Onyx Luna

"Have you ever been in the presence of Onyx Luna? It's as if the Void is gazing at you."

— Komrak Magmaforge, dwarven blacksmith

Introduction

Among the metals and ores found across Kena'an, none rival the legend of Onyx Luna. Few have seen it up close, and even fewer have wielded an item- be it a weapon, shield, or artifact- forged from its vantablack essence. The elves believe it to be solidified night, a gift brought to Kena’an during eclipses, when darkness holds dominion over the skies. They call it Mitta-o Mori, the Night Shard. To the dwarves, it is ach-az-egraz, the Light Killer, a name earned from its uncanny ability to absorb light casted around it.

The humans on the other hand, name it Metal of the Skies, attributing its origins to the heavens, an ancient fragment cast down from above aeons ago. For the Eaglors, Onyx Luna is believed to be the work of Verana, the goddess of dreams and prophecy- rare, enigmatic, and dangerous, much like her gift of foretelling.

Each of these stories carry a shard of truth, but none are entirely free of myth or fabrication. For Onyx Luna is not merely a material; it is a mystical source of profound power, one that only a handful in the world can forge, and even fewer dare to wield.

Physical Properties

Onyx Luna is a unique and extraordinarily rare material in Kena'an, steeped in both mystery and reverence. Reports of deposits are as rare as the material itself, with only a handful of fragments ever discovered throughout history. One such shard resides on proud display in the Museum of Thandor, where its very presence draws scholars, artisans, and blacksmiths alike. Many would risk everything for the chance to study this enigmatic substance firsthand.

The following information about Onyx Luna's physical properties has been painstakingly compiled over centuries of rigorous testing, cross-referencing, and verified testimonies from those fortunate enough to work with or witness this fabled material. Each discovery further cements Onyx Luna’s place as one of the most enigmatic and coveted substances in existence.

Eerie Appearance

Completely matte and vantablack, Onyx Luna creates an unnatural void-like effect by absorbing all light around it at a 5ft radius. Its surface is smooth yet unyielding, often mistaken for an unremarkable rock at first glance.

Great Density

Surprisingly dense, Onyx Luna’s weight belies its seemingly delicate flexibility, making it one of the heaviest known metals. A single shard feels impossibly heavy for its size.

Melting Point

Forging this material requires temperatures exceeding that of molten lava. Only a handful of dwarves, masters of ancient techniques, and the Glaciarcs, with their divine Icefire, can manipulate it.

"The heavens wept when the Metal of the Skies fell, for it was never meant for mortal hands.

— excerpt from the "Mandate of the Suntouched""

Extreme Hardness

Stronger than adamantium yet far more flexible than mithril, it is virtually indestructible under normal circumstances, resistant to damage from both physical and magical sources.

"Depiction of Onyx Luna" by Imagica via MJ

Moonlight Shimmer

Onyx Luna is known for its ability to absorb light, yet this property changes when it is exposed to direct moonlight. The material takes on a faint silver shimmer, as if the essence of the night is embedded within it.

Harnessing & Forging

Onyx Luna’s raw form is an enigma to all but the most seasoned miners and researchers. In its natural state, it resembles an unassuming, black stone- easily mistaken for any number of common ores. The true nature of Onyx Luna, however, only becomes apparent once it is cut, polished, or exposed to magical forces. Even a small fragment can reveal its otherworldly properties, but raw deposits are incredibly difficult to identify, and only a handful of scholars have claimed to successfully recognize it in the wild.

The forging of Onyx Luna is a task reserved for only the most skilled and knowledgeable artisans, as the metal itself resists manipulation like no other. There are only two known methods to craft this rare and ethereal material into useful forms, each one as dangerous as it is intricate.

Dangers of forging & Exposure

"Icefire reveals the metal's soul, yet even we do not fully understand the depths of its creation. It is Haestrom’s will, not ours, that shapes the Onyx Luna."

— A Glaciarc Shaman

The forging of Onyx Luna is a perilous endeavor. Prolonged exposure to the metal during the forging process can cause nightmares and disturbing hallucinations. As the metal seems to interact with the dream world, those who work with it for extended periods are often driven to madness by the visions it brings. This side effect makes working with Onyx Luna dangerous, requiring mental fortitude and caution from any who wish to harness its power.

Legendary Onyx Luna Items

The Obsidian Eye

"The Obsidian Eye" by Imagica via MJ

Crafted by Sivara of the Twilight Veil, a prophet-mage among the Eaglors, the Obsidian Eye is a relic of foresight and peril. Using a shard of Onyx Luna, Sivara carved the orb by hand and fused it with her own soul, granting it unparalleled divinatory power. The Eye is said to reveal the innermost secrets of fate and provide visions of both distant futures and immediate dangers.

However, this knowledge comes at a grave cost. Each use of the Eye burdens the user with harrowing nightmares of futures they failed to alter. These visions often drive the wielder to paranoia or despair, leaving them haunted by their inability to act on all they have seen.

The last record of the Obsidian Eye places it in the desolate wastelands of Pariant, where it was rumored to be sought by treasure hunters, prophets, and madmen alike. Whether the artifact lies hidden, lost, or claimed, its legend persists as a beacon- and a warning- to all who seek to know too much.