Swan ore

Katargysian: Úhvelúk /uːx^wɛːluk^h/
Fazeronian: Hölelúk /hœːlɛluk^h/

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Swan ore¹ is a rare mineral that only occurs in any significant quantities in eastern Adynía. When refined, it makes for some of the toughest armour and weapons in Adynía.

History & Usage

History

The dwarven Katargysians of old mined it to make swan steel² (úhómez), a tradition only kept alive by their descendants the Fazeronians in the Zóken Mountains, who call the ore snow ore³ and the metal snow steel⁴ (móalmez).

Discovery

While the people of Gysikan were the first to discover the ore, the katargysians were the first to systematically mine and refine it, before which swan ore was considered the stuff of legends.

Everyday use

The katargysians mostly used the metal for statuettes and to adorn magic staves, weapons and arms, only monarchs and elite warriors could afford weapons, armour, helmets and shields made from swan steel, which later became esteemed heirlooms.
Fazeronians use the metal in much the same way, though swan steel armour and weapons are strictly ceremonial due to their value.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Objects made of swan ore- and steel hold a special place for many fazeronians, due to their connection to their ancestors, and any objects acquired (either through archaeological expeditions in Gysikan or bought from adventurers) are revered and jealously guarded from outsiders.

Refinement

Turning swan ore into swan steel requires high temperature, traditionally achieved by having several people taking turns using magic staves to heat the smelter with fire magic. The high amounts of arcane energy released in process makes the smelting especially arduous, though mitigated somewhat by leaving spent magic staves, enchanted weapons and armour nearby to absorb some of the magic.

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¹Original icelandic: svangrýti
²svanastál

³fanngrýti
⁴snæstál

Type

Ore/Mineral

Color

Dull white; becomes lustrous after refinement.

Related Locations

• Pargos Mountains
• Goldensands
• Gysikan
• Zóken Mountains