Drakeshide
Drakeshide is a flexible, durable, and nearly indestructible material obtained from the skin of a Sea Drake.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Drakeshide, once fully processed and treated, is roughly the thickness of leather. It is smooth and mostly matte on one side, with small, reflective fish-like scales on the other side. Its closest mundane equivalent is alligator skin.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Drakeshide is fully waterproof and makes an excellent insulator. It is mostly flame-retardant once fully treated, and entirely resistant to lightning.
Origin & Source
Drakeshide is from the hide of the sea drake, a large aquatic Drake most common in the Rose Reefs north of Urbana al-Sona and south of Isle Machmorraig.
History & Usage
Everyday use
Drakeshide is most commonly fashioned into armor and boots for maritime warriors. The captain's logs of major ships are often bound and wrapped in drakeshide to protect them even in case of shipwrecks.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Drakeshide is a sacred part of ritual objects and ceremonial dress for holy orders dedicated to the worship of oceanic gods, particularly Poseidon.
Some religions with little connection to the sea, but with worship halls in seafaring areas, also use drakeshide in holy practices. The weaving telling the story of the Birth of the Nuel-Orokh in the Promethean Temple in South Cape, Cape Hildegard is one of the largest works of drakeshide weaving in the world, using the hide from five drakes.
Refinement
To prepare drakeshide, the dead drake is first skinned with special saws enchanted with diamond dust. It is treated over the course of approximately 5-7 days with a combination of tree bark, salts, and oils extracted from the drake's brain and lymph glands.
Type
Biomaterial
Color
silver-blue-- close to mithril, but with more teal or green undertones
Related Locations
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