Black Steel

This metal is strongest substance in Hiland. Made by smelting Gorgun Iron with valuable metals and a secret ingredient in the lava flows near Eirabur's mouth and infused with an incantaion of power, Black Steel’s distinct black color and red streaks mark its superiority to all other metals. It is the strongest metal every created and the only material known that can penatrate Ironfeather Armor.

Black steel has an evil side effect on anyone who holds it. The spell required to complete the smelt draws on the dark energy of Scourge's malice. Some of this dark energy spreads to the wielder of the metal, giving them supernatural strength and a lust for power. The hermit Dathomir who was once an Elder Forger is the only Gorgun who has ever smelted Black Steel. His creation drove him to the brink of madness and nearly destroyed the Gorguns if the Elder Forgers had not been able to stop him. The smelting techniques and secret ingredient are a closely guarded secret kept by the Elder Forgers and they have forbidden anyone to possess or craft it due to its dangerous nature.

Properties

Material Characteristics

A Black Steel blade is easy to spot by the metal's shiny black sheen and distinguishing red streaks. In the dark, the metal appears to glow a faint red color as if it has a life of its own.

Physical & Chemical Properties

This metal is extremely dangerous. While the metal itself is extremely powerful, it has a corrosive effect on anyone who touches it. The dark blade enhances the person holding it with supernatural strength and speed, making them feel fearless and invincible, but it also fills them with intense rage and blood lust. The Gorgun Elders ceased all productions of Black Steel once they saw what the metal could do for fear of it turning themselves into angry monsters. They keep the receipe and rituals of forging Black Steel locked away deep within Redmount's vaults in the heart of Eiribor. The Elders retrieved as much Black Steel as they could and destroied it in the flames of Eiribor, but some blades were never found and float in the shadows of Hiland, hidden in secret places or carried by evil men.

Type

Metal

Color

Black with streaks of red