Dwarven steel
Although most other species have heard of dwarven steel, they seldom think about the material in itself. Mainly because they never encounter bars of dwarven steel, other species encounter the material in items, such as arms and sets of armour. Some of the items made of dwarven steel have become legendary and have become part of other species lore.
RULES in DoD -92: (In most systems replaces Mithril)
- Weight is 50% less than ordinary steel item.
- Weapons who cut such as swords, axes and arrows gets damage +1
- BV for weapons is +2
- Absorbation for armour is +2
- Price is *20
Properties
Material Characteristics
Dwarven steel looks like an amalgation of steel and silver. Although it is much lighter than steel it´s still much stronger and never rusts or grow dull. Weapons made from dwarven steel retains their sharpness for much longer than ordinary steel and they seldom break.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Dwarven steel never rusts or grow dull. If they are forgotten in an old tomb and found again, there might be a thin layer of oxidation, but beneath there is still a sharp weapon.
Magicians whom have enchanted items made of dwarven steel are often astonished over how easy it was, compared to other materials. Especially if the spells are of the elemental school of magic.
Compounds
Iron and coal.
But also dwarven blood, fire and water from pure elemental and the approval of the dwarven gods.
History & Usage
Discovery
It is unknown when the dwarves started using dwarven steel, it is also unknown who it was that made the first metal bar. But it is a fact that it was dwarves who discovered it. They have not spread the knowledge to any other species how to make it, but it is a well known secret that the process is heavily religious and the dwarven gods are said to be a part of the process.
Everyday use
Most people of all races have heard of or seen weapons and armors made of dwarven steel. And it is the most common use of it. But dwarven engineers use dwarven steel for much other things as well. Locks that neeed to be strong. Chains that are supoosed to be unbreakable et cetera. It is also used in religious figurines and some jewellery as well.
The only dwarves whom are allowed to use dwarven steel are smiths of great reknown and accomplished smiths.
Cultural Significance and Usage
The dwarven steel is a significant part of the dwarven culture. Saying to a dwarf that he has a will like dwarven steel is a great apprical of his willpower.
Industrial Use
Dwarven steel are seldom used in large productions as it is costly to make and takes long time for relatively small batches. It is often better to use ordinary steel and exchange it when it breaks.
Refinement
As far as anyone know dwarven steel is made out of iron ore and coal, just as ordinary steel.
Manufacturing & Products
Dwarven steel is always made in their own forgeries who more compares to temples rather than industrial facilities. The walls are covered in magical signs in dwarvish, as well as a large religious shrine.
The smelters and forges are heated by bound fire elementals known as Salamaders, which are controled by specialized mages.
To cool and harden the metal they are dipped in large pools of water whom are made of elementals called Undins, also controlled by specialized mages. The dwarven mastersmith also put a piece of himself into the water in form of a few drops of blood. In a way all dwarven steel have a little piece of dwarf within it.
Throughout the whole process a dwarven priest chants and bless the process.
Hazards
Even though the elementals are bound there is the slight change that they come loose during the process as they are interacted with.
Distribution
Trade & Market
Dwarves never sell pure dwarven steel as no other species know how to forge items with it. Dwarves never sell items made of dwarven steel in bulk.
Type
Metal
Rarity
Items made out of dwarven steel is uncommon outside dwarven kingdoms.
Color
Dwarven steel looks like steel but is much more shining and silverly.
Related Species