Iron

Iron in Trevisa

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Overview:
Iron is one of the most fundamental and widely used materials in Trevisa. Its abundance and versatility make it essential for crafting tools, weapons, and infrastructure. Though common compared to more exotic materials, iron remains a cornerstone of daily life, from the simplest farming implements to the mightiest swords.

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Uses

1. Weapons:
2. Iron swords, axes, and spears are the backbone of most armies, providing affordable and durable weaponry.
3. Used for arrowheads and bolts for common archers and hunters.
4. Armor:
5. Chainmail, plate, and scale armor crafted from iron are affordable and reliable for soldiers and guards.
6. Tools:
7. Essential for farming tools like plows, sickles, and hoes.
8. Blacksmithing tools, carpentry implements, and mining equipment often rely on iron.
9. Construction:
10. Reinforces wooden structures, gates, and bridges with nails, hinges, and beams.
11. Magical and Ritualistic Use:
12. Iron is sometimes used in magical circles or runes to bind or repel magical entities.
13. Rural folk often place iron objects, like horseshoes, over doors to ward off malevolent spirits or fae.

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Properties

• Durable and Strong: Provides resilience and reliability, though prone to rust without maintenance.
• Abundant: Readily available in most regions, making it a staple material for many uses.
• Malleable: Easily worked by blacksmiths, allowing for diverse applications.
• Prone to Rust: Susceptible to corrosion unless treated or coated.

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Rarity in Trevisa

• Geography:
• Iron is abundant in Trevisa, particularly in regions like the Redstone Hills of Ko-Aton, where iron-rich deposits are commonly found.
• Availability:
• Common: Iron is one of the most accessible materials in Trevisa, with mines and forges found in nearly every major region.

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Price (On Average in Trevisa)

• Raw Iron Ore:
• ~1-2 copper pieces per pound near mining regions.
• ~3-5 copper pieces per pound in areas reliant on imports.
• Refined Iron:
• ~10-15 copper pieces per pound.
• Finished Goods:
• Weapons: 1-3 silver pieces for basic iron swords.
• Tools: 5-10 copper pieces for simple farming implements.

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Cultural and Economic Context

1. Everyday Life:
2. Iron tools and weapons are ubiquitous, forming the backbone of Trevisa’s working and military classes.
3. Blacksmiths are essential to every community, ensuring the continued production and maintenance of iron goods.
4. Symbolism and Folklore:
5. Iron is often seen as a “common man’s metal,” associated with strength and resilience.
6. Its ability to repel certain magical creatures, such as fae or spirits, gives it a protective reputation in folklore.
7. Fantasy Integration:
8. Iron can be enhanced with enchantments or used as a base material for magical weapons and armor.
9. In some myths, “cold iron” is considered particularly potent against magical creatures.
10. Dwarven Legacy:
11. Dwarves in Trevisa are known for their mastery of iron, often crafting superior-grade tools and weapons that rival basic steel.

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Symbolism of Iron in Trevisa

• Color: Its dark gray, sometimes reddish tone symbolizes resilience, utility, and the strength of the common folk.
• Cultural Associations: Iron is the material of industry, progress, and endurance.
• Role: Iron is the lifeblood of Trevisa, forming the foundation of its economy, military, and infrastructure.