Dark Iron
Properties
Material Characteristics
The metal is a very dark grey color, almost black, and very dull. It does not shine like other metals when put up to light. Any reflections seen on it are warped, with objects taking on impossible proportions and black ichor spilling out of the eyes and mouths of an onlooker's reflection.
Physical & Chemical Properties
The metal is incredibly cold to the touch, no matter the temperature it is kept at. Additionally, it has the possibility to induce strange hallucinations and insanity upon those that touch it. Due to this, it is very commonly used in the construction of duergar weaponry, and not in armor.
Geology & Geography
This metal is only found in the underground layers beneath the dwarven city of Kurn Darum, where Tharizdun is said to have been imprisoned during the Divine War.
History & Usage
Discovery
Near the beginning of the Third Age, many new dwarves were beginning the construction of Kurn Darum, and others were travelling down into the many caves and tunnels of the ancient Giant empire. Those that went especially deep began to find veins of an especially dark metal that displayed warped reflections. Those that stayed in contact with it for extended periods of time began hearing the whispers of Tharizdun, and many of them went mad. Their skin turned shades of grey, and their hair became pale shades of white, becoming the first Duergar. Some of them managed to relinquish this madness and escape, though Tharizdun's corruption still remains within them. Others remained nearby Tharizdun's prison, mining the Dark Iron and fashioning it into weaponry, beginning their subterranean empire.
Everyday use
It is only used by the duergar of Kirrogh, and usually as the primary material for metal-based weaponry such as swords, mauls, maces, spears, and more. It is also used by them for manacles as a tool of torture to induce hallucinations and insanity in their prisoners, as well as in other tools of torture.
Hazards
When it comes into contact with living flesh in the short-term, it has the potential to induce temporary insanity and hallucinations into the being that touches it. Extended exposure can lead to more long-term or permanent insanity, aberrant changes to the flesh, and eventually a permanent alteration of the self into an aberrant being in the image of the Mad God itself.
Distribution
Law & Regulation
The usage of Dark Iron weaponry is outlawed in Kurn Darum, and those found using it are sentenced to long imprisonment in the highest security wards of the Ironvault, and possibly to execution.
Type
Metal
Rarity
Only found in the caves beneath Kurn Darum in the The Western Range.
Color
Dark Iron is a deep, dark grey, almost black color, with very little shine.
Density
The metal is very dense, far more than normal iron.
Common State
The metal is always found in a solid state.
Related Locations
Related Species
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