Metals of Aelyria

The Fabrications of Forge and Foundry in the Empire

as written by Arthirus Silverwind based on the writings of Tarnal Grudent

WRITER'S NOTES
For eras on end the scientific world has been exploring the metals of our lands. Through the process of treating and mixing these raw metals in different fashions, we have developed a series of alloys that are now used both commonly in everyday life, and sometimes for special purposes. Some of these metals are used for purely decorative purposes, while others are used in a more practical way. The following is an updated version of my own teacher's writings. He was at one point a leading authority on the subject of metals and in turn I hope to expand his works to new levels.

Section 1: RAW MATERIALS
There are several varieties of raw metals out there. Each type has different compositions of the primary elements of fire, air, earth, water and other Essences. Through the use of those Essences, we as metal workers can modify the shape and properties of said metals, but they shall always retain their natural form to some degree. Not all of the known raw metals to be found in Aelyria serve a real purpose. For some, the only real known use for them is to combine with other metals to form an alloy. The most commonly useful metals are lead, copper, iron, tin, gold, and silver. There are other really useful metals as well that are too rare to be considered in common use. Platinum, ardentium, adamantite, aetherium make up much of this section.

1.1 Lead
Lead is a rather heavy metal that is bluish white in colour. It is very soft in proportion to its weight and is of little to no use as a means of protection or as a weapon. Lead however serves a use in castable items, pots, pans, cutlery, and many other such tools.

1.2 Copper
Among the most common of all metals, copper has a reddish colour. In relation to other common metals it is of very average weight. By itself, copper is too soft to be used for anything outside of the average home, but it is also the primary ingredient in the creation of bronze which is the metal commonly used for weapons.

1.3 Iron
Of all the metals, iron is probably the most versatile. It can be used for everything from devices of household convenience to tools for the workplace, to weapons of war. Iron is moderately heavy, strong, durable, and combines very well with other metals. As metals go it is easy to manipulate through the use of techniques that have been developed over many eras. Iron is also the main component in the creation of steel which doubles its potential uses. Its main flaw is that is does not stand up very well to the effects of time. When exposed to the element of water in any way, iron begins to rust and decay.

1.4 Tin
Tin is a very soft metal. Unlike most metals, it is still readily malleable at room temperature. Still, tin does have its uses. Its blueish silvery appearance is somewhat pleasing to the eye and as such is often used for cutlery, cups, and sometimes plate; though usually only in low to mid income houses. It is also the second most important component in the production of bronze.

1.5 Gold
Gold is a metal shrouded in blood, not for its use as a weapon, but because it is among the leading causes of greed among sentients in the world. This is because gold is the chief form of currency in most of the known world. It has a yellowish colour which is very pleasing to the eye, and is a good deal heavier than iron. For this reason, gold is typically kept in small form and is often fashioned into jewelry and other adornments. On occasion, the exceptionally rich create immovable statues, pieces of furniture, and other such things for the purpose of displaying their wealth for all to see. Gold is also one of the few metals that is naturally occurring in a nearly pure form.

1.6 Silver
Silver plays a very similar role in its existence as gold only on a different scale. Silver is more common and thus less valuable. It is still however used as a common form of currency. Silver is very easy to polish, and its shiny whitish colour makes it a typical metal to use for cosmetic enhancement of items. Silver is also known to have a disastrous effect on some monsters of the dark.

1.7 Platinum
Platinum is another, and probably the rarest of the precious metals. It has a shiny grey colour and is about as heavy as gold. Platinum is also more resistant to chemical corrosion and natural decay than most other metals. Even many powerful acids have little effect on its structure. Platinum also acts as a very good conductor of arcane energies and is therefore easier to enchant than most other metals.

1.8 Ardentium (also called "Jewelsteel")
Contrary to popular belief, there is nothing arcane about the process of forging ardentium items. Ardentium appears to be mystical in its natural form, and the belief is that it was created by Cetheron himself. Many of the substances that have a detrimental effect on the appearance of metal such as dirt, grime, tar, some oils, and other things do not effect ardentium. Ardentium tends to repel such things, keeping its natural shine, even during the mining process.

Ardentium is mined in a state of its purest form, unlike any other metal known. Sadly, the metal does not come in veins the way most metals do, as the same properties that keep it from deteriorating also keep it from clinging to itself. Ardentium is always found in gatherings of minuscule pieces no bigger than a coin or two.

Pure ardentium can only ever stay in small pieces like this, which makes nearly its only use to be for making small rings: rings for fingers, and rings for chainmail. Ardentium chainmail is among the strongest armours in existence. Being near unbreakable and weighing only slightly more than leather of equal quantity while still retaining near full range of motion makes pure ardentium armour an item in huge demand yet very limited supply.

Sadly, not all is good. If ardentium were sentient, a blacksmith would consider it very close in personality to a permanently cranky child. Manipulating the beads of raw ardentium even into ringed format is a time consuming and difficult process. A very high heat is required to melt it, much higher than that used for the forging of steel. In addition, as the metal cools, it has a natural tendency to contract. The method around this is to force the metal to cool in the shape it is intended to stay by the use of molds.

These molds are fitted around properly made elvish steel wire rings. The ardentium, when it comes into contact with the elvish steel, binds itself completely around the steel. Again, this is fine for single rings, but for making chainmail it is insufficient as you cannot attach ardentium to the other rings. The method around this is to melt, mold, attach, and cool every single ring of the armour one by one. Incredible skill and focus is required for this, as any incorrectly set ring could flaw the entire piece of chain.

1.9 Adamantite
Adamantite is a metal that is completely unique in its production. Why you ask? Two reasons. First, it is the only metal, apart from the toxic mercury, that is a liquid in its natural form. Second, it is the only metal that does not require fire at any point in the forging process. Adamantite uses a process of forging called cold forging.

I have yet to figure out exactly how the Vysstichi and the Esh'lahier make the metal, but I have come up with a rough idea. First, they harvest the liquid metal, storing it in glass vials. This in itself is a difficult process made impossible to all races who do not possess darkvision. The metal in its initial liquid form is completely clear, not unlike water, and can only be located through sighting its cold temperature flooding through the rocks that contain it. These vials are then flooded with magical energy. When it is ready, the metal is poured into the mold for the item you are making it out of. It is then flooded with the same magic for a period of several days, then left to sit for several more days. Remove the mold, and the piece collapses in upon itself, returning to its original state as a liquid. I believe, however, that the liquid is slightly more viscous. At this point, the liquid must be cooled to a point where water would freeze. The cooling process actually makes the metal less viscous. Pour this cooled metal into the mold again and repeat the same process. Eventually, the metals natural shape will be the shape of the mold. At that point, when the metal no longer returns to its liquid form, and hardens as if like steel, the item is complete.

Due both to the natural properties of the metal and the forging process items made from adamantite gain several unique properties. The metal tends to return to its natural shape, which means it restores and repairs itself after taking damage over one to ten candlemarks, depending on the extent of the damage.

There is a rumour regarding this wonderful substance that it is softened in sunlight. This is a fallicy, linking to another kind of metal used by the Vysstichi and Esh'lahier for underground tool making, but not called Adamantite. I have never seen any evidence of this metal softening in sunlight.

1.10 Aetherium
Only once in my life have I had the pleasure of seeing someone in action working on this next metal. Aetherium is by far the strongest metal in the known world and still lighter than steel. Still, it is only known to be found in a single location in the world which is carefully guarded by the Empire's guards. The only people ever to receive any items made with aetherium are those who have done a great service to the Aelyrian Empire and who are being rewarded by the emperor himself.

Aetherium has several unique properties in addition to its resilient golden natural glow and utterly infallible strength. The metal seems to emit a self replenishing inner radiance type spell. It is not however purely a mortal spell, as it cannot be dispelled by conventional means. The same is true for the light regenerative aura that the metal emits through any flesh that it comes into contact with.

It is said that Aetherium is the common building material of the Aelyrians. It is recognised as the most durable material in the world as it is impossible to break with non-magical means.


Section 2: METAL ALLOYS

In addition to the many varieties of raw metals, there are many metal alloys that serve their purpose as well. Metal alloys are created by mixing a type of metal with other materials to create a new metal that may have different properties than the original metal. These changes to the properties could consist of colour, weight, durability, hardness, strength, malleability, or even sometimes some of the less common properties. Most of these metal alloys were discovered through an educated trial and error method, and some have been refined over a thousand patterns or more. Others have only recently been discovered and are still in the stages of development. All that is certain is that they, even those that are centuries old, are constantly being modified in some form or another until the time they reach perfection. Though there are many alloys than I plan on describing, it is simply impossible to cover them all. Therefore, those listed below are those that I consider most important to the majority of readers.

2.1 Bronze
Bronze is an easy metal to create. Simply heat tin and copper until they melt, mix the two for a while, and let it set. Right there, you have basic bronze. Technique, experience, and special care can adjust its properties slightly, but the biggest effect is the proportions of copper to tin. Varying from one part tin to nine parts cooper, all the way to four parts tin to six parts copper, every form of bronze has its use. More copper usually entails a stronger, more colourful metal, while tin is less colourful but harder and heavier. In recent times, bronze has fallen into disuse due to several factors. As it was the primary metal in use by Aelyrian society for near a millennia, the resources required for its creation have been reduced. This is not to say they are rare, not in the slightest. Iron is just equally plentiful now while being a metal suited better for almost any purpose. Steel, which is only marginally harder to make, is stronger, harder, and lighter than bronze and has therefore replaced it for almost all uses.

2.2 Steel
Steel is formed through a process of mixing iron ore with coal, limestone, and several different chemicals. The coal is processed into a material called coke. The coke is then mixed with powdered limestone and the molten ore as well as the catalyst chemicals to create a new substance. The new liquid metal is then poured into a form and cooled. The result is a grey metal, lighter than pure iron and a good deal stronger. In addition, steel is less affected by time than iron which makes it far more suitable for nearly any purpose.

2.2.1 Fine aka "Kharolis" Steel
Kharolis steel is formed in nearly the same method as normal steel. The only difference in the creation of this stronger version is the time it takes. To turn normal steel into Kharolis, you must simply filter out all the impurities of the iron before turning it to steel. To do this, the iron is melted at a very high temperature. The impurities tend to float to the top, and are then skimmed off and disposed of. The liquid is then made into bars and air cooled. During the air cooling process, the metal secretes even more of the impurities. The process is then repeated several times before the steel is made, filtering out most of the flaws in the metal. The end result with this is a metal that can accept a higher level of coal without becoming brittle. A small boost to its strength and hardness, but a welcome one for those that wish to spend the extra time.

It is interesting to note here that despite the rarity of true Kharolis steel, many shops sell it. This is often because untrustworthy or unknowing merchants pass off Kharolis steel as pure when in fact it is simply steel with a few slivers of the true Kharolis in there.

2.2.2 Elven Steel
Elven steel was once a metal shrouded in mystery but now it is almost commonplace. Close to every blacksmith in Aelyria knows how to make it now. It is really not all that complicated. By removing the impurities in the same fashion as with fine steel, and heating the steel to a point where it becomes far less viscous, the steel actually changes the amount of Essences absorbed from coal while retaining its strength. This decreases the density of the metal, therefore reducing weight by a fraction. This weight reduction would only be an ounce or two to the pound, but it can still make a difference depending on its use.

The only difficult part of the process is that the metal must be used and formed immediately after reaching this point or it becomes very brittle and breaks far too easily for common use. It is an exceptional alloy which can be created and purchased for a modest price in comparison to some of the other less common alloys. The orcs have a similar steel which was made as an offshoot of elven steel. They stole the recipe from the elves then adapted it slightly to their own purpose. The effect is almost the exact same thing.

2.2.3 Dwarven Steel
There are two types of dwarven steel, low grade and high grade. The funny thing is, they are not the same type of metal. The technique and process for creating low grade dwarven steel is no real mystery. Though dwarven in origin, it is now commonly practiced among a more varied selection of blacksmiths. Still, it is nowhere near as popularly used as elven or fine steel.

Low grade dwarven steel has had the iron nearly completely purified. It is a time consuming process that requires good timing and skill in its production more than anything else. Then, in the process of preparing the metal, it is exposed to more coal than the norm. This makes it very hard. To cut down on how brittle the metal becomes due to this process, a complex technique of folding is used that involves precision skill and fast work. If you do not work fast enough, the metal begins to set and harden before it is ready, which means the metal will be too brittle for any good use. The metal is then ruined and much be completely melted down and the chemicals boiled out. That process in itself is not worth the weight of the metal, and so whatever metal was being used is now wasted. Technically, anyone can make low grade dwarven steel, but the dwarves were the ones to develop the technique.

High grade dwarven steel is another story completely. Not only are the secrets to its construction much less commonly known and practiced, but it is not exactly steel. It is a steel like alloy which combines the same ingredients as regular steel with a treated additive called durium. This 'durium', after being heated to boiling at an extremely high temperature, separates into two separate layers. The lighter layer must be skimmed off the top and kept at near boiling temperature. The bottom, and heavier layer, is then added into the purified but untempered steel at a mixture about nine parts steel to one part of the heavy liquid durium. The new alloy is then processed, tempered, and folded as you would normal steel. The difference is, you add coal to it and fold it until well past any point of usefulness for normal steel. Now what is the point of having useless steel? Well, in any other situation, there isn't. Now however, you must melt the steel, though not completely. Heat and soften it to a point right before it turns to liquid.

This is a very difficult task as a few degrees either way can make the next step impossible. While the alloy is in this state of near liquidness, pound it out into a large sheet. Remember the lighter liquid from the durium separating? Now, one must carefully brush the liquid stone onto the sheet alloy. This step is crucial. If the temperature rises too much, and the metal turns to liquid, it will separate again. If it gets too cold, the metal will solidify and crack, at which point you must start over. You must therefore pay close attention to the heat of the metal.
After four or five treatments with the lighter liquid durium spread out over about two hours, the metal is then ready to be folded again. Cool it slightly, just to the point of workability, then fold it repeatedly until the desired result is accomplished. Once formed, whether into ingots for later use, or into items themselves, you have a metal that more than rivals pure ardentium for its hardness and strength, while being among the heaviest metals in all of Aelyria. This metal is high grade dwarven steel, and is of an off black colour which is difficult at this point to dye another colour.

Again, anyone can make this if they know how, but only the dwarves have access to the known durium veins, which restricts its production solely to whomever they wish to have it. Due to the sheer density of the high grade dwarven steel, the metal does not resonate very well on impact. This makes it far quieter than most other metals and is the reason high grade dwarven steel would make horrible bells. This is not to say it does not make a noise, as it does, just it is less piercing and more of a low pitched thud than a ringing sound produced by other metals.

2.3 Ardentium Alloy
Though pure ardentium is impossible to shape into anything other than small rings, even through magical means, the combined efforts of the elves and the dwarves have come up with a method of crafting a variant alloy. There are two methods actually. Both these methods produce a metal that is not quite as strong as the original, with pure ardentium being marginally weaker and softer than high grade dwarven steel. They do, however, retain most of the metal's featherweight quality as well as keeping a nice semi-permanent shine.

The main advantage to sacrificing some of the innate qualities of the pure ardentium is the gained ability to shape the alloy into sheets rather than just the rings. This is very useful for the creation of many different types of weapons, armour, and enchantable rods/staves. These items are ideal for those who require a strong metal but who cannot wield a heavier variety due to strength limitations.

After creating pure ardentium with the above listed method in a sufficient quantity to make up about four of ten parts required for the desired product, you must also fashion some exceptional elven steel. As you create the elven steel, slowly mix in melted ardentium rings, spreading out this mixing process over every stage of the creation of the elvish steel. The process spreads the magical properties of the ardentium over the elvish steel, balancing the two out into one wonderful alloy. Working this alloy into the desired shape is still a challenge which can be bested by only the two discovered methods and by only the most skilled of blacksmiths.

2.3.1 The Dwarven Method
The dwarven method uses no magic in the creation. The metal alloy must be melted to a level only accomplishable in the best of dwarven forges. No other forges produce enough heat to thin the alloy enough for the required consistancy. After melting the metal, the liquid must be set into a mold. The mold itself must then remain at a temperature hot enough to keep it in a liquid state for an entire month. After the month has passed, the mold must be placed into a vat of the lighter part of durium (refer to - High Grade Dwarven Steel) at below freezing temperatures. This solidifies the ardentium alloy in a very short time period and the durium keeps it from snapping in the process. At this point you are left with an item of ardentium alloy that is in the desired shape.

From this point it is a simple matter of time. Being that it is so hard, it takes a long time to work with. Also, in the dwarven method only, the metal tends to warp slightly inwards at its weakest point for the first few months after its solidification. This means that constant effort must be put into the piece for a long period of time.

The complete process takes anywhere from ten to fifteen months (or even more) to complete, depending on the skill of the smith, the size and difficulty level of the object in question, and the amount of the smith's time per brightening that goes into the forging of the item. This is usually, however, closer to the fifteen months than the ten.

2.3.2 The Elven Method
Unlike the dwarven method, the elvish method creates the ardentium alloy through just as much an arcane method as sheer metal working prowess. Instead of melting the fresh ardentium alloy into a thin liquid, the metal is flooded with raw arcane energy. According to both my experience and my research all spheres, with the exception of ikos, have the ability to do this.

After a cycle or so of arcanically treating the metal, it becomes far easier to work with. It is now possible for the metal to be shaped by any master smith, though not without extreme difficulty, into the desired form. The metal still takes a good while to make, though about half that of the dwarven method.

There are, however, downsides to the elven method, all due to the arcane flooding of the metal. The final product can actually be detected through arcane means if you know what to look for, though it is only a glimer more than any other item. An archmage or even a master would have trouble with it, but adepts or lower would find this location near impossible. The second 'flaw' is that the metal is less receptive to enchantments. Though it is possible to enchant the elvish ardentium alloy and to the same level as the dwarven alloy, the process is much more difficult and quite a bit more time and energy dependant. It ends out being a tradeoff of pros and cons. The elvish method makes the metal easier to forge and far quicker to make, but has those mentioned side effects. Both, however, result in the same physical properties of the metal.

Section 3: SPECIAL MENTION

I feel it necessary to include some materials that, though they are not metal, are very similar in its use and often replace metal.

3.1 Obsidianite
In the great mountains, near the base of Aslan's forge, there is a basin. In this basin, molten lava frequently spurts out, leaving a black glassy crystalline substance by the name of obsidianite. This substance can be formed through a decrystalization and reforging process into pieces of armour. The resulting armour is extremely durable, denser and more than a little bit harder than ardentium, and nice enough to look at that you would almost think it was purely ornamental. As an added bonus, the crystal itself seems to be highly resistant to arcane damage. Now with something as good as this, it should normally be in high demand, but sadly there are drawbacks. First, the crystal is very heavy, even more so than high grade dwarven steel. In addition to being heavy, it is very hard to form. This means the only pieces that can be effectively made are breastplates as well as the occasional helmet, which can only be made by those very skilled in its manipulation. Also, because it is so hard to manipulate, each piece of armour is exactly that, one piece. This restricts movement significantly. In the end, due to the weight and restrictive movement, this metal substitute is primarily used for cavalry and heavy infantry units, and can only be effectively utilized by those who are exceptionally large and strong.

3.2 Amindolite
Found only in alternate planes of existence, any armor made of any substance not of this reality is called Amindolite Armor, regardless of the material from which it is fashioned. Amindolite Armor varies in its appearance, function and form, but one thing is quite certain - it functions differently in its own plane, and may function better, worse, or not at all within this plane. Some articles of clothing that are typically not associated with armor can be classified as having amindolite properties if they exude the same magical, extraplanar power.