Writer's Wednesday XXX

Greetings Readers,

This week we take a look at Gem mining. By now we
hope you've seen the trend with gathering skills, they aren't designed to be
solely mechanical, but develop roleplay value. As with ores and forestry, there
is much that a gem hunter might know about gems, where they like to 'grow,' and
what uses they might have. There may be other notes of interest that certain gem
hunters might be aware, such as cultural value or facets of usefulness each type
of gem might posses. Here are a few examples of information a gem hunter might
acquire and a tool that may aide him or her in their endeavors.

Rippled Greenstone - An opaque green or bluish
green stone with varying color patterns like a turtle's shell, greenstone is
most striking when polished as a cabochon. It is commonly called Turtlestone and
is found in areas where volcanic activity has occurred.

Greenstone is valued by the Frostflare dwarves of the Spine Mountains and
they often wear it in jewelry.

Reflection Garnet
- Deep, warm red and clear, the color of the heart or the heart of a
fire, this stone is loved by Ilsarians who call it the Heart Stone. It is also
worn by Pyrtechonites to represent the blood and flames of the end of the world.
Reflection Garnet is found in alluvial deposits along ancient rivers and streams
can be faceted or cut into cabochons.

Obsidian -
Obsidian is a rock resembling very dark glass that allows light
through when shaved thin. It can be mined in many different areas, but seem to
be most prevalent in places that once were or currently are actively volcanic.
Obsidian is very heavy but is valued among certain cultures for its innate
ability to make sharp edges when fractured. Often these cultures will collect
and trade obsidian for use in tools and weapons. It does not retain the power of
Al'Noth very well, however, and can only carry the slightest of enchantments.

Reflection Garnet
Ring of Gem Mining - A reflection garnet set in a silver ring studded
with tiny chips of silver.

Stay tuned for more snippets
and settings next week!

~row, on behalf of the writing
team