Black iron
This iron ore is found in places saturated by magical energy, specifically in the hills of the The Swamplands, amongst the deposits of black iron are also found Bane Emeralds.
Both are held in almost religious regard by Swamp Goblins.
The town of Eisenhuug in The Swamplands was once a prosperous mining community because of its proximity to the mines in the hills, when the Last War began, demand for the metal rose greatly, and the hills were stripped clean within a decade, plunging the town into poverty.
Properties
Material Characteristics
When refined, it is a very dark dull black metal, reflecting almost no light. It is noticeably harder and heavier than iron.
Physical & Chemical Properties
It absorbs almost all light but otherwise functions like a heavier, denser iron.
Compounds
Can be formed into Shadow Steel
Geology & Geography
Found in the The Swamplands on the hills, it is said to be formed from the fossilised bones of the most ancient Black Dragons where they took to their final rest in the distant ages past.
History & Usage
History
Long thought to just be an odd, dull coloured iron ore, it wasn't until it found its way to an alchemist after being part of the loot of a cleared Swamp Goblin cave that it was experimented on and its potential explored.
The process of refining it into the almost invisibly black metal was easy enough, and the stronger form of iron had its uses but the true history of dark iron began with the magical creation of the Shadow Steel alloy, which is much harder than steel, while having more tensile strength and being almost impossible to shatter through stress.
Using arcane forges to pass arcane darkness into the steel, it imbues it with these very useful properties which makes the metal invaluable for weapons and armour manufacture. However, the material itself is rare and the alloying process long, involved and expensive, which meant that these days, very few people, if any, know of the secrets of its creation.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Heirloom weapons and suits of armour made of the Shadow Steel that black iron creates have been handed down for generations, which some of the most famous magical artefacts in the world using it in their construction.
Few things are still made of black iron, once the secrets of Shadow Steel were discovered, it was far more valauble to create the magical alloy from the ore rather than dark iron.
There are a few well aged relics out there, and it is said that the mythical @Forgotten Keep is layered with dark iron
Type
Ore/Mineral
Value
Expensive
Rarity
Very Rare
Color
Black metal
Melting / Freezing Point
1756 C
Common State
a solid ore
Related Locations
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