Arcanum

Arcanum is a valuable but dangerous mineral-like substance that through various processes of refinement can be used in arcane spell casting and enchantment.

Nature

According to Sage ToBeNamed, in its mineral form arcanum is extremely volatile and occasionally explosive. Physical contact with unprocessed arcanum ore will cause serious injury and psychological damage to most humanoids. Subterranean cultures are said to be resistant to the damaging effects of arcanum poisoning, owed to low-levels of exposure over generations underground. Even those who are naturally resistant to the effects, extended exposure to unprocessed ore can cause blindness, deafness, or memory loss.

Refinement Processes & Uses

The dwarves of Toria are known for their refinement process - superheating arcanum with iron to create a stronger metal which is more receptive to enchantment.
In the damp climates of Tirise and Marothell, it is not uncommon for artificers to infuse stones with trace amounts of arcanum to create glowstones which are used to light passages.
With proper expertise, arcanum can be infused within one's skin via a ritual tattoo. The process is agonizing and potential side effects include the loss of memories.

Injection & Abuse

During Menim's War, the Church of Thoth discovered a way to produce Eldritch Knights by injecting them with the blood of wild magic sorcerers, making them stronger individually and a better counter to the enemies of the Empire. Those who did not die in battle slowly lost their abilities and became ill as an effect of the wild magic leaving their bodies. An inert, powdered form of arcanum (called "R.Cane") was created as a treatment for the effects of wild magic withdrawal.
Rather quickly, some knights determined that increasing the dosage could restore some of their previous abilities, while in others it granted new powers entirely. This led to abuse and illegal trade in both processed R.Cane and raw arcanum ore. As the years have progressed, nearly all of the original Eldritch Knights have passed, but sale and development of arcanum in various drug forms persists with Sirastir and abroad. Nearly all varieties of R.Cane are known to be addictive and have severe withdrawal effects.

"They don't do anything to keep you. You join the order, you're free to walk away. But they're the only ones who've got the dust. You need to drink the stuff to face down the mages. Problem is, if you ever try to stop...it just about kills you." - Samson of Lethorp

Type

Metamaterial

Taste

Bitter & Salty

Color

Vibrant Blue, Green, or Red

Common State

Crystaline Solid