Tumkeoite

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Tumkeoite is a rare, heavy, and unstable magnetic mineral metal that slowly decays with exposure to air. It radiates light in both the visual and ultraviolet spectrums as it slowly decays (ultimately transforming into a mineral called lacofcite). To human eyes this light is a ghostly plum color, but to those who can see into the ultraviolet (as can drow and derro), it appears a shimmering amethyst hue. The resultant radiation caused by this decaying interferes with teleportation.[1]

A huge mass of tumkeoite at the summit of the Vault of the Drow gives the appearance of an alien moon and starry sky in the rocky upper reaches of the Vault.[1]

The radiation which "tumkeoite ... emits as it decays [into lacofcite] ... is the special radiance that grants drow weapons, armor, and items their great bonuses"[2][note 1] (i.e. "drowcraft" items).

References

Notes

  1. In early editions, this radiance is described as "ultraviolet" or "UV light" and was linked to the "ultravision" of the drow. In later editions which no longer used the scientific definition of UV light radiation, drow were given darkvision, and the radiation became more magical in nature.

Citations

  1. a b Drow of the Underdark, p154
  2. Polyhedron #113 (Nov 1995), p.25.

Bibliography

Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index

The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.

Topic Type Description Product Page/Card/Image

Tumkeoite Item Mineral, D3 Vault of the Drow (adventure) 10, 11
Tumkeoite Item Mineral, Dragon magazine #298 73
Tumkeoite Item Mineral, Polyhedron magazine #113 25
Tumkeoite Boulevard (Erelhei-Cinlu) Infrastructure Street or road, Dragon magazine #298 78