Blood marble

Blood marble is a material that was found in only one place, the old silver mine that was collapsed by Jantalarian forces (but blamed on "radical Dwarven rebels") in 5094 Modern Era, causing the deaths of hundreds of Dwarven miners. While it has no outwardly obvious magical properties, the witch Raznel used the "black blood blight" disease curse to infuse it with the sacrificed blood of hathlyn, which in 5116 Modern Era was used to construct a blood marble obelisk that when detonated destroyed the Barony of Talador and transformed it into the Bleaklands. Whether there is a more direct relationship between blood marble and bleakstone is not known. Given the Bleaklands and the highly limited source of blood marble, it is possible there are no longer any unquarried sources of blood marble remaining. Previously mined pieces of blood marble still exist. Possibly the most notable and physically largest surviving example of blood marble is the altar of Koar in the Hendoran Outpost near Wehnimer's Landing. The Ithzir would not go near the altar when the fortress was lost in their world of Kol Tar'sken, which helped Thadston and his men to survive for the duration.

History

Before the baronial coronation in Talador, in the year 5114, rumors had begun to circulate among some of the locals that brave prospectors had discovered a new form of stone deep inside the once abandoned silver mines of the region. For a time, there was talk that once his Lordship Kuligar became the Baron of Talador, that he would order new mining expeditions in search of this new material, which was dubbed "blood marble."

The material was said to be found deep within the old silver mines of Talador, where Jantalarian forces collapsed an entire cavern to entrap and kill dwarven workers. The stone is a highly polished white marble with dark red veins twisting along its surface, hence the name it received.

In the spring of 5114, Talador launched a war against Wehnimer's Landing for their connection to the political conspiracy around Baron Kuligar and ultimately, their role in his death. The war, however, did not end in triumph for Talador, who lost many of her soldiers and fell further down in the eyes of the Turamzzyrian Empire.

Seeking to rebuild Talador's station after the assassination of Baron Kuligar, both in wealth and importance, Lord Thermon Chisholm, the interim Potentate, opened new excursions into the old silver mines, offering a handsome reward and claim for the first blood marble rock that was brought to him. Meanwhile, Sir Davard of Talador waged war against Wehnimer's Landing at Thermon's command. In the end, when the war was lost and Lord Thermon was exposed for his crimes and manipulations, topped by the death of his daughter, Cosima, he took his own life.

The irony of Lord Thermon's death was recognized that same evening, when the first chunk of blood marble was discovered and brought to the Noble Council to be inspected. The discovery of the new, peculiar rock sparked new demands from Talador as it became a rare and fashionable commodity among the nobility in the Turamzzyrian Empire.

Superstitions suggest that the blood marble found in the mines is a dark product of the devastation and massive loss of life during the conflict between the dwarves of Talador and the occupying Jantalarian forces. Further credence is given to this rumor, as there has been no additional discovery of the stone beyond the original mine of its first appearance.

Despite the lore, the nobles of the Turamzzyrian Empire have clamored for blood marble, and many regions in the south pay handsomely for the new material to be imported to them. Almost overnight, Talador saw new travelers, merchants and miners alike, pour into their city in hopes of partaking in some of the barony's new found wealth and attention.

Initial revelations about blood marble have indicated that the stone holds no magical property beyond its unique appearance and is best suited for adornments and other ornamental purposes. Further research still continues on blood marble and whether or not there are any other qualities currently dormant within the stone.

Alteration

Blood marble is highly limited and cannot be used in alterations unless provided to the merchant.

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