Hebeforium

Hebeforium is a metal used to detect magic.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Hebeforium, when refined and unexposed to magic, takes on a dull metallic sheen. When exposed to magic, chunks of it will begin to turn purple. It is not very strong and is very malleable. In nature, it can be identified by the glowing purple streaks in it that naturally accumulate over time due to the natural background magic of the world.

Physical & Chemical Properties

When exposed to magic of any kind, hebeforium will begin to turn purple in chunks and begin to feel warm to the touch. If exposed to magic that is too strong for too long, it will become brittle and crumble. Also, if the metal is melted and reforged, then it will revert to an unexposed state.

History & Usage

History

Hebeforium was identified thousands of years ago by Nuron warriors who used pieces of it to detect nearby enemies. Nuron gamblers soon realized the potential of the material and began to manufacture dice to detect cheaters. Over time, this practice spread, and hebeforium was soon incorporated into additional materials such as playing cards. In addition, around 3,000 BU (years Before Ecleinian Unification), local sheriffs who worked in the Allied Republic of Therinsburg often used it to detect magical mischief and troublemakers. All of these usages continue to the present day.

Everyday use

Hebeforium tends to be popular with gamblers, who typically incorporate it into dice or cards, as well as gambling machines to detect those attempting to cheat or influence the game. Detectives also use it to detect if suspects are trying to influence them during interrogations. Prisons typically use hebeforium to detect the usage of magic by prisoners as well.

Industrial Use

Forges often use hebeforium to detect ores which have magical properties.

Refinement

Hebeforium ore must be mined out of the ground and then melted at around ~382 degrees celsius before being forged into ingots and pieces. Used hebeforium must undergo the same process.

Reusability & Recycling

Hebeforium is highly reusable, and most hebeforium in the Republic of Ecleinia is reused by reforging it.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Hebeforium is typically sold by mining corporations. Hobbyist shops also sell it, and there are many machinists and blacksmiths who forge hebeforium into various things, including wiring and capsules.

Storage

Hebeforium will transition to an exposed state over time, becoming purple in the process. Therefore, in order to preserve it, it must either be stored in magic-proof uporium crates or boxes, or it must be reforged often to revert to an unexposed state.

Law & Regulation

Hebeforium is regulated under the Ecleinian Pure Materials Act, which states that hebeforium must be authentic and that the sale of fake hebeforium is an offense punishable by fines. All hebeforium mining operations in Ecleinia are subject to Ecleinian mining laws as well.

Type

Metal

Value

Hebeforium is a common material and so is relatively cheap.

Rarity

Hebeforium can be found easily as ore in most places, and is considered a common ore.

Taste

Unexposed hebeforium tastes like metal. Hebeforium that has been exposed to magic incidentally also tastes like metal. However, exposed hebeforium that has salt poured on it and then dunked in ice water will taste like grape soda.

Color

Dull metallic silver when refined or unexposed to magic. Glowing purple when exposed to magic.