Iron
Ties That Bind
Once little more than dirty rocks, the ore resting in seemingly discarded piles will soon become what ties everything together, binding the elements into a strong metal, the basis for all weapons, armor, and metalsmithing that comes from these forges. While it may seem unassuming, without the work put into these chunks of rock, Blacksmiths could not complete their job, Metallurgists unable to bind metals together into one. Every part of the smithing process begins with these dirty rocks, ready to release the magic that can come from something as simple as iron.
There is a reason that Iron Dwarves take their namesake from this metal, the one that can be melted, melded, bent, and reshaped into its final form, even if it may take some additions to reach that point. Iron is malleable, easily thinned, but still not brittle. Dwarves are the same, beginning with something that looks like nothing and building it into something far beyond expectations. All things that move through the forges of the Dwarven Kingdom will begin with iron, varying amounts, but always with a strong, but malleable base, that can be forged anew.
Iron is a common metal found throughout the world, so common in fact that it is the basis for Steel and a number of other alloys that are necessary for the tools that are forged everywhere. All Blacksmiths and Metallurgists must be versed in the use of iron, or they are considered little more than apprentices. From this dirty, unassuming rock comes the centerpiece of all forging, even if it is not as pretty as the other simple metals of Isekai.
There is a reason that Iron Dwarves take their namesake from this metal, the one that can be melted, melded, bent, and reshaped into its final form, even if it may take some additions to reach that point. Iron is malleable, easily thinned, but still not brittle. Dwarves are the same, beginning with something that looks like nothing and building it into something far beyond expectations. All things that move through the forges of the Dwarven Kingdom will begin with iron, varying amounts, but always with a strong, but malleable base, that can be forged anew.
Iron is a common metal found throughout the world, so common in fact that it is the basis for Steel and a number of other alloys that are necessary for the tools that are forged everywhere. All Blacksmiths and Metallurgists must be versed in the use of iron, or they are considered little more than apprentices. From this dirty, unassuming rock comes the centerpiece of all forging, even if it is not as pretty as the other simple metals of Isekai.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Iron is a malleable and ductile metal that is not brittle, but can easily be mixed with other metals to create strong alloys. Because of its abundance in the world and ease of mining, this metal became common in lower-quality tools, weapons, and armor, as well as a fixture in cooking because of how it conducts heat. This is considered one of the early metals to be smelted in the forges of the Dwarves and helped give way to the advent of Steel that changed smithing for the better.
Because of its use in alloys, iron is often referred to as the "sticky" metal. Adding varying amounts of carbon during the smithing process will turn iron into varying grades of Steel, while covering an iron pot or pan in oil and searing it will create a non-stick surface. Considered one of the more boring simple metals of Isekai, iron by far has the most uses and is seen in forges across the world.
Iron tools, weapons, and armor are often given to novice Adventurers because of the lower cost, but still useful protection they provide. Even so, it is recommended to move on to Steel items or those made from the special metals as soon as possible.
Because of its use in alloys, iron is often referred to as the "sticky" metal. Adding varying amounts of carbon during the smithing process will turn iron into varying grades of Steel, while covering an iron pot or pan in oil and searing it will create a non-stick surface. Considered one of the more boring simple metals of Isekai, iron by far has the most uses and is seen in forges across the world.
Iron tools, weapons, and armor are often given to novice Adventurers because of the lower cost, but still useful protection they provide. Even so, it is recommended to move on to Steel items or those made from the special metals as soon as possible.
Geology & Geography
Iron is the most common metal found throughout Isekai, even outside of areas where Iron Dragons commonly live. This metal is naturally occurring, but also develops enormous pockets due to the presence of Iron Dragons. Iron is frequently found with Silver and Copper, under mountain ranges, areas of rolling hills, or deep in the ground, but small fragments of iron can be found in running water alongside Gold. Places such as the Spine of Kallex, the Great Furnaces, the Zóni, the Chromatic Peaks, and Káto hold a great deal of the world's iron supply, but the metal can also be found elsewhere.
Because the appearance of iron is not necessarily tied to the Iron Dragons, deposits are common on both continents and the islands. While larger deposits may be found in the historic hoards of Iron Dragons, other large deposits have been found in Nótios, an area historically outside of the range of Iron Dragons.
Because the appearance of iron is not necessarily tied to the Iron Dragons, deposits are common on both continents and the islands. While larger deposits may be found in the historic hoards of Iron Dragons, other large deposits have been found in Nótios, an area historically outside of the range of Iron Dragons.
History & Usage
Everyday use
While more common in mountain ranges throughout Isekai, iron can be found throughout the world, making it one of the most plentiful metals. Its easy-to-forge qualities allow it to be used for a great number of things as well as a starting point for apprentice Blacksmiths. While invaluable as a "glue" in alloys, iron also has many uses on its own.
Iron is most commonly used to create Steel, a metal that is used for almost everything. When paired with varying amounts of carbon, iron becomes a metal that is strong, durable, and can be nearly endlessly folded to create weapons and armor that stand the test of time. Most iron is quickly forged into Steel, but not all uses require such a strong metal.
The Dwarves were quick to utilize iron in cookware, making cast iron that could be seasoned with oil and used as a non-stick cooking surface at high temperatures. Lower-cost tools, weapons, and armor can also be made of iron, but these items have a higher chance of rusting if not taken care of correctly. Apprentice and young Blacksmiths must become proficient with iron before moving on to the more complex metals of the world.
Iron is most commonly used to create Steel, a metal that is used for almost everything. When paired with varying amounts of carbon, iron becomes a metal that is strong, durable, and can be nearly endlessly folded to create weapons and armor that stand the test of time. Most iron is quickly forged into Steel, but not all uses require such a strong metal.
The Dwarves were quick to utilize iron in cookware, making cast iron that could be seasoned with oil and used as a non-stick cooking surface at high temperatures. Lower-cost tools, weapons, and armor can also be made of iron, but these items have a higher chance of rusting if not taken care of correctly. Apprentice and young Blacksmiths must become proficient with iron before moving on to the more complex metals of the world.
Type
Metal
Value
Low, but depends on purity
Rarity
Common
Color
Reddish brown to more silver
Melting / Freezing Point
Relatively high but does not require enchanted forges to heat or work with this metal
Related Locations
Related Species
Related Professions
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