Standard Metal Value

The Worth of Various Metals in Isekai

The large Kingdoms of Isekai agreed upon a standard trade for the value of metals. This allowed each area to mint their own coins with images and historical icons but still have them be useful during trade and travels to far-off lands. Currency functions off value according to weight and the scarcity of the metal. Because of this every coin regardless of origin or metal is always created to be half of an ounce so that 32 coins will always equate to a pound.
These relationships are widely accepted and used throughout most civilized areas in Isekai as a standard for trading metals though some metals may be prized above others for their value as components. Enchanted metals or naturally occurring elemental and magical ores also are judged by this standard but they are not turned into coins because their value is explicitly functional. Their equivalent value in relation to Gold is listed below because it is considered the most standard currency for precious items.

1 Pound of Putrid Steel	5 Pounds of Gold
1 Pound of Sickly Steel	5 Pounds of Gold
1 Pound of Flare Steel	10 Pounds of Gold
1 Pound of Zap Steel	10 Pounds of Gold
1 Pound of Frost Steel	10 Pounds of Gold
1 Pound of Hush Steel	10 Pounds of Gold
1 Pound of Boom Steel	10 Pounds of Gold
1 Pound of Sun Steel	100 Pounds of Gold
1 Pound of Moon Steel	100 Pounds of Gold
1 Pound of Black Steel	100 Pounds of Gold
1 Pound of Arcane Steel	200 Pounds of Gold

Coin value is determined by weight accordingly:

32 Copper Pieces	1 Pound of Copper
32 Silver Pieces	1 Pound of Silver
32 Gold Pieces	1 Pound of Gold
32 Platinum Pieces	1 Pound of Platinum
32 Mithril Pieces	1 Pound of Mithril
32 Adamantite Pieces	1 Pound of Adamantite

These metals have relative value to each other when exchanging currency:

10 Copper	1 Silver
10 Silver	1 Gold
10 Gold	1 Platinum
10 Platinum	1 Mithril
10 Mithril	1 Adamantite

Properties

Physical Characteristics

Below is a catalog of the special metals found throughout Isekai and knowledge about their uses and handling.

Putrid Steel

This metal is often confused for rusted metal, it will be similar in color to Iron but riddled with orange or red ribbons that have a lackluster appearance. The most general use for this metal is in alchemical concoctions, underhanded weaponry, and the tools of an assassin. Metallurgists and Blacksmiths will often refer to this as one of the Criminal Metals. This metal can be found in every country and environment in the world but is most plentiful in areas that have swamps, large bodies of water, and large burial grounds.
Objects that use Putrid Steel can poison creatures naturally. The potency of this poison depends on how well the metal is refined. Because of this quality weaponry made from this metal often has jagged edges, cruel hooks, and serrations so that it can easily inflict a wound with the slightest attack. Armor and other items made from this metal are rare because it cannot defend against poison, rather if you made an object from this metal it may poison the wearer due to constant exposure.
The handling of this metal dictates that the user wears gloves or wraps the metal so that prolonged exposure to the skin is avoided else the handler may be poisoned.

Sickly Steel

This metal is known for a bright green color when polished, high-quality examples will be completely green while lesser quality will instead have veins of green flowing throughout an Iron-like substance. The most general use for this metal is in alchemical sets, medical tools, and torture devices. Metallurgists and Blacksmiths will often refer to this as one of the Criminal Metals. This metal can be found in every country and environment in the world but it is most plentiful in areas that have swamps, large bodies of water, and coastal areas.
Objects that use Sickly Steel have the ability to dissolve substances over time, the metal has acidic qualities. The potency of this acidic interaction depends on how well the metal is refined. Because of this quality, it is a difficult metal to work with because the tools of the smith can often be damaged in the process. Weapons made from this metal often have long blades or wide surfaces so that the acid interaction can cover as wide of an area as possible and inflict the most damage with each attack. Armor made from this metal is rare because but it does exist as the metal seems to resist most other acidic effects if it is refined well but constant exposure to other metals breaks them down over time and has a risk of harming the wearer.
The handling of this metal dictates that the user uses magical means or tools made from Silver, Frost Steel or Mithril to avoid harm to themselves and their tools with repeated handling.

Flare Steel

This metal is known for its red color when polished, high-quality examples will be a deeper color while lesser-quality examples will be a lighter color. The most general use for this metal is in alchemical sets, light sources, blacksmith shops, and weapons. Metallurgists and Blacksmiths will often refer to this as one of the Noble Metals. This metal can be found in areas with rocky or arid environments, the greatest sources of this metal exist in the Great Plains and the Timbers of the Furnace with a few sources along the Spine of Kallex as well.
Objects that use Flare Steel can light with a bright flame or explode under certain conditions. The potency of this flame or explosion depends on how well the metal is refined. Because of this quality, it is a dangerous metal to work with because it requires one of the highest temperatures among the other metals to properly melt, and mishandling of the metal during mining can cause catastrophic chain explosions. Weapons made from this metal can come in any variety but they will often have a wide guard or some sort of shielding agent built into the handle to protect the user from burns. Armor made from this metal is ornamental because while it can retain its form under exposure to great temperatures it also will light aflame while doing so making the armor very dangerous to wear.
The handling of this metal dictates that it does not come into contact with sparks, heat sources, or tools made of Iron. The best tools for working with this metal include Copper or any metal that does not create sparks on contact, Frost Steel is considered to be one of the best for working with Flare Steel.

Zap Steel

This metal is known for its yellow color when polished, high-quality examples will have a jagged or lightning bolt-like pattern in metal that cannot be removed while lesser-quality examples will lack this pattern or outright lose it during the forging process. The most general use for this metal is in alchemical sets, light sources, magnets, power sources for magical equipment, weapons, and armor. Metallurgists and Blacksmiths will often refer to this as one of the Noble Metals. This metal can be found in areas where lightning strikes frequently such as mountaintops, coastal islands, and in the far north, the greatest sources of this metal exist in the Cradle of Clay, the Spine of Kallex and the Neither Tundra.
Objects that use Zap Steel can create and discharge electricity naturally, it seems to store energy over time and reach a critical limit where it will be discharged naturally. Because of this quality, it is dangerous to store for long periods when not grounded and it must be properly insulated. Weapons made from this metal will often be only edged or hafted to avoid building up a charge that could be dangerous to the user in combat, and they are all insulted with thick leather or wood to avoid the user being electrocuted by their weapons. Armor made from this metal is heavily insulted and difficult to maintain because it builds up an electrical charge that is used as a defensive measure electrocuting an attacker on contact and serves to nullify a certain amount of incoming electrical charge by storing it instead.
The handling of this metal dictates that it be stored in small quantities and wrapped in materials that will insulate the handler. The best way to deal with this metal is to store it in quantities no heavier than 16 ounces to avoid harmful or fatal shocks.

Frost Steel

This metal is known for its blue color when polished, high-quality examples will have a lighter color and often patterns in the metal that look like frost on a windowpane while lesser-quality examples will lack this pattern and have a deeper color. The most general use for this metal is seafaring equipment, blacksmith tools, weapons, and armor. Metallurgists and Blacksmiths will often refer to this as one of the Noble Metals. This metal can be found in areas of extreme altitude and low temperature, the greatest sources of this metal come from areas bordering the Neither Tundra and the Spine of Kallex.
Objects that use Frost Steel can repel heat and reach extremely low temperatures, even freezing creatures if the metal has been refined properly. Because of this quality, it is extremely useful to use while navigating hot environments like deserts, volcanos and it can be used to make protective equipment during the forging of Flare Steel. A secondary trait of this metal is a complete immunity to rust and corrosion. Weapons made from this metal will often have visible frost on them or be covered in a layer of ice unless they are exposed to extreme heat. Armor made from this metal is heavily lined with fur, leather, and a few inches of cloth to ensure that flesh does come into contact with the metal to avoid frostbite and injury to the wearer.
The handling of the metal dictates that the user stay within proximity of heat sources or dress in layers, and also avoid prolonged contact of the skin with any sources of the metal.

Hush Steel

This metal is known for being completely identical in color and physical appearance to Iron. The most general use for this metal is mining and forging equipment for Boom Steel, weapons, and armor. Metallurgists and Blacksmiths will often refer to this as one of the Noble Metals. This metal can be found in areas of extreme depth, the greatest sources of this metal come from Káto and deep-sea areas inhabited by Obsidea.
Objects that use Hush Steel emit no sound and appear to swallow up a degree of sounds made within their vicinity but this metal is notably twice as heavy as Gold. Because of this quality, it is extremely useful when mining Boom Steel and working with it but there is a large demand for it by those that serve as Scouts or Assassins. Weapons, armor, and tools made from this metal will always be made with as little material as possible to cut down on the extra weight of the metal.
The handling of the metal dictates no special concerns or measures be taken with it.

Boom Steel

This metal is known for being completely identical in color and physical appearance to Gold but it is much lighter. The most general use for this metal is weaponry, castle defenses, and magical equipment. Metallurgists and Blacksmiths will often refer to this as one of the Celestial Metals. This metal can be found deep under areas with prominent forest and animal life, mild climates, and a lack of mountainous terrain, the greatest sources of this metal come from the Elven Forest and the Little Greenwood.
Objects that use Boom Steel must be handled carefully because even the lightest strike lands with a thunderous crash, emitting a loud shockwave that staggers and deafens the target. Because of this quality, it is dangerous to mine, to forge, and to use in combat by the inexperienced but it is a coveted material for weapons of open warfare. Weapons made from this metal will usually be twice as large or long as a traditional weapon made of another material because it is incredibly light and gains a higher chance of hitting multiple targets. Armor made of this metal is almost unheard of because striking it would cause shockwaves to tear through the person wearing it, making it essentially useless.
The handling of the metal dictates that it be wrapped in thick blankets so that it doesn't bang against any other object, the tools recommended for mining Boom Steel are Hush Steel tools due to the number of fatal accidents that accidentally mining the metal while assuming it was Gold.

Sun Steel

This metal is known for radiating with yellow light even in the depths of a mine, it has a white color similar to White Gold. The most general use for this metal is religious, decorative, weapons, and armor. Metallurgists and Blacksmiths will often refer to this as one of the Celestial Metals. This metal can be found in any part of the world but it is most prominent in mountainous terrain, the greatest sources of this metal come from the Spine of Kallex and the Great Furnaces.
Objects that use Sun Steel must be laid out in the sun daily to amplify their power, this metal naturally radiates and has the ability to discharge radiant energy. Because of this quality, it is highly sought after by religious Warriors and those that face enemies of the night, undead, Demons, and creatures that fear the light of day. Weapons made from this metal emit light in a small area and strike their target with radiant power as a flash of light. Armor made of this metal is also worn by Paladins, Clerics and specialized Warriors because it repels darkness in a small area and lessens damage from necrotic sources.
The handling of this metal has no special precautions but it is noted that Silver Elves have an especially hard time mining and forging this metal because anytime that it is struck it emits a flash of light.

Moon Steel

This metal is known for radiating with silver light even in the depths of a mine, it has a gray color that is otherwise unremarkable. The most general use for this metal is religious, decorative, weapons, and armor. Metallurgists and Blacksmiths will often refer to this as one of the Celestial Metals. This metal can be found in very few places under large bodies of water and cold, northern rivers, the greatest sources of this metal come from Lake Idryl and the Fire Islands.
Objects that use Moon Steel must be exposed to eight continuous hours of a phase of the moon before they take on any fantastical qualities, depending on the season and phase of the moon the metal will exhibit different abilities. Because of this quality, it is used in a variety of weapons, armor, and items with research being done constantly on what the limitations of the metal are and how it can be applied. Weapons, armor, and items made from this material are incredibly hard to categorize but the most common trait manifested by them is an aura that can affect or attack the mind directly with a strange energy.
The handling of this metal has no special precautions but it should be noted that it can be easily scratched and this interferes with the process of exposing a finished Moon Steel product to moonlight.

Black Steel

This metal is known for being exceptionally hard to find because it does not appear to be metal, often it is confused for Obsidian because of its black color. The most general use for this metal is for weapons and armor. Metallurgists and Blacksmiths will often refer to this as one of the Celestial Metals. This metal can be found in strange places such as Káto, cursed grounds and the Fire Islands but a steady supply of the metal seems hard to secure.
Objects that use Black Steel are often used by servants of darkness or in the creation of cursed items because of the fearful power that they hold. Because of this many Blacksmiths are superstitious to the point that they will refuse to work on the metal or simply lack the required knowledge due to rarity. Weapons made from this metal strike down a target with dark energy that causes them to rot and wither away immediately, leaving fearful wounds that are difficult to treat or heal from naturally, in addition, proper handles must be fashioned to prevent the wielder from being in constant contact with the metal. Armor made from this metal is rare because the wearer must be properly protected from the metal being in constant contact with their body or else they will fall victim to the curse of the metal but it does have the ability to repel radiant energy.
The handling of this metal must be done with gloves, tools, and other precautions that are not made of organic material and the handler must take care not to allow their skin to remain in constant contact with the metal, or else their flesh will begin to rot.

Arcane Steel

This metal is known for being one of the rarest of all, it has a blue color that is similar to Frost Steel but it crackles with magical energy even as an unworked ore. The most general use for this metal is a base for enchanted items, weapons, and armor. Metallurgists and Blacksmiths will often refer to this as True Enchantment Metal and is in a category all of its own. This metal appears in places that have been touched by powerful magic and is incredibly hard to find which makes it so that no steady supply is easily attained.
Objects that use Arcane Steel are often used by Elven Enchanters for powerful masterpieces, most notably this metal is coveted by the royal lineage of the Elven Forest for the ability it holds to perfect enchantments. Because of this, there are few in the world that know how to even begin fashioning, forging, or using it for any kind of project. Weapons made from this metal innately have magical energy imbued in them that crackles and allows the weapon to strike with terrific power that overwhelms conventional and magical defenses alike. Armor made from this metal is considered to be among the strongest in the world because it seems to have a field of energy around it that repels lesser energy and mundane attacks before it can even strike the armor. The true use of this metal is that it can empower enchantments placed upon it, elevating them above the skill of the original artisan and allowing the creation of truly powerful objects.
The handling of this metal has no special precautions but it is unknown at this time if there are hazards or not because of the scarcity and mysterious nature of the metal.