Tin

Tin in Trevisa

Overview: Tin is a versatile and vital material in Trevisa, valued for its role in alloy production and its resistance to corrosion. While not as glamorous as precious metals or rare magical materials, tin remains indispensable for practical and industrial applications.

---

Uses

1. Alloys:
2. Combined with copper to create bronze, used widely for tools, weapons, and ceremonial artifacts.
3. Mixed with lead to produce pewter, popular for tableware and decorative items.
4. Plating:
5. Coating iron and steel to prevent rust, especially in cookware and storage containers.
6. Currency:
7. Tin coins are sometimes used in poorer regions or for smaller denominations.
8. Magic Crafting (Fantasy Element):
9. Used in enchanting low-grade alloys for magical trinkets or temporary warding devices.
10. May serve as a substrate for binding elemental properties in alloys like storm-bronze (bronze infused with air or lightning magic).
11. Symbolic and Decorative:
12. Tin is associated with humility and practicality, often used in crafting items for commoners or minor ceremonial use.

---

Properties

• Soft and Malleable: Easy to shape and cast, suitable for small-scale and intricate work.
• Corrosion Resistance: Durable in harsh environments, particularly useful for outdoor items.
• Non-Toxic: Safe for cookware and containers.
• Easily Alloyed: Its low melting point (~231.9°C or 449.5°F) allows for efficient mixing with other metals.

---

Rarity in Trevisa

• Geography:
• Tin deposits are most abundant in mountainous or mineral-rich regions, particularly the western ranges of Ko-Aton.
• Common in trade routes leading through the Grey Veil Mountains, which supply much of the tin for the continent.
• Availability:
• Moderate: Tin is neither rare nor overly abundant, making it accessible but regionally concentrated.
• Trade caravans often carry tin to areas lacking natural deposits, elevating its value in isolated regions.

---

Price (On Average in Trevisa)

• Standard Market:
• ~1-2 silver pieces per pound near mining regions.
• ~3-4 silver pieces per pound in regions reliant on imports.
• Enhanced or Enchanted Uses:
• Magical alloys with tin might cost upwards of 10-20 silver pieces per pound, depending on the enchantment.

---

Cultural and Economic Context

• Craftsmen and Merchants:
• Tinners (tin workers) are vital to many towns, particularly in regions specializing in bronze or pewter production.
• Pewter goods are a common export for cities near tin-rich regions.
• Folk Beliefs:
• Some communities believe tin carries protective properties, especially when combined with bronze, leading to its use in amulets or charms.
• Fantasy Integration:
• Tin may feature prominently in dwarven metallurgy, where its versatility is exploited for alloys like enchanted pewter or elemental bronze.
• Arcane smiths might use tin as a stabilizing metal in magical circuits or minor wards.