Aktergean Water

Keetrock was found on Aktergea at the end of the Oceanic Era, when the islands were being explored for colonization. At first it was mined directly from the deposits, but hazardous conditions at the peak made it unprofitable to continue. The discovery of keetrock concentrated in keetwood trees opened the possibility of processing the wood to extract the mineral.

With no other sources of fresh water, everyone who lives on Aktergea has to drink from the rivers. Imported water can be had, but it is prohibitively expensive.

The water's most obvious effect has been described as an "internal numbness". Aside from its bitter taste, it has the property of damping a person's aura, making it impossible for them to sense other people or be sensed in return. This has been exploited throughout the 21st Volcanic century. The Dissolvers took advantage of it to make their saboteurs undetectable by Kezlaf and his Wringers. The Dregs also discovered its secret, and used it to stay hidden from the Allied Isles.

The higher the keetrock concentration, the more dangerous it is to drink the water for extended periods of time. Fortunately, the water itself discourages long-term exposure. The refineries on the lee side of the island attracts workers with high pay, but few stay for longer than a single contract term. "Can't stand the water" is often cited as a reason for leaving. Workers who lasted two or more terms were often treated for kidney disease afterward. It was several hundred years before this pattern was notice and tracked, and the refineries now have procedures and contract limits to protect their workers' health.

There is no official market for Aktergean water. Suggest such a thing, and the island's residents will laugh at you.

In 2044 Vol, the Dregs appeared at Aktergea and made off with several barrels of water. Only at the end of that year did anyone understand why, when members of the One Guard dosed with the water snuck into Mraydor, invisible to the cargo inspectors. Their mission did not succeed, but all ports had to refuse boat traffic for days until they came up with a procedure for thoroughly investigating holds. After this incident, the Allied Isles negotiated with Aktergea to have them declare it illegal to transport any water awat from the island.