Starfall Ore
Overview
Starfall Ore is a rare and unsettling metal, born from the crater of the so-called “Tear from Heaven.” Burnt red in colour and faintly luminous, it is both highly prized and deeply feared within the Old Empire. Extraction of Starfall is difficult and dangerous, and working it is even more demanding. Only the most skilled craftsmen can shape it into usable forms. When forged, Starfall produces weapons and armour of exceptional quality. In its dormant state, the metal appears dull and reddish, but when drawn into combat or imbued with purpose, it emits a dark red glow.
Its most unusual property is its relationship with magic. Unlike most metals, Starfall does not interfere with low-level arcane spellcasting. Spells of the third circle or below can be cast without hindrance, even while wearing Starfall armour. In theory, this allows a spellcaster to fight fully armoured without penalty. In practice, however, the rarity of the material makes such use extremely uncommon.
The Hidden Cost
There is, however, a darker aspect to Starfall. Many believe that prolonged exposure to the metal affects the mind of its wielder. Though strongly denied by the Smiths who craft it, rumours persist that Starfall gradually erodes restraint, amplifies aggression, and draws out the worst qualities in those who possess it. Owning a single item is generally considered safe. Yet those who accumulate multiple pieces—particularly full suits of armour—are said to become increasingly volatile, cruel, and unpredictable. Whether this is superstition, coincidence, or a genuine property of the metal remains a matter of quiet debate.
Few who have fallen under its influence are willing—or able—to speak of it.
The Starfall Smiths
The Starfall Smiths are masters of one of the most difficult crafts in the Empire. Secretive, obsessive, and fiercely protective of their knowledge, they alone possess the skill required to work this strange metal.
Their training is long and unforgiving. Apprentices must first master conventional smithing before they are permitted to work with Starfall. Only then are they initiated into the deeper secrets of the craft. Yet even mastery comes at a cost.
It is said that few Starfall Masters survive more than a decade after reaching that rank. Stories persist of smiths driven to madness, consumed by obsession, or transformed into something darker. When such individuals begin to decline, they are quietly removed—taken by their peers to unknown places, never to be seen again.
Whether this is mercy, punishment, or concealment is unknown.
In Game Terms
- Power Level: Starfall items can grant up to a +3 bonus, depending on purity and craftsmanship
- Appearance: Dull red metal when inactive; glows dark red in combat or use
- Magic: Counts as magical; detectable by appropriate means
- Spellcasting: Does not interfere with arcane spells of level 3 or lower
Corruption Effect
Prolonged exposure carries risk:
-
After one year of carrying more than:
- Two Starfall items, or
- One full suit of Starfall armour
The character must make a Will Save (DC 15)
- On failure:
- Alignment shifts one step toward Chaotic Evil
- Exposure is cumulative
- Time already spent counts even if the items are temporarily abandoned
Item Weighting
- Weapon, shield, or single item = 1 item
- Full suit of armour = 2 items