Fish-iron

Long believed to be a myth, fish-iron is a unique form of iron, harvested from a unique subspecies of giant isopod that lives near deep-sea theramal vents in the Kolokolou ocean.
The iron's unique qualities - its ability to be magically manipulated or grafted onto organic surfaces - come from the its organic nature. The isopod metabolises iron sulphides from their environment and integrate them into their exoskeletons, effectively createing a laminate comprised of a fish-iron outer layer, a buffer layer of periostracum, and an inner layer of calcium carbonite.

History & Usage

Everyday use

The Abyssal Guard are the legal owners of all fish-iron harvested from the Kolokolou ocean, and graft it to their bodes to provide armour plating.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Photic (non-Abyssal) esaanla tribes of the region consider the material as deeply taboo, and refuse to have anything to do with it for fear that widespread handling of the material might attract the attention of the deep-water titans. Some particularly cautious individuals may even go so far as to deny knowledge of the material entirely, or to refer to it euphamistically. Asking an Kolokolou esaanla about the material directly is likely to cause offence. When forced into close proximity with fish-iron, an individual is required to undertake a ritual purificaion before being allowed near food preparation or children.

Environmental Impact

Fish-iron harvesting is incredibly difficult due to the extreme environment in which it is produced. Despite this difficulty, the value of fish-iron in surface markets means that protecting the isopods from poaching has become an additional duty of the Abyssal Guard.

Reusability & Recycling

Fish-iron does not degrade or rust, but - if the iron sulphate layer delaminates from the supporting layers of armour - it becomes plain iron sulphate with all the magical limitations theref. Under ideal conditions, armour plates can be reclaimed from the bodies of deceased Abyssal Guard and reused. Many of the plates being worn today predate their bearers by several generations.

Type

Biomaterial

Color

Gold-black (external ivory (internal)

Related Locations

• Kolokolou ocean

Related Species

• Esaanla