Skystone

Lustrous and beautiful, Skystone is the stone that allows civilization to survive above the Stormsea. It is a commonly used building material for its beauty, and is the primary source of Aetharite on Avia.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Skystone is a pearlescent, white to gray marbled stone with sky-blue Aetharite crystal grains scattered throughout, causing the stone to glitter in the sunlight.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The concentration of Aetharite within a sample of Skystone determines its properties. Low-grade Skystone is useful as little more than a building material, whereas high-grade Skystone can be refined into a number of highly valuable materials. It functions as a conduit for the magical energy keeping the islands in the air, and can be used in the construction of artificial floating islands

Geology & Geography

Skystone is mined from new islands lifted from the Stormsea, with deposits naturally occurring near the lower levels of the islands. It is responsible for the keeping the islands afloat, so it is usually harvested from new islands without settlements built on them.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Skystone is commonly used as a building material. It is used to create pottery or refined into Starsteel or Aetharite.

Refinement

High-grade skystone can be refined into Starsteel and Aetharite, two highly prized and quite valuable materials. By crushing the Skystone and melting it at extreme temperatures with an equal quantity of iron and coal dust, Starsteel can be manufactured. By crushing the Skystone, mixing it with water and allowing the material to separate, Aetharite dust can be collected. This dust can be heated, lowered into the Stormsea and allowed to recrystalize into Aetharite.

Hazards

The manufacturing of Aetharite appears to attract Windwyrm and other monsters of the storm. Therefore, while the Aetharite crystallizes, a team of warriors must be constantly fighting off attacks from creatures.

Environmental Impact

The mining of Skystone from a floating island, once enough is removed, will cause it to sink back below the Stormsea. Thus, mining of Skystone generally only occurs on smaller, extraneous islands to purposefully remove them from the sky. Additionally, destruction of Skystone deposits on the islands of enemy settlements is an effective combat strategy.

Type

Ore/Mineral