roll into a sphere
about twice the size of a golf ball That 1/8” strand
can support up to 4,000 lbs and the silk has several
arcane properties:
1) Adds a 20% MR to any wearer fully covered.
Less coverage means less MR add by GM
adjudication.
2) Cuts all fire damage (up to 100 HP) by 3/45 and
stronger potency beat does %of less 􀇡e. All fire of
250 HP potency and above does full damage point for
point to the wearer and each 25 HP worth more than
this (250 HP) will destroy 4 square inches of the silk.
3) Lightning to 120 HP does only half damage to a
wearer but full damage beyond this. Also, each 50
HP above 500 HP (at one shot) will destroy 6 square
inches of the silk.
4) It insulates vs cold so well that 20% of the same
(damage wise) is always negated for its wearer
regardless of potency or origin.
5) It is 100% acid resistant itself but porous enough
so that 1-5% will seep through in 1D10 melee
rounds. By the same token, this silk is not entirely
waterproof either.
6) There is a 20% chance that any and all arachnid
"smelling" this silk (in any large amount) will not
attack its wearer believing him to be a spiga! Of
course, all spiga tend to go berserk smelling it and
immediately attack the wearer (95% chance)!
This is the only spider silk that does not float. In fact,
it sinks quite rapidly in water. It ranges in color from
a ''translucent honey'' to solid amber and frequently
retains a very strong odor reminiscent of mint leaves.
PseudoSilk / HalfSilk:
This is not true spider silk but similar substances
taken from other (usually large) insects that ''weave"
nests and such. Most often equivalent to AC 6 or 7 in
cloth form, it is also about three times heavier than
grey silk and not nearly as strong. A 50' long 1/8”
diameter strand would support about 800-100 lbs, roll
up into a hard-ball sized sphere and weigh a bit over
a pound (18-24 ounces). Some forms are water-tight,
some not but all are usually a sort of yellow grey in
color. This silk is common enough to be encountered
about 12% of the time.
Magical Minerals
Deep in the earth the energy from the ley lines seeped
during the Erupting Earth. It changed ores and
metals into the fantastical, granting some items
inherent magical power.
Magical minerals are typically found in crystalline
form. They can be used as gemstones for crafting
wondrous items or pulverized and melded into other
metals and alloys by talented mage-smiths. Magical
minerals can also serve as powerful reagents for other
magical effects and crafts. They are extremely
valuable in all of these capacities.
Almacite
These milky white crystals form near strong
positively-aligned energy fields. This can often be in
the vicinity of consecrated terrain or near old temples
dedicated to gods of justice and fairness. It can also
be found in the higher planes.
Almacite crystals can be crafted into gemstones for
use in magical items, or be enchanted and pulverized
for other purposes. Almacite used in amulets
increases life and vital- ity. It can also provide
protection from effects that would drain one’s life or
mental force. Almacite is relatively easy to cut and
work and most smiths will have little trouble with it.
Almacite is greatly coveted by all sorts of people,
noble or nefarious, for the life force energy it
contains. Almacite is easy to cut and therefore greatly
prized. Almost anyone can work it. It can be used to
boost the power of various magic items so that they
boost the bearer’s life force in a variety of ways.
Almacite can be found near consecrated ground.
Almacite can be used as a powerful and re- usable
spell component. Clerics and holy warriors value its
natural ability to boost positive energy flows.
When used as a material component for spell casting
alamacite boosts the potency of the spell adding an
extra die to the damge healed.
Carbonite
Carbonite closely resembles anthracite coal and is
made of similar stuff. Carbonite forms from the
decayed and compressed remains of magical life. As
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
such it is often found in proximity to its cousin, coal.
It is estimated that approximately 1% of all coal is
actually carbonite. As such, it can be found in some
abundance. While Carbonite is not readily discernible
from coal, it has a higher burning temperature and
emits low level magic.
Carbonite’s higher burning temperature is perhaps
the easiest way to separate Carbonite from coal.
While being magical, carbonite tends to yield low
quality magical items. Its greatest use is as an alloy
ingredient and hardening agent for other metals,
including the hardest and strongest magical alloys.
Iron forged with carbonite yields significantly
stronger steel. Armor made with carbonite-forged
metals also provides significantly improved defense.
Carbonite is similar to anthracite coal but magical.
While the mineral is not uncommon harvesting
carbonite is tedious. Carbonite is greatly desired by
smiths of all kinds. Improper refinement of carbonite
undermines the efficacy of the mineral. It must be
pure to fulfill its function. Impurities will yield
metals no better than their nor- mal cousins. Thus,
some skill is required by smiths looking to refine
Carbonite.
Items forged with carbonite gain a +2 to saving
throws vs. crushing and breaking.
Cavicite
Cavicite is a deep blue crystalline mineral that
appears in rock formations exposed to deep waters
and elemental water. It forms far away from sunlight
in the extreme pressures of the darkest water. Here
the crystals absorb the magic of various underwater
denizens like Aboleths and Kraken. Cavicite crystals
can even form near underwater temples or near the
domains of aquatic spell-casting races. To these
denizens Cavicite is a much sought-after treasure.
Cavicite is an extremely hard mineral to cut but is not
particularly difficult to imbue with magic. The
greatest difficulty when it comes to Cavicite is the
actual mining of the ore as it tends to be inaccessible
to non-aquatic folk. Cavicite is imbued with strong
auras that affect strength and constitution. It also
seems to fortify magical affects making them more
difficult to resist or overcome, as the case may be.
Cavicite is also highly receptive to magic that
manipulates water and is a fairly common feature of
magical items crafted by aquatic denizens.
Cavicite is a magical crystal that is found under-
water. Cavicite can be used by mages to enhance
strength, constitution and water effects. It is highly
prized by aquatic races. Cavicite is very hard and
requires magical gemsmithing in order to maximize
its potential. As a reagent it can strengthen most
magic making spells harder to resist.
When used by Water Elementalist cavicite makes it
even harder for targets to resist their spells. It gives
the target +2 on their save vs. the spell cast by the
Aquamancer.
Chlorophite
Chlorophyte is an enigma, a living mineral with a
latent psionic signature all of its own. It slowly
converts mud and stone into more of itself, forming a
vast network that has expanded deep underground.
Long a mystery; scholars now believe that it arrived
centuries ago when an errant meteorite fell from the
stars.
This bright green mineral forms a complex lattice in a
host material, usually stone. Possessing only the
barest glimmers of thought, chlorophyte turns its
psionic power to suit the intentions of intelligent
beings in physical contact with it.
Chlorophyte may be used by psionic characters to
store PSP. Based on the size of the chlorophyte the
character may store the PSP for later use. They may
be reused.
Size PSPs
Small 5
Medium 15
Large 30
Huge 60
Magicite
The most prized and useful of the magical minerals,
Magicite crystals are brilliant red or pink in color.
Magicite contains concentrated raw magical energy.
Magicite can form anywhere where there are strong
and sustained magical flows. A dragon’s lair, beneath
a school of magic or in the corners of an alchemists
lab, where there is magic, there is Magicite. Although
the quantities will of course vary from place to place
depending on the strength of the arcane fields.
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
Magicite acts as an accelerant to all magical effects,
enhancing and enlarging whatever magic is present.
When used in magic items, it makes their magic more
powerful. If it pulverized and used as a crafting
material, the resulting material will have its magic
affinity increased and strengthened. There is literally
no limit to Magicite’s usefulness.
Magicite is basically raw crystallized magic.
Magicite’s magical affinity is unparalleled. It is
useful in nearly any and all crafting or magical
endeavors. It is highly sought after and comparatively
easier to find than many minerals. Anywhere there
are strong magical fields present, magicite will form.
Magicite is not particularly difficult to work with
although mishandling can sometimes dissipate the
crystal’s potency. The better the mage or smith
working with the material, the more one can get out
of the magicite. Magicite can be used as a reagent in
various magical endeavors to spectacular effect.
When used by sorcerers in spell casting they may cast
spells 1 round sooner, sometimes this means
instantaneous or increase the effect of the spell. The
spell will act as if cast by a caster one level higher for
every pound of magicite.
Necrocite
Necrocite is an opaque black crystal that contains the
very essence of undeath. This mineral forms near
strong negative energy fields like those exuded by
desecrated grave- yards and battlefields. It grows
freely in the lower planes.
Necrocite crystals heighten effects that drain life.
They are often used in dark rituals that demand the
taking of life forces. Necrocite also provides some
resistance to holy effects as well as anything that
seeks to direct positive energy at the crystal or its
bearer. The crystal’s affinity for negative energy
allows Necromancers to harness its power to heal
their undead minions or increase the potency of their
own foul magics based on negative energy.
Necrocite is black crystal that channels contain the
power of death. This vile substance is greatly coveted
by Necromancers and those with an interest in
harnessing the effects of un-life. It can be found in
areas where death pervades. Unrefined Necrocite is
dangerous to work with and can potentially kill gem-
smiths who are not familiar with its secrets and
quirks. Only very skilled smiths can handle working
with Necrocite. However, due to its nefarious rep-
utation, a great many smiths are reluctant to work
with the material out of suspicion over what it might
be used for.
When used by necromancers in spell casting they
may cast spells 1 round sooner, sometimes this means
instantaneous or increase the effect of the spell. The
spell will act as if cast by a caster one level higher for
every pound of necrocite.
Uridium
This unusual mineral appears as a luminescent but
sickly green crystal. It is typically found in the
underdark in the presence of bioluminescent fungus.
It seems to form as a reaction to the magic of the
strange and aberrant creatures that inhabit the
underground realms. It is a rare thing to find outside
of the underdark as few surface denizens are wont to
venture in search of it. But it is a highly prized
mineral for those that do.
Uridium crystals seem to trap psychic energy. Their
effectiveness in magic items that shield the mind is
well known and highly coveted. Uridium infused
items can practically make one’s mind impregnable.
Conversely, they can be imbued with more offensive
purposes to devastating effect. They are also known
to be useful in fortifying one’s own intellect to higher
levels.
Uridium is a mineral found only in the underdark.
Uridium has powerful psychic effects best not
tampered with by the inexperienced. It contains the
psychic essence of dark creatures. Despite this, it is
highly valued by those aware of its existence.
Uridium can only be worked by trained and experi-
enced mages. Unshielded pure Uridium can have a
devastating effect on anyone trying to touch it with
their mind, potentially causing madness, mental
enfeeblement or worse. Despite the dangers, many
find it profitable to try.
If worn touching their skin an item made with
uridium will either provide a non-psioic characters
with the ability to use with 1-5 of the Psionic Attacks
or Defenses modes. Extremely potent ones wil grant
1-5 of each. An unshielded mind that touched raw
uridium suffers the effects of a psionic blast for
10+6d6 damage..
Zephyrite
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
The stone that changed the world, zephyrite is a
crystal that holds raw magical energy. The stone is
pale-blue colored, cloudy and crystalline and is
mined from naturally occurring underground veins.
Over eons the zephyrite crystals have absorbed the
natural background magical energy of the universe,
becoming charged with intensely concentrated arcane
power.
Normally, mages use their own stamina and energy to
power their spells, but with a zephyrite shard, a mage
can draw upon its stored magical energy to power
their spells. Once a piece of zephyrite is depleted of
magical energy it becomes a dark, opaque blue color
and no longer emits light.
Depleted zephyrite has many other industrial uses.
This unit gains 1 charge of one of its magical
abilities, or the cooldown of one of its magical
abilities is reset.
A shard of pure charged zephyrite about the length of
an outstretched hand and as big around as a drinking
glass, this crystal glows bright blue with magical
energy. It has a variety of uses. A depleted zephyrite
charge can be recharged by a mage by focusing their
own magical energy on it for a sustained amount of
time. A mage can spend two charges of their magical
abilities over twenty-four hours to charge a depleted
zephyrite shard.
Auranite
A variant of zephyrite, auranite is a transparent
golden-colored crystal that also naturally occurs in
caves and veins underground. Auranite does not hold
magical energy, but instead holds electrical energy.
In addition, auranite has the unique property of
absorbing sunlight and converting that into stored
electricity.
Any auranite left in sunlight or moonlight slowly
charges until it’s maximum storage capacity is
reached. Auranite can also be charged very quickly
by exposing it to lightning. The electrical energy
stored in auranite can be discharged in a controlled
manner by connecting it to baldyr contacts.
Auranite crystals hold an exponential amount of
charge relative to their mass, i.e. one large crystal
holds much more energy than several smaller crystals
whose summed masses equal the mass of the larger
one. Auranite can be manufactured by a combined
technical and magical process, but manufactured
auranite is inferior to naturally occurring auranite.
Daevacite
Glowing purple instead of blue, daevacite is
theorized to be a form of zephyrite corrupted by the
Nether. The crystal is extremely rare and hard to find,
as it does not appear near sources of zephyrite or
auranite. In terms of raw power, daevacite can hold
more magical energy than zephyrite by a factor of 10,
but the power output is unreliable and prone to
random power surges.
Mages, scientists, spiritists, and artificers are working
hard to fully understand the nature of daevacite and
how to harness its power.
Those with an understanding of the daeva and the
nether can use the power of daevacite to lure
powerful daeva to the veil between the worlds.
It’s reported but not confirmed that those who hold
daevacite in their bare hands or spend a lot of time
around the substance hear dark voices in the back of
their mind.
This unit gains 1 charge of one of its spiritual
abilities, or the cooldown of one of its spiritual
abilities is reset.
Like a zephyrite shard, this shard holds energy, but
instead of magical energy it holds pure nether energy.
In the hands of a skilled spiritist it can be used to
control daeva or rip open the veil between our world
and the Nether. Depleted daevacite can only be
recharged by ensnaring a minor daeva and extracting
their essence into the shard.
Gaianite
Gaianite is zephyrite that has absorbed or been filled
with pure life magic. Instead of blue, it glows a soft
green color reminiscent of grass. It’s rarely found in
nature and so it is often created by life mages from
depleted zephyrite.
Target self or adjacent allied unit. Heal target unit for
8 HP.
Gaianite is a form of zephyrite charged with pure life
energy. It can be discharged directly into a wound to
provide a massive surge of natural healing. Gaianite
shards can be recharged by a lifemage focusing
their magical energy into it and spending two charges
of their Life Magic abilities over twenty-four hours.
Voidstone
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
An incredibly rare form of zephyrite that contains the
power of the void. It can be discharged to change the
very fabric of time and space. Voidstone is recharged
as a special reward given by the GM for exceptional
play: an excellent role-play scene, a clever battle
tactic, or altruistic self-sacrifice.
Expend the energy in this shard to change the result
of one die that has just been rolled, before the effects
of the roll are resolved.
Zephyrite Auranite Daevacite
Gaianite Voidstone
Zephyrite-powered Magic
When the sapients began to realize that the glowing
blue crystals they pulling from the depths of the
earth were storage vessels for magic, the markets
received a massive spike in demand. Scientists,
laboratories, and the new mage guilds all desperately
studied the potential power of zephyrite.
A mage that holds a shard of charged zephyrite in
their hand while casting magic can take the power
required for casting the spell from the zephyrite
instead of their own body and mind. Over time, doing
so depletes the stored magical energy in the
zephyrite.
Recharging Zephyrite
Zephyrite gets its magical energy from being stored
in the earth for so long, absorbing the latent magic of
the Earth and the Sky over millennia. Magic can be
discharged very quickly from a shard of zephyrite,
but refilling it is a long and time-consuming process.
To recharge a shard of zephyrite, one or more mages
must touch the shard, exert their will, and focus their
mental and physical energies into it. For a complete
recharge of a palm-sized zephyrite shard, the
standard size used by mages to power their spells, it
requires the constant energy input of one mage’s
magical energy for a period of 24-30 hours. Multiple
mages working simultaneously can speed up the
process, and the process does not need to be
consecutive. Zephyrite holds its charge in a very
stable state, so a mage could charge the stone
partway, take a break, and finish charging it at a later
time. The process is mentally and physically taxing,
leaving the mage completely exhausted, as if the time
spent charging the shard were spend performing
strenuous physical labor.
Items of the Ancients
The Ancients or Insan, were the original inhabitants
of Dunya. They disappeared during the Erupting
Earth, becoming the human races known today. Not
all of their influence I gone though, occasionally an
item of ancient origin is found. These items are
collectively called items of the ancients. The
different types are described below.
Meyn an Dhragon
Dragon Stones are amber colored gem stones found
only in Faerie. These stones are mined by Pixies who
are the only beings capable of shaping and harnessing
their magically potent powers. Veins of these stones
lie deep in the earth where, mysteriously, only the
Pixies can locate them. Many other races have tried
but failed miserably to monopolize these veins of
magical stones.
Latent inside them rests a magical fire that will ignite
in the presence of other magics instantly. The origin
behind these fiery enchanted gems is unclear, except
that anything into which they are inlaid becomes
magical and enchanted. The larger the size of the
Dragon Stone, the greater magic that is kept within it.
Carat Size Magical Capability
1 0.5 Carat - +1, 1st-2nd level spells
2 1 Carat - +2, 3rd-4th level spells
3 2.5 Carat - +3, 5th-6th level spells
4 8 Carat - +4, 7th-8th level spells
5 22 Carat - +5, 9th-10th level spells
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
It is the DM’s decision as to how many spells or
Faery abilities can be ‘uncovered’ or ‘awakened’ per
gem stone. Dragon Stones do not have to be shaped
or carved to possess the innate magic within them.
They will only appear as fiery, amber-like stones,
cold to the touch.
There is no limit as to how many of these stones can
be inlaid into items, but the DM must place limits on
how often their powers can be used in game-play. All
beings can use these stones and their latent magic,
but only after they were originally worked by Pixies.
Blood Crystals and the Craft of Crystal Seering
"Picture all the crystals as a huge, multidimensional
web, with the crystals themselves being the place
where strands are joined, and the strands being links.
The Greatest Crystal lies at the centre, and a strand,
or link, connects each greater crystal to it. And
remember, there are secrets within secrets within
secrets..."
--Master Terari
Crystals of Communication
These items, varying in color from clear to pink to
red-black, allow a certain amount of communication
over vast distances. Beyond communication, there is
even some level of interaction. The range is infinite,
while both parties are on the same plane, or not under
the influence of anti-magic (such as being in the
Hollow World). In a sense, it is not simply one item,
rather an entire setting which is accessed by that
item. There are strong incentives to keeping the
fashioning, use, and even existence of these crystals a
secret.
There are 2 basic elements to the crystal. One is the
crystal itself, which must be attuned to the user, and
the other is the link. Links are the non-material paths
over which communication and interaction occurs.
Attunement
When one picks up a crystal, he becomes aware of
"something" attached to the crystal. It is an empathic
sense of a bundle of strands leading off into the void.
If the holder concentrates on a strand, he establishes
contact and becomes attuned to the crystal. A newly
created crystal has only one link. Therefore, contact
is established with the holder of the parent crystal. If
the crystal is older, and has more than one link, then
the particular down which contact is established, is
random.
Links
There are 2 ways in which a link is established: 1)
Parent and child crystals(explained further down) are
automatically linked 2) Any person already attuned to
a crystal, who presses a bleeding finger to another
crystal has established a link. Wards may be placed
on links to prevent unwanted contact. There are
several spells and skills which may temporarily, or,
in some rare cases, permanently sever a link.
Establishing contact
After becoming properly attuned to the crystal, one
may easily establish contact along a link, simply by
concentrating for one round. The initiator of the
contact sends his mind along the link, and "requests"
interaction. The destination is the person who is
attuned to the crystal at the other end, as long as he is
within 100' of the crystal. If not, then no contact may
be established. The recipient feels a brushing in the
back of the mind, easily recognisable as a request for
contact, provided he has ever been contacted before.
However, there is no means of discerning precisely
who is contacting.
Communication/attack
The first part is easy, provided the recipient is
willing. If the person feels the brush at the back of his
mind, and opens his end of the link, then
communication may occur. It is completely mental,
but requires concentration to maintain.
An attack occurs in any of the following scenarios: 1)
Instead of requesting contact, the initiator states his
desire to attack, 2) Instead of simply refusing contact,
an unwilling recipient states his desire to attack, 3) If
an initiator is attempting to break a ward.
The first scenario may present a surprise for the
recipient (rolled for normally) and the 2nd may be a
surprise for the initiator.
The attack itself is determined by having both sides
add up as many of the following as apply, and add
that number to a d100. The higher roll wins, and the
difference is applied to the table below the bonuses.
Mage: +1
Greatest Crystal: +15
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
Greater Crystal: +5
Will Training Skill: +1 to +5
Additional "temporary" bonuses:
Surprise: +10
Distracted: -10
Results of Will Battle (based on the difference
between victor and loser)
10--stunned 1 round. victor has surprise for next
round, if combat is continued
30--damage 1d10
50--damage 2d10
80--paralysis 2d4 rounds
95--unconscious
100-death
There are 3 different versions of the Crystal of
Communication. The Greatest Crystal is an altar-
sized object that lies at the heart of the Imperial
Palace and is attuned to the Empress herself. The
Greater Crystals are created by sacrificing a slave
atop the Greatest Crystal. The blood congeals into
crystals much smaller than the Greatest. They are
about heart-size, and when washed, are completely
clear. From the time of Kerothar till the reign of
Tylion III, imperial princes and princesses were
brought before the Greatest Crystal to have greater
crystals made for them, or passed to them. By the
latter, I mean as an inheritance. Tylion III put a stop
to the creation of the greater crystals, as he felt the
methods involved were needlessly barbaric.
Lesser crystals are created through the sacrifice of
any being (not just human or sentient). A greater
crystal must rest atop the victim's heart in order to
work, and the resulting lesser crystals are the size of a
man's palm.
Crystal Maximum number of links
Greatest Unknown
Greater 12
Lesser 6 one is losing a will battle.
It is not required for a crystal holder to be a mage or a
priest. There are, however, dangers involved for
those who don't know what they are doing. It is
rumoured that one trained in the Craft of the Crystal
Seer, can sever links, force unwanted links, and even
send creatures through a link to do battle.
The "Crystal world" can be imagined, as Terari said,
as a huge web radiating from the central crystal.
Simple communication may be achieved with the
different points along the web, and if the way is
known, travel may be had between the various points.
Strands are joined at the crystal, so one may well
assume the joinings also represent those who are
attuned to the crystal. This is not always the case. In
some rare instances crystals have become attuned to
an area. Depending on how long the attunement has
been in place, the crystal (and the place itself) may
have gained sentience. In this case, contact and
combat occur with a very elemental intelligence. The
results do of combat do not really apply as normal in
these situations, rather it is more like "beating to
submission". When an initiator of contact battles and
wins against a place, he is free to move to that place,
or gate creatures there. But he does not ever "kill" the
intelligence. To do that, one must actually travel to
the place, and cast all sorts of purification spells.
One might also find crystals that have been attuned to
any sort of intelligent creature...orcs, dragons...rarely
undead.
Common Skills
These skills are learnable by anyone.
1) Crystal Will Enhancement--this provides a direct
modifier to will battles involving the crystal and
involving intelligent weapons.
2) Mental Block--this is a simple, non-magical skill,
involving the user concentrating on a mundane object
(usually a brick wall) and visualising it in explicit
detail. A successful skill check will act as a blocking
ward to anyone trying to contact the person. He will
still feel the attempt to contact him, even through the
ward. To maintain the block, strict concentration
must be held. Therefore, the person may only move
at half speed, and will lose concentration if attacked.
3) Sever contact--while this skill does not actually
sever the link, it will sever contact and is useful if
The skills are learnable by anyone, but typically are
taught only within the circles of the secret Craft of
Crystal Seeing. It is rare to find anyone willing to
teach a non-member, and likely the tutor would be
contacted by other Seers after dispensing such
information.
The Craft of Crystal Seeing
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
These fellows know a little more about the crystals,
and perceive the crystals and links as a vast
world/plane/universe. This "place" is known as Tirna
Cryst'ogh, and is spoken of as a theoretical place, or a
metaphor, among the lower members. The higher
members are actually aware of its real existence, but
whether the place is an actual plane, crystal sphere, or
a mutual delusion among the Seers, is unknown.
1st Circle: Crystal Hopping--successfully
accomplished, this allows the mage to bypass the
termination of a link, and move his mind along a link
connecting to that termination. In this manner,
communication is astronomically increased. Failure
leaves one helpless and open to attack from the
termination point. The being at the termination point
may choose to attack or communicate. If he attacks,
he does so with the surprise bonus. Whether
communication or attack happens or not, once the
contact is severed from the termination point, the
Seer will find himself back at the beginning and must
start over again.
2nd Circle: Domination--a result of "stun" or
"paralysis" from the crystal will battle will give the
Seer the option to attack again, with the victory being
a Magic Jar-like effect. The Seer's original body will
be mostly unresponsive, almost comatose, responding
only to general directions like "go forward", "eat",
"sleep" and such. The Seer would be wise to have
very trusted servants on hand.
3rd Circle: Crystal Sending--the Seer may send a
creature along an open link. The other end of the link
either had to be willing to communicate, or be
stunned, paralysed, unconscious, or dead. The
creature has to be present and either willing, or
unable to flee (caged, chained, tied). Only living
things may be sent through the link, so the chains,
cages, and rope will all be left behind.
4th Circle: Hidden Contact--success means the Seer
has opened contact, along an unwarded link, with a
termination point. This allows the Seer to listen in on
conversations, and to send creatures with a little more
subtlety.
Set/Slam Ward--once a week a ward may be set. The
ward may be of any of the spell types, known by the
caster. The same skill allows the Seer to "slam" a
ward down on a link. This can be useful in severing
contact.
5th Circle: Enter Tirna Cryst'ogh--the mage may
actually enter the land of the crystals. He perceives
this world as a series of crystal globes, connected by
crystal tubes. Outside of the globes, visions and
portents may sometimes be seen. The mage may
travel along the links (tubes) and arrive at termination
points, from which he may make a second throw to
re-enter the real world. Wards are perceived as
magical symbols, and must be handled through the
same methods as "Symbol", or by attempting to break
the link.
Wards
Wards may be established through spell or craft. The
spells follow, listed by level. They may be either
clerical or mage, and they come in a variety of
flavours. All may be cast on self or on another
creature by touch.
Level 1: Single Shield--blocks one link. It is as if a
wall separates the user from the receiver. 2 hour
duration.
Level 2: MindMask--the spell we all know and love,
will sever all links for a duration of 2 hours.
Level 4: Improved Ward--this sets a permanent until
broken or dropped ward, similar to Single Shield.
Level 6: Trap Ward--attempting to break this ward
results in one of the following effects, each a separate
spell: fire, lightning, acid, cold, monster, stun, and
mind.
--Each of the damaging wards cause d6 per level of
the caster in damage.
--The monster ward releases a monster (usually a
shadow), effectively breaking concentration.
--Stun lasts for 2d4 rounds and leaves the victim open
to attack from the other end of the link.
--The Mind Trap Ward actually imprisons the mind
of the attacker along the link. The attacker's mind
cannot leave the link until the ward is broken. The
disadvantage is that the mind of the attacker may still
be able to attack the formerly warded individual.
--Since each effect is a separate spell, you have Fire
Trap Ward, Lightning Ward, Acid Ward, etc. Each
may be discovered and learned separately. The ward
is permanent until broken or dropped.
Level 7: Death Ward--effects are identical to the 8th
level spell, Symbol. A given Death Ward is only
useable on one link.
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items
Level 8: Mind Barrier--straight out of the book, this
will last for one hour per level of the caster, and is
unbreakable.

There are two methods of following a link. One, the

most clumsy way, is to barrel along the link to the
destination. This leaves one open to the effects of any
damaging wards. The second method is more of a
gentle touch, slowly moving along the link with one's
mind until either the destination is reached, or a block
is encountered. The ward's presence may be sensed in
this manner, but there is only one way to find out
exactly what the ward is. It is unlikely that a first-
time user of a crystal will even be aware of the option
to move slowly. Therefore, an ignorant user can
easily get himself killed.

To Break a Ward

Once one realizes a ward is in place, either through

having blundered into it, or through having sensed it,
one may attempt to break the ward. Any tampering
with a ward, causes the being at the other end to
immediately be aware of the attempt. Therefore,
surprise may only be gained by breaking through the
ward in the first round. After that first round, surprise
is rolled as normal for combat. A crystal will battle
occurs, rolled as above, but with none of the results.
If the attacker wins, the ward is broken. If he loses,
he takes whatever effect is designated by the ward.
Multiple attempts may be taken in this manner.
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items

EXOTIC MATERIALS TABLES

Cost Cost for Weapon Armor
Metal per lb Arms and Armor Bonus Bonus Description
Adamantine 25gp +500gp +4 +4 deep indigo metal with a soft and lustrous sheen
Adamony 250gp +5,000gp +7 +7 black adamantium
Arcadian Tin 10,000gp +12,000gp -- -- a pure white ore
Aurebony 50gp +500gp +4 +4 black gold
Black Orichalcum 50gp +500gp +5 +5 black orichalcum
Brozahrium 50gp +500gp -- -- brass colored metal prized by seafarers
Cadrium 6,850gp per ounce -- -- -- dense heavy reddish-brown metal
Cold Iron Double -- -- dull gray metal
Corundium Ore 5,000 gp +5,000go +2 +2 dull brown ore
Dark Iron 3,000 gp +5,000gp -- -- non-reflective black metal
Dragon Iron 10,000go +20,000gp -- -- appears as steel with a silvery sheen
Dreamstone +12,000gp -- +2 looks almost like a pale green crystal
Ethril 25gp +500gp +3 +3 black mithril
Fel Iron 3,000 gp +5,000gp +4 +4 bright green iron
Feronite Ore 3,000 gp brilliant yellow ore
Findruine N/A N/A -- -- This is a strong, light, white-bronze
Godsbone -- -- strange rock that resembles obsidian
Greenweave 15gp +300gp -- -- fuzzy and dappled with all the colors of the forest
Hartwood 250gp +5,000gp Wood guided by a fey spirit
Hellstone +600gp -- -- metal that glows and sickens wielder
Hihi'irokane a red/orange metal obtained from hihi'irokane ore.
Hoodoo Loam 5gp +100gp -- -- soft stone that can be reformed
Ignium 500gp +10,000gp -- -- additional 1d6 fire damage/+2 Save vs Cold
Ironwood 3gp +60gp -- -- Wood as strong as iron
Kyrrad -- -- +7 +7 deep sapphire blue metal
Laconium +3,000gp rare and beautiful blue ore
Linte +6,000gp -- -- shiny silver metal with hot and cold properties
Maritime Quartz 35gp +700gp clear crystal, comes in a variety of shades of blue and green
Mawine -- -- pale metal, called the Dark Maws Bite
Mithral 25gp +500gp +3 +3 bright, silver metal near to chrome in its appearance
Mourningsteel 15gp +300gp +1 damage only -- Metal that forms lethally sharp edges
Nephelium +100gp -- -- Transparent iron
Netherium blue or purple metal that exists in abundance as dust in the
Astral Plane
Odsidian 10gp +200gp +2 damage only -- Glassy black or white rock with acute edges
Orichalcum 50gp +500gp +5 +5 Orichalcum is a form of copper found deep in the ocean.
Rosantium 600gp +6,000gp -- -- pale rose-colored metal
Sarahandium greyish-white metal
Silbony 25gp +500gp +3 +3 white metal with black streaks
Skybough Amber 1,000gp +20,000gp -- -- brilliant white sheen, like a luminous pearl. Warm and soft to
the touch, it leaves a pleasant milky scent in the air.
Steilaine 2,000gp N/A +1 +1 silvery blue metal
Stormphrax 500gp +10,000gp -- -- pure light blue with electrical charges on the ends
Tilferium 12,000gp +20,000gp +3 +3 dull gray-green
Transcendental Bronze 4,000gp +80,000gp -- -- a soft metal with a burnished surface ranging in color from
coppery to golden depending on the angle of the light
True Ice 500gp +10,000gp looks much like regular ice, but it has a darker, stormier
interior
Vartium -- -- -- -- shiny blue-green metal
Vulcanite Ore -- -- bright orange ore
Yaddrakk 50gp +500gp +2 +1 black iron
Xagium 20,000gp +25,000gp +4 +4 dark metallic blue color
 Chapter 9 Exotic Material and Items

Silks* Cost Description

Grey Silk 300gp per square foot grey
Black Silk 395gp per square foot shiny ebon
Emerald Silk 405gp per square foot translucent emerald green
Blue Silk 665gp per square foot sapphire blue
Red Silk 700gp per square foot bright scarlet through dark bride red to pale, pinkish-red
White Silk 3,000gp per square foot snow white to a sort of ivory cream color
Pseudo/half Silk 200-2500gp per square foot ''translucent honey'' to solid amber

*items made from these silks made into clothing costs about 7-10 times more and takes 5-10 times as long to complete as regular articles

Cost
Minerals per lb Description
Almacite 10,000gp pale white crystal with an inner luminosity
Carbonite 2,000gp closely resembles anthracite coal
Cavicite 8,000gp a deep blue crystalline mineral
Chlorophtye 2,500gp a bright green mineral
Mgicite 4,000gp a brilliant red or pink in color crystal
Necorite 10,000gp opaque black crystal
Uridium 8,000gp appears as a luminescent but sickly green crystal.
Zephyrite 2,000go pale-blue colored, cloudy crystal
Auranite 2,000gp transparent golden-colored crystal
Daevacite 2,100gp glowing purple crystal
Gaianite 1,000gp crystal that glows a soft green color
Voidstone Priceless black crystal that reflects many colors