Embersteel (Ember-Steel)

Embersteel, also known as "Black Metal", a remarkable black metal renowned for its strength and unique properties, serves two vital roles for the Kindred of Stygia. Firstly, it is crafted into protective armor, guarding the delicate forms of the Kindred as they face external challenges. Secondly, Embersteel allows the Kindred to maintain their humanoid appearance outside their volcanic islands, preserving their stability and identity. This extraordinary metal bears an appearance akin to large pieces of Obsidian Glass, exuding a captivating allure. When worn by the Kindred as armor, it takes on an ethereal quality, infused with the intense glow of their inner flame. Each suit of Embersteel armor is personalized, reflecting the individuality and flair of its wearer.
Beyond the volcanic islands of Stygia, Embersteel has garnered popularity among the affluent in colder regions of Var'Verden. The elite cherish its exceptional warmth and place bars of the metal in their fireplaces, spreading its radiant heat throughout their homes. Placing Embersteel bars at the foot of their beds ensures a cozy and comforting sleep, further solidifying its significance among those who appreciate both its functionality and aesthetic charm.
Embersteel has become a symbol of strength, stability, and the connection the Kindred share with the elemental forces that sustain them. As the Kindred continue to thrive and interact with the wider world, the legacy of Embersteel grows, leaving an indelible mark on their extraordinary journey through the mystical realm of Stygia.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Embersteel, a wondrous and enigmatic metal, presents a visual spectacle like no other. Its surface resembles large pieces of Obsidian Glass, polished to perfection and gleaming with an iridescent sheen. The metal carries an elegant darkness, with a lustrous black hue that seems to absorb and reflect surrounding light, creating an illusion of depth within its surface.
The texture of Embersteel is strikingly smooth, as if forged by the most skilled artisans in the realm. Run your fingers over it, and you'll sense a subtle warmth, a gentle caress like the touch of a comforting fire. Its contours are expertly crafted, boasting intricate engravings and delicate patterns that shimmer as they catch the light.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Embersteel, an extraordinary metal of unparalleled properties, holds within it the essence of warmth and stability. As if ignited by an eternal flame, it is always warm to the touch, exuding a gentle, comforting heat that emanates from its surface. Yet, the true wonder of Embersteel lies in its ability to safeguard the Kindred's humanoid forms. Without this miraculous metal, the Kindred are at constant risk of reverting to a formless, sentient fire. Embersteel serves as a conduit, channeling and anchoring the elemental energy within the Kindred, providing a stable foundation for their physical manifestations.

Geology & Geography

The elusive Embersteel, with its wondrous properties, can only be found in the depths of Stygia's mines. Nestled deep within the volcanic islands, these mines are hidden away from the world above, safeguarding the precious metal from prying eyes and wandering souls. The Kindred, with their unparalleled resilience and resourcefulness, have mastered the art of mining Embersteel, venturing into the heart of their volcanic homeland to extract this rare and invaluable resource.

Origin & Source

The Kindred, descendants of the fusion between fire elementals and Ramal Elves, hold a unique belief about the origin of Embersteel. According to their ancient myths and legends, the remarkable black metal is believed to be a rare byproduct of the slumbering elemental titan of fire, nestled deep beneath the volcanic islands of Stygia.
In the Age of Myth, when the world of Vår'Verden was taking shape, the elemental titans emerged from the depths of creation. Among them was the titan of fire, a majestic embodiment of the primal force that governed the flames. As the titan settled into slumber, the intense heat and immense power radiating from its body gave birth to Embersteel, a substance unlike any other.
The elemental titan of fire, in its dormant state, continued to emit residual energies and essence, shaping the black metal that would become Embersteel. Over time, the metal accumulated and solidified, forming veins deep within the earth's core, concealed from the mortal world above.
The Kindred, with their innate connection to fire and their deep reverence for the elemental forces, came to discover the presence of Embersteel in the mines of Stygia. They realized the metal's significance, for it emitted warmth reminiscent of the inner flame that sustained their humanoid forms.
According to the ancient tales passed down through generations, the discovery of Embersteel was considered a gift from the slumbering titan. It was as if the titan, even in its deep slumber, continued to influence the world, leaving behind a precious and powerful legacy in the form of Embersteel.
To the Kindred, Embersteel is more than just a metal; it symbolizes their ties to the elemental forces that shaped their existence. Its warmth reflects the inner flame that burns within the Kindred, fueling their magical abilities and ensuring their physical forms remain stable.
In the darkness of the mines, the Kindred mine Embersteel with great care and respect. They understand the significance of this mysterious metal and its connection to the elemental titan of fire. As they wield Embersteel, they feel a sense of communion with the slumbering titan, acknowledging its presence and influence in their lives.
The belief in Embersteel's origin binds the Kindred to the elemental titan, deepening their reverence for the forces of nature that shaped their world. The metal's unique properties and the warmth it radiates are seen as tangible manifestations of the titan's power, a reminder of the ancient times when the elemental forces clashed and shaped the destiny of Vår'Verden.
Thus, Embersteel holds a sacred place in Kindred culture, not only as a practical resource but also as a symbol of their ancestry and their profound connection to the elemental world. The metal's origins in the slumbering titan of fire are a testament to the mystical realm of Stygia, where the past and present intertwine, and the echoes of the Age of Myth resonate with every beat of the Kindred's fiery hearts.

Life & Expiration

Over time, the extraordinary properties of Embersteel, also known as Black Metal, begin to wane without proper maintenance, making it lose its resilience and heat. This gradual decline renders the metal ineffective at sustaining the Kindred's humanoid form, posing a significant challenge to their existence.
Embersteel armor, known for its remarkable durability and ability to maintain the Kindred's physical forms away from the volcanic islands, undergoes wear and tear over the years. The constant exposure to the intense heat of the Kindred's inner flame, combined with the external elements it faces during their adventures and battles, takes a toll on the metal.
Without regular maintenance and forging, the once robust Black Metal begins to lose its magical properties. It becomes brittle, prone to cracks, and its ability to radiate warmth diminishes. As the metal weakens, it can no longer provide the necessary stability to keep the Kindred's form intact when they venture beyond the volcanic islands.
Typically, a well-crafted suit of Embersteel armor lasts between five to ten years before needing to be reforged or replaced. The Kindred are acutely aware of the need for maintenance, and many skilled artisans and blacksmiths in Stygia specialize in the art of working with Embersteel. They meticulously examine the armor, repairing any damages and rejuvenating its magical properties through arcane rituals and crafting techniques passed down through generations.
The process of reforging Embersteel is a delicate and sacred art, as the Kindred understand the significance of the metal in their lives. The armor is carefully disassembled, and the weakened sections are meticulously reinforced. Skilled craftsmen rekindle the magical essence within the metal, restoring its ability to emanate warmth and safeguard the Kindred's physical forms.
However, not all Embersteel suits can be salvaged through reforging, especially if the damage is too extensive or the metal has significantly degraded. In such cases, the Kindred must bid farewell to their trusted armor and seek a new set. Acquiring a new suit of Embersteel armor is a significant event for the Kindred, as it symbolizes a fresh beginning and a renewed connection to the elemental forces.
The regular maintenance and occasional reforging of Embersteel armor reflect the Kindred's deep respect for their unique heritage and their connection to the slumbering elemental titan of fire. It is an ongoing journey to preserve the properties of the remarkable Black Metal and ensure that it continues to serve its vital role in sustaining the Kindred's physical forms as they traverse the vast and wondrous world of Vår'Verden.

History & Usage

Discovery

Embersteel's unique properties and its significance for the Kindred were discovered during the building of the first settlement of Stygia by the Kindred. At the time, the Kindred faced a significant challenge when venturing away from the volcanic islands into the waters of Ramal. Outside the islands' protective embrace, the Kindred's bodies would revert to a formless, sentient fire, still able to speak but in need of an external fuel source to remain lit.
During a daring trade with the high elves of Ramal, a curious and adventurous trader named Darion decided to pack a bundle of the mysterious black metal to see what the Ramal might offer in exchange. Little did he know that this impulsive decision would lead to a groundbreaking revelation for the Kindred.
When the Kindred traders presented the Embersteel to the high elves, both parties were intrigued by its remarkable properties. The Kindred were surprised how the metal allowed them to maintain their humanoid form even beyond the volcanic islands, relieving them of their dependence on external fuel sources. The discovery was met with astonishment and fascination by both the Kindred and the high elves of Ramal. Darion's bold act had opened new possibilities for the Kindred, transforming their lives and the way they interacted with the world beyond Stygia.
From that moment on, Embersteel became an essential and sought-after resource for the Kindred. The once enigmatic black metal, carried by a daring trader, had found its rightful place as a symbol of resilience and stability for the Kindred, solidifying their connection to the elemental forces and allowing them to venture far and wide, embracing their destiny in the mystical realm of Vår'Verden.

Reusability & Recycling

When a suit of Embersteel armor becomes worn or damaged after its typical five to ten-year lifespan, the Kindred do not discard it outright. Instead, skilled artisans and blacksmiths carefully examine the armor, assessing its condition and potential for restoration. If possible, they reforge the metal, reshaping and reworking it to create a new suit of armor. This process involves a delicate balance of maintaining the metal's inherent warmth and strength while ensuring it can continue to provide the necessary support and protection for the wearer.
In cases where a suit of Embersteel is beyond repair, the Kindred do not let it go to waste. Instead, the metal is meticulously recycled. The broken pieces of armor are melted down and carefully purified to extract the Embersteel's raw material. This process requires precision and skill to maintain the metal's properties, ensuring it can be used in the creation of new armor and other important artifacts.
The Embersteel recycling process is regarded with great reverence and is often overseen by skilled craftsmen who understand the metal's complexities. The purified Embersteel is then carefully stored and used in the creation of new suits of armor or other essential items, reinforcing the Kindred's commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness.
The cycle of reusability and recycling is a central part of Kindred culture, reflecting their connection to the elemental forces and their deep sense of responsibility toward the world they inhabit. By honoring and preserving the Embersteel, the Kindred continue to thrive and flourish, their civilization thriving in harmony with the unique black metal that is both their protection and a testament to their ingenuity and resilience.

Distribution

Law & Regulation

There are strict laws and regulations governing the usage and distribution of Embersteel within the realm of Stygia. The mining, refining, and forging of Embersteel are tightly controlled and overseen by the ruling council of the Kindred. Only authorized artisans and craftsmen are permitted to work with the precious metal. The distribution of Embersteel is carefully monitored to ensure that it is used responsibly and for the benefit of the Kindred as a whole. Each settlement is allocated a specific amount of Embersteel based on its population and needs, and any excess must be reported and accounted for.
Additionally, the use of Embersteel for personal gain or trade with outsiders is strictly prohibited without official authorization. Unauthorized possession or trade of Embersteel is considered a severe offense and is punishable by law.
The Kindred understand the value and importance of Embersteel in maintaining their forms and preserving their unique way of life. As such, they take great care in managing and protecting this precious resource to ensure its longevity and sustainability for generations to come.

Type

Metal

Value

Stygian traders have been paid vast fortunes to trade this precious metal on the black market.

Rarity

Embersteel's worth in gold is immeasurable, as it is a rare and invaluable resource to the Kindred.

Color

Obsidian Black

Boiling / Condensation Point

Unknown as the Kendrid keep such information a closely guarded secret.

Melting / Freezing Point

Unknown as the Kendrid keep such information a closely guarded secret.