Assay (sage ability)

Assay is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Geology that enables the crucial skill of determining the composition and purity of mineral ores. The character is thus able to establish the quantity of precious metals, like gold or silver, within a particular ore sample.

Assayers are assumed to possess a foundational knowledge and understanding of the common ores in the region and their typical appearances; the behavior of various metals when exposed to heat, acid or other chemicals; and basic arithmetic to calculate percentages or ratios of metal content.

Tools and Process

Detailed, precise assessment of all contents requires the use of a laboratory that includes a mortar and pestle, a means of heating ore in a furnace, tongs and heat-resistant tools, a small store of lead metal, balance scales a crucible called a "cupel," a touchstone and acid vials containing vitriol and aqua regia.

As such, the character is also able to identify the principle mineral form, as well as its more obvious impurities by sight. and the study of alchemy. Note that this knowledge also applies to the identification of gemstones, whether unpolished, polished or gemcut, as well as if the approximate value of the stone is ornamental, fancy, semi-precious or precious.

The skill at recognizing the effects of the spell fool's gold will be found under the as yet undone page, Goldmaven (sage ability).