Aluricite

Ever since that sacred night when Uum sent a vision to Groat the Unlikely, the city of Verliska has been the center of a world-wide struggle for control of a most wonderful material. To those who believe Uum’s vision, the metal is all that remains of his once-close companion Alura. For that reason it holds high religious significance, as demonstrated by its use in the construction of the Great Throne of Uum and its presence within the sokol. Others, such as the Mechanists of Zooch value the material for its property of shedding a heatless light, which is enough to read by in the proper conditions. Rumors persist that a noble of small renown who is connected to the Dark Eye Syndicate is pursuing Aluricite futures as well, but if this is true, he would be up against some intense competition.

It is worth noting at this point that sokol do not glow unless they are from an extremely ancient mintage. The more contemporary sokol is often cut with tin or copper in order to preserve stores of the high-sacred material. Those from Zooch are less sparing in their use of Aluricite, tending toward terrorist actions to acquire more when the need strikes them.

I advise that you take care when visiting Verliska. With the war proceeding as it is, anyone with a respect for the dynamics of power would appreciate possession of its Aluricite stores. The Verliskani could use this situation to their advantage, providing leverage to draw themselves into this “Free City Confederation” that is all the rage. You won’t want to be around when that happens. The righteous will riot in the streets at the pride of the oligarchs. Please turn to the chapter within your books entitled, "Wolf Among Lambs" for further edification.

Ol’ Horace, from one of his later lectures. The notes were recovered from the ruins of Matratut Royal Academy.

"Solidified godsblood? I seriously doubt that. It’s nothing more than luminescent silver. Sure, it’s strange. That’s no reason to invite zealots to my mines and hack up my workers though." – Ram Verliskani, Minister of Earth