Fool's Mithril

The dwarves of the The Grey Peaks are the only ones who know how to create Fool's Mithril. No other known substance is better at holding enchantments, making it highly sought after by artificers throughout Felizeen and Nekoti.

Importance

Enchanted items that do not have a consistent source of power greater than the energy demand of the enchantment, will slowly become weak or brittle as the energy needs of the enchantment eat away at the item itself. Because of this common power sources include gems monster parts precious metals, etc.

Alternatives

Some people will make a contract with a spirit, enticing it to live inside a weapon or item. The spirit then provides the energy needed to power the enchantment, however it is difficult to convince one to trap itself inside an item. In return for their service a spirit may have odd or demanding requirements for its use, such as requiring the wielder to perform certain acts often (like singing) or requiring the wielder to constantly be upgrading the appearance of the item. Most often spirit enchantments start off weaker than other enchantments but have the ability to grow well past the ability of most other enchantments if taken care of. Some of the most powerful items in existence are powered by spirits, but the difficulty in contracting a spirit prevents this method from becoming common.

Some enchanters create items that do not have an adequate power source on purpose. These items deteriorate quickly and are often made as flashy, temporary use items. Because of their inherent low quality these "quick chanted" items are scorned by true masters of the craft but they are cheap and easy to make in a short amount of time. They are commonly seen used by adventurers and bandits. The metal waste leftover from "quick chanted" items is normally useless but can be used as a substitute for some rival ritual components.

Creation

The dwarves of the gray peaks are able to smelt quick-chanted metal into a new material called Fool's Mithril. This metal is known as inherently magical and is used as a higher-end material in the crafting of magical items, famous for its resistance to enchantment deterioration and popularity among spirits.  An item made of Fool's Mithril can power most high end enchantments by themselves for years if treated well and are even known to repair themselves if left dormant.  The dwarves obsessively guard the secret to its creation and by law none who know the process can leave the dwarven holds.

Type

Composite