Obsidian, also known as natural glass or volcanic glass,[5] came in different grades and varieties, some more prized than others. Low grade obsidian, called pitchstone, was not as shiny or smooth as gem quality obsidian but was useful for grinding and abrading.[6] A variety called blacksmoke obsidian was primarily found in Tashalar, sold in the local bazaars.[7] A rare form of obsidian, called rainbow obsidian, was considered a semi-precious stone.[2][8]
Description
Volcanic in origin, obsidian was a hard, black, glassy stone with a natural sheen.[5][6] Common obsidian could be chipped into arrowheads, cutting blades, or even weapons if large enough.[9] As an ornamental stone, it was usually tumbled, polished into smooth cabochons, or carved into figurines and fingerbowls. It was often worn as jewelry or inlaid on bracers or pectorals of copper or bronze. Package handlers in Waterdeep wore obsidian rings with a cutting edge on the inside for snipping twine.[6] Gray to white inclusions made obsidian brittle but when cut and polished correctly, snowflake obsidian was equally as valuable as regular obsidian.[8][10] A typical stone had a base value of 10 gp.[1][2][3]
Powers
There were "nine secrets" that could be enchanted to become ioun stones, and obsidian was the most well known of them. Obsidian also made an extremely useful figurine of wondrous power, renowned as the obsidian steed. The cutting capability of obsidian made it a good material component for wizards attempting to create blade barrier-like effects.[6]
Trivia
The lesser deity Vhaeraun was known to occasionally send obsidian to show his favour or disfavour to his followers.[11][12] Similarly, obsidian was sacred to the Chultan demigod Eshowdow, and he valued unholy items made of it.[13]
Appendix
See Also
External Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 130. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Ed Greenwood, Eric L. Boyd (1996). Volo's Guide to All Things Magical. (TSR, Inc), p. 126. ISBN 0-7869-0446-1.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 300. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
- ↑ Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford, Christopher Perkins, James Wyatt (2014). Dungeon Master's Guide 5th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 134. ISBN 978-0786965622.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 133. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Ed Greenwood, Eric L. Boyd (1996). Volo's Guide to All Things Magical. (TSR, Inc), pp. 45–46. ISBN 0-7869-0446-1.
- ↑ Template:Cite book/Silverfall//MMP
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 134. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 301. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood, Eric L. Boyd (1996). Volo's Guide to All Things Magical. (TSR, Inc), p. 50. ISBN 0-7869-0446-1.
- ↑ Eric L. Boyd (November 1998). Demihuman Deities. Edited by Julia Martin. (TSR, Inc.), p. 37. ISBN 0-7869-1239-1.
- ↑ Sean K. Reynolds (2002-05-04). Deity Do's and Don'ts (Zipped PDF). Web Enhancement for Faiths and Pantheons. Wizards of the Coast. p. 15. Archived from the original on 2016-11-01. Retrieved on 2018-09-08.
- ↑ Eric L. Boyd (September 1997). Powers & Pantheons. Edited by Julia Martin. (TSR, Inc.), p. 81. ISBN 978-0786906574.