Colchis - 831.M30
It had been several days since Lorgar had resolved to undertake the vision quest, and preparations were well underway. While Lorgar focused on readying himself for the trials ahead, you found yourself in the company of Thalassa, who, unsurprisingly, turned out to be a skilled artisan and metalworker. Seeking her aid, you both delved into the enigmatic golden metal that had composed Lorgar's pod.
Thalassa stood before you, delicately holding a piece of golden metal, its surface shimmering with an ethereal glow. The metal seemed almost alive, its golden hue captivating in the light. Thalassa had been studying it intently, her tools dancing over its surface with practiced precision.
"Auramite," she began, her voice carrying a tone of reverence, "is a substance of extraordinary rarity and purity. Its natural coloration, as you can see, is this resplendent golden hue."
She paused, running her fingers lightly over its surface. "What truly distinguishes Auramite, however, is its unique quantum-level properties. At this level, Auramite is almost inert, allowing for the unimpeded manipulation of Aetheric energy by psykers."
You nodded, recognizing the significance of her words. Auramite's inert nature made it ideal for use in armor, especially for those who needed to wield psychic powers without obstruction.
"This property of Auramite," Thalassa continued, "is particularly crucial when engaging in a psychic battle within the Warp. Without such protection, the unleashed energies would inflict grave harm upon the psyker's physical form."
As Thalassa concluded her explanation, you felt a surge of inspiration.
"This is remarkable," you exclaimed, excitement coloring your voice. "But I believe we can refine it even further."
Thalassa raised an eyebrow, intrigued by your suggestion.
"How so?" she inquired, curiosity piqued.
"We need to refine the Auramite in a forge that mimics the conditions of a volcano," you explained, gesticulating fervently. "By setting up a series of occulted mirrors to channel the sun's rays, we can focus the sunlight onto the Auramite. This will heat the metal to the temperature of flowing lava, allowing us to refine it further. We will also need to add gold to the mix."
Thalassa's expression turned skeptical.
"I'm not certain if that's feasible," she admitted, uncertainty lacing her voice. "Auramite is incredibly resilient. I'm not sure if it will even melt, let alone be refined further. And adding so much gold... I'm not sure if the metal can handle it, even if we succeed."
Despite her doubts, you remained undeterred. "I believe we can achieve this. The results will be nothing short of legendary."
Thalassa remained silent, her gaze fixed on the plans for the forge and the refinement process, her expression thoughtful and contemplative.
"This is quite an ambitious endeavor," she finally remarked, her tone cautious. "But what exactly are we trying to achieve here?"
Taking a deep breath, you prepared to explain your vision.
"We are attempting to create a metal known as Orichalcum," you began. "It's a legendary material, said to be nearly unbreakable, capable of channeling magic like no other. By refining the Auramite in this manner and adding gold, we aim to transform it into Orichalcum."
Thalassa's eyes widened in surprise.
"Orichalcum?" she echoed, disbelief evident in her voice. "Mountain Copper? From the myth of Atlantis? Are you certain such a thing can be created?"
With unwavering conviction, you nodded.
"I believe it can," you affirmed. "With meticulous planning and precise calculations, we can create the necessary conditions to refine the gold and Auramite into Orichalcum."
Thalassa nodded slowly, the weight of the task settling upon her.
"It's a daring plan," she admitted. "But if anyone can turn it into reality, it's you."
Her trust in you sparked a question in your mind. "Why do you have such faith in me?" you inquired, genuinely curious.
Thalassa met your gaze, her eyes filled with honesty.
"I have witnessed your ability to perform miracles," she explained. "Feats that I once believed to be impossible. You possess a remarkable talent for turning the unimaginable into reality, and that is why I trust you."
Her words touched you deeply, humbled by her unwavering belief in your abilities.
"I... I don't know what to say," you replied, moved by her trust.
Thalassa offered you a warm smile.
"Words are unnecessary," she said softly. "Your actions speak volumes. I believe in you, and I am confident that together, we can achieve greatness."
"Do you really believe that we can we do this?" you asked once more, a sense of gratitude in your voice.
Thalassa's eyes sparkled with determination.
"It will require meticulous calculations and skilled craftsmanship," she mused, already lost in thought. "But if we succeed, the result will be truly magnificent."
You nodded, sharing in her cautious optimism.
"Indeed," you agreed, your excitement growing. "Imagine armor that not only resembles volcanic rock but also possesses its strength and resilience. It would be a true masterpiece."
As Thalassa studied you for a moment, her expression softened, a silent understanding passing between you. Together, you embarked on a journey to create something extraordinary, fueled by trust, determination, and a shared vision of greatness.
"Alright," Thalassa declared, a steely resolve in her tone. "Let's do it. But we must proceed with caution, taking every precaution to ensure our safety."
Together you gather the necessary materials and meticulously preparing the forge. The challenge ahead demanded meticulous planning and precise calculations. With Thalassa's expert guidance and your unwavering determination, the forge began to take shape, its design carefully crafted to mirror the conditions of a volcanic furnace.
Observing Thalassa's expert hands at work, you inquired, "Do you believe you can replicate the process?"
Her response was measured yet confident, "It will be challenging, but within reach. I can create something similar, though perhaps not possessing the same... otherworldly quality."
Hours passed with intense focus and labor. Thalassa's skills were nothing short of extraordinary as she built the forge with a finesse that bordered on the supernatural. Finally, she set down her tools, revealing a forge she had crafted.
"It is done," Thalassa announced. "It may not match the original specifications, but it is a close rendition."
Examining the forge closely, you were genuinely impressed. "It is magnificent," you commended, acknowledging her mastery.
Pride gleamed in Thalassa's eyes as she responded, "Thank you. The true test, however, lies in its endurance under extreme conditions. If the forge can withstand the it's own heat, then I will have truly succeeded."
As Thalassa readied to test the forge, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The outcome of this experiment could profoundly impact Lorgar's quest and the tribe's future.
The day of the first attempt at refining the Auramite was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The mirrors were positioned, the calculations meticulously reviewed. As the sun ascended, its rays were directed through the mirrors, focusing onto the Auramite with intense heat.
However, as the day progressed, it became apparent that something was amiss. The gold remained unyielding, unchanged by the intense heat. Similarly, the Auramite showed no signs of melting, its surface remaining cool to the touch.
Frustration and disappointment weighed heavily as the day concluded, marking the first attempt as a failure. Thalassa offered words of solace, reminding you that setbacks were inherent in such endeavors, emphasizing the importance of learning from them.
Determined to achieve success, you resolved to make another attempt, this time incorporating silver into the mix, hoping it would catalyze the desired change in the gold. The mirrors were positioned once more, the calculations recalibrated, and the intense sunlight focused on the Auramite.
The addition of silver did induce a slight change in the gold, but it fell short of the transformation needed for true Orichalcum. Despite the improvement, the result was still far from the legendary metal you sought, and once more, disappointment clouded the outcome.
Unyielding in your resolve, you refused to concede defeat. You understood the formidable challenge of refining the Auramite, yet your determination remained steadfast. Thalassa, standing steadfast at your side, bolstered your resolve with her unwavering belief in your abilities.
Examining the results of the failed refinement, Thalassa's expression darkened with concern. She sighed heavily, clearly troubled by the metals' stubborn resistance.
"It is the gold and Auramite," she began, frustration evident in her voice. "They resist our efforts to melt or meld them properly. The mirrors are effective in imbuing the metals with peculiar energies, but they remain... impure, for lack of a better term. They defy our attempts to refine them further."
Her words carried a sense of resignation, hinting at her reluctance to abandon the endeavor.
"Perhaps," she suggested tentatively, "we should contemplate discontinuing this pursuit. The metals seem unyielding, and our efforts may be futile."
Internally, you weighed her words, grappling with the possibility of conceding. The specter of failure loomed large, yet you knew retreat was not an option. Recalling the enuncia, the words of creation and transformation, a spark of inspiration ignited within you.
CHOICE
[] Use Enuncia
-- Risk of it going bad. Can blow up in your face and much worse.
[] Do not use Enuncia
-- No risk but you do not get to refine Orichalcum
