General Information
Name: Blackoil
Class: Vitalic
Type: Ink & Oil
Colour: Deep black with iridescent shimmer under light
Smell: Faintly briny, with metallic undertone
Description: Blackoil is a dense, dark fluid extracted from the internal oil sacs of the Blackoil Glimmer — a small, reflective fish bred in shallow, sunlit ponds across the lowland provinces of eastern Keldrath, or bred in cave ponds under Endring or Veilglass breeding containers. Once extracted, the fluid settles thick and slow in the Veilglass vial, shifting with a subtle shimmer beneath its black surface. Unrefined, it serves as a durable ink, a potent alchemical catalyst, and for tempering of forged metal.
Properties: Highly pigmented and water-fast, it binds smoothly to Vellaflax without bleeding or fading. It reacts sharply to heat and mineral alloys, enhancing tempering and surface bonding in metalwork. Though non-volatile and slow to burn, it produces dense, choking smoke if set alight. Mildly toxic with symptoms including nausea and gut cramping. Its taste is bitter and metallic, lingers stubbornly.
Harvesting & Processing
Harvesting: Harvesting requires swift, careful work. A shallow incision is made along the fish’s translucent belly, and the Blackoil sac is drained into a Rimeleek catch-bowl or Veilglass vial.
Processing: No refinement is needed. Stir gently before using as ink.
Storage: Store in Veilglass vials or sealed Rimeleek flasks in a cool, dark place. Exposure to air or sunlight over several days weakens its shimmer.