Zitiron Hide

Zitiron hide and leather is a prized and highly valued material used exclusively in the creation of protective clothing and armour. The net value of this material has multiplied and skyrocketed around 150 years ago, when the aquatic species that it came from, Zitiron, went completely extinct. With their slow movement, long and uncertain offspring turnaround, and their hides being already prized, they're believed to have been hunted to extinction by aquatic humanoids, such as the Moribauk, Tritons, and Sahuagin, to name a few.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Zitiron hide is of dark grey-aquamarine colour in its natural untreated state. It is extremely supple and smooth to the touch, almost slippery as if it was just removed from the ocean, no matter how long ago that actually happened. The flesh side is of a lighter colour and feels rough and oddly warm to the touch.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The main property of Zitiron hide is its extraordinary durability and hardness. Scholars believe that their hide is not wholly physical, but somewhat even magically infused to provide such protection. The elasticity and flexibility combined with such measure of protection, along with its sheer scarcity, makes it an extremely valuable material.

Geology & Geography

Zitiron used to live in the Machlud Ocean, and eastward in the Sea of Whispers. They preferred the northern hemisphere, so those regions and adjoining coastal areas are still the most likely regions to find the remaining samples of this material.

Origin & Source

As the name suggests, Zitiron hide was procured by skinning a Zitiron in a long and arduous process. The Zitiron were ponderous ocean-floor dwellers that relied on their nigh-impenetrable hides to protect them. They lived for a long time with virtually no natural predators. But sadly, their evolution didn't count on the appearance of magic-using aquatic humanoids who devised various devious ways to get to their more vulnerable parts on their quest to part the poor creatures from their skins.

Life & Expiration

When treated by a master leatherworker, Zitiron hide is said to last forever with no signs of ageing or deterioration - not counting use, of course. The only observed change is the appearance of new small dark spots over the skin every decade or so, as if the material was still living. This mottling is the only approximate way to determine the age of a piece of Zitiron leather.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Zitiron hide and leather are almost exclusively used for armour and protective wear. Its value lies in its toughness and durability, and as such, no other purpose seems to be justified when accounting for the scarcity of the material.

Value

Very valuable

Rarity

Extreme

Odor

Reported to be similar to algae soup

Color

Dark grey-aquamarine