Strange Stones and Marvellous Minerals!
Penned by Tomas Ridgeway.
Preface: Lore on the strange rocks of Ymph is just a stone's throw away!
There are many strange and magical stones present in and around the isle of Ymph, some with blatant magical properties, others less blatant, others still- despite a lack of particular magic -quite dangerous in their own way!
One: Strange Stones
Rusting Stone:-
Buried along with bodies in tombs, and enchanted with healing magics, it is hypothesised by some that these stones are objects of superstition. If buried with one, it was believed that the soul would be stronger, closer to the Gods, and that good health would be bestowed upon its mortal relatives that remain.
Ymphian Delight Pearl:-
These pearls have delightful magical healing properties, and are highly prized. One might find them in shells underneath the sea, or washed up on beaches. Keep an eye out for these!
Slimy Stone:-
A stone somewhat slimy to the touch. If substantially cracked, it will explode with a blob of plasmotic fluid (ooze)! It may sound bizarre already, but this ooze will attempt to consume nearby objects or creatures - so be careful with it. Though it does not last long. Perhaps it is sensitive to exposure to air, or perhaps the stone has some connection to the planes that is quickly severed a short time after the stone is cracked.
Chilling Gem:-
A small, crumbling, cold crystalline structure. When crushed, it releases a beam of frost in the direction its jagged ends are pointing. Once again, be careful if you come across such a stone!
Jolting Gem:-
Usually small and blue, and buzzing faintly... these stones, when pointed at something and squeezed stiff, will introduce an electric shock to your target. However, after this single usage they will then be little more than useless stones, and will no longer buzz.
Cloud Stone:-
A crumbling and porous stone, often housing swarms of insects. Fragments and be broken off, and directed at target areas. The insects and stone fragments will quickly fill the air and choke those that would dare enter and imbibe them.
Troglodyte Tribal Stone:-
Imbued with the savage magics of troglodyte shamen commanding esoteric evil powers, these stones can be used as a conduit to several spells.
The Numbered Stones:-
Of an indeterminate number (often cited as seven, but there is some debate on the subject), these stones are carved and depict numerals on them. They are not explicitly magical, but are said to open the doors in H'bala's Tower Prison.
(See: Harassing H'bala, another book by Tomas Ridgeway!) This is not something at all desirable, and both the Stewards and the Numinous Order aim to collect these stones and stop anyone that wishes to gather them. If you come across one, it would be best to hand it in.
Two: Marvellous Minerals
Mithral:-
Mithral is a rare and precious metal that can be found in the Underdark and some other regions. It weighs about half as much as steel, and is at least as strong. Armor made of mithral is not nearly as restrictive, allowing spells to be cast in it more easily, and for the wearer's agility to shine through.
Adamantine:-
Adamantine is extremely rare. When found, it will usually be in the Underdark, or inside meteorites. Adamantine will have a green sheen when viewed by candlelight or a purple-white sheen when viewed by magical light. Otherwise, it is black.
It is immensely hard when smelted, but it is purportedly a costly procedure. Though Adamantine equipment is near impenetrable in the case of armor, and extremely devestating in the case of weapons.
Drow use adamantine to make weapons and armor, and their processes are said to be very specific, perhaps magical...
And here we are, good readers, at the end of another volume. Thank you for your interest, and if you have anything further to contribute to this book, do send me a letter at Kingsman's.
T. Ridgeway
