THE COLD FIRE
ORICHALCUM
The Enigmatic Metal of Atlantis
Steeped in myth and legend, Orichalcum has long been synonymous with the lost city of Atlantis. As the most fabled metal in history, its rediscovery marked the dawn of the new Atlantean Empire, revolutionizing warfare by becoming the core component of both Atlantean swords and armor.
The revelation of Orichalcum's existence sent shockwaves through military circles around the globe, forever altering strategic thinking. Initially described by Plato as the most precious metal in existence, it was said to have adorned the magnificent Temple of Poseidon in Atlantis, where its fiery red glow illuminated the hallowed halls. This captivating tale of a once-lost metal has captured the imagination of generations, blending history and fantasy in an unforgettable way.
Re-emergence
The re-emergence of Orichalcum took the land nations by surprise. The first sample was discovered in the 20th century by intrepid divers exploring ancient shipwrecks, but its significance remained shrouded in mystery. It wasn't until Atlantis wielded its power in the mid-21st century that the world truly grasped the metal's extraordinary potential.
The origin of Orichalcum, however, remains a tantalizing enigma. While the exact source of the metal is still unknown, it is widely speculated that the Atlanteans either stumbled upon or were guided to ancient mines submerged deep beneath the ocean. These mines, which once extracted the priceless metal, are believed to have sunk over 12,000 years ago, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate and mystify.
Raw power
Even in small amounts, when added to armor as part of an alloy, Orichalcum-enhanced armor becomes impervious to anything except for a purer grade of Orichalcum itself. Western analysts have identified it as a super element, a term that had fallen out of use since the last 20 or so elements in the periodic table were deemed synthetic with incredibly short half-lives. Orichalcum occupies the 126th position on the periodic table, displaying unique properties not found in other heavy elements. This element creates a breakpoint in the periodic table, where stability returns to the elements. Fortunately, its radioactive properties are negligible in sufficient quantities, and aside from localized flame, it shows no signs of being fissionable or fusionable.
A Game-Changer
Atlantis' possession of Orichalcum quickly became a strategic and tactical advantage that the land nations could not ignore. Faced with a potential adversary clad in seemingly impervious armor, a swift counter-response was imperative. This led to the widespread development of particle accelerators in the West, aimed at the synthetic creation of Orichalcum.
It is estimated that a staggering one hundred trillion USD was invested by the USA and Europe in the pursuit of understanding this enigmatic element and learning how to produce it, even in small quantities. The race to harness the power of Orichalcum sparked a new era of technological innovation and global competition, forever changing the course of history.
A Tale of Armor and Blades
The high cost of manufacturing Orichalcum means that armor is rarely as rich in this unique metal as the blades forged from it. Consequently, while an Orichalcum blade can often pierce armor with ease, bullets, lasers, and rockets struggle to make an impact. Atlantis seems to hold a distinct advantage in the use of Orichalcum, as they can mine the element instead of producing it at a staggering cost. This allows them to equip more troops with nearly impervious armor and at a higher Orichalcum purity.
The richness and purity of Orichalcum also have a direct impact on its color and radiance. Pure Orichalcum emits a brilliant red glow, while swords crafted by Western nations often contain lower concentrations of the metal. Depending on the alloy it is mixed with, the Orichalcum can radiate shades of yellow, orange, blue, or even green. This dazzling display of colors adds a layer of intrigue to the already captivating tale of this legendary metal.