[World Lore] Resonantium

[Islamadon 9158]

 

 

 

PROPERTIES

Raw Resontantium, colloquially known as “Ripple Rock”, is a curious, ever-shifting substance with a peculiar attunement for vibrations and ambient mana. Iridescent in appearance, the hue of Raw Resonantium shifts with a violet-blue hue that ripples when exposed to external stimuli. Vibrations spurred by sound or motion cause the ore to shimmer, whereas the imbibing of mana causes the ore to hum lowly, stiffen, and spike outwards, akin to a magnet’s effect upon iron sand. Due to its attunement with ambient Mana and other unique interactions.

 

Raw Resonantium does not behave as a standard ore; rather, it more closely resembles a viscous metal comparable to liquid mercury or caesium. The ore displays a natural sluggish “flow” which increases or decreases in viscosity dependent upon environmental temperature. Because of this unstable consistency, Raw Resonantium cannot be quenched, alloyed, enchanted, or treated with alchemical oils save by the process outlined in the Refining Process. In its base state, Resontantium’s interaction is purely symptomatic rather than channeled.

 

 

 

MANA GAUGING

Raw Resonantium, given its unique response to stimuli, can most often be employed as a form of mana-gauge for the purposes of research or measurement. As Resonantium is subjected to greater funds of mana, the pitch of its hum and the frequency of its soft, protruding spikes shall also increase. Unlike Thanhium, Resonantium incurs no adverse deterioration when in the presence of mana, thereby making it viable for long-term exposure and data collection. For this purpose, craftsmen may make devices or containers that facilitate this interaction.

 

RESONANT TOOLS

Raw Resonantium also retains a unique and thematic tether to Resonance, and by extension, the sacred art of Kani. Oscillists who imbibe their Resonance (both passive and aggressive) upon the liquid metal may condense and reshape its form to a dull instrument of their choosing, and may even harden it to bear a strength comparable to steel. These objects are capable of functioning as a Resonant Tool, whereby an Oscillit may use them as casting implements for the purposes of administering their abilities. This interaction lasts for the duration of a CRP scenario or until Resonance is broken.

 

REDLINES:

⌘ Raw Resonantium, or derivative items thereof, necessitate an ST Signature to be considered valid.

⌘ Raw Resonantium, in its natural state, retains a viscous liquid form. It therefore lacks any notable durability and can be cleaved through and/or made to fit the form of any vessel.

⌘ Raw Resonantium, when subject to external vibrations, will shimmer with colors reflecting its iridescence. If imbued with Mana, the liquid metal will begin to hum a lone tune and harmlessly “spike” outwards; the pitch and frequency of the spikes scale directly to the amount of mana in the environment. These interactions can NEVER be used to impair the senses of a being.

⌘ Raw Resonantium, if used as a mana gauge, will only react to ambient sources of mana in the environment or that is active from an ability. It CANNOT determine if a being or item is “magical” unless mana is actively being channeled from that source. This is all to say that one cannot determine that a sword has an enchantment unless the sword activates said enchantment, nor can one test for disguises.

⌘ Raw Resonantium may be TEMPORARILY condensed and hardened by Kani through means of Resonance, taking precedent over any potential conflicting redlines in the Kani lore page. If Resonance is dropped, the Raw Resonantium will return to its fluid state and splatter lest contained prior.

⌘ Raw Resonantium, when condensed and hardened by Kani, can adopt a solid form bearing equal or less value to its Material Compendium value (e.g, 1 ore = 2 ingots = 1 shortsword = 1 raw resonantium shortsword).

⌘ Raw Resonantium may be transformed into a custom ST item for the sake of personalization (e.g., an ore chunk being contained in an alchemist’s flask) without risking reforging cost. The amount of raw ore contributed to the item must be noted and clearly indicated as RAW.  If used for the purposes of Kani, an Oscillit needs only to have the raw ore or a custom ST vessel in its inventory.

⌘ Raw Resonantium cannot be forcibly shoved down someone’s throat to force consumption; the individual will gag and instinctively vomit. In the event an individual is foolish enough to willingly consume it, they will rapidly perish as their inner organs rupture from intense vibrations.

 

 

 

Resonantium is not discovered in pools of liquid metal, but rather as geometric, bismuth-like nodules embedded within huge veins of redstone. Experts suggest that the reason for this formation is due to redstone's nature - petrified mana - that has since become dormant over centuries; Resonantium, having been drawn, thus naturally accumulates and crystallizes around these veins. With regard to the nodules themselves, thin layers of brittle crystal function as a shell for the liquid core and, due to their transparency, can be identified via the shimmer of the Resonantium within. Miners would do well to strike around nodules for preservation and transport, or they may simply crack the shell and drain the Raw Resonantium into an appropriate container.

 

This said, the harvesting process may prove hazardous given the delicacy required for the extraction. If an excess of mana via activated redstone, or otherwise, is subjected to the nodules, the internal liquid may “spike” and fracture the shell due to increased pressure. This may inadvertently cause the Resonantium to leak from the shell, become mixed with impurities, and/or drip into cracks without proper preparation. Furthermore, the newfound instability of the ore vein may even lead to cavernous collapse if an errant strike weakens a critical support juncture.

 

REDLINES:

⌘ Resonantium Ore can only be gathered through official ST distribution and must be ST-signed.

 

 

 

Refining Resonantium is a complex process that demands, akin to Arcanium, an intense introduction of Mana. However, given Resonantium’s raw liquid state and unique interactions with mana, smiths and magi alike have found great difficulty in channeling this energy into the ore. Ingeniously, mundane smiths soon came to employ a means of “tempering” whereby they would gradually introduce and mix Liquid Mana with the ore to fabricate a mana-composite substance. 

 

A blacksmith must gradually introduce [15] measures of Liquid Mana over the course of [3] OOC Days in an attempt to stabilize the ore. Upon the Third Day, the Smith will “roll /20” to determine if the tempering was a success; if the roll renders a value of 5 or less, the process will fail. In the event of failure, a Smith must introduce [5] measures of Liquid Mana per day until successful. In the event of success, the Raw Resonantium will - at last - attain a stiff texture.

 

Once adequately imbued with Mana, the Raw Resonantium will resemble that of a standard ore and hence be dubbed a Mana Composite. At this stage, a blacksmith may surrender the mana-composite to a high-temperature forge, whereby it will undertake a process of self-purification. As it heats, impurities will render and separate from the composite, akin to an alembic. Once the composite is adequately heated and purified, the Smith may cast or shape the material into any form that is desirable. 

 

The final stage of the requirement necessitates the quenching and subsequent fortification of the mana composite. Dissimilar from standard practices (quenching by water or oil), any abrupt change in temperature will cause the mana composite to shatter violently. Rather, a blacksmith must employ means of steady dissipation.

 

To accomplish this end, one must devise a small sealed chamber composed of amethyst, quartz, or any other applicable crystal. These crystals help to draw away excess vibrations and harmonics from the composite as it settles into its new shape via ambient air-cooling. Paradoxically, over the course of hours, the composite will expand and stretch out whilst cooling as its internal lattice settles to a lower frequency and elasticity, which adapts to forceful stimuli. This dissipation process must be repeated in the event of reforging.

 

For the purposes of future clarification, amendments, or precedent-setting, “Low Lattice” and “High Lattice” are herein defined. Low Lattice denotes the natural state of Harmonic Steel and is characterized by low-frequency vibrations, high elasticity, and a subdued hum. High Lattice refers to the energized state of Harmonic Steel, wherein the metal is subjected to vibrations or force, and is characterized by high-frequency vibrations, enhanced rigidity, and a sharp pitch.

 

REDLINES:

⌘ Refined Resonantium (Harmonic Steel), or derivative items thereof, necessitate an ST Signature to be considered valid.

⌘ Refining Resonantium necessitates that the player provide screenshots/logs of the forging process and roll as described above.

⌘ The “dissipation” method of quenching necessitates that a smith prepare a chamber of quartz, amethyst, or any other crystals that a player wishes to portray in-game. This process must be repeated in the event of reforging.

⌘ It is impossible to forge new alloys with Resonantium.

⌘ Refined Resonantium, per its mana-composite nature, functions as a [T3] Enchantment. It therefore cannot store any additional foreign enchantments. This said, it CAN sustain an enwreathe.

 

 

 

PROPERTIES

Refined Resonantium, or Harmonic Steel, retains a perpetually dull and smooth surface layered by Resonantium’s characteristic iridescent shimmer. Having been purified and solidified by means of a mana-composite lattice [see: Refining Technique], Harmonic Steel passively emits a low harmonic hum that is amplified with motion or vibrations. The amplitude of these vibrations scales directly with the volume of metal present, with higher quantities rendering a greater and more violent reverberation. Harmonic Steel also retains a unique and defining elasticity that permits it to adeptly mitigate, absorb, and redistribute applied forces. While initially elastic to the touch, the resilience of this metal grants it a durability stronger than steel while in a state of High Lattice. Harmonic Steel weights approximately the same as standard steel.

 

 

 

RESONANT AMPLIFICATION

Harmonic Steel, if fashioned into a musical or vocal instrument, may be applied for the purposes of amplification. When exposed to vibrations, be they auditory or physical, the metal will mirror the sound and amplify it two-fold in both volume and clarity as it resonates with the tones that interact with it. Instruments fabricated from Harmonic Steel thus produce an elegant depth of sound not dissimilar to the acoustic reverb of a studio. Bardmancers in particular may extend the range of their sound-based abilities, if applicable, by TWICE their standard distance.

 

Despite its potential for beauty, Harmonic Steel also renders a debilitating side effect whereby those who wield or wear the material become extra vulnerable to sound-based attacks. If caught within the range of any noise that would stun or break the concentration of a victim, the Harmonic Steel will react adversely and begin to resonate dissonantly. This will induce stacked-on vertigo in the bearer for [2] emotes, whereby their combative motor skills, magical focus, and ability to aim will be significantly hampered.

 

DAMAGE MITIGATION

When applied defensively, Harmonic Steel may be used as a supreme form of shielding. When struck by a solid impact, Harmonic Steel will shimmer brightly with an array of purples and blues as it reacts to, redistributes, and stores energy. To quantify, Harmonic Steel is capable of mitigating the concussive force of a received attack to HALF of its potential, and “absorbs” the other half. The interaction offers no debilitating effect to either party, though it will cause the attacker’s weapon to recoil significantly and the defender to devote all focus to maintaining the stability of their shield. To counterattack, a Harmonic Steel shield may use its stored energy, which can be stored for a maximum of [2] emotes, to bash/shove forwards and knock a single target from their footing (no knockback) while releasing an auditory resonant thrum. To garner these effects, the object used for shielding must be specifically designed with the intent of acting as a shield and must be composed of at least [2] ingots to account for the minimum surface area required.

 

It is important to remember that Harmonic Steel’s ability to redistribute force renders great difficulty in maneuvering the material. When used as a proper shield, a descendant MUST DEVOTE BOTH HANDS to maintain and raise the device lest vibrations overwhelm the body; even ambient vibrations from motion can render an arm numb lest properly braced by two hands. Attempting to wear Harmonic Steel Armor will also result in the force of an attack being absorbed and vibrated directly into the bearer’s body, causing internal trauma, organ failure, and may lead to death due to shock. This is all to say that one cannot “sword-and-board”, but rather one must devote oneself solely to maintaining the defense safely. 

 

RICOCHET

When applied offensively, Harmonic Steel may employ its elasticity for the purposes of throwing weapons or objects fabricated from [1] total ingot. When thrown at a hard surface [see redlines], the projectile will ricochet from its surface for the purposes of trick-shotting. While useful for striking enemies behind cover, it is noted that each time the projectile recoils and bounces, it will lose half of its current damage potential. To exemplify: 1st Strike = [1], 2nd Strike = [½], 3rd Strike = [¼], and so on. To garner this effect, the throwing weapon must be composed of [1] total ingots.

 

Objects greater in size than a throwing weapon cannot be adequately thrown due to their uneven distribution of mass, increased weight, and tendency to tumble. The only exception to this clause is a [2] ingot circular shield due to its medium size and perfectly symmetrical, disc shape. Despite this unique exception, circular shields will find that they can only be thrown a maximum of [8] blocks and cannot render the knockdown effect if thrown.

 

REDLINES:

⌘ Harmonic Steel objects retain a perpetually dull edge and weight equal to steel. Due to its elasticity and ability to mitigate force, it retains a durability superior to steel.

⌘ Harmonic Steel, while theoretically possible to forge into traditional melee/ranged weapons, will yield no additional combative benefit, given that it cannot reap the effects of Force Mitigation or Ricochet, lest designed as outlined in their respective sections. Rather, these weapons will remain perpetually dull and vulnerable to their weaknesses.

⌘ Harmonic Steel cannot be treated by Alchemical Oils.

⌘ Harmonic Steel, per its mana-composite nature, functions as a [T3] Enchantment. It is thus highly vulnerable to Abjurations and Thanhium and may only sustain [2] total hits before destabilizing and returning to an inert, raw liquid state. This requires the user to “/use” the destroyed Harmonic Steel. Auric Oil, on the other hand, will prevent the Harmonic Steel from rendering the "Damage Mitigation" effect by virtue of disabling its ability to shift into High Lattice.

⌘ Harmonic Steel, per its enchanted nature, cannot sustain any additional foreign enchantments.

⌘ Harmonic Steel, given its density, is INCOMPATIBLE with Kani.

⌘ Resonant Amplification:

⌘ Resonant Amplification’s “vertigo” detriment afflicts the bearer in these quantified ways for [2] emotes: An inability to concentrate on magic, an inability to aim or load a ranged weapon, and difficulty with combative motor skills (sword play, combat rolling, etc.). If afflicted, a bearer will not have their movement inhibited for the purposes of retreat or repositioning. This detriment only applies with sound-based attacks (bar Boomsteel Thunder Clap) that would BREAK CONCENTRATION; simply yelling at someone will not work!

⌘ Damage Mitigation:

⌘ Damage Mitigation may be used in an unlimited capacity during CRP, though its “stored energy” mechanic and knockdown counter retain limitations. The stored energy mechanic may only hold [1] charge at a time. This is to say that while a group of enemies may strike at the shield thrice in a single turn, the shield will only store enough energy for [1] counter knockdown until expended or until the storage duration expires.

⌘ Damage Mitigation can only be rendered by an intentionally designed shield of [2] or more ingots. This is to say that a Harmonic Steel Greatsword is unable to mitigate incoming damage when blocking due to its improper design. Likewise, a Buckler Shield of [1] Ingot will also be ineffective due to its lack of surface area.

⌘ Damage Mitigation extends only to physical force rather than magical properties. This is to say that a concussive fireball will still heat the shield considerably, albeit halving in concussive force. Kani’s Penetrative Inertia may bypass the force mitigation.

⌘ Damage Mitigation’s “knockdown” ability necessitates that the user make physical contact with their target during the bash, and have adequately stored the force of a mitigated attack prior. Force may only be stored for [2] total emotes lest it disperse harmlessly back into the environment. This force may not be independently generated by shield bashing.

⌘ Damage Mitigation applies only in defensive applications. This is to say that a shield bashing with its face or rim will still deliver the same force as any other shield and will not have its offensive power mitigated.

⌘ Ricochet:

⌘ Ricochet can only be rendered by throwing objects of [1] total ingot. This is to say that a Harmonic Steel Shortsword cannot be thrown or ricocheted due to its imbalance and awkward shape. Likewise, a small metal part [½ ingot] will also be incapable of ricochet due to its lack of springing mass.

⌘ The only exception to the above redline is a [2] ingot circular shield, which may be thrown due to its perfect symmetry and manageable weight. Due to its increased size, a circular shield may only be thrown a maximum distance of [8] blocks and cannot administer its knockdown ability at range.

⌘ Ricochet's range defers to the total distance permitted by Tech Lock. This is to say that a throwing knife possessing a [16] block range may travel [12] blocks, ricochet, and then travel an additional [4] blocks. The angle of the ricochet must be intuitive and reasonable (think Billiards).

⌘ Ricochet cannot chain between Player or NPC targets - only hard surfaces. Applicable surfaces for Ricochet must be HARD, i.e., stone, brick, wood, etc. SOFT SURFACES are those like gravel, dirt, sand, etc. 

 

CREDITS:

Spoiler

Islamadon

I write it to buff Kani to oblivion! ST Shadow Amendments! In all seriousness, I have been wanting to get a more defense-based ST Material into existence, and also wanted ricochet Batarangs. I figured I would combine them and reduce lorebloat, given they would have had similar background mechanics.

 

Wowj + Fishy + SquakHawk + FunTzu

Although they had little involvement in the actual writing, these four were invaluable for balancing feedback and discussing internal mechanics and metas. 

 

Rusty Derringer

I wish to extend a big thank you to Rusty Derringer for allowing me to adapt their work and utilize the artwork and headings from their original Resonantium submission that was denied a year or so ago. Resonantium was my favorite failed lore submission, and I felt that it deserved a shot at existence on the next map due to our push for more defensive and range-based ST materials. You can view their original post here.