Starshard Steel
Properties
Material Characteristics
- Color: Shimmers with an ethereal, purple-white glow, reminiscent of moonlight on water.
- Texture: Smooth and cool to the touch, with a faint, almost imperceptible starry pattern visible upon close inspection.
- Weight: Lighter than most high-carbon steel, yet incredibly strong and resilient.
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Superbly Strong and Flexible: Exceptionally resistant to bending and breaking, making it ideal for weapons and armor.
- Lightweight: Soldiers wielding Starshard Steel weapons experience less fatigue compared to traditional steel.
- Edge Retention: Holds an edge exceptionally well, requiring less frequent sharpening.
- Magickal Conduit: Starshard Steel possesses a unique ability to channel and amplify magickal energies.
Geology & Geography
It is found in The Night Lands, among the streams and ponds.
Origin & Source
Celestial Debris: Elven legends tell of falling stars that streaked across the night sky, embedding themselves within the rivers and pools of The Night Lands. These celestial fragments, imbued with the magic of the cosmos, became Starshard Steel.
History & Usage
Discovery
A Sparkling Stream: The first discovery was done while exploring a hidden stream, the Elf (wants to remain annoymous) noticed an otherworldly glint in the water. Upon closer inspection, the Elf found a shard of the strange, glowing metal. News of the discovery reached the @lven smiths, who recognized its potential and began to experiment with its properties.
Everyday use
- Moonblades: The most revered use of Starshard Steel is in the crafting of Moonblades.
- Armor: Limited quantities are used in crafting lightweight, yet highly protective armor for Elven warriors.
- Jewelry and Ceremonial Items: Small amounts are incorporated into jewelry and ceremonial objects, imbuing them with a touch of celestial magick.
Cultural Significance and Usage
- Symbol of the Night Lands: Starshard Steel is a source of immense pride for the elves.
- Coming of Age Rituals: Young elves may receive a small, polished shard of Starshard Steel upon reaching adulthood, symbolizing their connection to the celestial heritage of their people.
Refinement
A Delicate Process: Refining Starshard Steel is a complex and time-consuming process. Elven smiths utilize specially designed tools and lunar enchantments to extract the metal from its raw form without compromising its magickal properties.
Manufacturing & Products
- Limited Quantities: Due to its rarity and the laborious refinement process, finished Starshard Steel products are rare and highly valuable.
- Elven Expertise: The knowledge of working with Starshard Steel is closely guarded by elven master smiths and passed down through generations.
- Moonblade Forging: The forging of a Moonblade is a sacred ritual. Each Moonblade is a unique work of art, imbued with potent magic and passed down as heirlooms within elven families.
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