One of the Celestial Metals, Black Steel is one of the many special metals of the world but is commonly associated with the darkest things, including curses and dark magic. Often utilized as a vessel for enchantments, this metal can easily be mistaken for obsidian due to the unique characteristics of its coloration. This uniqueness only adds to the perception of Black Steel being used in rituals and secretive plots that are often nefarious in nature.
It is said that Black Steel is utilized by a great number of users, including those that are considered to be good or evil, but in most instances, the refined metal is utilized to wither and rot a target. Blacksmiths and Metallurgists with stout reputations refuse to work with the metal in fear of ties to unsavory customers or the effects that mishandling of the metal can have.
Black Steel is one of the many special metals of Isekai, falling into the category of
Celestial Metals. While its true uses are mostly unknown, this metal can wither or rot organic materials, whether living or otherwise. Overall, the metal is considered rather dangerous and is often struck with a stereotype of curses, dark rituals, and cultists.
Properties
While often confused for
Obsidian, Black Steel is indeed a metal that has a number of properties that heighten its nefarious stereotype. Those that handle this metal must take care not to touch the metal with bare skin or anything else made of organic material as constant contact with the metal will eventually begin to rot anything organic. Gloves, tools, and other precautions are a necessity with this metal.
Black Steel is one of the rarest special metals, being found in extremely limited and desolate locations. The depths of
Káto, cursed or desecrated locations, and the
Fire Islands boast small deposits of the rare metal, but a steady supply, especially one large enough to craft weapons or large objects, is extremely difficult to come by.
History & Usage
Items created using Black Steel are often used by servants of darkness or are cursed items, causing many to be fearful or superstitious when working with the metal. These fears may be warranted due to the power that Black Steel has once refined, including harnessing dark energy, rotting or withering items that are in constant contact, or leaving wounds that are very difficult to treat without certain magic.
Weapons and armor created with Black Steel have a variety of effects, often extremely dangerous to both user and those being injured. Precautions are necessary for any that wish to wield or wear weapons, armor, or any other items made from this metal.
A metal that can start to rot you if you touch it? You have to be very brave to work with it, I think. Just thinking of the wounds a sword or axe made of it could inflict makes me shiver.
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