Moonsteel

In Upper Aneos there are some iron ore veins exposed to the open sky, and at night they are seen to react to the light of the moon. This ore seems to be particularly reflective, especially towards moonlight, causing a soft, pale glowing aura to emanate from these ore veins. The glow’s strength seems to be dependent on the current phase of the lunar cycle. Some scholars in Upper Aneos have coined the term “Lunaerrum” (pronounced: loon-air-rum) when referring to the ore.

Smiths and metalworkers in the upper half take this ore and refine it into what is then referred to as “moonsteel.” The metal is more reactive to Juice and magic than ordinary metals and alloys, therefore making it an excellent component in enchanting or constructing alchemical catalysts and thaummatech similar to other magical materials and metals. The steel is very pale, and is known to glow as the ore it’s derived from does.

Physically, moonsteel isn’t particularly superior to more common alloys and metals. However, the magical properties it does possess make it much more susceptible to magic and it can act as a powerful conductor for magical effects. This makes moonsteel more desirable as a component for constructing magical items and devices, as the process for enchanting or magically enhancing the material is much easier, with greater payoff, than with most other metals.

What makes the ore from which moonsteel is created inherently magical is still yet to be discovered and explained. There are scholars in Upper Aneos whom study it extensively, but so far it seems to be a natural anomaly beyond our comprehension.