Adamantine

A rare and highly sought after metal, adamantine is well known for its legendary resilience and hardness. Because of this, its most common uses are the building of defensive walls or creation of special armor, though it is occasionally used to coat weapons and can be utilized in a variety of other ways.

Properties

Physical & Chemical Properties

Adamantine is extremely hard and is thought to be somewhat magical in nature.

Geology & Geography

Adamantine exists in small quantities in many regions across the world, but the largest deposits by far can be found in northeastern Onunea. Thus, the Lumind Empire frequently mines and exports adamantine, but also puts what adamantine is not sold to good use. The Lumindan Imperial Guard often uses adamantine armor, though even in Lumind it is relatively rare and cannot be supplied to the entire military.
Adamantine is usually found underground. Legend has it the moon is rich in adamantine, but so far no one has been able to confirm this.

History & Usage

History

For millennia, humanoids did not know of adamantine, though the details of its discovery have been forgotten. Until a few centuries ago, there were few techniques known that allowed efficient use of the metal. Now, the people of Zosoa are more capable of using adamantine well, but its scarcity means that these new techniques have not revolutionized technology.

Discovery

For millennia, humanoids did not know of adamantine, though the details of its discovery have been forgotten.

Cultural Significance and Usage

For the most part, adamantine is used for practical purposes. However, some Lumindan nobles occasionally don adamantine armor to flaunt their wealth.

Refinement

Adamantine requires refinement. As mentioned above, techniques for proper refinement are relatively new.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Lumind's near-monopoly on this product is a contributing factor to the nearby realms' determination to avoid conflict with it, and is one edge the Lumindans have over their commercial competitors in the Dawan. In addition, the merchants making the sales can afford to demand exorbitant prices, as the buyers rarely have an alternative to turn to.

Rarity

Adamantine is quite rare.

Common State

Solid