Banded Agate

Basic Knowledge

Agate is a term applied not to a distinct mineral species, but to an aggregate of various forms of silica, chiefly Chalcedony. According to Theophrastus, the agate (achates) was named from the river Achates, now the Drillo, in Sicily, where the stone was first found.

Most agates occur as nodules in eruptive rocks or ancient lavas where they represent cavities originally produced by the disengagement of vapour in the molten mass which were then filled, wholly or partially, by siliceous matter deposited in regular layers upon the walls. Such agates, when cut transversely, exhibit a succession of parallel lines, often of extreme tenuity, giving a banded appearance to the section. Such stones are known as banded agate, riband agate and striped agate.

In the formation of an ordinary agate, it is probable that waters containing silica in solution -- derived, perhaps, from the decomposition of some of the silicates in the lava itself -- percolated through the rock and deposited a siliceous coating on the interior of the vapour-vesicles. Variations in the character of the solution or in the conditions of deposit may cause corresponding variation in the successive layers, so that bands of chalcedony often alternate with layers of crystalline quartz.

In Islam, agates are deemed to be very precious stones. According to tradition, the wearer of an agate ring, for example, is believed to be protected from various mishaps and will enjoy longevity, among other benefits. In other traditions agate is believed to cure the stings of scorpions and the bites of snakes, soothe the mind, prevent contagion, still thunder and lightning, promote eloquence, secure the favour of the powerful, and bring victory over enemies. Persian magi are also known to have prized agate rings in their work and beliefs.

The Shia Book of collected prayers, Mafatih Al-janan, quotes the fifth Shia saint Imam Muhammad al-Baqir on agates, as such:

"Whosoever endures the night 'til sunrise wearing an agate ring on his/her right hand, before seeing or being seen by any human that morning, turns the agate ring toward the palm side of his/her hand, and while looking at the gem recites the 97th chapter of the Qur'an followed by this prayer [specified], then the God of the Universe shall grant him/her immunity on that day from any danger that falls from the sky, or rises up to it, or which disappears into the earth, or rises out of it, and he/she shall remain protected by the power of God and the agents of God until dusk." (p1212 of version by Haj Sheikh Abbas Qomi)

 

Bardic Knowledge

DC	Things Known
10 -Common	Though used in most places as a means of barter, in desert areas agates are often culturally thought of as good luck or a talisman of protection. Many times these people see someone willing to sell great quantities of them as a heretic.
20-Uncommon	The banded agate is often used in correlation with binding spells, most commonly with air elements. Golems created out of banded agate often can not be harmed with ranged weapons.
30-Obscure	The Urkadi give pendants of banded agate to women who are pregnant with their first child. These pendants are often powerful talismans against falling objects or the mother's fall.
40-Very Obscure	A Darakeene King once was given a short sword made from banded agate by one of his sheriffs. The king saw the weapon as completely useless and took the gift as an insult. After beheading the sheriff with the sword, he realized his mistake, but kept the knowledge of this to himself and still seized the lands and property of the Sheriff's family. Later the following year, during the war of the titans, a horde of orcs attacked the King's city with catapults and ballista. The king bravely strode forward drawing the agate sword, but instead of protecting him from the onslaught, the sword attracted every falling missile to the King.

 

Rare Uses and Items

The Agate Lions of Sumara

The city of Hollowfaust was once the great Golden City of Sumara, sitting at the foot of Mount Chalesh. This was an active volcano, the mountain's other name was Vangal's Throne.

Many believed that the volcano would remain dormant for centuries. Sumara's best seers saw no trouble coming from the mountain for even longer, but the last Satrap of Sumara was still troubled by the occasional wisps of smoke which came from the peak and the rumbles which could be felt in the ground.

To this end he commissioned the creation of a magic item strong enough to protect the city if the volcano ever erupted. The Sorcerer Malic worked for fifteen years to collect on that commission.

Malic's creation was a set of 10 agate lions, which when placed on the walls of the city would protect all those inside the circle from flaming rocks or gusts of lava. Four were enough to protect Malic from a barrage of catapults and ballista for three hours before the Satrap was satisfied with Malic's claim.

When Vangal's Throne did explode during the Titan War, the lions were in place, and did save the city from a great percentage of the falling missiles of the volcano. It is said however that the ground shook so violently that many of the lions were knocked off the walls, thus leaving gaps in the protection circle. Despite that, the lions saved the city, at least the buildings. The people were killed by the waves of poisonous gasses and clouds of heat which poured out of the mountain.

Over the years the lions have been lost. Some were probably destroyed. But if one is held in the hand it provides protection from arrows. Two are powerful enough to stop a ballista. Four can create a circle of protection 100ft in diameter. 10 can protect a city as large as Hollowfaust.

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