Mithril

Mithril is a silver-white metal prized for its beauty and lightness of weight. It does not corrode and is stronger than iron, although it does not take an edge well. That, and its lightness, makes it unsuited as a material for weapons but it is used extensively in armour.

As Armour

Mithril's lightness makes it a natural choice for classes that cannot use heavy armour, as it can protect vital spots better than most alternatives. The most prized examples of mithril armour are the coats of mail made from it. Patience and precision is required to manufacture any mail, and the additional problems of working with mithril make them even more expensive. Coats of mithril mail can be worn against the skin, without a gambeson, due to the fine rings of the mail, its perceived warmth and its magical inability to snag or pull hair.

As Clothing

The ultimate expression of wealth in clothing is formal wear made from mithril mail. The longer the garment, the more extravagant its cost. Ceremonial appointments in the Archipelagic Safe Zone often came with robes made of mithril mail, with the idea being that the wealth invested in the garment was the wealth of the island. In times of hardship, rings would be removed and sold. In times of plenty, rings added. The breath-taking beauty of these robes made enough of an impression on socialites in the Coastal Safe Zone that the style was adopted there, albeit without the practical aspect.

Properties

Material Characteristics

In addition to untarnishable sheen and light weight, mithril is also an excellent insulator of heat. Some of the most expensive cookware in the world has handles made out of mithril, removing the need to protective gloves. Similarly, there is great demand for it to make tools for handling other metals. The resistance to heat has the downside of making the metal itself time-consuming to work, even with magical methods to draw on.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Mithril is too valuable to be used for coinage, but bars of mithril are sometimes used as payment between traders from different safe zone to avoid complications caused by money-changing. The market for mithril is always buoyant as it is used extensively for non-adventuring purposes.

Storage

Mithril is most often stored as bars, but its properties presents unique challenges when it comes to foiling potential thieves. It is so light that it is hard to detect underneath other items. As it doesn't tarnish, it can be hidden inside all manner of noxious cargo without worrying about damaging the metal. The boldest of thieves have even swallowed mithril pellets, secure in the knowledge that they will neither cause illness nor be damaged by their passage through the body.

Type

Metal

Color

Pale silver

Melting / Freezing Point

1400°C

Density

1.2g/cm³