Dragonshards, Residuum, and Supply

A merchant measures residuum at a lower-ward supply counter.

Dragonshards are naturally occurring magical crystals. The Eberron dragonshards used in much industry are rosy crystals with red patterns within them. Refiners process these shards into a glowing powder called residuum, a versatile magical material used in making enchanted items and maintaining ongoing magical effects.

Raw crystal and refined powder have different uses and efficiencies. Residuum gives makers a common material for work that would otherwise require a range of specialized ingredients. Lightning rail and elemental airships also require a continuing supply to maintain their enchantments. For residents, that makes the supply of shards relevant to far more than a jeweler's display: it can affect a repair bill, replacement equipment, or a journey.

The price at the counter

Dealers explain rising prices through limited supply and the expense of safety inspections. Small independent makers dispute parts of that account. Most customers have neither the time nor the money to settle the argument themselves; they need a working device and a bill they can pay.

Processing magical material carries real dangers. A provider's claim about safety, price, and reliability can be important without giving a customer an easy way to compare competing offers. House vendors have reach and familiar certification. Independent providers exist, but their stock, hours, and capacity are limited.

Salvage from Cyre

Image source and credits, Eberron Wiki.

Crews increasingly recover useful material from the Mournland. Salvage attracts House buyers and independent traders despite the region's hazards and disputes about ownership. The value of what comes back helps explain why people continue taking the risk.

Crews, brokers, and buyers can disagree about a find's ownership, condition, and price.

House Tharashk is a familiar name in prospecting and resource contracts. Its role connects the supply of magical materials to the wider House economy that supports daily magic.

Sources: Dragonshards and Tharashk; Airships and Arcanix.