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Clay was a common naturally-occurring kind of soil in Faerûn and beyond, often used to make useful and beautiful ceramic objects.[1][2]

Description[]

Elemental Clay

Magically-imbued clay.

Clay resembled thick mud or soft stone depending on how dry it was,[1] and weighed between 112 pounds (50.8 kilograms) and 162 pounds (73.5 kilograms) per 1 cubic foot (28 liters).[3] It was a particularly difficult kind of soil to handle with tools, with even hoes and plows struggling to break through the stiff and heavy mass.[4]

Availability[]

High-quality raw clay for use in magical spells and rituals was available for purchase through the Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue for 1 gp per 1‑pound (0.45‑kilogram). Another variety was available for only 1 sp per pound, as well as 1‑inch (2.5‑centimeter) fired spheres for 1 cp.[1]

The Elemental Plane of Earth was made up of various minerals, stones, and soils, with clays included.[5]

Usage[]

Corm Orp pottery

Clay ceramics from Corm Orp.

  • Clay was commonly fired in kilns to make ceramic objects such as crockery, jars, sculptures, and tiles, in varieties such as stoneware, earthenware, terracotta, and porcelain.[2][6]
  • Clay was used by scholars such as alchemists and wizards in their experiments, as it was a nonreactive substance that could be shaped as desired. Moist clay could be used to make heat-absorbing pads for holding hot vessels, shaped into temporary joins for glass piping, or moulded onto skin to protect against heat and acid.[1]
  • Protective gear such as canvas aprons and gloves were steeped in clay, making them extra effective against acids, poisons, heat, and other hazards.[7] Canvas sailcloth for ships could also be imbued with clay to make it more resistant to wind, water, salt, and other threats to their integrity.[8]
  • Clay could be used as part of disguise kits to alter facial features.[9]
  • Clay golems were among the cheaper and simpler golems that could be made.[10]

Spell Components[]

Magic[]

Appendix[]

Appearances[]

Video Games

Organized Play & Licensed Adventures

External Links[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), pp. 36, 42, 48. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Ed Greenwood, The Hooded One (2007-12-22). Questions for Ed Greenwood (2007). Candlekeep Forum. Archived from the original on 2023-10-30. Retrieved on 2023-10-30.
  3. Shlump Da Orc (April 1978). “How Heavy Is My Giant”. In Timothy J. Kask ed. Dragon #13 (TSR, Inc.), pp. 5–7.
  4. Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), pp. 51, 52. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  5. Monte Cook (1996). The Planewalker's Handbook. Edited by Michele Carter. (TSR), p. 27. ISBN 978-0786904600.
  6. Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), p. 44. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  7. Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), pp. 39, 43. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  8. Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), p. 140. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  9. Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), p. 20. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  10. Skip Williams, Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook (July 2003). Monster Manual v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 134–135. ISBN 0-7869-2893-X.
  11. 11.0 11.1 Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 257. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
  12. 12.0 12.1 Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 295. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
  13. Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 280. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
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