The Herbal Journal Part 2: Olga's Almanac of Ores

Olga's Almanac of Ores is the successor to our successful Kickstarter, "The Herbal Journal of Cicely Longbottom". Olga's Almanac of Ores is a book of ores and minerals, each with unique geological formations, magical properties and forging buffs. 

The book follows the 'biome structure' of the Herbal Journal and helps worldbuilders and DMs add new and exciting content to their regions and landscapes. They work great together as a duo set of books, but you don't have to have both to enjoy Olga's book of ores and add it to your world.

We aim to include over 150 ores and minerals, each with its own unique background and history based on real-world petrology and geology, combined with the fantastical magics of D&D. We have created unique descriptions about the formation, habits, and magical properties of each ore, which then influence the power or buff that it can bestow when used in crafting and forging.  

We have created a unique 3-step extraction process to secure these valuable ores and minerals. These are Location, Extraction and Refinement - and they're a real team effort, so get those Guidance cantrips ready! 

Location: This first stage is a basic check to identify the ore that you're looking for or that you've found by chance. A simple Survival, Perception, Arcana (or in some cases another) check to locate the ore.  

*If you pass the location check - congrats, you've found your rock!*

Extraction: Based on the ore or mineral in question, you'll need to make a check to extract a portion of the mineral. This is usually Dexterity or Strength, but changes according to the ore you're extracting. Beware, though - some of these minerals can be unstable, and if you fail by a large margin, things can get dangerous! 

*If you pass this Extraction phase - well done, you've now harvested a chunk of your magic rock!

Refinement: Refinement is our unique approach to long-term forging. Over the course of multiple long rests (the amount varies according to the rarity and value of the ore or mineral), you must make a tool check to successfully bond the raw material with your item-of-choice. During this stage, the tool proficiency you can apply to add your proficiency bonus to the roll also varies according to the rock you're refining; for example, many of them require Stone Mason's Tools, but other tools such as Woodcarver's Tools, Glassblower's Tools, Potter's Tools and Jeweller's Tools are also required for more specialist minerals. 

*If you pass the Refinement phase - congrats, your item now has a new ability! 

After these three checks, the item you've been working on gains a buff or ability that is described in that item's category - these categories are Armour, Shield, Bladed Weapon, Blunt Weapon, Worn Item, Jewellery, Spellcasting Focus, and more. 

We aim to fulfil all orders by December 2027. UK postage is £7, and International postage is £12. Combined shipping is discounted for the Plants & Minerals Bundle.  

We really appreciate you reading this far and supporting our small TTRPG business if you decide to. It’s a tough time to be a small business, so every pledge truly helps. We just want to keep doing what we’re doing and making stuff people enjoy - and that’s only possible thanks to you and your support. Thank you again ❤️