Cryo-mithral
Cryo-mithral is a rare and highly coveted metal found only in the icy depths of the Snowcloak Dominion and the frozen halls of Frostbite Hold. Similar in composition to standard mithral, cryo-mithral possesses an unusual property: it is only malleable and workable at extremely low temperatures. Once removed from its frigid environment, it hardens into an unyielding, nearly unbreakable state, making it one of the most difficult metals in the world to forge.
Its natural affinity for cold magic makes it prized among warriors, artificers, and enchanters, as weapons crafted from cryo-mithral radiate an unnatural frost, while armor and accessories made from it provide protection against bitter cold and freezing spells.
Cryo-mithral is a metal of mystery and power, bound to the frostbitten lands of the north. With only a handful of artisans able to work it, and two factions vying for control of its limited supply, it remains one of the most valuable and elusive materials in the world.
Properties
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Malleability at Low Temperatures: Unlike most metals, cryo-mithral becomes more pliable as it nears sub-zero temperatures, making it impossible to shape using traditional smithing techniques.
- Extreme Hardness: Once shaped and exposed to warmer conditions (even above freezing), it locks into place, becoming even harder than regular mithral.
- Magical Affinity: Weapons crafted from cryo-mithral deal cold damage, while armor and accessories provide resistance to frost and ice-based magic.
Geology & Geography
Cryo-mithral is incredibly rare, with only two known sources in the world:
- Cro's Mine in Cromital (Snowcloak Dominion)
- The Hoarfrost Vein (Frostbite Hold)
History & Usage
Refinement
The process of working cryo-mithral is known only to the artificers and enchanters of the Snowcloak Dominion. Unlike conventional smithing, cryo-mithral must be forged in an intensely frigid environment, often within magically-cooled forges or deep in natural ice caves. Dominion artificers have mastered the cold-forging techniques necessary to work the metal, using runes of frostbinding and enchanted tools that keep the metal in a workable state.
Despite their mastery of metalwork, even the dwarves of Frostbite Hold have not yet found a way to shape cryo-mithral. However, they do possess their own deposits of the metal, and the willingness to study the material until they are able to work it.
Manufacturing & Products
- Weapons made of cryo-mithral deal bonus cold damage when a target is hit, and may even cause blasts of cold which freeze those in an area
- Armors and accessories made of cryo-mithral give their wearers resistance to the cold, or even immunity if the material is particularly well refined
Byproducts & Sideproducts
The material is speculated to have something to do with the eternal winter faced by the northern regions of the continent.
