By A. P. Fenwich.
Fellow of the Imperial Historical Society, Vice-Chair of Alchemical Studies (Reichsherz Chapter)
RAVENGLASS (substantia nigro-vitreum mirabile): A material of inestimable rarity and mysterious provenance, first documented in surviving temple inscriptions dating from the twilight of the Pre-Conquest Era, though some suspect it to be much older, and possibly not of this world at all. To call it “glass” is as inaccurate as calling a wyvern a goose: the comparison is superficial at best, and misleading at worst.
Ravenglass presents as a deep black, vitreous substance, not unlike obsidian in appearance, yet it neither scratches nor shatters, nor can it be altered by mundane tools. Indeed, only under extreme heat, far surpassing the capacity of standard forgework, does Ravenglass soften or yield. At such temperatures, if combined with human blood, it becomes bonded—not merely in structure, but in spirit—to the one who offers their vitae. In such cases, the weapon or item produced may exhibit extraordinary qualities, often reflective of the individual’s elemental affinity: flame, ice, wind, shadow, and other manifestations have been observed (or, at least, reliably recorded by less excitable witnesses).
On Its Arcane Influence
Most curious is Ravenglass’s function as a psychic conduit, particularly when in proximity to wyverns, who are known to possess natural extrasensory faculties. In such instances, Ravenglass does not merely amplify influence—it magnifies intent, forging what has been described by some as a “soul tether” between beings. Whether this is the result of spiritual resonance, divine interference, or simply sympathetic thaumaturgy remains, of course, a matter of some dispute.
Among those of a superstitious bent (i.e. commoners and theologians), it is whispered that Ravenglass enables communication with realms beyond mortal comprehension—that those who bear it long enough begin to hear things. Most reputable minds dismiss such claims as fanciful nonsense or, at worst, the by-product of prolonged exposure to improperly tempered material. That said, I would not leave such a blade beside my bed.
On Its Historical Application
According to dusty accounts preserved by the rather romanticised Order of the Burning Archive, it is claimed that Ravenglass once formed the heart of a wyvern-rider network in the days of the High Ostreich Kingdom. These riders, we are told, enjoyed perfect mental harmony with their beasts, able to commune silently across leagues, coordinate strikes, and share thoughts as one mind. Such claims are, naturally, apocryphal—though the poetic impulse behind them is charming.
Still, the rituals surrounding Ravenglass forging, many of which have been preserved only in fragmentary form, point to a once-sophisticated framework of usage. The sacrifice of personal relics, the ritual bloodletting, and the recitations in archaic Ostwaldic all suggest a practice not merely martial, but mystical—its purpose, however, now lost to time.
Theories on Origin
Rational minds have posited a number of competing theories regarding the true origin of Ravenglass, none of which I find wholly satisfactory, but which I shall enumerate for posterity’s sake:
- Celestial Relic Theory – That Ravenglass is the physical residue of a fallen god, or the crust of a world beyond the veil. Favoured by mystics and poets.
- Shadow Realm Excretion – That it is excreted (yes, excreted) from some entity or force dwelling in the so-called Shadow Realm, a notion appealing to the deranged and theologians alike.
- Thaumic Scarification – That Ravenglass forms when magic itself scars reality, producing hard residue where metaphysical stress has torn through the fabric of our world.
- Alchemical Artificiality – That it is man-made, the result of forgotten alchemical practice, now irreproducible due to the arrogance and illiteracy of subsequent generations.
My own view, of course, is that Ravenglass is a natural material of unknown provenance, the study of which has been marred by the overzealous speculation of charlatans and the obsessive scribblings of monks. It demands proper examination by alchemists and historians with the necessary refinement, education, and discipline (such as myself).
Conclusion
In sum, Ravenglass remains an enigma at the heart of the Empire, a substance that defies classification and seems determined to preserve its secrets. Whether it is divine gift, cursed remnant, or something else entirely, it is undoubtedly central to the fate of those who wield it.
Let those who toy with Ravenglass do so with respect, for though it is beautiful, it is not beholden to the hand that shapes it—but to something older, deeper, and perhaps, still watching.
End of Entry.
For further notes, see: “Psychic Phenomena Amongst Wyvernic Companions,” Vol. XII; and “Ceremonial Bloodwork and Imperial Rituals,” Index of Forbidden Practices, Reichsherz Archives.
