Difference between revisions of "Denuli Crystal"
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| − | + | Also known as Denuli Gems, these are non-viable eggs of the [[Shrieker]] sophont species. | |
== Description ([[Specifications]]) == | == Description ([[Specifications]]) == | ||
| − | + | The crystals or gems in question -- in fact Shrieker eggs -- are unfaceted crystalline structures superficially resembling Terran pearls but much darker in colour. The shell has a semi-translucent quality. The crystals vary in size from 4 to 6 inches in diameter. The base colour is usually black, with hints of blue and gray, | |
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) == | == History & Background ([[Dossier]]) == | ||
| − | + | ||
| + | Prices range from a bottom of Cr10,000 for a small light gray or blue-gray up to MCr3.5 for a large, jet-black gem with great “fire” and intensity of colour. | ||
| + | |||
| + | So few existed that the owners were unwilling to subject them to detailed analysis, so their nature wasn’t fully appreciated until their source was discovered. The few people who studied them with a critical rather than an artistic eye concluded that they were organic, but non-one suspected that they were eggs. None had ever hatched off of the homeworld. The reason for this is still a matter for speculation. | ||
| + | |||
| + | News of the source of the gems spread to unscrupulous traders across the [[Spinward Marches Sector]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Both ''[[Naasirka]]'' and the [[IISS]] worked to secure legal protection for the Shriekers, but by the time either organization could put ships in the [[567-908 (world)|567-908]] system, hundreds of eggs had been seized. By 1112, sale of the "gems" was made illegal within Deneb, and Emperor Strephon extended the ban throughout the rest of the Imperium soon thereafter. The [[Sword Worlds]] and the [[Darrian Confederation]] also made possession of Denuli crystals illegal. | ||
| + | |||
| + | It is almost certain that members of an underground "gem appreciation" society are providing support for both overt attempts to modify the law and covert attempts to hamstring enforcement of the laws against gem possession. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Scouts don't have sufficient funding for anti-smuggling operations. The Ministry of Justice acts only within Imperial borders, and suppression of Denuli crystal smuggling isn't a major priority. There are private groups, however, who weren’t satisfied with official lethargy, and made it their mission to stop the trade in Shrieker eggs by whatever means were necessary. | ||
== References & Contributors (Sources) == | == References & Contributors (Sources) == | ||
Revision as of 10:23, 14 August 2023
Also known as Denuli Gems, these are non-viable eggs of the Shrieker sophont species.
Description (Specifications)
The crystals or gems in question -- in fact Shrieker eggs -- are unfaceted crystalline structures superficially resembling Terran pearls but much darker in colour. The shell has a semi-translucent quality. The crystals vary in size from 4 to 6 inches in diameter. The base colour is usually black, with hints of blue and gray,
History & Background (Dossier)
Prices range from a bottom of Cr10,000 for a small light gray or blue-gray up to MCr3.5 for a large, jet-black gem with great “fire” and intensity of colour.
So few existed that the owners were unwilling to subject them to detailed analysis, so their nature wasn’t fully appreciated until their source was discovered. The few people who studied them with a critical rather than an artistic eye concluded that they were organic, but non-one suspected that they were eggs. None had ever hatched off of the homeworld. The reason for this is still a matter for speculation.
News of the source of the gems spread to unscrupulous traders across the Spinward Marches Sector.
Both Naasirka and the IISS worked to secure legal protection for the Shriekers, but by the time either organization could put ships in the 567-908 system, hundreds of eggs had been seized. By 1112, sale of the "gems" was made illegal within Deneb, and Emperor Strephon extended the ban throughout the rest of the Imperium soon thereafter. The Sword Worlds and the Darrian Confederation also made possession of Denuli crystals illegal.
It is almost certain that members of an underground "gem appreciation" society are providing support for both overt attempts to modify the law and covert attempts to hamstring enforcement of the laws against gem possession.
The Scouts don't have sufficient funding for anti-smuggling operations. The Ministry of Justice acts only within Imperial borders, and suppression of Denuli crystal smuggling isn't a major priority. There are private groups, however, who weren’t satisfied with official lethargy, and made it their mission to stop the trade in Shrieker eggs by whatever means were necessary.
References & Contributors (Sources)
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- Traveller Wiki Editorial Team
- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science