Ephmeral

Ephmeral is a rare and expensive metal with found deep below the Icey Peaks. It has rudimentary magical properties that only the most skilled smiths can work into a finished product.
The only know sources of ephmeral are pockets deep below the Icey Peaks wich are mined by the Mountain Dwarfs of Krunbar. Because of that Krunbar controls almost all of it and guards their supplies and knowledge rigorously. The Dwarfs see all ephmeral as property of the Krunbar Dwarfs, going so far to believe that their god Do'Tor gifted only them the knowledge how to find and work it. They consider ephmeral in possession of other races as stolen and will do everything in their power to get it back.
Regardless of all that there are several artifacts that made their way outside of Krunbar, be it through theft, war or other means here are a few examples of know ephmeral items:

• The Queens feather (3 total)
A gift to the Raven Queen during the Aeon of Gods, current owners unknow, it is suspected that they are in the hands of the Raven queens followers.
• The High Priestess Zepter
Forged by a captured master smith for the High Priestess of Antipan. 
• Thorms Shield
Forged by Do'Tor himself as a gift for Thorm, who saved his life.
• Chest of Souls
location and owner unknown

Properties

Physical & Chemical Properties

Ephmeral is an extremely hard, black metal. In its finished form, ephmeral reflects a slight purple sheen. Ephmeral weighs slightly less as steel. It is ferromagnetic and vulnerable to effects that would affect other metals, like a rust monster's grasp.
Unprocessed Ephmeral is quite soft and even emits a bit of warmth, and unsuitable for use as a weapon.  Once it has been processed, it cannot be deformed or bent by nonmagical means. Weapons made from ephmeral do not dull or chip with use.

History & Usage

Cultural Significance and Usage

Only the most talented and masterful smiths of Krunbar have the knowledge to work the metal, and even fewer of them even manage to work it precisely enough to keep or even enhance the metal's magical properties.
Most of the metal found so far has been used by the High Kings of Krunbar to thinly plate the Entrance Gate and Inner Wall to their Kingdom wich makes it almost impenetrable. Since those goals have been achieved, it is used for weapons, armor and magical items.

Type

Metal

Color

Black with a purple tint