Blacksteel

Created by Adam Tingley // Wreckerdwarf

An Ingot of Blacksteel [PH] by OpenAI

Within the depths of Karak’Thoon's forges a unique way of smelting iron has been developed. The process includes the addition of ground obsidian crystals to the crucible during the metal’s second heating. This process disperses microscopic shards of tough obsidian throughout the metal and imparts a black colouration to the ingots and items produced. The strength of blacksteel is comparable to that of regular steel but the durability is greatly enhanced. The appearance of the metal is also quite striking being a rich, shimmering black colour. It is thought that the fragmented crystals provide binding points for the metal surrounding them and makes it far less malleable. Resulting in a metal that is far less likely to be dented from impact. The crystals are also believed to be the cause of the material’s insulating properties by effectively reflecting heat away. However, weapons crafted from blacksteel are unfortunately prone to shattering and as such the metal is largely useful for decorations, metalware, accessories and jewellery.

The Prestige

Karak’Thoon is a very difficult city to reach and was nearly impossible to import goods from until the recent installation of the Intercity Cargo Network. The wealthy guilds and royal houses were among the few able to fund extravagant expeditions to the remote city in order to purchase the goods created by the craftsdwarves of Karak’Thoon. As such, it was seen as a status symbol used to flaunt their wealth and exhibit their reach within dwarven society. Once the ability to import goods was made easier, the fashion trend became far more accessible and the popularity of the blacksteel exploded amongst the nobility and higher classes across many cities.