Steel

Steel in Trevisa

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Overview:
Steel is a cornerstone material in Trevisa, prized for its strength, durability, and versatility. As a refined form of iron, steel has revolutionized weaponry, construction, and industry. Its properties make it essential for everything from swords and armor to fortifications and tools, bridging the gap between practicality and power.

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Uses

1. Weapons:
2. Swords, axes, spears: Favored for its strength and edge retention.
3. Arrows and bolts: Used for tips in high-quality ammunition.
4. Forged masterpieces: Legendary blades like “Godsteel” may be imbued with magic in Trevisa.
5. Armor:
6. Plate Armor: Steel plate is the pinnacle of personal defense.
7. Chainmail: Steel links are lighter and stronger than iron alternatives.
8. Construction:
9. Reinforcement: Used for structural support in bridges, keeps, and city gates.
10. Mechanisms: Gears, pulleys, and hinges in advanced constructions and siege engines.
11. Tools and Everyday Items:
12. High-quality farming tools, blacksmith tongs, and artisan equipment.
13. Durable utensils and cookware in wealthier households.
14. Magical Applications:
15. Often used in crafting magical weapons and armor due to its ability to hold enchantments.
16. Steel is the base material for alloys like mithril-steel, combining mundane strength with magical properties.

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Properties

• Strength and Durability: Steel is tougher and longer-lasting than raw iron.
• Corrosion Resistance: Treated steel resists rust better than iron, though not as well as exotic metals like mithril.
• Versatility: Can be forged into thin, sharp edges or massive structural beams.
• Conductivity: Effective in channeling magical energy when properly forged.

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Rarity in Trevisa

• Geography:
• Steel production requires access to iron ore, carbon, and skilled smiths, so regions with ample resources, like the Blackstone Foundries of Ko-Aton, dominate production.
• Requires significant infrastructure, so poorer areas may rely on imported steel.
• Availability:
• Moderate: While steel itself isn’t rare, high-quality steel (such as Damascus-like Trevisian steel) is prized and less common.

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Price (On Average in Trevisa)

• Raw Steel (Per Pound):
• ~5-10 silver pieces for basic steel.
• ~20-30 silver pieces for high-quality or alloyed steel.
• Finished Items:
• Sword: 10-25 gold pieces, depending on craftsmanship.
• Plate Armor: 1,500-2,500 gold pieces for a full suit.
• Tools: 2-5 silver pieces for basic items like hammers or plows.

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Cultural and Economic Context

1. Military and War:
2. Steel is the backbone of Trevisa’s armies, shaping both weapons and armor for soldiers.
3. Blacksmiths with the knowledge to forge steel are highly respected and often protected.
4. Artisan Work:
5. Wealthy patrons commission ornate steelwork for decorative weapons and architectural features.
6. Fantasy Integration:
7. Steel is a base material for advanced alloys like mithril-steel or adamantine-reinforced steel.
8. Legendary steel weapons may feature unique forging methods or magical enchantments, such as blades that glow with runes of fire or ice.
9. Folk Beliefs:
10. Many believe steel is imbued with the will of the smith, making it a material of strength and determination.
11. Superstitions suggest steel can ward off lesser spirits and curses.

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Symbolism of Steel in Trevisa

• Color: Its cold gray sheen represents resilience and practicality.
• Cultural Associations: Steel is synonymous with power, progress, and craftsmanship.
• Role: Steel is the workhorse of Trevisa, bridging the mundane and the extraordinary.