Arr, Kronril, the Dwünīr's treasured metal! Strong, shiny, divine, it's like the beard of the Ancestor Gods themselves. Dwarves keep its secrets tighter than a clam's grip though. We'd never tell of where the ore lay, even if you buy us a drink! (Though some could be convinced with drinks o' plenty.)

Mining's it's ore Mu-Gold's a cinch, but the real magic's in the refinery, a dwarven secret, held sacred. We smelt it molten and shape it as we please. What you get is dwarven steel, shiny and strong. More secrets? Aye, but I ain't sharin' 'em.

If me memory serves me correctly, which it always does when I'm drinkin', me cousin Fensri, the one with the fine stonework in her house, she recently came back from deep in the murky bogs of the Volkan backwoods, past all them lurking critters and capers. She considers herself a lucky soul, receiving a nod from the gods and live to tell the tale of this watery grave. They'll see life thrivin' in them dark waters, but that ain't all – there be minerals too!

Hidden in the gloom and leaves, there's a pond they call the Blood of the Outsider, 'cause it's got a crimson algae sheet floatin' 'round. Smells awful, but it's worth its weight in gold for healin' and mixin' potions. The catch is, this red stuff only shows up where Gurzalit hides, and you can turn that into Gurza metal. But be warned, if you fish out all the Gurzalit, that pond's done for. The Volks take great offense to this, or at least so I hear, I've of course never [sic] done so.

So, there be this tale 'bout me cousin Fensi, but let me tell ye, it's easy to get mixed up in all her yakkin'. She said there's danger in hammerin' this ore, but all I ever feared was her bottomless appetite and the stench of them bogs clingin' to her like fleas in a ungroomed beard! Which she had, mind ye! Great Kurtan Alive!

What was that vase called? [A very long story has been omitted here, detailing an account of this master smith being paid for forging great chains of Molzen for a mischievous Kobold. The account fills many pages.] Damnnit, I've ran out of drink. MY CUP! My cup is made of the material! Called Gamaaea Glass by most, coveted by all. Can't be found anywhere in the ground, only bought. Keeps everything inside, and I mean EVERYTHING, even me ale! Methinks it's a variant of Relic Metal, though not enough of customers can afford to pay me in that to facilitate me researchin'. Enough of that, and more whiskey this time!

Hark, me hearties, listen to the tale of Fulgurum, a mystic metal that dances with the storm's power. Known to Volkar as the Peruynite, it lurks in cracks where gods, perhaps Peruyn, struck the earth, leaving fulgurites. Heh, if you do find some, let me know, I wish to watch ye mine it. Heh. [a thumbprint soaked in ale is left here for an unknown reason, as well as an agreed horrible rendition of a dwarf smiling.]

Eff ye've already got some, ye best be ah Lightningsmith alreadeh, as very few'll teach ye. Ah, an' if ye ARE a Lightningsmith, ye BEST be blindfolded, else the Volks'll findye an'll shockye right.... Ah suppose ah hint'll do. Make sure to give the gods their due, the Volks say.

Manage that, ye'll end up refinin' and forgin' the metal to a degree where it turns a beautiful gold. Once gold, it won't yield to your hammer. Nae one said this'll be easy! May Kronazul bless yer hammers and a shocking weapon be brought to mythical life.

Let me spin ye a yarn 'bout Emperium, the metal that saw the rise of the Empire of Man during what they call the Age of Scales. When iron and copper couldn't stand up to the fire-breathing dragons, mankind turned to Emperium as their savior. It was a godsend, and with Stone Golems by their side, the Empire of Man was born. Least that's what me grandpappy told me, claims he was there! Lyin' of course, but he wasn't, aye?

Steel came later, but the Empire stuck with Emperium, partly fer it's abundant and blacksmiths knew it well. Now, we Dwarves may call it the "Poor Man's Steel," as these Umrok nae know proper metallurgy blessed by Kronazul, but it's still a step up from iron, and many still swear by it.

Now, to get yer hands on Emperium, ye gotta mine it, just like any other metal. The ore's reddish-orange, and ye dig it up like ye're after plain iron.

Refining it ain't too different from the norm. Ye can use flux, a bloomery, or smelting, and it melts a tad easier than steel. Cast it, heat it, and work it like the rest, but here's the catch – Emperium's nae as consistent as steel. Some parts are weaker than others, and no amount of hammerin' can fix that. So, it ain't the sturdiest metal out there, but it'll get the job done.

And here's a bonus – it's got a unique look, with gray spots smudging its dull-silver appearance, as if it's seen its fair share of battles.

So, Emperium may not be as flashy as steel, but it's a reliable workhorse, for tools, swords, armor, and more. When you're swingin' an Emperium sword, you know it might not last forever, but it'll see you through the fight.

If yer wantin' a more reliable metal with some kick to it, then ye'll be lookin' to alloy Poor Man's Steel with a variety of minerals in the ground. 

Ye ever been cold? Or hot? Odds are, you've been either. Or both! Possibly at the same time, if ye think about it. Maybe ye haven't. Thought about it I mean. Or maybe ye haven't been either. Either way, Freezeflame be the metal jest fer ye! This here alloy comes from mixin' Emperium with two Elemental Crystals, the Ardent and the Kyros. It's a tricky process, and I recommend either foldin' 'em together or mixin' 'em in a crucible, but when it's done, you've got somethin' special. It looks jest like normal Emperium, but has the strength o' steel, and just as ductile, though its a wee bit less durable. More importantly, it can keep a chill or heat, and nae becomes weak because o' it! Perfect for me mug ah use to keep me ale chilled. 

'tis time to talk about Brinesteel, a metal that'll make you feel like you're sailin' on the high seas. This alloy hails from the Culiacáni people, and it's their pride and joy, especially among their sailors and soldiers.

To make Brinesteel, you mix Emperium with a Marinus Crystal in any regular ol' forge. You can fold the Crystal into the metal, or melt 'em together in a crucible. Once it's done, you've got Brinesteel, a metal that looks like the ocean's waves, wit' nae pattern weldin' needed. It's got the strength of steel, a tad more ductile, but be careful – it'll rust faster than your old anchor. The rust ain't red like regular metal, it's white as salt, and that's why they call it Brinesteel. It's got that ocean in its soul. So if you're lookin' for a metal that reminds you of the sea, Brinesteel's the one for you.

Onto a favorite o' mine third cousin Ardurbash, who's made himself an entire beard comb of the metal! Ah, suppose I should name it. It's a green metal that us Dwünīr are fond of, as well as many o' me Umrok clients hailing from the nippy lands of Ōkami as well as the Clans of Galen. See, when we had to deal with enough Empire commissions of Poor Man's Steel, we figured why not jest make our own? And so we did. And perhaps, so shall you! Yer welcome. Ye owe me a drink. 

To make Jadis, you mix Emperium with a Terra Crystal, either in a crucible or by foldin' 'em together jest like tha other alloys. Once it's done, you've got this jade-green beauty. It's as strong as steel, but a wee bit heavier and less durable. A suit of Jadis plate feels like wearin' a load of bricks compared to steel, but it'll keep you just as safe from harm. That's why folks like to use it for battleaxes, armor, and fancy decorations rather than swords, 'cause those can feel a bit too hefty.

Found throughout the world (Trust me, I would know, I've unfortunately left this cave of mine), these magical gems are found in spots where they blend in. Nae sure which comes first, and which begets the other, but either way, these crystals are there. They were once thought to be separate crystals, but it turns out they're all part of one big crystal that's sensitive to the land and temperature. Just like me mum.

These Elemental Crystals come in various types, each with its own use in metallurgy and magic. To get 'em, you just need a hammer and chisel, and they all give off a soft glow. Folks in Volantis have used 'em for all sorts of things, from decoration to magical tools, and even mixin' 'em with Emperium to create unique alloys. So if you ever come across one of these gems, treasure it, for it's a piece of the world's magic itself. Or sell it ta me. Preferably, the second, and then the first, in that order, and I would gladly sell it back! 

Now ah can talk about something more tangible! A metal that looks like glass but is as strong as steel, Crysteel keeps many folks enamored when they see the wee shapes in many colors. Them Glassaxes over at Azbar are just as greedy about their coins as they are their secrets, but fortunately for you I've got the refinement right here... [nothing else is written for a bit, and then further down on the page is "Reminder: Reflectance"] 

For whatever reason, a riddle or obfuscated message has been scribed here.

This here metal be the last effects o' the flame.

Nae sandstone bear a path through et

Elven steel'll nae meet et

Blood be given to et from evereh miner

Wot ah'm ah?

Magicks. Nae good, even worse when in a metal! I'd like ta talk to the Umyok who thought it was a good idea to try to imitate Elven Star Plectrum! In any sort, Arcanite be what ye get when yer both ignorantly dabbling in magics as well as metallurgy. The resulting marriage births a sad ingot o' true magical potential, albeit. Varies in appearance, depending on the magic used to create it. The metal nae matters howeveh, all Arcanite be the same strength, about that o' hard bronze. Heard et's real useful for them Arcanists, er Artificers. By and by, mages all the same. 

Spared once more for the reader is an exorbitantly long description of Lumina, trailing for many pages with no detours of stories, of which can be summarized as a glowing golden rock.

Another oddity, a limerick this time.

There once was a metal so fine,

Its ore sparkled like stars that shine.

But in the forge's cruel dance,

It'd explode, not by chance,

Forge wrong, and you'd pay the design!

Ef yer mouth be on fire, ye be on the right track ta discoverin' Pyrotheum. Ash-grey, and (used) to be found ah lot in the Ashen Veil, this can be ah very fine replacement fer coal, and I will begrudginly admit Kronazul forgive me, an adequate forge. But heed me well, me friends, for Pyrotheum ain't for the faint of heart. It's a force to be reckoned with, a true elemental fury! It can smelt the strongest metals, but it can also reduce a careless blacksmith's workshop to ashes in the blink of an eye. 

Most of what is detailed below has been proved to be gibberish by a great deal of imitators, though left here in case there be some truth hidden within.

One o' the greatest mysteries of the land, but more importantly, one o' MY greatest intrigues. Aye, yer peepers be readin' correctly. Even I, the great Grokni of the Blued Ardent, have nae figured out all the secrets ove this Metal o' our Ancestors. But what I do know, is that this green, irridescent metal, es by far one o' the best in the lands. While ah may nae know where et comes from, ah know et's fundamental secret that et's held fer millenia. Ah'n since ye bought this book (ye betteh have bought this book) ah'll tell ye. Ye see, Relic Metal es forged by singers! Aye, ye must sing to et! Ah'n then... oh yes! Ye must travel to the far reaches of Volantis, nae matters which, and then ye must pour dragons blood upon a virgin load of copper ore which must be connected to a stream runnoff from an alluvial fan. But nae pour et yet, as it must be done last. Then, with blessed copper in tow, one must travel to the lands of the Coral Boreal, in which in the cusp of a great Aragucla Abalone, a crystalized gem sits. Along your journeys ye must find ah sack o' Periodot, perfectly cooked Fleuret Chops, and then a great keg of ale... for tempering! Bring this gem far into the Interior along with your load, and bring it to me. Then, and only then, can it be forged. 

Elven trickery! All of the Elvish Rare Metals, created by abberation abbulation wronging of precious metals! Though, ah nae would deny the chance to work them when these rare oddities came through me hewn dolomite door. Moonsilver, Blue Silver, Two Silver-nae, jest twistin' yer beard-es made under the cover of the night. That's all ah've got fer ye. Ah'd nae dare talk to knife-ears to find out more. Oh, and ets white with ah blue glow, er tint, jest like the moon itself es blue. Maybe it came from there...

The same goes fer these metals and fabric as well; valuable, ornamental, wrong. Elves always with their desire ta be extravagant. And nae in the tasteful way like our Rimebeards! Solar Aurum bakes in the sun and comes out as Solar Aurum [Sic], real wavy, as if ye held the shifting sands in yer hands... Oi, that rhymed dinnet? Sunweave, it's as if ye were doing golden threads, but with Sunweave er ah mean Gold fok... 

Ah've taken up too much o' me book with this Elven Ficklery! This es made as a special alloyin' technique between Solar Aurum and Moon Silver. Ah use et ta detect magic in me presence, ta shiftin' metal will glow purple ef any magick be near. I check ALL items fer magicks. Even this book! The metal itself be pearlescent. Nice word, fer lookin' like ah pearl. Shifts between the Solar Aurum and Moon Silver within. Great fer magicks, though ah'd never be caught dead with using in such ah way.

Ah've a ring on me beard for the last, ah'n first time ah worked with this Wireleaf Needles. A ring of sorrow, as ah Star Elf who'd nae been to the Glades tricked me into thinkin' ah'd be makin' normal chainmail, but swapped the steel with these needles! Should've woven a cage and left them on a mountainside somewhere...

It's always a joy gettin' ta cut some Zoro'Lith, that is, when a Conclave doesnae come bargin' in me forge bewildered that ah made some for a sneaky human. Stuff comes from the sky, quite intriguing. Many times I've combed my beard in pondering at the origins of this stone. Workin' it be one o' me favorite tasks, as me brother is Hûzvokash, and made some o' the best stone south o' ta Bearded Rime. If ye love stonecuttin, ye need ta get some Zoro'Lith. Oh, it's white and gold, with little pockets on the inside, let me go get a hammer ah cut and show... dammit, this is a book. 

Of all the illustrations in this book, only this one is found in the original.

Me cousin Naru lives down south in those wretched frozen wastelands he calls pleasant. Worst place on Volantis and beyond et, if ye ask me. Ah'n ye are! There one can find the constituents for Coldbalt. I've only been once, fer ah urgent commission to please a royal Culiacáni, likely ah king, annae remember. When ah say et wos cold, ah'm nae talkin' about freezing, ah'm talkin' soul-wrenchin', life-endin', eye-burning cold. Naethin' needs ta be down there. But, through all of the wastes, the crevasses which ye can fall through and the perilous mountains ye've ta trek up and down, ye may find some sheets o' what ye'll think be ice, but be one o' the most valuable commodities in the land. Take this ah'n ye'll 'ave ta forge et in what ah like ta call "The worst situation ye can ever be in." Only then will ye make and forge Coldbalt. When ye do that, ye'll have ah right powerful metal ove deep azure, with a foggy appearance as the air itself es frozen by its touch. 

Ef ye nae think ah'm drunk yet, by the tang o' me dirk ye'll believe me after this! Picture this; a sunny day at noon, with narry a cloud to obscure the scene, and the trees in full effect, blooming in full to scatter their floral arrangements before you; truly dreadful. Ye be on a mandatory trip, lest ye be in yer cave ef et weren't mandatory, to restock on your custom varnish for the handles of preferred make. Then, in the twist of a whisker, a great iridescence sparkled in the skies, as a chromatic aberration sunders the blue! After this dazzling display of what even I cannae dismiss as awe inspiring, a marvelous crack screamed through the scene, led by a thunderbolt with a rainbow hue! I went to find where the lightning had fallen, and at the base was a gemstone, perfectly smooth in the shape of a tear, holding within it a great dazzling display of lights of any hue.

I later knew this to be what some call the Tears from Jarkahada, but at the moment I simply kept it for meself. Ah, I'm sure yer curious as to what this great crystal is for? Enchanting, that's what! Foul Thaumiturgical magicks! All of that display for it to be wasted on magick! Anywho, it still suffices well for pretty ornamentation in me toothpicks. There's even a way to refine it further with magical lapidary techniques, but meself, I prefer the dop station. Call it good fortune, or blessings o' the Ancestors, I nae care, all I know is that, by me beard's measure, I've had me fill o' topside antics. 

Ef there's anehthin' ah hate more than trees, it's trees folks be obsessed with! "Grokni, craft me a bow out of Haertwood, Grokni, make an Aphyllous buckler or two! Grokni, why are you eating my cupboards dry?" All pointless! Nearly as pointless as this wood! While et may be betteh than steel according to pointy-eared leaf lovers, I disagree! While on parchment it may be so, and, well, actually using it, et's still wood! Ah'n wood's nae as pretty as a good ol' fashioned steel. Et comes from dead trees, ah'n ye need them fer keepin' this wood from rottin', but ah'll keep that to meself, fer ah HOPE yer wood rots.

Nae enough folks, both above and below ground, employ usage of the fancy ceramic the Ōkamis call Teethstone. Refined from Jhotasite, this be a simple clay turned pottery; those cheapsakes I paid to teach me about the material stopped there, and demanded I pay em more if I wanted to learn how! Bah, I went home and figured it out myself! Simply use the teeth of certain creatures, crush it down innae paste, and mix it as a sort of alloy with the clay as you fire it in the good ol' kiln before a fine, white ceramic with golden webs sits before you. Though not very durable for a simply pottery creation, items made from this can be fashioned in both armor and weapons of war, truly a marvel! One I am glad to distribute to the world at large! How's that for payment ye wee oafs!