Skyiron
Skyiron is a metallic material that enters the Firmament from The Expanse by way of falling from the sky. This material is typically found in jagged fragments or chunks after colliding with the surface. Theory on the origin of Skyiron is broad, as is its value between different cultures. While some see it as an extremely rare and valuable material, others view it as cursed and blighted, and to be avoided at all costs.
Properties
Physical & Chemical Properties
Skyiron is similar to terrestrial iron with a few unique characteristics setting it apart. At it's most basic, it is slightly denser, harder, and more difficult to work than iron, but not so much as to make it unusable as a tooling or armament material. It also has a natural resistance to corrosion.
It's most unique property, however, is that it appear to act as an arcane null or void. Spiritual energy appears incapable of entering or manipulating Skyiron, and arcana cast upon it is resisted and often nullified. This makes it particularly valuable for use in armaments, as it can be used to give a considerable defensive edge against arcana combatants.
It's most unique property, however, is that it appear to act as an arcane null or void. Spiritual energy appears incapable of entering or manipulating Skyiron, and arcana cast upon it is resisted and often nullified. This makes it particularly valuable for use in armaments, as it can be used to give a considerable defensive edge against arcana combatants.
History & Usage
Everyday use
Due to its unique arcana properties, Skyiron is most commonly used in the crafting of armaments and specialized arcane devices.
As an armament material, it is often fashioned into shields, helms, and breastplates as a way to protect against enemy arcana. It is also occasioanlly used in blades or bludgeons intended to be used against foes of arcane nature, as it is able to harm spirits or other monsters that may otherwise be immune to mundane weaponry.
It's other use is in that of arcane devices and machines. Skyirons property as an arcane null can be exploited in such a way as to confine and direct spiritual energy by restricting its diffusion. This unique property has allowed arcane containments and efficencies otherwise impossible. Use of Skyiron in this way is mostly experimental at this time, as acquiring enough Skyiron to produce anything of use is prohibitive to anyone but the msot wealthy or well connected of arcanists.
As an armament material, it is often fashioned into shields, helms, and breastplates as a way to protect against enemy arcana. It is also occasioanlly used in blades or bludgeons intended to be used against foes of arcane nature, as it is able to harm spirits or other monsters that may otherwise be immune to mundane weaponry.
It's other use is in that of arcane devices and machines. Skyirons property as an arcane null can be exploited in such a way as to confine and direct spiritual energy by restricting its diffusion. This unique property has allowed arcane containments and efficencies otherwise impossible. Use of Skyiron in this way is mostly experimental at this time, as acquiring enough Skyiron to produce anything of use is prohibitive to anyone but the msot wealthy or well connected of arcanists.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Xayatu and other Tonalli cultures of long seen Skyiron and as a cursed material, invulnerable to the power of the Beacon. Even viewing a fragment is believed to be dangerous, and it is disposed of as quickly as possible, usually either burying deep in the Everglow Mountains or moving it outside of Tonalli completely. Deo also have a negative view of Skyiron, as it is a material foreign and untouchable to them. Contact alone is known to be deeply unpleasant to Deo and they too dispose of it.
On the other hand, many cultures of Iqualli and Youhalli view it as a boon, even a gift, as its properties have often been used as a way to defend themselves against various scourges and existential threats. Several cultures have built shrines and artifacts dedicated to spirits of protection that have existed for millenia, often serving as shelters in times of peril.
On the other hand, many cultures of Iqualli and Youhalli view it as a boon, even a gift, as its properties have often been used as a way to defend themselves against various scourges and existential threats. Several cultures have built shrines and artifacts dedicated to spirits of protection that have existed for millenia, often serving as shelters in times of peril.
Hazards
Due to its arcane properties, direct contact with Skyiron can cause mental and emotional discomfort, especially to Deo or creatures of spiritual nature. This can easily be avoided with gloves or a wrapping.
Environmental Impact
Skyiron can have a blighting effect on natural terrain and its ambient spiritual energy. Skyiron's spiritual void does not diffuse beyond its mass, but if it is dispersed as shards or dust and leeches into soil or across a wide area, it will disrupt the ambient spirit and spiritual creatures. Areas that Skyiron impacts will see weaken growth of foliage and lower birth rates, and any spiritual entites native to the area may be driven away or, in severse circumstances, destroyed outright.
A notable example of this is the Greymarsh, and area of wetland located 35 miles from the city of Tuskagee. Sometime before the cituy's founding, a massive chunk of Skyiron had impacted the area, causing its shards and dust to permeate the waters and soft soil. This effectively nullified the ambient spiritual energy in a 2-mile radius of the fragment resulting in a dead and barren landscape. To this day, no spirits are found in this area, nor do any plants grow or creatures spawn. This is despite the fact that most of the original fragment has been salvaged and removed, as the dust still pollutes the groundwater.
A notable example of this is the Greymarsh, and area of wetland located 35 miles from the city of Tuskagee. Sometime before the cituy's founding, a massive chunk of Skyiron had impacted the area, causing its shards and dust to permeate the waters and soft soil. This effectively nullified the ambient spiritual energy in a 2-mile radius of the fragment resulting in a dead and barren landscape. To this day, no spirits are found in this area, nor do any plants grow or creatures spawn. This is despite the fact that most of the original fragment has been salvaged and removed, as the dust still pollutes the groundwater.
Color
Dark, metallic grey to nearly black
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