Darksteel

TTRPG Fictional · Rare · Medieval

Steel infused with shadow-essence from the Shadowfell during the forging process. The resulting metal never rusts, never tarnishes, and remains perpetually cold. Even in direct flame it takes minutes to warm.

Identity

Source
Tabletop RPG tradition
Aliases
Shadowforged steel, Umbramet

Physical Properties

Appearance
Deep charcoal black that seems to swallow ambient light, always cold to the touch
Luster
Metallic
Density
8.2 g/cm³
Melting point
800 °C
Lighter
Inconel
Denser
Brass
Magnetism
Non-magnetic
Electrical conductivity
Low

Mechanical Properties

Mohs hardness
9
Tensile strength
950 MPa
Softer
Chromium
Harder
Divine Bronze of Hephaestus
Workability
Difficult
Brittleness
Tough
Malleability
Moderate
Ductility
Moderate

Chemical Properties

Corrosion resistance
absolute
Reactivity
none

Lore & Narrative

Darksteel blades cast no reflection. Holding one in full sunlight produces a faint unease in most people, and animals refuse to be near them. Those who carry darksteel for long periods report increasingly vivid dreams of grey, lightless landscapes.

Notable uses
Assassin weapons, shadow-ritual tools, ghost-touching blades
Forge uses
weapons, ritual tools, armor
Worldbuilding traits
shadow, cold, anti-reflection, dreamlike

Browse the Metal Encyclopedia — MGS Toolbox