Whisperdust is a fine, shimmering powder with a gritty texture that softens almost instantly on contact with moisture. It glows faintly under moonlight or when exposed to active magick. The scent—a haunting blend of burned parchment and lilac—lingers in the air, even in trace amounts. When inhaled, it creates a faint tingle in the ears and tongue.

Whisperdust reacts mildly with water, forming a sticky grey paste that quickly loses potency. When burned, it releases a pale violet smoke that whispers intelligible words in ancient languages. It is inert when frozen but can be reactivated by heat or breath. Prolonged exposure (especially via inhalation) causes auditory hallucinations or “echo memory drift.”

Composed of arcane-infused carbon ash, burnt celestial ink, and residual spell energy. Some variants contain fragments of ethereal quill essence and microshards of crystalline sigils.

Can only be found in the aftermath of spellburns at arcane sites where scrolls or tomes were violently destroyed by magick or decay. Locations include ruined mage towers, sealed vaults, or the remnants of failed rituals.

Whisperdust is not naturally occurring. It is a byproduct of arcane combustion, when a spell scroll is burned or self-destructs, the residual ash sometimes retains the spell’s final echoes, forming whisperdust. Harvested primarily by scavengers or Thalara from abandoned magickal sites.

Extremely unstable once exposed to air. Loses potency after 3–5 days unless stored in airtight obsidian vials or rune-sealed flasks. Can retain effectiveness for decades if vacuum-sealed with a preservation glyph.

Illegal in some cities. Sold discreetly in arcane black markets or memory guilds. Highly valued in academia, espionage, and bardic circles.

Stored in rune-sealed glass or ceramic vials, usually kept cool and out of sunlight. Long-term storage requires vacuum flasks with quartz stoppers and a preservation sigil.

Highly regulated in most major nations. The possession of unlicensed whisperdust carries fines, imprisonment, or arcane probation. The Thalara are often the only sanctioned users, with tight control over distribution.