Emril
Emril was a jet-black alloy of emrilite and other metals. Often known colloquially as “deep steel” or “dark steel,” emril, when smelted and magically forged, was ultra-hard, but the procedure was costly. It was most useful for weapons and armor, but because of its high cost and rarity it is seldom used by those who were not of high standing in either the drow military or noble families.
Lore
Properties
The power of emril comes from the forging process as much as the metal itself. At extreme temperatures, it is susceptible to magic, which is key to its forging. The mix of emrilite, silverite, and iron are beaten into shape using secret and magical techniques that are jealously guarded by the drow and other members of the underrealm. The result is that the weapons and armor forged of emril are enchanted and incredibly powerful.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Because of the magical nature of most of the weapons, they are also useful against creatures susceptible to magic. A creature who is not susceptible to conventional weapons may well find itself hewn to pieces by the magic flowing through emril weapons. Weapons made of emril are also well known for keeping a sharp edge even after incredible abuse and with little maintenance. Armor and shields made of the alloy are rarer than weapons, but are nearly impenetrable to conventional weapons.
Emril weapons, however, are not without drawbacks. If the magic of the tools is broken – which is in and of itself a difficult and taxing achievement – the metal itself will become brittle. In direct sunlight, emril loses a great deal of its potency. Although still comparable to typical surface steel in the sun, the magics of the drow loosen in direct sunlight and lessen the impressive power of emril.
Emril weapons, however, are not without drawbacks. If the magic of the tools is broken – which is in and of itself a difficult and taxing achievement – the metal itself will become brittle. In direct sunlight, emril loses a great deal of its potency. Although still comparable to typical surface steel in the sun, the magics of the drow loosen in direct sunlight and lessen the impressive power of emril.
History
It was during the height of the drow building their power that they first discovered emril. It was found in veins deep beneath the earth, and with the discovery of its usefulness, drow began to send out scouting parties and miners to find additional veins. This led them to conquer even more regions, making war against other races like the mole dwarves in order to recover the valuable commodity.
Numerous veins have been found over the years, but the ore is still relatively rare. Among senior officers and noble families it is more common, but it is rare to find emril weapons and armor in the hands of commoners due to its price.
Numerous veins have been found over the years, but the ore is still relatively rare. Among senior officers and noble families it is more common, but it is rare to find emril weapons and armor in the hands of commoners due to its price.