Mithral

Silver-Steel

Mithral is a light, silvery metal that is about half as light as steel but just as strong. It is used mainly by the Elves, but its uses as a light alternative to iron and steel is used worldwide, especially now in skyship construction. Mithral is a shiny, silver-colored metal, even in raw form, and is highly valued.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Silver color, strong, light density, easily malleable when not tempered.

Geology & Geography

Found in mines near large bodies of water or in places where there were ancient bodies of water; usually mined in the upper regions of the Underdark as well.

Origin & Source

Believed to be a rare form of iron, which mingled with sediments and water to create a lighter, stronger metal amalgam.

History & Usage

Discovery

Discovered by the Elves and utilized in many forms, both militaristic and mundane, in the early days of their civilization.

Everyday use

Mostly used in armors, but also common as jewelry.

Cultural Significance and Usage

The Elves have a particular fondness for Mithral, but unlike the Dwarves who jealously hoard Adamantite, they are not inclined to try as hard as possible to buy it up and keep it. All races value Mithral for its lightweight yet strong density, especially the Gnomes, who have begun using it in skyship construction.

Refinement

Refined and used just like iron.

Type

Metal

Value

Varies by item, raw mithral is about 500 GP/ lb.

Rarity

Very Rare

Density

Just as dense as steel.