Riedran Crysteel
Riedran crysteel is a crystal-infused iron alloy developed and tightly controlled by the Inspired and their state alchemical-industrial network. The raw crystal, called tereval, is mined under heavy oversight in Riedra, most commonly in the monastic labor provinces where psionically-active mineral veins wind close to the surface. When properly refined and alloyed, the resulting metal appears as smooth, pale steel laced with faint internal translucence, as though light were held beneath the surface. The material is cold to the touch and carries a subtle harmonic vibration that trained psionic users can perceive more acutely than others.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Crysteel has the same structural resilience as well-forged steel, possessing hardness 10 and 20 hit points per inch of thickness. The crystalline element never forms facets or edges on the surface of the weapon; instead, it remains embedded within the metal, visible only as shifting refractive patterns when angled to the light. Though crysteel is more brittle than standard steel when mishandled, its hybrid composition grants it an unusual stability against fracturing, and even magical attempts to shatter it meet resistance.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Weapons forged from crysteel are particularly responsive to psionic resonance. When wielded by characters who use psychic magic, possess psionic disciplines, or can employ kineticist wild talents, the weapon channels that internal energy into striking force, granting a +1 enhancement bonus to damage rolls. To those without such abilities, crysteel behaves like exceptionally well-forged steel — valuable, but not remarkable.
Crysteel remains susceptible to the shatter spell, but because the mineral is fused, not layered, items made from it gain a +4 bonus on saving throws against such effects.
Geology & Geography
The crystal component of crysteel does not occur naturally in a form ready for smelting. It must first be extracted, graded, and psionically “quieted” to prevent resonant instability during the forging process. The refinement process is conducted in state-run foundries, where both the furnaces and the smiths work under the guidance of Inspired overseers. While the forging techniques are not overtly magical, they are accompanied by synchronized meditative routines designed to structure the crysteel’s internal lattice.
History & Usage
Cultural Significance and Usage
Crysteel serves as both symbol and tool of power within Riedra. Its manufacture is controlled, its distribution is monitored, and its presence in the hands of outsiders often denotes either political trust or quiet coercion. In the western nations, crysteel is sometimes viewed with suspicion, its psionic resonance treated as an unwelcome reminder of Riedran influence. Nonetheless, its performance ensures that black market channels persist, particularly among mercenary companies and collectors of esoteric weaponry.
Distribution
Trade & Market
A weapon forged from crysteel has a market price modifier of +1,500 gp, making it a high-value commodity even before political considerations are factored in. Items without metal components cannot be crafted from crysteel. Acquisition in Riedra requires state sanction, while acquisition outside Riedra often involves intermediaries who prefer not to give names.
Riedran Crysteel
Cost Weapons: +1,500 gpWeight Normal
Hardness 10
Hit Points 20/inch
Properties: When wielded by a character who can use psychic magic or has access to a kineticist's wild talents, a crysteel weapon gains a +1 enhancement bonus on damage rolls. Items made of crysteel are susceptible to the shatter spell, but gain a +4 bonus on their saving throws to resist it because the crystal is alloyed with iron.