Spidersilk

Spidersilk is a versatile and valuable material naturally produced by Interstellar Spiders. It is stronger than most metals, and extremely light and flexible. Most Spiders think selling Silk is beneath them, so it is uncommon and expensive. It can be used in a lot of fields for a lot of things, from being used in the building of most mechanical devices to being woven into clothing with protective properties. For those that can afford it, it makes exceptional armor layers.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Spidersilk is a fine, glossy thread that can vary in color depending on the species of spider from which it came. Most is translucent, but it can be transparent or opaque. White is the most common color, followed by silver and blue.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Spidersilk is impossible to break by hand; it is much stronger than steel. Despite its strength, it is light and flexible, and can be woven into fine garments.

Origin & Source

Spidersilk comes from Spiders. In some regions there are one or more Silkshops: large-scale Spidersilk production and sales centers operated by dozens or hundreds of Spiders, and in others it has to be imported.

Life & Expiration

Spidersilk decays more slowly than plastic.

History & Usage

History

Spidersilk has been highly desirable for as long as it has existed, but it was especially precious just after the apocalypse for its ability to be used without processing or tools.

Discovery

Spiders have always known that they make Spidersilk. The first Spiders to leave their deep space webs and enter galactic society sold or traded their silk to finance their rise to power.

Everyday use

There are more uses for Spidersilk than Spiders can provide. It is one of the best options for ropes and cables that have to hold heavy weight, especially if long, continuous cables are required. It is also among the best materials for making personal armor; when woven tightly in thick sheets, it becomes a flexible sort of plate that can withstand tremendous amounts of damage. Powerful leaders and especially wealthy individuals are fond of clothing woven from Spidersilk because even when thinner than a cotton garment it provides more protection than chain mail would.

Refinement

Spidersilk can be used as soon as it is produced, though it can be dyed.

Reusability & Recycling

The durability of Spidersilk makes reuse common.

Distribution

Trade & Market

The market chain for Spidersilk always begins with a Spider. Some Spiders weave their silk into various items and sell them, and others sell spools of silk to craftsmen who make items. Because it is so durable, items made of Spidersilk are often resold numerous times over long periods of time.

Type

Biomaterial

Value

By weight, Spidersilk is one of the most valuable non-magical items on the planet besides technology.

Rarity

Some regions have reletively high Spider populations, and there Spidersilk is common but expensive, but in most places it is very rare.