Residuum

Residuum is the residue of arcane energy, manifesting in a valuable but dangerous mineral-like substance. This mineral is extremely volatile and sometimes explodes for no reason. Physical contact with raw residuum ore will cause serious injury and psychological damage for anyone that is not a dwarf and will kill arcane practitioners outright. The Mining caste of the dwarves is the only group capable of safely mining and processing residuum into a less dangerous and more useful form. How they achieve this is a tightly guarded secret. Generations of proximity to residuum ore veins have made dwarves naturally resistant, though not completely immune, to its effects. Even their resistance is only skin deep, as open cuts and direct exposure to the eyes leave them vulnerable. Surface dwarves lose this resistance over time.

Properties

Raw residuum can be purified by heating it into a dark green-blue glass-like state; in this form, it is referred to as refined residuum and displays stronger magical properties.

Nature

Residuum exists on the Mortal Plane as well as the Astral and Feywild, and somehow bridges the gap between them. Residuum consumption strengthens an arcane user's power, but too much of it can drive a person mad.

The Song

Raw residuum emits a strangely soothing sound that some call the voice of the Stone. Dwarven miners are able to find residuum veins by ear as they claim that they can hear the Stone sing.

Exposure and adverse effects

Even though dwarves have a natural resistance, raw residuum is dangerous for all but the most experienced of the Mining caste to handle. Even for dwarves, exposure to the unprocessed mineral can cause deafness or memory loss. For others, direct contact with residuum ore produces nausea, blistering of the skin, and dementia.
In its processed form, residuum may be handled by anyone, but long-term exposure or a single mistake while working with it can lead to serious side effects.

Addiction

Ingesting residuum is addictive. Prolonged use of residuum becomes addictive, and the cravings become unbearable. Over time, users grow disorientated, incapable of distinguishing memory from present or dream from waking. They frequently become paranoid as their worst memories and nightmares haunt their waking hours. Other known side effects include obsession and dementia.

Withdrawal

Symptoms of residuum hunger pangs include weakness, headaches, forgetfulness, an unquenchable thirst, and cold hands.

Item type

Component