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Gwydion
Acolyte
USA
4 Posts |
 Posted - 22 Jul 2006 : 19:20:54
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I'm doing some research for an adventure involving a large amount (24,000g) of opals. I'm looking for a region of Faerun that is known for its quality and quantity of opals. Can anyone be of assistance to me?
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danifae
Acolyte
Canada
18 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2006 : 22:43:48
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| I wouldn't really know, but perhaps near some mines where opal veins have been located? (could be implemented into the adventure?) as far as I know there isn't a specific area where they are found. |
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Halidan
Senior Scribe
USA
470 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2006 : 23:11:07
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In the 2nd edition FRA hardcover, there is a bit of information about the various types of opals in the Realms, which inclund black opals, fire opals, opals, and water opals. In two specific cases, the general terrain the stones are found in is mentioned, but no specific locations are mentioned. The relevant lore:
Black Opals "Usually found in ancient hot springs, the gem is usually tumbled smooth and cut cabochon. The phrase in the North, 'Black as a black opal' means effectivily not very black (or evil) at all."
Fire Opal "Usually found near active hot springs and geyser activity in the Realms."
Given what little FRA says about the opals, I'd say you're probably looking for a region with either active or ancient hot springs. I know that hot springs are mentioned occuring in both Vassa and Neverwinter, but I imagine that many other places in the Realms could fit those descriptions as well. |
"Over the Mountains
Of the Moon
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,"
The shade replied,
"If you seek for Eldorado!"
Edgar Allen Poe - 1849 |
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Halidan
Senior Scribe
USA
470 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2006 : 23:29:16
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The other way to go woulkd be to use some "real world" lore in finding a location for your stones. That doesn't always hold true for the Realms, but if there is little or no canon lore on a subject, real world equivalents can serve in a pinch.
A quick Google told me that, "Australia is the classical country of origin [for opals]. Almost ninety-five per cent of all fine opals come from the dry and remote outback deserts."
Likewise, Google had this to say about Fire Opals, "It is in Mexico that the most significant fire opal deposits in the world lie. Rock strata containing opals run through the Mexican highlands, with their many extinct volcanoes. With a few exceptions, the gemstone, which lies hidden in cavities and crevices, is extracted in open-cast mines..."
This would seem to indicate that a desert area (Anauroch, Calimshan, Raurin and the Plains of Purple Dust, or the Quoya Desert might serve as the origins of your stones.
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"Over the Mountains
Of the Moon
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,"
The shade replied,
"If you seek for Eldorado!"
Edgar Allen Poe - 1849 |
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Wenin
Senior Scribe
585 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2006 : 23:42:23
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http://www.minerals.nsw.gov.au/prodServices/minfacts/minfact_9
Here is some interesting information about Opals.
quote:
In New South Wales the most important seams of opal are found in sedimentary rock, with the opal lying at shallow depths, usually less than 30 metres. Its formation occurs this way.
Silica weathered from overlying rock percolates down through the rock mass to a cavity or fault where it is deposited as a gel.
Gradual loss of water from the gel results in hardening of the material and the formation of opal, the whole process taking hundreds of thousands of years.
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Session Reports posted at RPG Geek.
Stem the Tide Takes place in Mistledale.
Dark Curtains - Takes place in the Savage North, starting in Nesmé. I wrapped my campaign into the Hoard of the Dragon Queen, but it takes place in 1372 DR. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31772 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jul 2006 : 01:25:02
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You might also want to check through the gemlore section in Volo's Guide to All Things Magical for the various opal entries. As I recall, one or two prominent locations are referenced as places where specific types of opals are found.
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Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36803 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jul 2006 : 07:30:02
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
You might also want to check through the gemlore section in Volo's Guide to All Things Magical for the various opal entries. As I recall, one or two prominent locations are referenced as places where specific types of opals are found.
That book is truly a wonderful resource, and it is available as a free download on the Wizards downloads page. However, friend Sage forgot to mention that it's a formerly suppressed work.  |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31772 Posts |
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warlockco
Master of Realmslore
USA
1695 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jul 2006 : 14:13:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
You might also want to check through the gemlore section in Volo's Guide to All Things Magical for the various opal entries. As I recall, one or two prominent locations are referenced as places where specific types of opals are found.
That book is truly a wonderful resource, and it is available as a free download on the Wizards downloads page. However, friend Sage forgot to mention that it's a formerly suppressed work.
He has to leave something for you to do   |
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Opals in the FR?
