Thauril

Thauril is a flexible metal that, at room temperature, is a pure white. It is also the most reflective surface ever discovered. However, that is not the only unique attribute of this material.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Thauril is, somehow, purely white, almost completely reflective, and also mostly transparent. Those who look at it describe what they see as being a large number of fluctuating colors, transparencies, and reflectivities superimposed upon each other. However, it is also clearly stated that these superimpositions do not in any way obscure any of the other visible images. Different pieces of Thauril have different colors which they cycle through shades of, but it was described as purely white above due to the fact that white is by far the most common color for it to be found in.
This superimposition of aspects continues with some of its other characteristics. First, it has the ability to both begin melting and freezing simultaneously at the same temperature. This phenomenon continues for a seemingly random period of time before the opposing visions flicker out of existence and the material stabilizes. The only characteristic of it that remains mostly constant is its malleability. It is almost always highly malleable.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The properties of Thauril are numerous and contradictory. For example, it has what seems to be an infinite number of melting, boiling, and freezing points. It also appears to simultaneously maintain a vastly fluctuating number of refractivities, reflectivities, and transparencies. Magic tends to have one of a variety of effects on it, dependent on multiple variables concerning the magic itself and the surrounding environment.
When it comes to stabilization of the material, there are several methods. The most common method is to expose it to a magnetic field, which seems to stabilize most of its properties depending on the strength of the magnetic field. However, anti-magic fields have the same effect but are more reliable. Interestingly, magical zones of truth cause the metal to become far stronger and durable. Certain processes involving zones of truth have been developed as a way to forge the metal into usable objects, with the zones of truth essentially tempering the metal.

Compounds

It is used in various different arcane items, materials, and spells that have specific illusory and transmutational properties. It has also been used in various types of toxins that cause insanity, high levels of suggestibility within the victim, and some truth serums.

History & Usage

Discovery

Thauril was discovered many years ago, and no records exist specifying the precise individual who discovered it. Whoever did discover it is known to have been a gnome living far to the east of the Kolkari Mountains, at the inside of the caves at the northern tip of the Tlahuati Cliffs.

Everyday use

While it is not used in everyday life, the most common uses of it are in the arcane field due to the varying and fluctuating relationship Thauril has with magic.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Thauril has no native cultural significance, but it has become a sacred material to the Church of the Platinum Dragon due to its resemblance to his properties. As such, one can occasionally find sculptures, idols, and other religious objects associated with the Platinum Dragon that are made of Thauril.

Hazards

The material can be highly deadly if it finds its way into your bloodstream in any way. Specifically, a large enough dose can have one of two known effects. Either the victim becomes affected by violent bursts of wild magic or the victim becomes completely unable to affect magic in any way. This renders a spellcaster useless while still allowing for spells to be used against him. Similarly to the metal itself, certain methods of refinement can guarantee one of these two effects.

Reusability & Recycling

The material is reusable in almost all of its states. However, once it has been manipulated into another of its state, it cannot be returned to its original, raw form.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Thaurl is considerably rare due to its scarcity and difficulty to mine, causing small amounts of it to be rather expensive. It is usually sold by high-end merchants of the arcane or exotic variety. The individuals who purchase it are usually powerful mages, especially archmages, on a private basis. However, government organizations concerned with magic in war and innovation also purchase it. These two types of individuals are essentially the only ones who have the resources, knowledge, and desire to purchase and use Thauril.

Type

Metal

Value

25 Platinum Pieces per Gram (on average)

Rarity

Very Rare

Odor

Odorless

Taste

Tasteless

Color

All

Boiling / Condensation Point

All

Melting / Freezing Point

Fluctuating

Density

Low Density

Common State

All

Related Locations

• Tlahuati Cliffs

Related Technologies

• Arcane Propellants