Bog Iron

Properties

Material Characteristics

Ore State

Red to brown rock with dull gray and orange flecks inside. Rough, bumpy outer shell surface and inside is smooth gray with orange dust spot that can stain fingers.
This is the most common form Bog Iron appears in, however, it's other appearances are similar to other common ores. It can be found in many regions, however, the biggest exporter of Bog Iron is Black Mire.

In water

Red-orange coloring to the water. The discoloring of water is typically how the material is discovered.
Large deposits are found in, or near large areas of water, including underground water systems and near Black Dragon lairs. It is believed the reason for Black Mire's survival hinges on Black Wing's habitation of the area.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The material is identical to iron extracted from other locations and biomes. It can be used and manipulated in the same ways. The only defining characteristic of this metal from others of it's like, is the ability to ward off some types of Fey.
There are several other materials of varying type and origin that work against the Fey. Silver and Yew wood are two other materials that possess this ability. None of these materials hold magical properties on their own and can be enchanted normally. However, enchanted Bog Iron does not affect the Fey; even if it loses the magical enchant, the Fey can still interact with the iron.
The Fey affected by Bog Iron refuse to be studied as to why they are affected, however, this does not stop its use. Iron must be forged, non-enchanted, and extracted from a bog to have any affected on the Fey. Many believe Bog Iron items can be made more effective based on how it's forged, final shape, and how it was used. These beliefs are wide-spread, but have not been confirmed.

Geology & Geography

Black Mire is the typical source of Bog Iron and exports it to many regions. Locating Bog Iron is simple in Black Mire, a long stick and basic knowledge of the material is all it takes for people, the Boggers, to get quick coin. Withered plants including trees, large pools of water, nearby peat, and the red-orange coloring of water betray it's location to those above. Long wooden and metal sticks are used to find the depth of the ore and it's exact location.
Boggers will work in teams of two, or three, to protect the location of the Bog Iron, while one goes to inform the Quarry-Master. Although one can get quick coin, the hazards of Black Mire deters many from trudging it's waters. It's rare for a Bogger to become rich as cities in Black Mire only pay for the location of ore and not the size of the deposit. A Bogger can gain more coin by renting the Locate Object enchanted stones. These stones are kept by Quarry-Masters and given out to Boggers during the Bog Iron booming season. A several month period around the time of Festival of Orbs as the demand for Bog Iron items increases.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Bog Iron can be crafted into many different items and it is exported to many regions in different forms. It's most common use is to ward against fey and malevolent creatures. It's value and exportation increases around the months nearest to the Festival of Orbs predicted date. Everyday items are used to test, ward, or even sort fey creatures; while, weaponry is made for defensive purposes just in case you cross the wrong fey.

Common Bog Iron Items

• Nails
• Horseshoes
• Arrow Heads
• Palm-sized holy symbols

• Daggers
• Spider
• Candle-holders
• Doorknobs

• Swords
• Fences
• Door Brackets
• Statues

Cultural Significance and Usage

During the Festival of Orbs, these items are used in mass. Some areas fight the fey, others play, and many practice the ways of the Mask Deceiver using the items for games to sort through the different fey. Such is the way of the fey to desire play and games, thus the method of games using various metals and items to figure out "who is what" is becoming common in cities.
A common game used for this purpose is Quoits, a ring is thrown from a set distance towards a stake. The rings can be made from many materials; such as wood, metal, rope, hair, cloth, bone, and even living plants. There is no single, set way to play Quoits with different variations come different rules and materials required to withstand the conditions. This variety is types and rules of Quoits is caused by Fey's desire to play new and complex games. This is a downfall of the Fey as these games are used as clever distractions for them till they must return home. May the world never run out of games....

Type

Metal

Value

High, other areas besides Black Mire

Rarity

Black Mire: Common

Common State

Chunks, nuggets, and red-orange dust in water

Related Locations

• Black Mire