Iron & Steel (Weapons of the Isle)
The Skaran people spent many years on the run from the Ebon, fleeing across oceans, being harried.
One of the many things forgotten during this forced Exodus was the capability of creating tempered steel blades. As a result Pre-Exodus weaponry is valued as treasures of the highest value, and is rarely seen outside of the hands of the lords and elite.
Most weapons are now made from iron. The problem is that these weapons have a tendency to rust, to become fragile and break when they age or are used often.
The technology to create steel does exist, however it is controlled by the Brethren who hold scrolls on the subject in the great Exodus library. Certain members of the order who are also skilled metal workers can create Steel, though not as strong as that imported or from times ancient. The Brethren who can forge these weapons are obviously in demand to lords all over the isle, and can command a premium for their works. New made steel weapons are rare in any domain, but the more you go to the south of the isle, the rarer they are.
These weapons are strong, rarely breaking and needing less care than their iron equivalents, keeping their edge for
longer.
To offset the high cost of steel weapons, the process of creating bearded weapons has become more common. This involves creating an iron weapon with a wielded steel cutting edge. This gives the advantage of the superior strength of a steel weapon, while preventing the cost from being too extravagant.
The best weapons however are those from pre-exodus. These weapons are incredibly rare, usually named, and often passed down for generations from Lord to Lord. Some of these weapons have additional powers, but often the quality of the steel alone is enough. They stay sharp, are stronger than any modern blade, and are treasured for their history as much as their quality. In fact they are considered often too good quality to waste in combat (unless honour allows that the given threat demands the use of such a blade).
The recent appearance of the Kuzud has changed some of this however. They have a superior knowledge of working with metal than the Skaran, and their steel is the equivalent of the steel weapons from times past, though some have noticed an odd red hue to the steel. The fact that they seem willing to trade the steel for wood, furs or other easy to find commodities has been the main reason why their trading has been tolerated amongst the religiously superior attitude of the Skaran. The fact that they are unwilling to reveal how these weapons are made or indeed any of the techniques in their creation has caused a few bitter curses, but the Kuzud simply reply that if they are so willing to pay the low prices they ask for, what matter is it if they control the only supply of such weapons?
As a note, the Kuzud for some reason will refuse to create armour, for some reason, restricting their trade to weaponry only for the time being.
One of the many things forgotten during this forced Exodus was the capability of creating tempered steel blades. As a result Pre-Exodus weaponry is valued as treasures of the highest value, and is rarely seen outside of the hands of the lords and elite.
Most weapons are now made from iron. The problem is that these weapons have a tendency to rust, to become fragile and break when they age or are used often.
The technology to create steel does exist, however it is controlled by the Brethren who hold scrolls on the subject in the great Exodus library. Certain members of the order who are also skilled metal workers can create Steel, though not as strong as that imported or from times ancient. The Brethren who can forge these weapons are obviously in demand to lords all over the isle, and can command a premium for their works. New made steel weapons are rare in any domain, but the more you go to the south of the isle, the rarer they are.
These weapons are strong, rarely breaking and needing less care than their iron equivalents, keeping their edge for
longer.
To offset the high cost of steel weapons, the process of creating bearded weapons has become more common. This involves creating an iron weapon with a wielded steel cutting edge. This gives the advantage of the superior strength of a steel weapon, while preventing the cost from being too extravagant.
The best weapons however are those from pre-exodus. These weapons are incredibly rare, usually named, and often passed down for generations from Lord to Lord. Some of these weapons have additional powers, but often the quality of the steel alone is enough. They stay sharp, are stronger than any modern blade, and are treasured for their history as much as their quality. In fact they are considered often too good quality to waste in combat (unless honour allows that the given threat demands the use of such a blade).
The recent appearance of the Kuzud has changed some of this however. They have a superior knowledge of working with metal than the Skaran, and their steel is the equivalent of the steel weapons from times past, though some have noticed an odd red hue to the steel. The fact that they seem willing to trade the steel for wood, furs or other easy to find commodities has been the main reason why their trading has been tolerated amongst the religiously superior attitude of the Skaran. The fact that they are unwilling to reveal how these weapons are made or indeed any of the techniques in their creation has caused a few bitter curses, but the Kuzud simply reply that if they are so willing to pay the low prices they ask for, what matter is it if they control the only supply of such weapons?
As a note, the Kuzud for some reason will refuse to create armour, for some reason, restricting their trade to weaponry only for the time being.
Game Effects
Iron Weapons
On a 1 to hit standard iron weapons add one to the change of breaking on the fumble table, from then on the weapon gains a cumulative -1 to dam (min 1), till the weapon is repaired.
Bearded Weapons
On a 1 to hit bearded weapons add one to the change of breaking on a fumble table.
NOTE: They do not get the penalty to damage like standard iron weaponry.
NOTE: They do not get the penalty to damage like standard iron weaponry.
Skaran Steel Weapons
These act like standard weapons in the rules.
Kuzud & Pre-Exodus Steel Weapons
These weapons are treated like masterwork weapons, and give a non-magical +1 to hit and to damage.
In addition they grant a +2 to resist breaking on the fumble table.
In addition they grant a +2 to resist breaking on the fumble table.
Unless stated all Copyright (C): A. Ockendon (2013).