Molding Metal

Molding Metal is a versatile resource that naturally forms underneath the sands of the dry and desolate expanses of Vexora. Natives that live in the desert regions heavily rely on this resource for many of their weapons, shelters, and tools required to survive. 
The terrain of Vexorian deserts are laced with small portions of Molding Metal, which are scattered about and look like small gray pebbles. When this material is introduced to water, the metal loses it’s integrity and begins to weaken. After a few minutes of absorbing liquid, the metal becomes heavy and mailable, like a slab of wet clay. 
When packed together tight and allowed to dry, Molding Metal is comparable in strength to aluminum. Thinner portions of Molding Metal are weaker, and when they are completely dry they have a high chance of shattering if dropped/struck. 
Molding Metal tools break far more often than tools crafted in a blacksmith’s shop. Fortunately they also are far easier to repair, as the broken pieces can be gathered and put into a crate of other spare parts that can be re-molded during the next rain. 
As useful as the materials can be for those who need them, Molding Metal is an extremely inexpensive resource. Some who live outside of desert areas use the material for art projects (again, similar to clay). The most common use for Molding Metal in urban areas is making cheap indoor furniture. Sailors do sometimes take several slabs with them when they go out to sea, just in case a different tool breaks and they need to make a temporary replacement for it. 
The most well-known use for Molding Metal is the crafting of Thunder Runners, a vehicle used almost exclusively for traveling throughout The Tempest Preserve. The material is perfect for constructing the hulls of these vehicles, and allows adolescent males to put their personal touches on their creations as they prepare for the Tempest Trials.

Type

Ceramic