Zmakreen Boats (ZMAH'kreen Boats)

The Zmakreen family lived in Yzel from the founding of the oligarchic state until 376. During that time, they became famous as ship builders and were partially responsible for the rise of Yzel as a formidable force on the seas. Their major claim to fame was the lightweight steel used on the hulls of ships. They were able to create a light, durable yet sharp form of metal and use that to make rams, which were placed on the fronts of boats. These were used both for offensive purposes in the developing navy and defensive among merchant ships to help them ward off pirates. 
Boats created with this metal ram were expanded to using flat version of it for hulls, cannons, and other pieces of the ship. For centuries, the family created the most sought after boats in the kingdom, but were very guarded about their secrets. These included the process of making the metal, but more than that, the process by which it was attached to the boats. Doing so with other metals, using the technology of the time, was extremely difficult due to the weight, particularly when dealing with rams and other bow mounted weapons.  
In 376, a rival boat manufacturer hired assassins to bring the family down. During one night, the Zmakreen were slaughtered. In the struggle with the last members, the assailants ended up setting the house ablaze. This resulted in the burning of all records regarding not only how to make the metal, but also how to attach it to the boats. The family had been very secretive regarding the secrets so there were very few written records. 
Branch members of the family who were away at the time only knew part of the process. They tried to keep the business going, but ultimately failed. All that now remains of the Zmakreen boats are pieces stored in museums and the remnants of the family business. They have maintained a merchant fleet, but were never able to reach the heights of success they once had.