Metals Most Marvellous_ Metals of the Forgotten Realms

8/14/2019 Metals Most Marvellous_ Metals of the Forgotten Realms

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Metals Most Marvellous: Metals of the Forgotten RealmsMarch 13, 2000 Edition 3.0Simon Gibbs


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References

:;%ungeon Masters Guide, T!R /ore Rules /< =.:, 4>>?

4;&mpires of the 'hining 'ea, )o&ed !et, !te+en !chend, T!R Inc, 4>>?=; (ity of )avens *luff, 9d 8reen$ood, T!R Inc, 4>>?@; Volo+s Guide to All Things Magical, b# 9d 8reen$ood and 9ric L. )o#d, 4>>A

0; The orth- Guide to the 'avage .rontier, !te+en !chend, 4>>AB;%row of the /nderdark, F'R=, b# 9d 8reen$ood, 4>>4A;%warves %eep, FR44, b# 9d 8reen$ood, 4>>:

C; Oriental Adventures, 8ar# 8#ga&, T!R Inc, 4>?B

?;Magic for *eginners, , b# 8regor# D. ;Always 0ear 1our *est 'uit, C:4=; &ncyclopedia *rittanica, 4>C:

4@; Mac4uarie %ictionary, Mac(uarie 6ni+ersit#, 4>>=

Internet Articles

40; 3lanar Metals, Internet article b# en Lipka and osh Rintamaki. great article, and a great siteGhttp1HHmaniac.deathstar.orgHkrlipkaHpsHJ, $hich pro+ided much inspiration.

4B; Metals of the )ealms, Rick /ross GbughunterKearthlink.netJ Realms-L posts. 7er# $ell $ritten pieces.

4A; (onstituents of Mundane 2istorical Alloys,


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War Metals of the Realms

Material #ailabilit! (ostote 1

eight#d4)stment

ote 2

#rmo)r #(bon)s

5e better

MagicE6)ialence

ea$onS$eed

#d4)stment

ea$on7o hit

#d4)stment#

Iron & Steels

Iron, Inferior!teel

/ommon &:.? 3=:O : : 34 :

!tandard !teel /ommon &4 : : : : :

Fine !teel 6ncommon &B-4: 4:O : : 4 34

!uperior !teel 6ncommon &B: =:O : : 4 34

Special Metals

randur 7er# Rare &B: : : 34 : :

/innabr#l !teel Rare &=: B:O : 34 : :


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E%$lanation of (ol)mns in ar Metals 7able:

=0; Weight AdjustmentPercentage of change from the object in steel a 3+e number indicates an increase in$eight.

=B; !ostMultipl# normal cost from P5) b# modifier. *ote that I ha+e set the prices +er# high, as the# aredesigned to parallel items of minor magic. If adjusting, then modif# LL the figures, not just one or t$o, so asto keep the s#stem intact.

=A; Availa"ilityaffects chance the# $ill be able in an# shopHto$nHcit#.=C; OriginDhere the metal is originall# from. long $ith magical e(ui+ilance it determines $hat creatures

can be harmed b# the $eapon.

=?; Magical EquivalenceDhat the $eapon is considered e(ual to for determining $hat creatures can beharmed.

=>; A!bonuses or penalties to armour class positi+e indicates bonus"e.g. 8old /hain Mail $ould beconsidered / > instead of /B".

@:; Weapon Speed Adjustment#$o %it#amage Adjustmentpositi+e numbers are bonuses. *o damage canbe reduced belo$ 4hpH5


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targets to be struck easier afford a bonus to hit" and cause greater damage afford a bonus to damage". These

bonuses are listed in the appropriate columns.

*tem Saing 7hros

This sa+ing thro$ represents an itemSs general abilit# to $ithstand the effects of an attack form and is rolled like a

characters sa+ing thro$.

Table modified from%ungeon Masters Guide/"

Item Acid !rushng

'lo(

isinteg

ration

)all Magical

)ire

*ormal

)ire

!old +ightng Elect

Metal 4@ C 4C @ A = = 4= =

!teel 4= A 4A auto B auto auto 44 auto

/omparin

g

0 4@ B auto 4A auto

!o, steel sa+es as metal $ith the follo$ing adjustmenst1 auto sa+e +s. fall, normal fire, cold, electricit# 34 +s all

others acid, crushing blo$, disintegration, magical fire, lightning".

*ote on Magic Item Saving $hro(s

ll magic items gain a 3= to item sa+es. Items $ith a plus a sword 78, for e&ample" gain that plus as a bonus to thedie roll. Magical items $ith no stated pluses should gain a bonus relati+e to their po$er. potion $ould ha+e a 34

$hile a miscellaneous magical item ma# ha+e a 3B or 3A. Further, if the sa+ing thro$ is +ersus an attack the de+ice

$as designed to counter e.g., e&treme cold +s. aring of warmth", an additional bonus of 3= is allo$ed. note this is

3B in


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g Maintenance oiled and polishing" slo$s o&idising greatl#.There are three rates of

full# o&idising metals unless other$ise noted, assume o&idising metals corrode at

the same rate as basic steels"1

@B; Slo(ly O,idisesforms a tarnish initiall# but, $ithout maintenance, full#o&idises o+er long time periods.

copper

@A; O,idises $ill start to corrodeHrust $ithin a tenda# if not maintained. steel

@C; -eadily O,idisesstarts to corrodeHrust $ithin a da# if not maintained. iron

In general, the less reacti+e the metal, the slo$er the rate of o&idation. *ote that metals found or mined in pure form

are generall# less reacti+e as the# ob+iousl# don%t o&idise easil# in nature", so are less prone to corrosion. Metals

found in ore form in chemical association $ith other materials" are more reacti+e and hence more prone to

corrosion. This fact is $hat estimates of corrosion rates for the purel# fantas# metals are based on.U

Basic Irons & Steels

*ron

Occurrence#Appearance

Iron is a +er# common metal, mined throughout the Realms and 6nderdark from large sedimentar# ore bodies

mostl# hematite and magnetite", from $hich the pure metal is smelted. Iron is tougher but more brittle than steel.

5o$e+er, hea+# bludgeoning $eapons such as maces" are traditionall# cast from iron. *ote that inerior grade

steelas ma# be used in poor and isolated human areas and amongst man# humanoid cultures" is treated as iron for

game purposes.

)eatures#/roperties

@?; Iron is a dark gre# metal $ith enough malleabilit# to be forged, cast or dra$n into all manner of objects.

@>; Iron is harder than copper, easil# tooled, and fairl# malleable $hen annealed cooled slo$l#". Dhen $ater-(uenched tempered" it becomes much stronger and more brittle.

0:; Lighter than copper, iron melts at a higher temperature than an# other common metal. Dhen heated untilred hot, iron becomes +er# malleable and some$hat ductile, and it usuall# $orked in this state. It can be coldforged and $orked b# a smith cold $orking takes place at up to about @:: degrees celsius".

04; Deapons grade iron costs the =:O less than the same grade of steel, although it $eighs =:O more.Deapons suffer a 34 penalt# to $eapon speed, unless the $eapon is usuall# made out of iron e.g. maces andsimilar )-t#pe $eapons".

0=; Iron $eapons are often cast into a sand or fired-cla# mold. Most iron $eapons ha+e their surfaces case-hardened b# cementation packing the iron object in charcoal in a closed furnace, then (uenching in $ater",

lea+ing the interior of the $eapon more fle&ible iron.

0@; !a+ing thro$s as !teel.00; /onductor of heat and electricit#, and is easil# magnetisable.0B; Iron can be enchanted normall#, ha+ing an affinit# for potent d$eomers and is used in spells and items

relating to force and strength. lchemists +alue iron for tis dominant nature, reatining its properties e+en $hen

mi&ed.0A; /old-forged iron $eapons are especiall# effecti+e against some fiends, being able to hit e+en those usuall#

re(uiring 2magic% $eapons to damage see indi+idual monster descriptions".

0C; Deapons of unallo#ed iron affect faerie creatures folk of the !eelie and 6nseelie /ourts" as sil+er affectsl#canthropes and causes an additional 4hp damage per hit".

0?;


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Iron readil# o&idises in all but the driest climates, starting to rust $ithin a da# if not kept oiled. Deapons and armour

need more fre(uent care than the e(ui+alent steel e(uipment brushing, oiling and sharpening".

+ore#0ses

Iron is the cheapest and most abundant, useful and important of all meatls. It forms the metallurgical base for all

ad+anced cultures on Toril 6nther and Mulhorand are still predominantl# bronEe users and iron is e&pensi+e in

MaEtica and some areas of ara-Tur". nnealed iron is used in a +ast range of utilitarian and e+er#da# objects suchas cook$are, fences, gratings, architecture". Tempered iron is used for some $eapons and armours, but more oftenfor nails, tools and horseshoes. It is combined $ith other metals to make different allo#s, most importantl# $ith

carbon to make steel.

;)r$)re

rare +ariet# of normal iron ore, it naturall# has a purple metallic sheen to it. This sheen is retained $hen purpure is

processed into steel. Purpure steel $eapons are the arms of choice for !$ord /oast nobilit# especiall# $hen refined

to fine (ualit# or superior grade". /ost is up to B times the e(ui+alent (ualit# steel, and seems more readil#enchantable 3BO" than normal steel. Purpure is mined from shallo$ deposits on some islands in the Trackless !ea

notabl# Toarbridge, Mintarn and on scattered *elanther isles". Modified from the Dhite


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Steel Standard Steel, Sordsteel

This is standard grade steel, the a+erage of $hat is found across the human lands of the realms, and used in most

areas that ha+e steel age technolog#" for $eapons and armour. 6se standard stats for $eight, cost, speed, etc. ofarmour and $eapons. !teel $eapons and armour are made b# careful case-hardening and subse(uent forging as $ell

as b# la#ering and $elding together steels of +ar#ing hardnesses, to produce hard #et durable items.

Fine Steel )alit! Steel

This is high grade ine steelthat either1

B@; comes from unusual or e&ceptionall# pure iron deposits, and ha+e undergone special refining and allo#ingprocesses, often $ith unusuall# pure carbon and using rare or secret amalgams, or

B0; has been $orked and crafted into (ualit# e(uipment b# e&ceptional craftsmen $ith more time, skill andcare than the a+erage smith.

Master craftsmanship 'R the highest (ualit# materials are the hallmarks of fine steel.

rms and armour made using fine steel b# e&pert craftsmen ha+e had more time spent in general tempering and

finishes, the balance of the $eapon or the cut and $orking of the mail or armour plates. Vualit# $eapons are

carefull# made to be perfectl# balanced, light in the hand, but hea+# in the blo$. )lades and sharp $eapons ma# be

forged from the finest steel for fle&ibilit# and sharpness the steel carefull# folded, hammered, and tempered to a

superb edge. 'ther $eapons are speciall# hardened, hammered and $eighted.

Items cost B4:& as much as normal steel.


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The best d$ar+en e(uipment is often of superior grade so man# e&perienced d$ar+en fighting folk $ill ha+e access

to superior items". The famed echo blades, made b# the d$ar+en artisans of the 5all of 9choes in the


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This is steel residue left after the 2depletion% of the metal-like cinnabr#l. Most famous on the $orld of M#stara, it is

found on Faerun in small (uantities of rough but (uite pure steel in the !hining !outh and 6tter 9ast perhaps

indicating that all natural cinnabr#l on Toril must ha+e deca#ed to red steel long ago". 5as a +ermillion deep red"

cast to the steel $hen $orked or tarnished, $hich can be shined to a blood red colour.

)eatures#/ropertiesA:; Red steel beha+es as normal steel, though onl# $eighs half as much, and can hit creatures that need 34 or

better to hit.

A4; small amount of pure cinnabr#l at least = ounces $orth" $orn ne&t to the skin, protects against harmfulcurses 3= on sa+es, though it deca#s a$a# at a rate of X ounce each time a curse sa+e is called for".

A=; /innabr#l steel resists enchantments, e&cept those specificall# increasing its combat abilities. Thus its onl#magical application is for $eaponr#.

!orrosionTarnishes-

+ore#0ses

Most often forged into $eapons, to make use of its special proporties. 9+il and militant folk of the south are kno$n

to prefer red steel because of its sheen that is the colour of blood and so has a potential to strike fear into the heartsof their foes".

/ar'steel

from Volo+s Guide to All Things Magicaland FR44%warves %eep"


This is a rare steel allo# $hose composition and refining $as a secret of the lost Ironstar d$ar+en clan. The allo# is

sil+er# in hue $hen polished or cut, but its e&posed surfaces ha+e a deep, gleaming purple lustre, and reputedl#almost as hard as adamantite. /an can found rarel# as ingots from old treasures chambers or old d$ar+en mines, or

alread# forged into $eapons and armour. The secret of its composition and manufacture seems as lost as the

Ironstars themsel+es.

)eatures#/roperties

A@; Item sa+ing thro$s as !teel 3= 30 +s lightning".

A0;


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/lar)n

from Volo+s Guide to All Things Magical"


This bone-$hite metal can take a high polish and is often mistaken for i+or# $hen seen in finished items, but it has a

distincti+e greenish sheen in candlelight and $hen in the presence of magical radiances.


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8lassteel is e&pensi+e as onl# po$erful $iEards can produce it. The small amounts a+ailable are generall# used for a

+ariet# of laborator# e(uipment, $indo$s in $ealth# +illas or spelljamming +essels, or for an e&otic-looking

$eapon or armour suit. The e&ceptionall# rare $inged el+es the +ariel" priEe glassteel, using it for much of their

armour# and architecture $hich suggests the# ha+e an alternati+e suppl# or means of manufacture".

Meteoric *ron Starmetal


This metal is onl# found on the Prime Material and e+en then is rare at best. It is forged from ore garnered from

meteors that ha+e fallen to Toril%s surface. It cannot be har+ested from amongst the rocks of space because it is the

process of entering the atmosphere that gi+es starmetal its special properties. !tarmetal appears as a +er# dull, dark

form of normal iron.

)eatures#/roperties

C@; It suffers from the same $eight penalt# as normal iron. Items made of Meteoric Iron $eigh =:O more andcost 4::& as much.

C0; Deapons gain a 34 to hit bonus, do 34hp damage, but suffer a 4 penalt# to speed, and ha+e the abilit# to

strike creatures $hich normall# re(uire 34 magical $eapons to harm them. rmour gains a 34 bonus.CB; 'bjects made of starmetal sa+e as !teel 34.CA; Items can be enchanted normall#.

!orrosion*on-

Meteoric Iron is dull and can sustain little shine. *e+ertheless its origin, and the changes brought about b# its

passage through the atmosphere, make it immune to normal corrosion.

+ore#0ses

6suall# used to produce $eapons and armour. Meteoric iron is considered hol# b# a number of faiths, especiall# the

churches of !elune, !har, !hargaas, !ehanine and /orellon.

Mithril Mithral, 7r)emetal, Moonsteel

from Volo+s Guide to All Things Magicaland FR44%warves %eep"


Mithril is a pure, sil+er#-blue, shining metal especiall# priEed b# el+es and d$ar+es $ho call it truemetal", and $ho

are both e&pert in smelting pure mithril from its glittering, soft sil+er#-black ore. This rare metal is found in +er#

small deposits all o+er Faerun from the depths of the 6nderdark to surface rocks", particularl# in the easternmost

!$ord /oast northlands.

)eatures#/roperties

CC; Mithril is the lightest and most supple of metals hard enough to be used in the making of armour. It is

astonishingl# resilient durable and fle&ible under stress". Items made of mithril $eigh =BO less. Deapons gain a3= hit bonus and 34hp damage rmour gains a 34 bonus. dditionall#, $eapons made of mithril ha+e the abilit#

to strike creatures $hich normall# re(uire 3= $eapons to harm them, and $ill affect creatures +ulnerable to

sil+er.

C?; !a+ing thro$s as !teel 34 3B +s crushing blo$".C>; gainst magical attacks, it has an unpredictable nature1 $hen magic contacts a substantial amount of

mithril basicall# an armour suit or more" it is altered B:O of the time1 gi+ing a 3 4 sa+ing thro$ bonus or

lessening damage done b# the magic b# 4 point per die to to beings +er# nearb# in other $ords, the $earer of

mithril armour". The result more fa+orable to the mithril $earer should be chosen.

Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms 4=


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?:; /an be enchanted to make the most po$erful of items.

?4; Items of mithril often glimmer slightl# in the presence of moonlight.

!orrosion*on-

7er# resistant to corrosion.

+ore#0ses

Mithril is one of the most treasured metals in the Realms, both for its e&cellent combat performance and because it

affects creatures as sil+er. 9l+es hoard mithril using it in the making of most of their magic arms and armours", and

tr# to control areas $here it occurs.


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!olbar is an allo# of sil+er, steel and se+eral reagents. It is produced in tin# (uantities b# se+eral skilled metallurgists

in the !hining !ea region of south$estern Faerun, though kno$ledge of its refining $as more common during the

ge of !hoon. It is noted for its light blue-gre# sheen that ne+er tarnishes, and is often mistaken for electrum $hich

is brighter and more blue".

)eatures#/roperties

?0; Functionall# the same as steel. /osts up to ten times normal steel.?B; Item sa+ing thro$s as steel 34 +s lightning".?A; !olbar accepts enchantments as normal steel but readil# accepts enchantments dealing $ith electricit# or

lightning 34BO" and is used in some related alchemical preparations.

!orrosion*on-

+ore#0ses

It is said to be preferred b# southern mages $hen producing magic items, especiall# rings it $as of old often seen in

the famed !hoonrings" and items dealing $ith electricit# or lightning. In $eapons and armours, it corresponds to

normal steel, $hile maintaining its untarnishable nature.

7itani)m /)rang


Titanium is a lustrous $hite metal. Titanium is mined from igneous ore bodies, from the minerals ilmenite, rutile and

sphene. ; Items of allo#ed titanium are e(ui+alent to fine steel.>:; Titanium is readil# enchanted 3BO to item creation rolls".

!orrosion*on- to tarnishes

Titanium is kno$n for its e&cellent resistance to sea $ater.

+ore#0ses

Titanium is principall# used in a range of allo#s to impart strength, and is priEed in $eapons grade steels. Items of

pure titanium are used $hen heat resistance is re(uired.

7)ngsten


Tungsten is a steel gre# to tin-$hite metal. It is rare in nature, being mined from tin# deposits of $olframite ore in

the nothern mountains and adjoining 6nderdark. Its $orkabilit# decreases $ith impurit#, so at present onl# d$ar+es

possess the metallurg# skills to purif# the metal sufficientl# to put it to good use and $ho feel akin to its

enchantment-resisting propert#". This pure tungsten is referred to a essential or true tungsten.

)eatures#/roperties

>4; Tungsten has the highest melting point of all normal metals, and is as hea+# as gold almost three timesiron". It can onl# be $orked in the hottest of forges, usuall# either magicall# heated or those $ith access to

geothermal +ents magma is the most efficient heat source".

Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms 40


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>=; Items of true tungsten make sa+ing thro$s as !teel 4 +s. crushing blo$s, 34 +s. acid, 3@ +s. fire".

>@; Items of true tungsten though annealed the increase durabilit# and toughness" can be considered to beha+elike meteoric iron, but $eigh t$ice as much as the e(ui+alent amount of steel.

>0; Tungsten resists enchantments and is not used in magic rituals.

!orrosionTarnishes

+ore#0ses

Tungsten is used in small (uantities in special allo#s to produce the hardest tool steels kno$n, and $hich ha+e

e&cellent heat resistance. If of sufficient purit#, this true tungsten can be used for making items of e&treme toughness

and heat resistance, such as $eapons, armour and forge tools. Tantalum a gre#, hea+# and +er# hard metal that is

difficult to e&tract from its parent ore" can be considered to act the same as tungsten.

>arda?il

from Volo+s Guide to All Things Magical"


This rare, durable, amber-to-red ferromagnetic metal is thus far, at least" found onl# in mountains and del+es

around the Lake of !team particularl# near !aelmur" and in certain sand-scoured fissures in the heart of Raurin. It is

a +er# soft metal, and because of this is ne+er used in pure form, but rather allo#ed or used to sheath other metals. It

can be added to other metals in perfect bondings, apparentl# +anishing into them in allo#s that assuming all the

properties of the other metal.

)eatures#/roperties

Dhen added to other metals the resultant allo# has all the properties of other metal note that it cannot be added to

an e&isting allo#, like steel, but onl# other pure metals".

llo#s of EardaEil gain one additional beneficial propert#1 the abilit# of an# item partiall# or $holl# composed of it

to bod# phase $ith the first being $hose blood it spills. Dhen a EardaEil blade $ounds its first creature, it ine&orabl#

begins a spell-like internal alteration that takes a full turn though it can be used normall# during that time and does

not look or feel an# different". t the end of that turn, the EardaEil $eapon beha+es as it has al$a#s done for and to

all other beings in Faerun, but it cannot e+er harm the being it first $ounded again. Instead, the $eapon passesthrough the bod# of that being harmlessl#, as though the bod# is not present, in a manner similar to, but not e&actl#

like, an ironguardspell see FR0 The Magisteror3ages from the Mages". !uch $oundings are often done

deliberatel# to enable a being to carr# a concealed $eapon1 The $eapon is simpl# slid into the bod# and carried

internall# until needed, $hereuponY$ithout bloodshed or internal damageYit is plucked forth for use. 6sed b#

se+eral Daterdha+ian noble ladies in recent #ears to defend themsel+es against attackers it is suspected that

rdrethra Laurindar, a professional sla#er $ho has posed as an e+ening escort in /alimport and Destgate to gain

access to her targets, also emplo#s such a $eapon.

s long as at least a (uarter of the $eapon allo# is EardaEil, the entire $eapon enters a state of bod# phase1 It is able

to coe&ist $ith the bod# it is linked to, and out of the reach of all magics such as heat metal, enlarge, or other spells

that spell casters ma# attempt to appl# to do harm to the $eapon carrier. This causes it to fall right through the bod#of the carrier unless a nonmetal part of the $eapon is present. 6suall# a leather hilt grip or a loop of cord strung

through a hole in the pommel is used to pre+ent this. The $eapon hangs, s$inging freel# inside the bod#, from this

nonmetal part, so the part is usuall# fastened to an anchor on bod# armour or a harness in the shoulder area.

The presence of a bod#-phased EardaEil blade does not affect the bod# containing it in an# $a# $eight, bodil#processes, spells cast on the person, and so on are all unchanged. The blade mo+es $ith the bod# if magic or

ph#sical actions cause the bod# to tele port, change planes, and the like, but is itself lboth metal and pro truding

nonmetal portions" unaffected b# magic" e+en $hen this causes it to part compan# $ith the bod# it is linked to.

)lood, poi sons, and other contaminants a blade might ha+e ac(uired $hile in use are not communicated to the bod#

Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms 4B


16/52

$hen the blade is slid back home it is in bod# phase rather than being in direct contact $ith organs, bones, and

flesh.

*ote that a EardaEil blade does not pass through clothing $ith is all-metal and contains EardaEil, so a s$ordpoint that

might hap pen to protrude from a t++isting or bending bod# need not be unco+ered and dangerous. 9&cept b# such

an emergence, a EardaEil blade in bod# phase does not betra# its presence in an# $a#, including to magical scr#ing

or metal detection. Multiple nonmetal anchors, such as leather thongs tied to fine chains affi&ed to the top andbottom of a sheath and incorporated into e&ternal garments could $ell pre+ent unintended e&posures of EardaEil$eapons. !ome anchors ha+e been cle+erl# $o+en into long hair or other$ise concealed so that seemingl#

defenseless prisoners ha+e surprised their captors b# producing $eapons. 9&cept $here the special propert# of

EardaEil comes into pla#, items containing EardaEil make all sa+ing thro$s as the metal the EardaEil is bonded $ith.

!orrosion!ame as the metal it is allo#ed to.

+ore#0ses


17/52

smith to create an adamantine $ork ane$. B; damant is one of the hardest substances kno$n on Toril, but it is also brittle. s$ord made of adamantcould slice through most metals, but $ould snap off if struck b# another blade or e+en a smartl# $ielded $ooden

cudgel. It sees use in Faerun onl# in d$ar+en e&perimentations and in st#luses used to etch metal $ith names,strike chased ornamentation, and imprint inscriptions. !uch a st#lus shatters if dropped to the floor, though the

chips can be used to scratch things.

>A; damant is $orth fi+e times its $eight in gold and takes enchantments readil#. !ome d$ar+es ha+e $orkedtogether $ith human $iEards to make adamant plate armour bound about $ith enchantments so that $hen it

shatters, the pieces hang together around the $earer, pro+iding some albeit fla$ed" protection.

>C; Items made primaril# of adamantautomaticall# succeed in all item sa+ing thro$s +s. normal fire, cold,and electricit#. The# recei+e a 3 A bonus to all item sa+ing thro$s +s. magical fire and a 30 bonus to all item

sa+ing thro$s +s. acid, disintegration, and lightning. 6nless items are enchanted to compensate for adamantSs

brittle nature, ho$e+er, the# recei+e a -0 penalt# on all item sa+ing thro$s +s. crushing blo$ and fall. damant

shields against all fire and heat, magical or nonmagical, that it comes in contact $ith, so a $earer of adamant

armour can stride through a small fire one $hich still allo$s him the use of some ogen to breathe" unscathed

and e+en emerge from a fireball blast suffering onl# 4dA points of damage from fier# damage to e&posed areas.

>?; Items made primaril# of adamantinesa+e as !teel 3@.>>; $eighs CBO as much as steel4::; easil# takes the most po$erful of enchantments.

!orrosion*on-

+ore#0ses

6sed mainl# for armour and $eaponr#, to make the most of its properties of incredible strength and e&traordinar#

resilience.

@ersion 2 SimonBs modifications

#damant

!uperior to and rarer e+en than mithril, this is the most po$erful of the metals found on the Prime. Its natural form is

onl# found $ithin the depths of the 6nderdark and as such, is usuall# onl# found in the hands of those $ho li+e deep

underground. )ecause of its rarit# it is highl# priEed, and the small deposits are jealousl# guarded, mostl# b# dro$

and duergar. It is a hard, jet black ferromagnetic ore found around hardened +olcanic flo$s and is refined b#

e&acting and largel# secret methods into one of t$o allo#s1 the dark, fle&ible adamantine adamantium if of

insufficient purit#" and the durable but difficult-to-$ork adamantite. )oth are in+ariabl# dull black, and $ill not

normall# shine. If hea+il# honed or polished the allo#s ha+e a soft green sheen.

#damantite

From FR44%warves %eep"

damantite allo# is second to none in terms of strength, hardness and durabilit#. fe$ clans of deep-del+ing

d$ar+es mine rare deposits of adamant and laboriousl# refine it using secret methods into adamantite, creating

might# $eapons and armour to aid their desperate conflict against the fell races of the 6nderdark. The fe$

adamantite-allo# items that e&ist on the surface $orld are almost certainl# d$arf-made.

Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms 4C


18/52

Items made from adamantite $eigh =BO less and cost B::& normal. Deapons gain 3@ to hit and 34hp damage

armour gains a 3= bonus. Deapons are able to affect creatures re(uiring 3@ enchantments to harm.

damantite takes far longer to smelt $ith the rare allo#ing materials, and man# times longer to $ork than other

steels d$ar+es sa# this is $h# the laE# dro$ short-cut the process b# irradiating adamant into adamantine instead of

manuall# $orking the adamant into adamantite".

#damantine /ro Steel

from%row of the /nderdark, p.??"


19/52

4B:& more than normal. Deapons gain a 34 to hit and 34hp damage rmour gains a 34 bonus. Items count as 34

magical $eapons and sa+e as !teel 34.

)eatures#/roperties o all adamant alloys

4:4; damant and its allo#s are among the hardest substances kno$n on Toril. damant itself is also brittle, somuch so that it must be allo#ed to produce effecti+e combat e(uipment.

4:=; damant and its allo#s $eigh about =BO less than steel and readil# take the most po$erful ofenchantments.

4:@; Items made primaril# of adamant automaticall# succeed in all item sa+ing thro$s +s. normal fire, cold,and electricit#. The# recei+e a 3 A bonus to all item sa+ing thro$s +s. magical fire and a 30 bonus to all item

sa+ing thro$s +s. acid, disintegration, and lightning. 6nless items are enchanted to compensate for adamantSsbrittle nature, ho$e+er, the# recei+e a -0 penalt# on all item sa+ing thro$s +s. crushing blo$ and fall. damant

shields against all fire and heat, magical or nonmagical, that it comes in contact $ith, so a $earer of adamant

armour can stride through a small fire one $hich still allo$s him the use of some ogen to breathe" unscathed

and e+en emerge from a fireball blast suffering onl# 4dA points of damage from fier# damage to e&posed areas.

4:0; Items made primaril# of adamantite alloysa+es as !teel 3@. damantine items sa+e as !teel 34 to 3B,depending on their degree of irradiation and enchantment see abo+e". damantium sa+es as !teel 34.

!orrosion*on-

+ore#0ses

6sed mainl# for armour and $eaponr#, to make the most of its properties of incredible strength and e&traordinar#resilience.

Cther Metals and #llo!s

#ntimon!

brittle, lustrous $hite metal occurs in nature as pure metal or as a steaked sil+er# cr#stalline ore, stibnite. Found in

+eins and hot spring deposits, or as a b#-product of lead-Einc and mercur# mines. The ore must be smelted to obtain

pure antimon#, $hich is then used in a +ariet# of allo#s most importantl#, it is mi&ed $ith tin and lead to makepe$ter", metal treatments and paints, and in alchemical mi&tures especiall# associated $ith medicines and $eaker

poisons".

#rsenic

Pure arsenic is a steel gre#, +er# brittle, cr#stalline, semi-metallic solid. 6suall# found in an ore form called realgar

a orange-red mineral" and as orpiment a canar# #ello$ ore", associated $ith sil+er and lead ores, and sometimes

$ith tin ores. *ot mined specificall#, it is a b#-product of sil+er, lead and Einc mining. rsenic is used in medicines,

paints and as a +irulent poison.

Drass


)rass is a durable though some$hat brittle #ello$ allo#, consisting essentiall# of copper and smaller amounts of

Einc up to @:O". !ee ppendi& @ for details of +arious brass allo#s.

)eatures#/roperties

4:B; Malleable and some$hat, it can be dra$n into $ire onl# $ith difficult#, so is usall# beaten into plates.

Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms 4>


20/52

4:A; !a+ing thro$s as Metal.

4:C; /an be enchanted normall# readil# takes enchantments dealing $ith fire".

!orrosionTarnishes

+ore#0ses

)rass has a long association, and is most popular, in cultures right across southern Faerun, the !hining !ea lands andZakhara. 5ere it is $idel# used in utilit# $ares especiall# pots, plates, bo$ls and braEiers", architectural

ornamentation, furniture and ceremonial objects. It is popularl# used throughout the Realms for funnel-shaped

musical instruments horns". It is rarel# used in $eaponr#, but some armour plates ma# be constructed of beaten

brass more for looks than effecti+eness", such as that of the cit# $atch of ZaEesspur in Teth#r kno$n collo(uiall#as the*lue and *rass".

'richalcum is a distincti+e red-orange brass, that is occasionall# found in pure form in small deposits in themountains of the Tashalar. 7alued in 6nther and Mulhorand for millenia for use in religious rituals and the

decoration of temples. These realms ha+e traditionall# hoarded both the material, and the secret of its making.

6nlike most brass it is non-corrosi+e though not as stable as gold".

Dron?e


reddish to dark gold coloured metal allo# made from copper and tin see ppendi& @", bronEe is an attracti+e

metal but still inferior to common iron and steel. Like copper, bronEe is beautiful $hen cared for properl#. 9as# to

emboss $ith crests or insignia, $ell-$orked bronEe shines like gold and can be polished to the sheen of a mirror.

)eatures#/roperties

4:?; Items made of )ronEe cost :.?& that of !teel, but $eigh the same. rmour suffers a 4 penalt#.4:>; Dhile functionall# similar to steel, it is a softer metal. !a+ing thro$s as Metal.44:; It can be enchanted normall#.

!orrosionTarnishes

!ubject to some o&idation $hich gi+es a protecti+e dull patina. 'bjects are usuall# not oiled, the patina gi+ing

ade(uate protection once it is de+eloped.

+ore#0ses

!ome cultures especiall# in the 'ld 9mpires region" use bronEe e&tensi+el# due to its greater a+ailabilit# and

cheaper cost than steel. It $as once used throughout southern and eastern Faerun for $eapons and armour, before the

$idespread adoption of steel. )ronEe plate armour pieces are still used b# cultures $ho do not use steel on a da#-to-da# militar# basis such as 6nther and Mulhorand". These cultures ha+e de+eloped the skill of forging bronEe into a

high art, making armour that looks like gold but $ears like steel. The softer metal is often $orked into a decorati+e

design. Toda#, bronEe is man# used for statuar#, je$eller# and ornamental objects. s the earliest allo# de+eloped b#

man# cultures and so the first metal suitable for man# craft and militar# uses", it has a special place in man#

popular lore, and so features in the ceremonies of man# older religious faiths.

(hromi)m


/hromium is refined from chromite, a rare ore mined from $idel# scattered deposits in 7aasa, /alimshan, ara-Tur,

near 9asting, and in some mostl# d$ar+en-held" areas of the 6nderdark.

Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms =:


21/52

)eatures#/roperties

444; /hromium is a steel gre#, lustrous, hard metal that polishes to a mirror-like finish.44=; !lightl# lighter than iron, it is +er# hard and brittle.

44@; Items made of pure chromium act as standard steel, but sa+e as Metal.440; /hromium is sometimes used in the casting of preser+ation and light spells.

!orrosion*on- to Tarnishes.

!teels made $ith chromium are considered [stainless\, and can be used e+en in salt$ater.

+ore#0ses

/hromium is seldom used in pure form, due to its rarit# and cost and because it is so beneficial $hen allo#ed $ith

other metals. /hromium is primaril# used in p#rochrome form fired $ith carbon" to harden and gi+e corrosion

resistance to allo#s, especiall# steels. It is thought to be a principle component in the e+erbright process. It is alsoused to colour glass gi+ing a distincti+e green".

(o$$er


Found in most t#pes of rocks and ore +eins, the copper-bearing rocks often ha+e a green colouration due to copper

presence it is occasionall# found in pure form". /opper is mined throughout the Realms, but most especiall# in the

!outh. In metal form, it has a distincti+e pinkish or red-gold sheen.

)eatures#/roperties

44B; /opper is a +er# soft and malleable metal. It is about as hea+# as iron but more resistant to corrosion./opper is an e&cellent conductor of heat and electricit# second onl# to sil+er".

44A; /opper is too soft to be used for $eapons and armour, unless it is allo#ed $ith small amounts of tin andEinc, and possibl# nickel and sil+er, see ppendi& @". !uch items sa+e as Metal 4.

44C; n# $eapon forged from copper allo# $ill break if it makes a natural to-hit roll of 4 or a = if #ou usecritical misses on a roll of 4" and does 4hp less damage. Like$ise, copper armour is not as protecti+e =/$orse", but $eighs onl# CBO as much as the e(ui+alent steel armour.

44?; It can be enchanted normall#. /opper is a $ell kno$n magical purifier and neutralising agent $iEard andpriests seeking to $ork $ith a substance or item not suited to their purpose can make the offending item usableb# adding at least half the itemSs $eight of copper to the item". The touch of o&idising copper is thought is ease

the bone ache of old age arthritis", and copper bracelets or torcs are commonl# $orn b# older folk throughout

the Realms, especiall# those d$elling in cold, moist climates. Philters of lo+e often include tinctures or salts of

copper. In /orm#r, lo+e charms and betrothal gifts incorporate pure copper as a tasteful in+itation or memento

to ph#sical intimac# bet$een the gi+er and recipient. Prostitutes, dilettantes, Lliirans and !unites $ear copper

je$eller# as a s#mbol of passion.

!orrosion!lo$l# '&idises

/opper tarnishes (uickl#, so copper items re(uire regular upkeep to retain its sheen. It then o&idises slo$l# to a dull

bro$n, or in humid or polluted conditions, to and green-blue +erdigris". Items must be oiled and polished to keep

them from o&idising.

+ore#0ses

'ne of the first metals to be used in the making of armour, $eapons, and +arious other utensils, copper is a relati+el#soft metal compared to iron. Toda# copper is mainl# used for utilit# $ares, je$eller#, ceremonial objects, in magical

and alchemical e&perimentation, and as a base metal allo#ed $ith tin to make bronEe or $ith Einc to make brass".8old and sil+er is often allo#ed $ith a small amount of copper to increase their durabilit# and stain resistance. It is

also used for plumbing and tubing, roofing, $ire, tanning and as a spell component.

Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms =4


22/52

Electr)m

/an rarel# found in pure form notabl# in deep mines in the southern realm of 5alruaa", but more often man-made

as an allo# of gold A:O", sil+er 4BO", copper 4BO" and Einc 4:O". )oth forms ha+e a distinct metallic blue

sheen, though nati+e pure" electrum is considered more +aluable. Items of electrum sa+e as Metal. Most electrum

produced is used for coinage or in art$ork and decoration, highlighting its bluish hue.

Gold


distincti+e soft, dull #ello$ metal. Found as a pure metal in rock se(uences associated $ith (uartE and p#rite, and

in allu+ium especiall# as nuggets in ri+er beds". 'ccurs in +eins, sometimes associated $ith sil+er and $ith copper

ores. /an be a b#-product of copper smelting. Mined throughout the Realms, especiall# in the !outh and east.

)eatures#/roperties

44>; The softest, most malleable and ductile of $orkable metals, gold items sa+e as Metal =. 8old is usuall#allo#ed $ith copper, sil+er, Einc, nickel or palladium, see ppendi& @" to impro+e its durabilit# and possibl#

other properties such as colour.

4=:; Pure gold is too soft and hea+# to be used for making armour or $eaponr#. 'ccasionall# $ar e(uipment ismade of gold allo# b# austentatious nobilit#. Items made of gold allo# $eigh 4::O more. ! and P-t#pe $eapons

do =hp less damage and suffer a 3= penalt# to $eapon speed rmour suffers a 0 penalt#.

4=4; 7er# good conductor of heat and electricit#.

4==; 8old has the important abilit# to hold multiple enchantments e+en conflicting ones" and keep them fromaffecting each other or the stabilit# of the gold-adorned item.

!orrosion*on-

+ore#0ses

The most reno$ned and traditional of precious metals, gold is normall# used in je$eller#, art objects, cermonialitems and in coinage.


23/52

ore". It is harder than sil+er and softer than steel, though is rigid enough to support substantial $eights. Refining the

metal is a process kno$n onl# to a fe$ mages, metallurgists and smiths of 5alruaa hence the name of the metal".

)eatures#/roperties

4=@; 5alrulite is as strong as steel in pure tension and compression, but neither as hard nor tough cannot$ithstand the impact of combat as $ell". It $eighs =BO less than steel.

4=0; Functionall# the same as bronEe $hen used in $eapons and armour.4=B; !a+ing thro$s as Metal sa+es +s fire and magical fires is 3= if the metal fails it $ill not melt but be badl#

deformed".

4=A; 5alrulite is seldom used in magic research, and does not take enchantments $ell 4:O to item creationrolls". It is a good heat conductor, is non-magnetic and non-sparking.

!orrosionTarnishes

5alrulite tarnishes to a flat sil+er#-$hite, $hich is then resistant to further corrosion. 5alrulite is more resistant to

corrosion than most metals in humid climates such as $ould be found along the southern coast of Faerun".

+ore#0ses

6sed mainl# in 5alruaa for components re(uiring rigidit#, rust resistance and light $eight. /ommonl# load-bearing

sheets, bars and rods are made of halrulite, used in intricate machines and for +ehicle frames. 8ondsmen fromLantan are constantl# attempting to disco+er or steal" the formula and refining techni(ues for halrulite. 5alrulite

e(uates to something like a tougher +ersion of 9arth%s aluminium.U

8i?ag'))r

from Volo+s Guide to All Things Magical FR44%warves %eep"


This e&tremel# rare $hite metal is named for its long-ago d$arf disco+erer and is found onl# in scattered, but +er#

rich, deposits deep in the 6nderdark as a soft, greenish-gra# cla#like ore or a flak# mud. Its preparation is comple&,

re(uiring man# smeltings, and is a secret kno$n onl# to a +er# fe$ senior d$ar+en smiths and elders If e+en a

single element of the process is $rong, the hiEagkuur remains mud and not a usable metal.

If successfull# transformed into a metal, hiEagkuur must be cast, $orked, or forged into final form $ithin a da# and

thereafter can ne+er be $orked again. If an item made of hiEagkuur is broken, onl# magical mendings accomplished

b# limited $ish or $ish spells can repair it." If hiEagkuur is left untouched for that =0 hours, it becomes inert and

un$orkable unless either a $ish or limited $ish is cast and properl# $orded to allo$ a second chance at $orking it.

)eatures#/roperties

4=C; 6sed pure, cannot be allo#ed $ith other metals.4=?; *ot used in $eapons or armours, as it is too soft and is as dense as gold.4=>; 5iEagkuur is unsuitable for use in the crafting of magical items or items that are to be $orn because once it

has cooled and hardened after being $orked, it reflects all magic cast at it 4::O back at the source. It also deals=dl= points of electrical damage per touch or per round of continued contact" to all beings coming into contact

$ith it.

4@:; Items made primaril# of hiEagkuur automaticall# succeed in all item sa+ing thro$s +s. normal fire, cold,and electricit#. The# recei+e a 3A bonus to all item sa+ing thro$s +s. magical fire and lightning and a 3 4 bonus

to all item sa+ing thro$s +s. acid, crushing blo$, fall, and disintegration.

!orrosion*on-

+ore#0ses

Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms =@


24/52


25/52

!orrosionTarnishes.

+ore#0ses

!mall amounts of magnesium is added to Einc, steel and halrulite to aid their $orkabilit#. Magnesium is an

important ingredient used in p#rotechnics crackers, sparklers and flash po$der used b# performers in the fire$orks

of ara-Tur, and possibl# in 8ondian smokepo$der". It is also used in paints and some alchemical formulations.

Manganese

Manganese is a light, brittle, hard gre# metal found in ore form in nodules all o+er the beds of Toril%s seas. It is

har+ested b# undersea races, and some is sold to surface traders. 8nomes also mine some manganese from

p#rolusite ore. Manganese is added to steel and bronEe, and sometimes *ickel-sil+er, for $orkabilit# and impact

strength. Manganese steels are used for thin-bladed $eapons, armour plating and plo$shares. Manganese bronEes

are duller than pure bronEe, but are stronger items e(uate to iron". Manganese has no effect on corrosion resistance

of the metal.

Mol!bden)m


Mol#bdenum is a +er# hard $hite metal, found in natural state as an ore associated $ith some granites and

pegmatites. The ore also called blue-lead flo$er occurs as SrosetteS shaped cristals. It is mined in small deposits,

sometimes associated $ith Einc or copper deposits.)eatures#/roperties

40:; Mol#bdenum is brittle and +er# hard, and has a +er# high melting point.404; Items of Mol#bdenum can be considered to beha+e like nickel see belo$", and make sa+ing thro$s as

!teel 4 +s. crushing blo$s, 3@ +s. fire".

40=; Mol#bdenum has a fe$ magical uses ser+ing in spells and items designed to resist heat".

!orrosion'&idises

+ore#0ses

Mol#bdenum is used to impro+e the hardenabilit# and toughness of (uenched and tempered steel. !uch steels are

capable of $ithstanding high temperatures and abrasion, to be used in facing for machiner# parts. Priests of 8ond

and d$ar+es ha+e found that Mol#bdenum ore mi&ed $ith greases increase the resistance to heat of mo+ing

machiner# parts.

Morda')r ()rse=bearer, /oomroc'


*ame gi+en t#pe b# d$ar+es and gnomes to a dark bro$n and #ello$ banded rock and also a dark gre# sil+er# ore

these t$o ores are often associated". !ometimes associated $ith rich sedimentar# gold deposits.

)eatures#/roperties

40@; The ore has similar characteristics to iron ore. Dhen refined Mordakur beha+es similarl# to steel, but issome$hat lighter =BO" and is coloured like dull gold. !a+ing thro$s as steel.

400; Its abilit# to be enchanted is not kno$n.40B; Mordakur is considered 2cursed% as it supposedl# causes a debilitating disease after a period of contact

treat as continual cause diseaseeffect1 sa+e +s. poison 4Hda# or suffer mummy rot".

Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms =B


26/52

!orrosion'&idises

+ore#0ses

Mordakur has a cursed reputation amongst miners, supposedl# causing a $asting disease $ith effects not unlike

mummy rot. The s#mptoms are frightening and onl# po$erful magical healing or supplications to the gods can cure a

miner e&posed to the metallic ore. Its association $ith some rich gold underground deposits is $ell remembered and

feared in the annals of d$ar+en histor#. !ome daring d$ar+en and gnomish smiths ha+e tried to refine the ore, butonl# to get a more potent cursed metal that kills its bearer $ith gruesome effect $ithin a tenda#. It is reputed to berefined and cast into fell $eapons that can confer upon those hit the debilitating curse" b# some darker 6nderdark

races.

ic'el


*ickel is a hard, sil+er# $hite, ductile and malleable metal, $hich can be polished to a lustrous finish. It is mined in

scattered deposits throughout Faerun, ara-Tur and the 6nderdark in conjunction $ith copper deposits, and refined

from its ore form, niccolite. Meteoric iron contains small amounts B=:O" pure nickel, $hich contributes much of

its hardness and corrosion resistence.

)eatures#/roperties

40A; Though hard, nickel is rarel# used as $eaponsHarmours, being too brittle to $ithstand the impact shock ofcombat. If a pure nickel $eapon is used against an armoured opponent, it must sa+es +s crushing blo$ on e+er#

successful strike or break. 6sed against unarmoured opponents or for monsters of base /> or less, before

bonuses" the $eapon has no modification to hit. rmour of nickel must sa+e +s crushing blo$ on e+er#

successful strike or small pieces $ill chip or snap off 4/ per sa+e failed".

40C; !a+ing thro$s as Metal. *ickel $ithstands acids better than most metals 3= on sa+es", and is unaffected b#so+ereign glue.

40?; *ickel is easil# magnetised.

40>; *ickel allo#s easil# $ith man# other metals, conferring on those metals some of its corrosion resistance,malleabilit# and ductilit#. *ickel-plated steel does not a sharp edge $ell, ho$e+er, so it is usuall# used in thin

piercing $eapons like rapiers and stilettoes.

4B:; *ickel can be enchanted normall#. It can be combined in small (uantities" $ith man# other metals $ithoutaffecting the other metals properties $ith regards to magic. It is used in alchemical preparations and spell rituals

dealing $ith preser+ation and abjuration.

!orrosion*on-

*on-corroding in pure state. Dhen allo#ed to other metals it has a small beneficial effect on that metals corrosion

resistance.

+ore#0ses

*ickel is mainl# used in making allo#s, to add hardness and durabilit# to soft, malleable metals. )# far its major use

in the Realms is in coinage, $here the nickel is added to copper, sil+er, gold or platinum to increase their $ear

resistance and to lo$er cost". *ickel is also used b# d$ar+es in some metal treatments, especiall# those in+ol+ingharnessed electricit# electroplating". In the 6nderdark, it is used as coinage in pure form. In southern Faerun,

gnomish communities control man# nickel deposits.

ic'el=siler False Siler, Sem$har Siler


Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms =A


27/52

sil+er $hite allo# containing +ar#ing amounts of copper, nickel and Einc and occasionall# manganese, see

ppendi& @". In the Realms nickel-sil+er is mainl# used across eastern Faerun and the 5ordelands $here nati+e

sil+er is rare. /olour and shine akin to pale sil+er, and it is often called [false sil+er\.

)eatures#/roperties

4B4; 5as similar characteristics to bronEe, and beha+es similarl# in $eapons and armour.

4B=; !a+ing thro$s as Metal.4B@; !eldom used in magic research, and does not take enchantments $ell 4:O to item creation rolls".

!orrosionTarnishes

*ickel-sil+er tarnishes in the same $a# as sil+er, but more slo$l# this corrosion resistance is its main feature".

+ore#0ses

6sed as a harder substitute for sil+er especiall# $here corrosion resistance is desired" as sheeting or plating on

other metals, or in decorati+e $ork. It is also used for making je$eller# and fine utensils like dra$ing instruments.

Cgam)r

'gamur is a rare black allo# of iron and tin, $ith trace elements of mithril, (uicksil+er and the rare metal +anadium.

The secret of ogamur%s manufacture is guarded b# the d$ar+es of the !outh though the shield d$ar+es of


28/52

hea+#, sil+er-$hite metal, remarkable for being li(uid at normal temperatures. Vuicksil+er is found in natural

form as a li(uid or as cinnabar a +ermillon-red ore", usuall# in recentl# cooled +olcanic rocks and geothermal +ents.

)eatures#/roperties

4BC; Vuicksil+er is the onl# common metal found naturall# in a li(uid state. It onl# solidifies in e&tremel# coldconditions, or $hen subjected to cold-inducing spells.

4B?; It is a shin#, sil+er#, dense li(uid and a poor conductor of heat.4B>; Mercur# is slo$l# posionous, causing bleeding teeth, pals#, indigestion, deafness and birthing defects.4A:; Mercur# is used in magical spells and rituals in+olo+ing shapechanging, teleportation, rapidit# and fluidit#.

It is the most +ital component of $hat little $ild magic research occurs. Man# $iEards use mercur# to aid

[a$akening\ the metals used in magic item creation. Mercur# is used in man# alchemical formulations.

!orrosion*on-

+ore#0ses

Mercur# is used as a poison, pigment, in salt form as an antiseptic, and as part of man# alchemical and magical

preparations. It is used in small amounts to soften other metals, to facilitate their use in cements and decorati+e

$ork.

Siler


famous metal $ith a brilliant $hite metallic lustre. Found in pure +eins or in ores such as argentite, sometimes

associated $ith gold and $ith lead and Einc ores. In natural form a black surface coating forms o+er time in contact

$ith air. !il+er is mined throughout the realms, but mostl# in the *orth and the northern 6nderdark.

)eatures#/roperties

4A4; !il+er is +er# soft but harder than gold" and +er# malleable. It is usuall# allo#ed $ith copper, nickel andHorEinc to impro+e its durabilit# and resilience.

4A=; !il+er allo# items make sa+ing thro$s as Metal. !il+er $eapons and armour are actuall# composed ofsilverbrit an allo# of sil+er, copper, nickel and Einc" or, in anti(uit#, made of thick beaten plating of pure sil+er

o+er a core of iron. The# are slightl# inferior to steel $eapons, so ! and P-t#pe $eapons made primaril# of sil+er

do 4hp less damage. rmour suffers a = / penalt# to its protecti+e +alue.

4A@; Dhile normall# reser+ed for je$eller# and monetar# uses, there are certain creatures $hich are particularl#+ulnerable to sil+er1 especiall# undead, l#canthropes and some planar beings. s such, ad+enturers and soldiers

usuall# keep a sil+er-allo# $eapon on hand.

4A0; 9asil# enchanted for most t#pes of magics, especiall# those that in+ol+e moon-related magics, electricit# orlightning, and pure energ# discharges. !il+er is the best heat and electric#t conductor of all metals.

!orrosionTarnishes-!lo$l# '&idises depending on climate"

!il+er $ill tarnish to matt black $ithin a #ear, earlier in polluted areas. It must be occasionall# polished to sta#

bright.

+ore#0ses

!il+er is $idel# used notabl# across the northern Realms" in je$eller#, ornamentation, utilit# $ares especiall#

mirrors" and coinage, usuall# allo#ed $ith small amounts of other metals especiall# copper". 7er# fe$ items are

made from pure sil+er, as the metal%s ph#sical properties are impro+ed significantl# b# onl# a small amount ofallo#ing, $ithout affecting the beneficial magical properties of the metal.

This relati+el# common +aluable metal is kno$n to the el+es as [the sheath and shield of rt\ because, of all metals,

it is the most associated $ith and suitable for magic. !ome Faerunians belie+e sil+er is the hardened tears of the

Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms =?


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goddess !elune. In the eldest d$ar+en tongues, the name for sil+er meant [the blood of allo#s,\ referring to its

+ersatilit# in allo#ing $ith other metals the ; 7er# soft and malleable and so easil# $orked", tin is not durable enough to be used for $eapons andarmour.

Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms =>


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4C:; !a+ing thro$s as Metal e&cept sa+es +s. acid at 4, sa+es +s. fire are at @ and magical fire at A if theitem fails it $ill melt".

4C4;


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*ote that if #ou look through an# sourcebook of magic items, the rules for this are broken (uite often e.g. !haEEilert

the bronEe scimitar from FRA, the ancient items from FR4:..."

*ote that there are places of special po$er in the Realms, that make enchanting items easier, and gi+e added (ualit#

to the objects forged or cast there. 'ne such place is 9+erfire in the *orthern 6nderdark.

[


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ecoration method !ost o decoration

18 o item3

Increase in value o

item7

$ime required

!imple Finishing =?gp :BO 4 da#

9namelling BO 4:O 4-A da#s

!imple engra+ing 4:O B:O 4-= $eeks

/omple& engra+ing B:O 4::O 4-@ months

9laborate engra+ing 4::O @::-B::O C-4= months; Figure gi+en is a percentage based on the normal price of the item decorated.

/ecoratie ;lating ith ;recio)s Metals

0sa"le metals !ost o plating7 Increase in value o item77

/opper 4::O 34:O

)ronEe 4::O 3=BO

!il+er 4::O 3B:O

9lectrum 4::O 34::O

8old 4::O 34B:O

Platinum 4::O 3=::O

Mithril 4::O 3=::O

damantite 4::O 3B::O

; Plus base metal to the e(ui+alent of =B: coins of the desired metal for armour, or B: coins for a $eapon

;;Figure gi+en is a percentage based on the normal price of the item plated.

*ote

4CA; Time re(uired for all plating treatments1 4-0 $eeks or more.

4CC; 8ilding and inla#ing take double the time or more", cost half that of plating and onl# re(uires halfof the base metal", and increases +alue about =H@ as much.

Sim$le finishes: R)bbing, Staining and ;ainting

These simple processes are the most basic treatments commonl# applied to arms and armour. )ecause of their

relati+e cost, most mercenar# companies, militar# units and e+en successful bandits and pirates use these simple

finishes on their combat e(uipment1 to make it look better, stand out and to identif# its members. Rubbing in+ol+es

the $orking onto the surface of the metal +arious coloured po$ders. !taining in+ol+es sponging on +arious li(uid

inks. Painting is just that1 brushing on coloured paints.

The metal surface must be polished and uncorroded before appl#ing a finish. number of coats are usuall# applied

to the e(uipment to build up the finish.

Paint tends to crack and chip so is usuall# onl# used on shields as its cheap and eas#, and detailed designs such as

crests can be created". Rubbing is generall# used on metallic armour and $eapons and applied in man# coats to gi+e

a deep coloured hue though not comparable to blueshine or e+erbright". !taining is applied to $eaponr# and

leather-based armours. Deapon stains are generall# reapplied as necessar# from a bottle and brush carried b# theo$ner. Leather-based armours ha+e a stain impregnated into the surface b# an armourer or leather $orker and are

long-lasting.

Enamelling

The fusing of a glass# usuall# opa(ue" substance, lac(uer or +arnish onto the metal surface for ornmentation and

protection. 9namelling has no effect $hatsoe+er on combat, nor does it significantl# increase an itemSs encumbrance

Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms @@


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for game purposes. 5o$e+er, the +alue of the item is generall# increased b# 4:O if properl# enamelled. 9namel

cannot be used on leather, padded or other fle&ible armours, and is rarel# used to coat more than the hilt or handle of

most $eapons. Limners and some specialiEed armourers perform enamelling.

The dra$back is that enamelled items can chip and flake during rigorous mo+ement or combat, decreasing their

o+erall +alue. Thus, enameled armour and $eapons must be touched up $hen the $eapon is ser+iced. This repair

$ork costs an e&tra 4^4:O of the original +alue of the repaired item at each ser+ice.

Engraing

*otethat here engra+ing includes chaising, chiselling, etching, car+ing, embossing, bas-reliefs and other comple&

artistic treatments. Inla#ing of precious stone falls under this categor# as $ell remember to add the cost of stones

used to total cost".

9ngra+ed armour and $eaponr# is popular throughout the ci+ilised Realms, especiall# amongst nobilit#. It is $orn

at ceremonies and social functions, and is seen as a mark of social status and high fashion.


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!tealthslake, a treatment that impro+es the abilit# of a metallic $eapon to be emplo#ed co+ertl#. The last section

discusses the infamous orcsla#er metal used b# !arphilian d$ar+es to destro# the orcish realm of 7astar.

(ron of Siler $silomelane chalcedon!

*ot a treatment, but a precious stone that can pre+ent rusting of an iron or steel object if po$dered and added to the

metal slurr# during the item%s creation. 9ach 4:gp stone included in the mi&ture $ill protect one object for a #ear or

more. /ro$n of sil+er is thought to be used in both the e+erbright process belo$" and in the manufacture of !olbar

allo#.

Dl)eshine

n e&clusi+l# d$ar+en treatment, blueshine is used b# used b# d$ar+en mastersmiths throughout the northlands totreat the $eapons and armour. )lueshine is normall# ac(uired through a comple& series of precisel# timed healings,

slakings, and prolonged baths in arcane mi&tures. There are a number of recipes for these special components, all of

$hich utilise po$dered electrum, and $hich are said to +ariousl# use cockatrice feather distillate, drops of the blood

of +arious draconian species, and s$eet $ater potions.

)lueshine gi+es the metal a gleaming deep blue appearance. 6sable on most metals to gi+e a resistance to acid 34

bonus to item sa+es" and rust resists rusting for t$ice as long as the metal normall# $ould. Dill completel# resist

one rust monster attack, after $hich the blueshine blackens, cracks and sle$s off the metal".

Most $eapons of combat troops and nobilit# in affluent d$ar+en areas of the northern Realms $ill be blueshined

the southern d$ar+es prefer e&pensi+e decorati+e treatments for their $eapons".

human $iEard, Toth of /alimport, recentl# de+eloped a spell that duplicates the effects of blueshine and $as slain

b# the Red DiEards for his efforts". TothSs spell had alread# been stolen b# a ri+al mage before his demise.

'lueshine 1Wi9 :; Alteration3

Range1 Touch

/omponents1 7, !, M


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Eerbright

9+erbright is the most reno$nned of the d$ar+en metal finishes. This treatment gi+es all metals an enduring bright

shine like the chromed stainless steel of 9arth", and absolutel# pre+ents an# tarnishing, discolouration, acidic

corrosion and rusting e+en b# rust monster antennae". The passage of time does not affect the efficac# of e+erbright

protection, but it can be broken if a protected item is shattered into more than three pieces or is subjected to forge-fire, earth-fire la+a" or dragonfire. 6ntil then this finish is permanent. The process of e+erbrightening objects is a

guarded secret of d$ar+en craftfolk though occasionall# other cultures ha+e disco+ered or stolen the secrets of the

process" and in+ol+es comple& electrol#tic dipping in a solution that probabl# includes cro$n of sil+er psilomelane

chalcedon#, and ornamental stone", pure chromium, and ma# include po$dered 5iEagkuur a rare $hite metal used

b# d$ar+es for its special properties of reflecting magic and storing electrical energ#", after $hich the coated metal

is subjected to the intense heat of a forgefire to bake on the coating.

This long, difficult, and e&acting d$ar+en process is kno$n to a fe$ smiths of other races, but it has thus far defied

all efforts to duplicate its end results $ith a spell. t least three mages thlagh of the Man# Locks $ho resides in

Firepost To$ers in the Tashalan cit# of Ithmong", 5alandrar /ro$ncloak of 6lkan, and !pelargh of PhelEol in

!emphar" and one archpriest, )eltor+an


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alchemical concoctions. Through a specific rune ritual, $eapons made from the steel $as tempered and (uenched in

the blood of a chosen creature, and after$ards ga+e bonuses to hit and damage +s. an# creature of that race or

species bonuses depend on the rune ritual, but likel# at least 34d0hp damage per hit $ith a M-siEed $eapon".

The +ictorious d$ar+es dro+e the orcs far to the north and south into the mountain heights. /laiming all the 7ast as

their o$n, the d$ar+es founded a surface kingdom in A4:


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#$$endi% 1: Metals and the ;lanes

Metals can ha+e different properties depending on their plane of origin see belo$". Deapons constructed on the

Prime are less effecti+e if remo+ed to another plane this affects magic, (uasi-magic and non-magic $eapons".

number of metals that are onl# mined on planes other than the Prime are detailed belo$.

Most metals found on the Prime are also found on some other Plane, gi+en the +astness of the Multi+erse. There are

a number of e&ceptions, ho$e+er the +arious reasons for their absence are unkno$n"1

4C?; Red steel and associated substances like +ermile and cinnabr#l" are not found on planes other than thePrime. n# item of red steel becomes inert $hen taken to another plane and ma# start to break do$n

immediatel#, depending on the local en+ironment".

4C>; Meteoric iron onl# occurs on planets of the Prime, leading some !pelljamming sages to conjecture that itsorigin is in the phlogiston +oid bet$een the cr#stal spheres remembering that the phlogiston is someho$ cut off

from all other planes". !tarmetal%s properties are affected the like other metals $hen taken to other planes.

4?:;


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Material (ostote 1

eight#d4)st

ote 2

#rmo)r#(

bon)s5e

better

MagicE6)i

ea$onS$eed#d4)st

ea$on7o hit#d4)st

/amage#d4)st

Sae as,#d4)stment

/ranor &4:: =BO 34 34 : 34 : Metal, 34

3B +s elecHlightn"

rjale &=:: =:O 34 34 4 34 : !teel, 34


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)aator. More commonl#, it is produced as an allo# of arjale and fine steel. In its allo#ed form it can be annealed until

(uite pliable, and the metal $hips of Moloch and other )aatoran lords are made from it.

#b!ssal Red Steel 7anarBri Dloodsteel

nother standard armament in the )lood Dar, this metal is +er# similar to


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Godsteel So)lsteel, /aren Dlac'roc'

The rarest, most precious and most reno$ned of the Planar metals. It is found onl# in the +er# depths of the


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Mithril1


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9410 )orm*r, 1994

!torm 5orns1 /halaSs mine, ore undetermined

Mine of /ursed 8old1 gold and possibl# mordakur" $est side of the mountains

8noll Pass1 e&tensi+e coal mines northeast of mountains

Thunder Peaks1 gemstones mines on northern slopes

Region3:Sembia

Region&:7heMoonsea

9474 The Moonsea, 1995

Zhentil eep1 ancients mines of rich ores undetermined t#pe".Mel+aunt1 shallo$ deposits north of the cit#, mostl# pla#ed out

8ra# Land of Thar1 shallo$ mines operated b# humanoids.

Ironfang eep1 north of 9arthspur Mountains, large iron deposits not mined. rea reputedl# controlled b# po$erful,reclusi+e mages.

8lister1 ancient mines of iron and trace metals.

!arphil1 eastern end of the Moonsea. Remains of d$ar+en copper mining in the !carp near 5illsfarH9l+entree.

Region:7he@ast

Region:7he/ragon(oast

RegionH:7heestern8eartlands

RegionI:aterdee$

RegionJ:7he*sland+ingdoms

9217 FR2 Moonshae, 1987

laorn Isle1 Fairheight Ranges. Rich mines of iron ore, gold, sil+er and other precious metals, near /antre+

)lackstone, most mines in south and $est of range. 8narheim e&ploit the north side of the mountains, and controlled

b# *orthmen chieftains.

!no$do$n Isle1 mines in ndo+er 5ieghts, ores undetermined from FR tlas"

Mora# Isle1 Mines in Trollcla$ Ranges, ores undetermined from FR tlas", and in the 'rcskull Mountains, ores

undetermined from FR tlas". Presumabl# controlled b# *orthmen chieftains.

8$#nneth Isle1

Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms 0@


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M#rloch 7ale1 gold and other precious metal placers e&ploited b# the


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Llorkh1

Iron, sil+er. !hallo$ mines e&hausted

9#egad1

Mithril. 'rc hold of the !kortcla$ tribe.

Phandalin1'ld mithril mine, recent platinum disco+er#.

8auntlgr#m1

6nderground d$arf cit# near the


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Region11:#na)roch

9320 FR13Anauroch, 1991

The !$ord1

9&tensi+e tunnels under nauroch, has ancients mines dating from *etherese times, ores and gems undetermined.7arious areas controlled b# phaerimm or their pa$ns", tomb tappers or uninhabited.

Eirrhat1 rich gold +eins. rea controlled b# laertis

/oloured Daters1 7olcanic area, possible ores

Plain of !tanding !tones1

erithaeSs Rest1 Iron rich nuggets and ores

Fallen 8iant Rift1 8old +eins reported

Ri+er of 8ems1 8emstonesThe Throat1 8emstones

The 5igh IceRift of !tars1 8emstones beljurils", rubies, sapphires and amaratha

6ntri++in1 rumors of gems and rare metals ores.

Region12:7he(oldands

9267 FR9 The !ood"tone #and", 1989

9arthfast Mountains1

Destern slopes 7ast" 'ld mines, moderate amount of iron and sil+er ores

9astern and southern slopes1 scattered but rich iron deposits upon $hich much of the $ealth of Impiltur $as

founded.

9arthspur Mountains1

Rich iron and sil+er ores, about !udra+ and Tomra+

Monte 7eldelio mine ruins no$, old mine of iron, copper, sil+er and bloodstone.

8alenas Mountains1

8old, iron, sil+er I $ould add lead and Einc" and bloodstone.

)aron# of )loodstone1 bloodstone a deep red chalcedon#" mined b# humans, d$ar+en clan 'rothiar and s+irfneblin

deep belo$ the baron#.

5illsafar 5all

Ironspur and ustinSs Mine ha+e bloodstone and ores. /ontrolled b# d$ar+en 5illsafar clan.

8iantspire Mountains1reputed rich $ith precious minerals and gems, = mines acti+e 5o$serSs mine and one near /utrock, ores

undetermined. rea mostl# controlled b# barbarians and humanoids.

Region13:7heKna$$roachableEast

Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms 0A


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9561 +'$ire" o the Shining Sea, 1998

!aelmur rnaden" ZardaEil e&tracted and refined from hidden sources in or around the cit#. p4BC"

Region1H:7heShiningSo)th

9389 FR-1 The .ung!e" o /hu!t, 1993

D#rmheart Mine1 emerald and diamond and others undetermined. /ontrolled b# D#rmheart clan of /hultan

ungle" d$ar+es.

Dild /oast1 other d$ar+en mines, gems and ores undetermined.

9388 FR16 The Shining South, 1993

5alruaa1Maeruhal1 in mountains east of to$n ha+e rich electrum mines amongst the purest in the Realms",


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Metal#Alloy !omponents

Platinum, fine Platinum >B, /opper B

Platinum, Platina Platinum ?B, /opper 4:, Zinc B

Platinum, linco Platinum C:, /obalt =@, /opper C

Platinum, 6lloa Platinum B:, !il+er 0:, /opper 4:

8old, fine 8old >B, /opper B

8old, mint 8old ?B, /opper 4:, !il+er B8old, urume 8old A:, /opper @?, Zinc =

8old, Red 8old CB, /opper =B

8old, Dhite 8old CB, Palladium 4C, !il+er 0, /opper 0

8old, Wello$ == carat 8old >4.C, !il+er B.B, /opper =.?

8old, Dhite 4? carat 8old CB, /opper B.B, Zinc :.B, *ickel 40.B

8old, Wello$ 4? carat 8old CB, !il+er 4A, /opper >

8old, Dhite > carat 8old @C.?, /opper 0:, Zinc 4:.0, *ickel 44.?

Meta&s of the 'orgotten !ea&ms 0>


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8old, Wello$ > carat 8old @C.B, !il+er 4:, /opper 0B, Zinc C.B

9lectrum 8old A:, !il+er 4B, /opper 4B, Zinc 4:

!il+er, fine !il+er >B, /opper B

!il+er, !il+erbrit !il+er B:, /opper 0:, *ickel B, Zinc B

!il+er, !terling !il+er >=.B, /opper C.B

*ickel-!il+er, lpaca /opper C=, *ickel 4?, Zinc 4:

*ickel-!il+er, 7irenium /opper ?4, *ickel >, Zinc 4:*ickel-!il+er, rgentan /opper B=, *ickel 4@, Zinc =C, Mangenese ?

)illon /opper A:, !il+er @B, Zinc B

)rass, PinchbeckH8uilding /opper >B, Zinc B

)rass, TombacHe$eller# /opper ?C, Zinc 4@

)rass, red /opper ?B, Zinc 4B

)rass, 'richalchumHLo$ /opper ?:, Zinc =:

)rass, hard /opper C>, Zinc =:, *ickel 4

)rass, na+al /opper C:, Zinc @:

)rass, highHWello$ /opper AA, Zinc @0

Tin)rass, electric /opper >B, Zinc 0, Tin 4

Tin)rass, Lu)ronEe /opper ?C.B, Zinc ?.B, Tin .B

)ronEe, /opper >0.>, Tin B, Phosphorous :.4)ronEe, / /opper >4.>, Tin ?, Phosphorous :.4

)ronEe, )= /opper ?>, Tin 0, Lead 0, Zinc @

)ronEe, casting /opper ?:, Tin =:

)ronEe, !peculum /opper CB, Tin =B

/opper, fine /opper >>, Tin :.>>, !il+er :.:4

/opper, mint /opper >:, Tin ?, Zinc =

/opper-*ickel /opper A>.0, *ickel @:, Iron :.A

/opper-*ickel-Tin /opper ??.=, *ickel >.B, Tin =.@

Pe$ter, hard Tin >=, ntimon# 0, Lead 0

Pe$ter, med Tin A:, ntimon# @, Lead @C

Pe$ter, soft Tin @B, ntimon# @, Lead A=

Pe$ter, sil+er Tin >:, ntimon# ?, /opper =

Potin /opper A:, Zinc =:, Lead 4:, Tin 4:

#$$endi% &: #lternatie @ie of Metals in (ombatRic' (ross


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7able *: 7!$es of s$ecialt! metals )sed in combat

1 5ard1 ll steels, most e&otic and magical metals.

)1 )rittle1 )ronEe, Iron tempered", Zinc, )rass, /hrome, Manganese.

/1 !oft1 *ickel, !il+er, 9lectrum, Platinum, Iron annealed".


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Metal $ype

A ' ! E

Weapon $ype !om"at Modiiers !omments

PiercingHMelee : 4 = @ 4 /,

Metals Most Marvellous_ Metals of the Forgotten Realms

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