Dragonsteel

Dragonsteel is an alloy resulting from the process of combining steel and mithril. Lighter, more durable, and more resistant to damage and weathering than steel, the alloy is the perfect material for the forging of weapons, armor, and tools. The method was developed by the Casadians during their time in the mithril-rich deserts of Alterra. The abundance of mithril in the region gave Casadians smiths ample opportunities to perfect their craft, the knowledge of which was then recorded in highly valued tomes. The alloy possesses a slight blue-ish tint that visually distinguishes it from steel.

The process is not a much of a secret, but it requires an experienced and meticulous metallurgist and smith to pull off properly. Even the most skilled Casadian smiths can only produce a workable alloy that is twenty percent mithril. The challenges of the process arises from the characteristics of mithril that makes it so valuable. Any attempts to increase the purity beyond that point renders the resulting alloy nigh unworkable. The metal must be incredibly hot relative to steel in order to be hammered into shape, but the heated metal quickly cools down to an unworkable state once removed from the furnace. Great skill and care must also be used when heating the metal, lest the alloy denature and the steel melt out of it. The short workable time means the metal must constantly be reheated, greatly extending the amount of time required to forge it relative to steel and other metals. Carving magical runes into dragonsteel is a similarly difficult process due to the alloy's resistance to being bent, scratched, or otherwise misshapen.

The purest piece of dragonsteel is the famous Casadian sword Dragonfang, wielded by the Guardian of Casadia. At nearly one hundred percent purity, it is unclear how the blade was forged. The unknown origin of the blade only furthers the mystery and awe surrounding it, with many believing that it was divine gift from the Fire itself. Some scholars have theorized that the sword was brought to Casadia by Vikhon and the Altheri. Historical records from the time mention that Vikhon arrived in Casadia with a dragonsteel sword, but there is little additional information about the sword to indicate that it is indeed Dragonfang.