Materials for Everything

 

The land of Ertha is a world of endless possibilities and perils, where adventurers tread through ancient forests, desolate wastelands, and darkened caves. Amid these explorations lies the opportunity to unearth valuable ores, materials integral to crafting tools, weapons, and armor that can alter the course of your journey. This guide dives deep into the art of locating, identifying, and utilizing the ores scattered across Ertha, drawing upon the expertise of the Artisans Guild – House Gravan-Myrwinia and the Fire & Forge – House Alka-Gimel-Zhared.

 Metallurgy in Ertha

Metallurgy in Ertha is not merely a craft—it is a cornerstone of survival and innovation. The world brims with untapped veins of ore, waiting for the skilled or the fortunate to discover them. The knowledge of metallurgy enables adventurers to convert raw materials into items of immense value, both functional and artistic. Through partnerships with guilds such as House Gravan-Myrwinia, the raw potential of these materials is unlocked, elevating them to legendary status.

 

Common and Rare Ores

In your travels across Ertha, you may encounter a spectrum of ores, each with unique properties and applications. Here are the key types:

 

Common Ores

Iron:

Found in mountainous regions and caves.

Ideal for crafting robust yet basic weapons and armor.

Essential for adventurers new to metallurgy.

Copper:

Malleable and versatile, used for tools and intricate designs.

Frequently utilized by House Gravan-Myrwinia for decorative and functional crafts.

Uncommon Ores

Silver:

Prized for its anti-void properties, often employed in crafting items to repel Voidborn.

Can be refined into exquisite jewelry or coinage.

Gold:

A symbol of wealth and artistry, used for gilded items and ceremonial armor.

Its softness makes it unsuitable for weaponry but invaluable in trade.

 

Rare Ores

Nocturcite:

an exceptionally lightweight yet durable ore, rivaling steel in strength.

Highly sought after by the Fire & Forge Guild, it is used to craft elite armor and weapons, blending arcane and technological mastery.

 

Orite:

A material of myth, forged in the fiery breath of ancient dragons.

Requires the techniques of House Alka-Gimel-Zhared, whose forges are rumored to reach the temperature of a dragon’s flame.

 

Identifying Ores

The identification of ores is a critical skill for adventurers. Characteristics to observe include:

Color and Texture: Many ores exhibit metallic luster and unique hues.

Hardness: Common ores like iron are harder but less brittle than rare counterparts like mithral.

Weight: Rarer ores like dragonsteel are deceptively light despite their immense strength.

 

For those untrained, collaborating with the artisans of House Gravan-Myrwinia or the smiths of House Alka-Gimel-Zhared ensures proper identification and utilization.

 

Guilds in Metallurgy

Guilds play a pivotal role in the refining and crafting process:

Artisans Guild – House Gravan-Myrwinia: Renowned for their ability to imbue items with both aesthetic and magical properties, the artisans here can transform ore into masterpieces that serve both functional and decorative purposes.

Fire & Forge – House Alka-Gimel-Zhared: Masters of forging weapons and armor, their forges are central to the creation of legendary items. Their expertise includes techniques passed down since the First Age.

 

Mining and Refining Techniques

The process of mining ores requires more than brute strength. Here are the steps:

Prospecting: Utilize tools and maps from House Brandlekliener – The Stonemasons Guild to locate promising veins.

Extraction: Employ enchanted tools to carefully remove ore without damaging its structure.

Refinement: Smelting and purifying raw ore into usable ingots, a specialty of House Alka-Gimel-Zhared.

 

Applications of Refined Ores

The possibilities for refined ores are vast:

Weapons and Armor: Strengthened by the Fire & Forge techniques.

Tools: Crafted for precision and durability, indispensable for adventurers.

Trade Goods: High-purity metals fetch premium prices in Ertha’s markets.

 

GM Tips

Metallurgy can add depth and richness to any campaign in Ertha or a Dicesongs-inspired setting. Here’s how:

Challenge Players: Introduce rare ores requiring complex methods of extraction and refinement.

Incorporate Guilds: Encourage interactions with guilds for crafting or quests involving legendary materials.

Create Stakes: Use the scarcity of ores like dragonsteel to drive narrative tension.

Reward Ingenuity: Reward players who use ore creatively, such as forging custom tools or bartering in remote settlements.

 

By weaving the discovery and application of ores into your adventures, you transform mundane dungeon crawls into quests of intrigue, danger, and reward. Metallurgy in Ertha is not just a tool—it is the foundation upon which legends are forged.