Tritanite
Tritanite is a shiny black and very dense metal found in sparce mineral deposits all over the world.
The metal is highly sought for its innate abilities to absorb and store magic. Most advanced-level sygodry involves Tritanite to some degree. Any artificer worth their salt would foam at the mouth at the chance to work with this rare metal.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Raw Tritanite looks similar to obsidian except for the fact that it tends to be a bit lighter and a bit shinier. It also has the tendency to be smoother than most jagged metals.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Tritanite is oddly cold to the touch. It seems to absorb a portion of all magical energy around it. A spell cast within the vicinity of unrefined Tritanite will begin to flicker, with the user needing to expend more magical power to keep the spell going. Magic that comes in direct contact with Tritanite is absorbed by the stone. It it currently unknown how much magical energy can be absorbed by a single Tritanite ingot. Current estimates believe it to be the power of a 7th or 8th level spell.
From a material standpoint, Tritanite is very sturdy, but also considerably lighter than say, iron chainmail.
Geology & Geography
Tritarium is found in minds a few leagues under the earth, specifically in regions of higher natural magic.
History & Usage
History
After its discovery in 133 N.E, Tritanite was left alone for much of history. Few saw use in it beyond its appeal as shiny black gem-stone. It was only when a sorcerer happened to whiff a spell and strike one of these stones that its curious property was discovered; the metal absorbed the magic of the caster. This discovery lead a few early artificers to begin studying this curious black rock. After several years, another discovery was made; the magic absorbed by the metal didn't actually disappear. Rather, it was contained inside the rock itself. Testing revealed that the magical energy held within Tritanite could actually be used by a caster. Furthermore, it was quickly revealed that the caster didn't actually have to posses any magical ability themselves, but rather, could draw out the stored Tritanite magic to cast a spell.
Discovery
Tritanite was discovered in 133 N.E. by one Nevelung Tritanhopper. a little known halfling explorer of some regard. He happened to stumble upon after falling into a cave on the southern side of The Grand Divide. The first person to "use" the material was a sorcerer named Muniel in the year 157 N.E.
Everyday use
Tritanite is considered rare, and so most common people would rarely come into contact with it.
Cultural Significance and Usage
In Asterok, tritanite is considered to be one of the most effective, and therefore most sought after building materials. It is considered a high honor for any dwarven craftsman to be able to work with the material. The rulers of Asterok can commonly be found wearing refined Tritanite armor, handcrafted by only the most highly regarded forgemasters in all of Asterok.
Industrial Use
Tritanite's most common use would be acting as a magical battery for advanced artificery and sygodry. It can also be forged into powerful weapons and armor that provide additional protection and utility to the user. The country has been known for the amazing advancements in magical technology using Tritanite. Asterok is also well known for their use of Tritanite to craft swords, shields, and armor. These items are highly sought after by both warriors and collectors alike.
Refinement
The process to refine Tritanite is one only fully understood by few. It involves a combination of heating the metal whilst imbuing a certain amount of magic into it. Once both conditions have been reached, it can be molded and shaped into the desired material. Upon being refined, the metal becomes even shinier.
Manufacturing & Products
Swords, Shields, and Armor.
Byproducts & Sideproducts
It can serve as a battery for artificery and a s a storing space for magic to be used in spell casting.
Hazards
The smith must be careful, for if too much magic is poured into the metal, the Tritanite can become unstable and release the magical energy all at once. This has resulted in a few unfortunate explosions.
Environmental Impact
Tritantie tends to drain the natural magic in some areas. If it were placed in a space that was dependent on magic in order to thrive (i.e. The Feywild), one might observe all magically dependent life around the tritanite to be wilting and decaying.
Reusability & Recycling
Tritantite (to the knowledge of the current leading experts) has not been known to decay in any capacity. The base metal can be used over and over. It is only the magic inside that decays with use.
Distribution
Trade & Market
Tritanite can be found (sparingly) by Asterokian merchants, as well in a few high end artificer shops and guilds in Varen. Some capital cities might have a very small amount of the stuff (perhaps enough for a single sword or shield), and will charge a high amount to part with it. Currently, most of the metal is controlled by Asterok and their exports of the metal to surrounding lands determines the relative amount of tritanite in the surrounding supply chains.
Storage
Tritanite is stored in very well guarded vaults. These vaults are also devoid of any other magic (anything magical stored with Tritanite loses its magical properties over time).
Law & Regulation
The use of Tritanite is highly regulated in countries that use it to a higher degree, such as Varen and Asterok. In Varen, any tritanite discovered must be turned over to the local government (for a small reward to provide more incentive) effective immediatley. State approved artificers in Varen are given a limited amount of Tritanite with which to experiment and build with due the overall shortage of the substance. Only high ranking artificers are allowed access to a larger amount, and even then, there are restrictions on it. In Asterok, a smith is only allowed to craft a single item (or set if they are crafting armor) of the stuff. This leads to a tritanite weapon often acting as the Manum Opus of many dwarven smiths in Asterok.
Type
Metal
Value
50-60 platinum pieces per pound
Rarity
Very Rare
Odor
Copper
Taste
Salty
Color
Shiny Black
Density
7,850 kg/m^3
Related Technologies
Related Professions
Comments