Twenty years ago, miners working the deep shafts beneath Malachite discovered veins of an unusual black crystal. Initial tests revealed its remarkable energy density, and within months, the mineral—dubbed originium—was being integrated into forge operations.
The results were extraordinary. Forges burned hotter, smelting processes completed faster, and production capacity multiplied. Malachite Forges led the innovation, developing new techniques that other settlements quickly adopted. Chrysalis City began extensive research, and soon originium powered everything from heating systems to early radio communications.
But the miracle mineral carried a hidden curse.