Ever-Rot

Written by World Smithy

Overview

Ever-Rot is similar to tar in a few ways, namely in coloration, viscosity, and in having a penchant for being sticky. That is where the similarities end, though, as there are several properties unique to Ever-Rot. Chiefly among these properties being its ability to hasten the process of decay and rot. One should never touch Ever-Rot barehanded, as once it touches humanoid flesh it will bind itself to the skin, and soon after its terrible properties start. If even a drop of Ever-Rot is to fall on one's appendages, the only way to remove it is to remove the part of the body it clings to. Despite the horrifying prospects of working with the material, some are bold enough to venture into the Whispering Wastes in order to collect even small vials of it.

Properties

Like tar, Ever-Rot is incredibly adhesive, viscous, insoluble, and has an off-smell to it. As mentioned, Ever-Rot hosts the capability to hasten the decomposition process for all materials, save for glass strangely enough. Small amounts, typically no more than a drop, are often used in Jaddregos to quickly ferment fruit used in wine that is rationed out to the soldiers of their standing military. Due to Ever-Rot being insoluble and having a density higher than water, it often falls to the bottom of whatever container it is put in, and is easy enough to avoid at the end of the fermentation process.

The substance has also been known to be used in more nefarious applications, with some thieves putting a small amount of Ever-Rot on locks. When used on metals, Ever-Rot is known to quickly oxidize, rust, tarnish, etc... whatever surface it is applied to, and if used in greater amounts, even eat through the metal. In darker circles, the material can be used as a torture method, as only a single drop will eventually rot an entire limb while it is still attached to the one that owns it.

Manufacturing process

All one needs to acquire their own Ever-Rot is a few items and some bravado. Firstly, if anyone wants to collect the tar-like substance safely, heavy woolen gloves are reccomended. Other hand coverings, such as gauntlets, are also acceptable. Next, one will need a simple vial, beaker, or general container made of glass; preferably with a closable top. Once these two items are gathered, all one needs to do is brave the Whispering Wastes to find one of the Rot Pools littered about. Using one hand, with the other most likely being preoccupied with keeping balance, simply place the glass container into the viscous liquid quickly, retracting the hand after no longer than 3 seconds. A variable amount will now be in the glass container, and if more is desired, the process can be repeated.

Disclaimer: Do not use the same hand and protective equipment for a repeat of the process. The protective equipment is recommended to be discarded after the first use to avoid undue contact with the body, so remember to bring back-ups and spares. Don't forget: beware the touch that takes too much!

History

It is thought that the first instance of Ever-Rot was created upon the death of Faulneroth, god of rot and decay, during the twilight years of The Empyrean Schism. Scholars speculate that his blood, divine ichor, was so rotten that it physically changed the ground beneath it, forming bubbling tar pits filled with what is now known as Ever-Rot. Despite there only being one pool originally, small droplets would be taken from it and scattered across the Whispering Wastes by cultists still loyal to the now-fallen god of rot.

A vial of Ever-Rot, a tar-like substance only ever used in small amounts - at least, in most circles.

Item type

Compound

Creation Date

1 After Lightfall

Rarity

Very Rare

Weight

Variable

Dimensions

Depends on the container used.

Base Price

Small vials typically sell for ~150 gold pieces, but could be more depending on the amount sold.