|
Special Materials of Aenea: Metals & Minerals
Aenea is a world rich in minerals, plants, animals, and magic. Some rare materials have special properties beyond those of normal substances. Some of those materials are described here. Black Steel - This black metal is created by dwarves in the kingdom of Stonemor. It is usually used for decorative purposes, but it sometimes found in exotic weapons and armors. Black steel has the same properties as normal worked steel, save for its midnight hue. Non-magical items made from black steel typically cost 300 gp more than a normal item of the same type. Blood of Magic - This exceptionally rare mineral is always found in the exact same size and shape. It is a teardrop shaped, smooth, transluscent stone the color of deep red hue. Peering closely at one of these stones, the holder can just make out a faint light within that slowly pulses. Each of these stones is quite warm to the touch (nearly 100°F). The real power of these stones comes from the magic that lies within them. When used in the enchanting process of making magical items, each of these stones contributes up to 500 of the XP needed to create the magic in the finished item. An individual blood of magic stone can only be used once in this way, but multiple stones can be used for a single magic item. Elven Silversteel - This metal is forged only by elven metalsmiths in the heart of the Sylvan Realm, and is an alloy of iron, silver, and mithral. It is exceptionally strong and lightweight, and it holds an edge very well. It looks a lot like silver, except that under moonlight or starlight it sparkles as if encrusted with thousands of tiny crystals. Armors made from elven silversteel are one category lighter than normal for purposes of movement and other limitations. Heavy armors are treated as medium, and medium armors are treated as light (light armors are still treated as light). Spell failure chances for armor and shields made from elven silversteel are decreased by 5%, maximum Dexterity bonus is increased by 1, and armor check penalties are decreased by 2. Non-armor or non-shield items made from elven silversteel weight half as much as the same item made from other metals. Items not primarily made of metal are unaffected in weight. Weapons and other items made of elven silversteel are considered to be made of silver for purposes of affecting lycanthropes and other creatures with X/silver damage reduction. Elven silversteel has a hardness of 15 and 25 hit points per inch of thickness. The metal is not found in workable form outside the Sylvan Realm, and any heat hot enough to melt it ruins the alloy for any further use. The market price for items made of elven silversteel is typically at least 10,000 gp higher than a normal item of the same type. Firegold - A rich gold color, this rare metal is created as an after effect of powerful earth or fire elemental magic. Originally ore bearing normal gold, it is changed by interaction with the most powerful of fire and earth elementals summoned to the Prime Material plane. The firegold is not magical itself, but it can later be enchanted just like normal gold. Firegold is constantly warm to the touch (nearly 100° F), and it cannot be cooled or frozen. It glows with faint golden light equal to faerie fire in non-magical darkness. This metal typically costs at least 20 times the price of normal gold. Glassteel - This rare metal is an alchemical creation first invented several centuries ago by a gnome living in the city of Calithia. The technique for making it has since spread to several other alchemists around the realms. Glassteel has all the properties of normal steel, save that it is completely transparent and is unaffected by rust. It finds use in rare decorative weapons and armors, as well as use in the occasional aquarium. When available, glassteel costs 20 times the amount that normal steel does. Red Steel - This dark red metal is only found in certain volcanic deposits. It is often worked into jewelry and decorative weapons due to the rich crimson hue it takes on when worked and polished. Red steel has the same properties as normal worked steel, but it does not naturally rust or corrode. Non-magical items made from red steel typically cost 500 gp more than a normal item of the same type. Teshian Steel - Items made from this metal are gradually becoming more rare, as they were originally produced only in the city of Tesh, which was overrun by orcs many years ago. Those items that remain are works of art and are very valuable. Teshian steel is not an allow, but a layering of normal steel and black steel. The unique folding, processing, and acid etching produced incredibly intricate wave patterns in the steel. Due to the purity of the metals, items of Teshian steel are stronger than normal steel, gaining a non-magical +1 to hardness and +5 hit points per inch of thickness. All weapons and armors made from Teshian steel are masterwork items.
|