Vulkanis Ore

History & Usage

Everyday use

Vulkanis Ore is used as a power source by the dwarves to power their various machinery. The dwarves detest anything that runs off magic, unless it is rune powered, but they see that as different. To power their great steamworks and alchemical engines they need a fuel source, trees aren't known for growing underground. Coal can work but even the dwarves acknowledge that burning coal isn't always the healthiest option. They stumbled across Vulkanis Ore as their chosen fuel shortly after its discovery when they attempted to make it into useful alloys. During their various testing they found that when treated with the right combination of acids breaks down into a grainy powder. That powder can then be packed together to form briquettes that burn long and hot. If the powder is mixed with various metal powders it increases the burn time, mithral being the most violent reaction. So violent is the mithral fused Vulkanis that it is known to burn through metals and stone.

Refinement

In the natural state Vulkanis ore is a metal like you would find in veins like other metals. It has a color between copper and glow a unique trait is that it will glow after being exposed to a source of daylight whether natural or magical. When exposed to chemical acids or the bodies of certain oozes the ore will breakdown into the powder form. The powder itself can flash and burn very quickly, when it is packed together it burns much slower but at a consitent heat. This works fine for steam machinery and forging something mundane like steel. For getting a forge hot enough for the unique materials it requires different metals to be made into shavings or powders during the refinement process. Working with mithral should never be attempted over a Vulkains flame.

Hazards

By itself the only hazard is a burn hazard when used, as different metals are added, especially the stronger metals the heat increases. Mithral being very strong but also very light leads to a violent burn that will burn the bruiqette rapidly causing it to break apart and spew flames in all directions, those flames capable of melting through stone.

Environmental Impact

Considerably less harmful than coal fires, with very little impact on the lungs of the miners or users too. It does produce a strong odor that is enough that most can taste the metal it is mixed with, as well as an acrid scent from the acid used.

Type

Mineral