Phoenix Resin

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Phoenix Resin is a flammable substance which burns a bright yellow-green color. It has a musky odor with a distinct note of putresence, similar to bird-droppings (hence, "phoenix" resin). While fresh, it can be spread easily and is fairly tacky, sticking to most surfaces. When dry it can be powdered or pressed. Any amount of flame or ignition causes the resin to light. It burns slowly with very high heat, and can even burn without a source of oxygen (underwater, in a vacuum, etc). In its aqueous form the burning resin becomes more fluid, able to be poured, splash, or otherwise act as a liquid, all while still burning and remaining sticky to the touch. Dried phoenix resin burns more explosively, and if burned after being compacted can burst, scattering flaming dust. One of the few ways to extinguish phoenix resin is with some kind of waxy substance or heavy liquid, or with magical intervention (such as control flame).

Manufacturing process

Phoenix Resin is a substrate of magical material derived from certain alchemical processes, the most common of which is potioncrafting. In its unrefined state it is an inert, reddish-black aqueous substance known as "Dreg Elixir". To turn it into phoenix power, high heat and pressure must be applied to the dreg until all moisture has separated from it. Then this dried powder is dissolved in a diluted acid and filtered through a gold sieve. Finally, the mixture is left to evaporate or excess moisture is boiled away, until a tacky, red-orange gel remains. Under optimal conditions, two parts dreg elixir will yield one part Phoenix Resin.

Significance

The application of Phoenix Resin in combat and arson has made it notorious as a tool of death. Being relatively cheap to create, it offers anyone with basic alchemical knowledge myriad ways to destroy and kill. Its introduction into naval combat heralded a shift from wooden to armor-plated hulls in many coastal regions. Likewise, architects and engineers began developing designs for more sophisticated stonework, to replace wood as the primary building material in fort construction. Mages and other spellcasters began creating wards which could offer greater protection against fire and heat, wherever natural solutions were scarce.

Item type

Weapon, Explosive

Creation Date

c. 383 of the Divine War

Rarity

Phoenix Resin is made rare by its noteriety. Most cultures regard its use as barbaric, and those who do use it prohibit the manufacturing of Phoenix Resin outside of sanctioned groups, usually military. While it is easily made by a skilled alchemist, discovery of illegal manufacturing carries severe penalties across the realm, up to and including execution.

Base Price

20gp/gallon

Raw materials & Components

In standard alchemy, potions for things such as superheroism, waterbreathing, etc. leave behind dreg which can be used to create Phoenix Resin. This dreg can also be made directly by combining diamond dust with specific quantities of saltpeter and certain venoms (usually from gigantic or magical creatures, such as Naga). During the manufacturing process, a diluted acid and gold sieve are also required.

Tools

A standard set of alchemist's tools are necessary to create Phoenix Resin. In rare cases, tools for alcohol distillation have been converted to meet the manufacturing needs for large quantities of resin. The latter method is considered hazardous, and has historically resulted in catastrophic explosions.