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Emberstone - Research into Unconventional Alchemy XII

Journal of Conrad Azohi - Day 756 after embarking

I find the weather here in Takik to be fairly peculiar. Unlike the eastern side of the Ahran, which is exceedingly hot, year round, only cooling off during the night, here on the western side there is a clear change in temperature as the months progress. In fact, these temperature changes are great enough that, now that we are in winter, a layer of ice has formed over the surface of the river. This might mean that we are farther from the equator than I thought, but it could just as easily be some fluke of geography and climate patterns. These are not my area of expertise, so I cannot say for sure why the temperature has dropped so much, all I know is that it has.

The city has grown quiet around me as the frost set in. It seems that it is customary to stay indoors and wait out the winter, when it comes. My neighbors have begun coming over more often, inviting me to their hut for food, or coming over to visit for a few hours. I believe they're worried about me, as they have also lent me some extra blankets and clothing. They seem to rely on body warmth of their housemates in these back alley areas. To be honest, I am grateful for the help, as I was not preparing for such cold weather.

There is one implement that caught my attention on one visit to their hut during a particularly cold night. It's a small, glowing, red stone which constantly radiates heat like a dying ember. Not hot enough to burn, but enough to keep a body comfortable in this cold weather. The family was passing it around during dinner and treating it with a great deal of respect, making me feel that it is likely a valuable resource to them. I was able to get a decent examination of it when it was passed to me. It's a fairly simple construct, combining copper and elemental fire to create a source of heat that will take months to decay into inert rock.

I have been able to recreate this stone, which I am terming an "emberstone," in my own hut. To return the favor of the family looking after me as they have, I took the time to make a total of three stones, giving them over on a later visit. They seemed shocked by the gift, but extremely grateful. Though, I feel that it's the least I could do after their generosity towards me.