Quasiglass

Quasiglass is a durable, lightweight material specifically utilized by the sylphs of Sadrom in the construction of anything from buildings, to everyday items, to weapons and armor. The bulk of it is appropriated by the Sadromi government for the latter purpose given its multitudinous and ample applications in the sylphen war machine. However, the widespread bounty of its base material on Namkural, particularly in the region of Quoiss where Sadrom sits, has allowed a market for its other uses. Sylphen restrictions both on its exportation and the techniques of its forging, have kept this material exclusive to their race. Beyond any Sadromi expatriates who may still produce personal items beyond the border of the country, it is only refined and forged within Sadrom.

Properties

Material Characteristics

In appearance, quasiglass is a translucent, dark grey glass that bears a metallic sheen. Ores and sands drawn from different regions of the country can produce quasiglass in slightly different colors with minor variations -- such as a slightly blue or red tint, a pearly opalescence, or a greater degree of opacity. As such, those with the knowledge of these differences can usually identify from what region a given piece originates, although for some projects ore may be shipped throughout Sadrom.

History & Usage

Discovery

Though the exact origin of its discovery is unknown, sylphen scholars theorize that quasiglass was discovered in nature as a type of fulgurite originating from Sadrom's beaches, or perhaps even in natural formations as a result of Namkural's sundering from Vyril. What is known is that the basis of its makeup is taken from the heavily carbon-rich sand and rock of the region.

Everyday use

The two most common applications of quasiglass are both military uses -- firstly for weapons and armor, and secondly for small tokens that function as sylphen dog tags. Each soldier is given a small quasiglass totem in the shape of Dursaedhe's hammer, worn as a pendant, and encoded magically with that individual's personal data, military record, and deployment information.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Quasiglass grew popular among the sylphs because of its lightweight but durable properties -- with a hardness and resilience stronger than conventional steel but at a fraction of the weight and density. For a slight (if strong) race that must account for such limits during flight, it functions quite understandably in an important cultural capacity. Though not specifically regarded as sacred, it does still see some use in religious functions as tools, holy symbols, and blessed weapons. Particularly since Dursaedhe's hammer is famously made of quasiglass itself, there is some perception among the Sadromi people that weapons constructed from this material are luckier, stronger, and even more culturally appropriate for sylphs as opposed to ones constructed from metals or other materials more traditional to other countries and races.

Refinement

Whether harvested as native sand or refined from crushed ore, the base powder is then combined with other materials that are currently kept a Sadromi state and sylphen racial secret. The mixture must then be heated to an extreme temperature, whether via magical means or a special kiln, until it is in a semi-liquid, melted state wherein it can be poured or hammered much like steel. Other compounds are sometimes added in order to achieve particular effects or appearances, but these inclusions are avoided for most practical uses since they can otherwise weaken or compromise the structural integrity of quasiglass.

Type

Glass

Color

Translucent and dark grey, with some slight regional variations