Veridium

*Magipetra Verdis,* the Great Green Gemstones of the Salen Mountains, drawing energy from the Feyweald itself, has been at the center of many great conflicts throughout the history of Exnilion. Its unique chemical and magical properties make it extremely sought-after by arcanists, scientists, and criminals alike, all for various reasons.

### Chemical Properties

Veridium is a magnificent catalyst, used primarily in such a manner by the alchemists and transmuters of the *Athenaeum at Novatryn.* A single pinch of the mesmerizing green powder can reduce the time of a reaction to mere seconds, where it would normally take hours. Practitioners of veridium catalyzation must take extreme caution, however, as any powder exposed to open flame or extreme temperatures will combust, resulting in dazzling sparks and devastating green fire. Introducing the second chemical leveraging of the substance's reactivity; Salen-sticks.

After the discovery of veridium in the Salen Mountains, Salen-sticks became a cultural trade-secret of the subterranean dwarven states. Primed with a long wick and lobbed at an enemy or object, the green wax-paper-tube detonates with a blast of green fire and crackling sparks, increasing in lethality when paired with the confined space of dwarven tunnel systems. The late 1300's E.M. brought this technology into commercial use, and is one of the main forms of guerilla defense utilized by Aseri elves against Czojanic incursion.

### Arcane Applications

Arcanists throughout Exnilion venerate the substance for its extreme arcane resonance. The material instantly tunes its vibration to the energy exerted on it by a caster, allowing for the casting of spells at decreased exertion and increased effectiveness. While veridium is regarded as one of the best arcane focuses in Exnilion, its rarity and expense limit its use to the most affluent of wizards and casters.

Veridium also has the intriguing ability to be infused into nearly any material during item enchantment, allowing the enchanter to exert themselves far less over a much shorter period of time. The items, once enchanted, do not seem to be more or less effective than conventional artifacts, but many traditionalists refuse to "tamper" with time-honored imbuement traditions.

### Other Uses

The most common and least legal use of veridium is as a recreational and performance enhancing drug. Once the substance is mined, it is shipped to Kedwec, ground into a powder, and "cooked" in a low-temperature oven over a period of weeks. Afterward, it is packaged and illegally distributed all over *Prima Continens.* After a person takes processed veridium - called *Fairy Dust* - They experience a sensation of time slowing down around them while they speed up. Moments later, anyone with even minor magical resonance gains heightened spellcasting potency, while simultaneously reducing their accuracy and duration. Those with no magical ability often experience rushes of energy that manifest as low-level cantrips or simply a shower of green sparks.

> *Fairy dust is some wild stuff! So I've heard. I haven't tried it. Anyways, apparently it allows you to enhance your magic in some neat and unexpected ways. If I did ever try it, hypothetically, I certainly wouldn't enjoy it or use it outside of research purposes. No need to worry about me, Helicor, I'm on the straight and narrow since that time in weald... -* Kalech Realmranger
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> *Kalech's claims on using Veridium could not be confirmed or denied by the Omnicus' investigation. - Archivist Helicor Egonspont*
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The unpredictability and extreme addictiveness of the substance has driven many nations to outlaw access to it for everyone but approved arcanists. Despite their efforts, multiple crime organizations including the *Three Gs* and the *Forsaken Fleet* still operate in and around major cites and trade routes, processing and distributing the dangerous substance.

### Obtaining Veridium

The primary source of veridium is in the mines of the Salen Mountains, owned and operated by a confederacy of dwarven city-states. The majority of the states are allied with Aenon Aseri, and sell the raw crystals to them to aid in the war effort, while only the rogue state of Minersk in the southernmost side of the Salen Mountains has begun selling veridium to the Aenon Aseri's enemies: the Czojanic cities of Kedweic and Novatryn. No public sources of veridium exist, and only one sight is not controlled by the dwarves. The formerly abandoned mine of Kar Vannor has been occupied by a band of veiled half-elven mercenaries since the 9th century E.M., who began using the crystals in a guarded steel-alloying process. Their swords are legendary for possessing extreme strength, magical enhancement, and even a conscoiusness of their own. The mint tinge of the blades is what gives this band of fighters their name: The Greenblades.

### Ongoing Conflict

With very few nations in control, and everyone wanting a piece of the product, veridium has become a point of ramping political and national tension over the last hundred years. The war between Czojan and Aenon Aseri, the aggressive police actions in Ludania against alleged distributors, and a boom in oceanic piracy and smuggling all stem from the discovery and introduction of veridium into the marketplace of Exnilion. Only time will tell if the conflict and suffering for the supposed miracle gems was worth it, but judging from the reactions of interested parties, this is just the beginning.