Chrome used for weapons? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Chrome used for weapons? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
simen_88
09-01-04, 01:25 PM Would chrome be usable for making, for example, a sword? I have heard it's properties are about the same as steel, except it tires easily if it's bent a lot.
Perpetual Wizard
09-01-04, 01:30 PM Do you mean Chrome? As in Chromium, atomic number 24? If so, no. You can use it to plate a sword, or make a hard corrosion resistant alloy, but the science and technology needed to refine it probably doesn't exist in a medieval campaign.
Fixxxer
09-01-04, 04:09 PM I've never heard of anyone making a blade completely out of chrome. I've made several out of steel, bronze, iron....even one out of copper, but I imagine that if chrome was worth making into a blade, I would have been shown how to do that as well.
kirsdarke
09-01-04, 07:40 PM anyone used to play runescape? when i first started playign, one of the players in our campaign asked the local armorsmith for a rune mace and chainmail :D he got dragged of to the nuthouse. fun rescue mission. try it some time, DMs
Sensei Gith
09-01-04, 08:18 PM I would imagine that chromium, like the vast majority of other metals, would not make a good blade by itself.
Dipree Xarann
09-01-04, 08:20 PM Do you mean Chrome? As in Chromium, atomic number 24? If so, no. You can use it to plate a sword, or make a hard corrosion resistant alloy, but the science and technology needed to refine it probably doesn't exist in a medieval campaign.

:teach: If we look at the history of chromium's discovery and preparation in 1797, it seems to be a little advanced for a real-life medieval setting (full history of Chromium can be found here (http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/Cr/hist.html) ).

But since this is D&D, where powerful spells like legend lore, commune, and others exist, I think that the preparation of chromium metal would be difficult but not impossible.

As a DM, I'd be inclined to allow it if a PC put in time (and gp) in learning how to prepare it. The feasibility of a pure chromium blade is a little conjectural, however it would be excellent used in alloys (such as stainless steel).
Willie the Duck
09-01-04, 10:03 PM Well, pure chrome is really friggen hard, so I imagine that it is too brittle to use as a weapon. Dipree, wouldn't stainless steel be a little soft?

heh, first it's too hard, then it's too soft. Just no pleasing me, huh?

Anyway, I suppose if a mad wizard (or gnome) wanted to , they could use call lightning to plate chrome (or tungsten, vanidium, titanium) onto a blade, to enhance the hardness of the edge without making the blade too brittle.
SilverFoxKnows
09-01-04, 10:18 PM are made out of simple carbon steels or tool steels. Stainless steels are good for knives or other low impact cutting tools. They have a higher wear resistance but a lower tolerance for impacts. Even today, machetes and axes are made from carbon/tool steels. If you see a stainless steel sword it's a wall hanger. Check out Bladeforums for all you ever wanted to know about steel.

Frank
Riplox
09-01-04, 10:30 PM Go with unobtanium :D It's the best there is but it's really hard to find.

Hardness: 60
Hit Points: 300/inch
Weight: Half of Steel
Special: Weapons are naturally keen and has a natural enhancement bonus of that listed on the following table:

1d4 and 1d6: +2 - Price: +20,ooo gp
1d8, 2d4, and 1d10: +3 - Price: +35,ooo gp
1d12 or 2d6: +4 - Price: +60,ooo gp

Armor made of unobtanium grants -4 to the armor check penalty, +4 to its dexterity bonus, and - 25% arcane spell failure and also has the following natural benefits:

Natural Enhancement Bonus:
Light: +2 and light fortification - Price: +11,ooo gp
Medium: +3 and medium fortification - Price: +30,ooo gp
Heavy: +4 and heavy fortification - +85,ooo gp
Fixxxer
09-02-04, 12:50 AM are made out of simple carbon steels or tool steels. Stainless steels are good for knives or other low impact cutting tools. They have a higher wear resistance but a lower tolerance for impacts.

As a note in SS's favor, though, it makes for a wonderful culinary blade material because it doesn't corrode (easily) and it cleans easily, thus rendering it less-likely to carry food-bourne bacteria and cross-contaminate anything it comes in contact with.
Megido
09-02-04, 04:26 AM Chromium would not make a good sword. Even if you alloy it with another metal it would make something kin to stainless steel, and that also isnt very good for weaponry (possibly arrow heads).
Megido
09-02-04, 04:33 AM Some of the best blades used a folding process that had layers of softer and harder metals. Though arguably the most famous is the Katana, there are alot of examples of damascene and or folded weaponry in history. Do a bit of research on metalurgy before you make your decision on what to make your blade from, you will be happy you did.
TheDarkLord
09-02-04, 04:33 AM Chrome doesn't make a good weapon?

Aww come on now. That chrome bumper sitting on my 3500 lb. 1979 Chevy Monte Carlo with the big 511 in it isn't a good weapon? Even the Engine and both 4 barrell eldebrock carb's are fully chromed, as is the two 3 1/2 tailpipes comin out the back of it!!! That's gotta be great weapon of sorts.

Anyway.... I have no Idea why i posted..
Megido
09-02-04, 04:35 AM LOL, mass*velocity is always good!
simen_88
09-02-04, 10:21 AM Good to know all that. I'm not making a sword IRL, I just like flavorful campaigns. Perhaps a mace would be ebtter... Why is it so hard to find?
Sensei Gith
09-02-04, 11:15 AM [QUOTE=Riplox]Go with unobtanium :D It's the best there is but it's really hard to find.
It took me about ten full seconds to realize that unobtanium is not one of the really heavy 100+ metals.
Farganger
09-02-04, 05:32 PM [QUOTE=Riplox]Go with unobtanium :D It's the best there is but it's really hard to find.
It took me about ten full seconds to realize that unobtanium is not one of the really heavy 100+ metals.

I've heard of "unobtainium" . . . wasn't the word used in a really bad SciFi movie, "The Core"?
simen_88
09-02-04, 06:00 PM Hmmm.... Perhaps I should just stick with solid elven muffin being the main sword material in this world. Or perhaps frog bone.
Kupokpok
09-02-04, 08:43 PM I've heard of "unobtainium" . . . wasn't the word used in a really bad SciFi movie, "The Core"?

Yes it was.

Back on topic...

I think he just wants his sword to be really, really shiny. So shiny you can see yourself in it. My suggestion is, if he just wants the shiny-ness, he should try and get a mirrored sword. If they can make mirrored chainmail, they can make similar swords.

And if the DM won't let him, ask how shiny mythril is.
simen_88
09-03-04, 01:50 AM Pssh! I'm the DM! I just wanted to see if steel could be replaced by anything, because quite frankly, steel is over-used. With good reason.
a18ffe
09-03-04, 08:49 PM Give them a weapon made with uranium. :)
wereooze
09-03-04, 09:32 PM Wow! You chromed the engine block and everything? Thats gotta look sharp!

While chrome-plating (actually you'll need to coat several layers of copper and nickel before the chromium) your plate maile may cut a more dashing figure while rescuing maidens, please note that it doesn't handle heat very well. One good hit from a fireball spell and your armour will suddenly turn various shades of blue and gold (just check-out a motorcycles exhaust pipes sometime). Its also brittle and flakes easy. So sharpen your chromed longsword and you'll ruin the effect.
TheDarkLord
09-03-04, 11:17 PM I didn't chrome the entire engine block. Just the header's carb's, manifold, pipes. Definately a clean looking engine. Yes it looks sharp.
Willie the Duck
09-04-04, 01:28 AM Chrome doesn't make a good weapon?

Aww come on now. That chrome bumper sitting on my 3500 lb. 1979 Chevy Monte Carlo with the big 511 in it isn't a good weapon? Even the Engine and both 4 barrell eldebrock carb's are fully chromed, as is the two 3 1/2 tailpipes comin out the back of it!!! That's gotta be great weapon of sorts.

Anyway.... I have no Idea why i posted..

Well, I'm sure it looks sharp, but you would have better heat transfer with brushed alumin(i)um. Either way, your bumper is actually chrome electroplated onto a steel backing. That's why old 1950s chrome bumpers are pitted in spite of chrome not corroding.
TheDarkLord
09-04-04, 01:35 AM Well, I'm sure it looks sharp, but you would have better heat transfer with brushed alumin(i)um. Either way, your bumper is actually chrome electroplated onto a steel backing. That's why old 1950s chrome bumpers are pitted in spite of chrome not corroding.

Eh it's a Chick magnet (j/k, but Chick's do like the rumble it give's off :D) for me mostly. The NOS hasn't been used in over a year. I keep it in check and rarely drive it. Though my 'Stang I drive around in does have brushed Aluminum, along with an aluminum block. Anyone say Boss 426?

Lol. I didn't think any other real car enthusiast's played DnD other than me, my wife, and my few friends.
wereooze
09-04-04, 12:34 PM I was into Mopar back in the day.had a Duster with a 383 big block wedged under the fiberglass hood. But then I went back to my first love, motorcycles (more fun for your buck), and import cars (because they start every morning).

I still appreciate a nice hot rod, but don't have the time, money, or garage space to commit to such a project anymore. :(
Willie the Duck
09-05-04, 02:41 AM Lol. I didn't think any other real car enthusiast's played DnD other than me, my wife, and my few friends.

Maybe not among the newbies, but c'mon. Being a car enthusiast is the 40's-70's equivalent to the computer enthusiast of today: pouring over magazines, ordering specialty parts, installing and modifying and working the bugs out until you had spent thousands of dollars on a 10% upgrade in effect that would be obsolete next year. It may have been more socially acceptable (no beach boy style songs about a little deuce coupueter), but it's effectively the same breed as a modern nerd.
TheDarkLord
09-05-04, 04:30 AM Maybe not among the newbies, but c'mon. Being a car enthusiast is the 40's-70's equivalent to the computer enthusiast of today: pouring over magazines, ordering specialty parts, installing and modifying and working the bugs out until you had spent thousands of dollars on a 10% upgrade in effect that would be obsolete next year. It may have been more socially acceptable (no beach boy style songs about a little deuce coupueter), but it's effectively the same breed as a modern nerd.

True, i'm not very old, i grew up with computer's and whatnot. I inherited my love of car's from my Good Ol' redneck dad :D. My job is within the computer industry, I'm a Computer Graphical Designer by trade. I understand where the love of computer's come's from, I unfortunately have that love also. The only difference I see between a Car Enthusiast and a Computer "Nerd" is the amount of attention that get's paid to you. Drive up to your nearest Sonic or other fast food joint people like to hang out and start showing off your "latest" computer, then Drive up in my Monte Carlo or my 'Stang and see how much more attention you get.

Note: I can call people Computer Nerd's and Geeks because "I are One!" Lol
Failut
09-05-04, 04:43 AM Note: I can call people Computer Nerd's and Geeks because "I are One!" Lol

LOL.. just remember a "Nerd's" life is surrounded by computers, a "Geek" likes it that way. I am a geek!
Moon-Lancer
09-05-04, 10:22 PM unobtanium? were would i find the meteral in a d&d book. I looked at stronghold builder guild and thiers a meterial called obtanium. it had a hardness of 30 and is like adamantium. Could you direct me to this meterial?
Greenintern
09-05-04, 11:45 PM Go with unobtanium It's the best there is but it's really hard to find

Or, you could try Upsidaisium.

For those of you that get this reference, I salute you.
simen_88
09-06-04, 01:49 AM Unobtanium a joke. The material from SBG is called obdurium, and it rules.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
simen_88 09-01-04, 01:25 PM	Would chrome be usable for making, for example, a sword? I have heard it's properties are about the same as steel, except it tires easily if it's bent a lot.
Perpetual Wizard 09-01-04, 01:30 PM	Do you mean Chrome? As in Chromium, atomic number 24? If so, no. You can use it to plate a sword, or make a hard corrosion resistant alloy, but the science and technology needed to refine it probably doesn't exist in a medieval campaign.
Fixxxer 09-01-04, 04:09 PM	I've never heard of anyone making a blade completely out of chrome. I've made several out of steel, bronze, iron....even one out of copper, but I imagine that if chrome was worth making into a blade, I would have been shown how to do that as well.
kirsdarke 09-01-04, 07:40 PM	anyone used to play runescape? when i first started playign, one of the players in our campaign asked the local armorsmith for a rune mace and chainmail :D he got dragged of to the nuthouse. fun rescue mission. try it some time, DMs
Sensei Gith 09-01-04, 08:18 PM	I would imagine that chromium, like the vast majority of other metals, would not make a good blade by itself.
Dipree Xarann 09-01-04, 08:20 PM	Do you mean Chrome? As in Chromium, atomic number 24? If so, no. You can use it to plate a sword, or make a hard corrosion resistant alloy, but the science and technology needed to refine it probably doesn't exist in a medieval campaign. :teach: If we look at the history of chromium's discovery and preparation in 1797, it seems to be a little advanced for a real-life medieval setting (full history of Chromium can be found here (http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/Cr/hist.html) ). But since this is D&D, where powerful spells like legend lore, commune, and others exist, I think that the preparation of chromium metal would be difficult but not impossible. As a DM, I'd be inclined to allow it if a PC put in time (and gp) in learning how to prepare it. The feasibility of a pure chromium blade is a little conjectural, however it would be excellent used in alloys (such as stainless steel).
Willie the Duck 09-01-04, 10:03 PM	Well, pure chrome is really friggen hard, so I imagine that it is too brittle to use as a weapon. Dipree, wouldn't stainless steel be a little soft? heh, first it's too hard, then it's too soft. Just no pleasing me, huh? Anyway, I suppose if a mad wizard (or gnome) wanted to , they could use call lightning to plate chrome (or tungsten, vanidium, titanium) onto a blade, to enhance the hardness of the edge without making the blade too brittle.
SilverFoxKnows 09-01-04, 10:18 PM	are made out of simple carbon steels or tool steels. Stainless steels are good for knives or other low impact cutting tools. They have a higher wear resistance but a lower tolerance for impacts. Even today, machetes and axes are made from carbon/tool steels. If you see a stainless steel sword it's a wall hanger. Check out Bladeforums for all you ever wanted to know about steel. Frank
Riplox 09-01-04, 10:30 PM	Go with unobtanium :D It's the best there is but it's really hard to find. Hardness: 60 Hit Points: 300/inch Weight: Half of Steel Special: Weapons are naturally keen and has a natural enhancement bonus of that listed on the following table: 1d4 and 1d6: +2 - Price: +20,ooo gp 1d8, 2d4, and 1d10: +3 - Price: +35,ooo gp 1d12 or 2d6: +4 - Price: +60,ooo gp Armor made of unobtanium grants -4 to the armor check penalty, +4 to its dexterity bonus, and - 25% arcane spell failure and also has the following natural benefits: Natural Enhancement Bonus: Light: +2 and light fortification - Price: +11,ooo gp Medium: +3 and medium fortification - Price: +30,ooo gp Heavy: +4 and heavy fortification - +85,ooo gp
Fixxxer 09-02-04, 12:50 AM	are made out of simple carbon steels or tool steels. Stainless steels are good for knives or other low impact cutting tools. They have a higher wear resistance but a lower tolerance for impacts. As a note in SS's favor, though, it makes for a wonderful culinary blade material because it doesn't corrode (easily) and it cleans easily, thus rendering it less-likely to carry food-bourne bacteria and cross-contaminate anything it comes in contact with.
Megido 09-02-04, 04:26 AM	Chromium would not make a good sword. Even if you alloy it with another metal it would make something kin to stainless steel, and that also isnt very good for weaponry (possibly arrow heads).
Megido 09-02-04, 04:33 AM	Some of the best blades used a folding process that had layers of softer and harder metals. Though arguably the most famous is the Katana, there are alot of examples of damascene and or folded weaponry in history. Do a bit of research on metalurgy before you make your decision on what to make your blade from, you will be happy you did.
TheDarkLord 09-02-04, 04:33 AM	Chrome doesn't make a good weapon? Aww come on now. That chrome bumper sitting on my 3500 lb. 1979 Chevy Monte Carlo with the big 511 in it isn't a good weapon? Even the Engine and both 4 barrell eldebrock carb's are fully chromed, as is the two 3 1/2 tailpipes comin out the back of it!!! That's gotta be great weapon of sorts. Anyway.... I have no Idea why i posted..
Megido 09-02-04, 04:35 AM	LOL, mass*velocity is always good!
simen_88 09-02-04, 10:21 AM	Good to know all that. I'm not making a sword IRL, I just like flavorful campaigns. Perhaps a mace would be ebtter... Why is it so hard to find?
Sensei Gith 09-02-04, 11:15 AM	[QUOTE=Riplox]Go with unobtanium :D It's the best there is but it's really hard to find. It took me about ten full seconds to realize that unobtanium is not one of the really heavy 100+ metals.
Farganger 09-02-04, 05:32 PM	[QUOTE=Riplox]Go with unobtanium :D It's the best there is but it's really hard to find. It took me about ten full seconds to realize that unobtanium is not one of the really heavy 100+ metals. I've heard of "unobtainium" . . . wasn't the word used in a really bad SciFi movie, "The Core"?
simen_88 09-02-04, 06:00 PM	Hmmm.... Perhaps I should just stick with solid elven muffin being the main sword material in this world. Or perhaps frog bone.
Kupokpok 09-02-04, 08:43 PM	I've heard of "unobtainium" . . . wasn't the word used in a really bad SciFi movie, "The Core"? Yes it was. Back on topic... I think he just wants his sword to be really, really shiny. So shiny you can see yourself in it. My suggestion is, if he just wants the shiny-ness, he should try and get a mirrored sword. If they can make mirrored chainmail, they can make similar swords. And if the DM won't let him, ask how shiny mythril is.
simen_88 09-03-04, 01:50 AM	Pssh! I'm the DM! I just wanted to see if steel could be replaced by anything, because quite frankly, steel is over-used. With good reason.
a18ffe 09-03-04, 08:49 PM	Give them a weapon made with uranium. :)
wereooze 09-03-04, 09:32 PM	Wow! You chromed the engine block and everything? Thats gotta look sharp! While chrome-plating (actually you'll need to coat several layers of copper and nickel before the chromium) your plate maile may cut a more dashing figure while rescuing maidens, please note that it doesn't handle heat very well. One good hit from a fireball spell and your armour will suddenly turn various shades of blue and gold (just check-out a motorcycles exhaust pipes sometime). Its also brittle and flakes easy. So sharpen your chromed longsword and you'll ruin the effect.
TheDarkLord 09-03-04, 11:17 PM	I didn't chrome the entire engine block. Just the header's carb's, manifold, pipes. Definately a clean looking engine. Yes it looks sharp.
Willie the Duck 09-04-04, 01:28 AM	Chrome doesn't make a good weapon? Aww come on now. That chrome bumper sitting on my 3500 lb. 1979 Chevy Monte Carlo with the big 511 in it isn't a good weapon? Even the Engine and both 4 barrell eldebrock carb's are fully chromed, as is the two 3 1/2 tailpipes comin out the back of it!!! That's gotta be great weapon of sorts. Anyway.... I have no Idea why i posted.. Well, I'm sure it looks sharp, but you would have better heat transfer with brushed alumin(i)um. Either way, your bumper is actually chrome electroplated onto a steel backing. That's why old 1950s chrome bumpers are pitted in spite of chrome not corroding.
TheDarkLord 09-04-04, 01:35 AM	Well, I'm sure it looks sharp, but you would have better heat transfer with brushed alumin(i)um. Either way, your bumper is actually chrome electroplated onto a steel backing. That's why old 1950s chrome bumpers are pitted in spite of chrome not corroding. Eh it's a Chick magnet (j/k, but Chick's do like the rumble it give's off :D) for me mostly. The NOS hasn't been used in over a year. I keep it in check and rarely drive it. Though my 'Stang I drive around in does have brushed Aluminum, along with an aluminum block. Anyone say Boss 426? Lol. I didn't think any other real car enthusiast's played DnD other than me, my wife, and my few friends.
wereooze 09-04-04, 12:34 PM	I was into Mopar back in the day.had a Duster with a 383 big block wedged under the fiberglass hood. But then I went back to my first love, motorcycles (more fun for your buck), and import cars (because they start every morning). I still appreciate a nice hot rod, but don't have the time, money, or garage space to commit to such a project anymore. :(
Willie the Duck 09-05-04, 02:41 AM	Lol. I didn't think any other real car enthusiast's played DnD other than me, my wife, and my few friends. Maybe not among the newbies, but c'mon. Being a car enthusiast is the 40's-70's equivalent to the computer enthusiast of today: pouring over magazines, ordering specialty parts, installing and modifying and working the bugs out until you had spent thousands of dollars on a 10% upgrade in effect that would be obsolete next year. It may have been more socially acceptable (no beach boy style songs about a little deuce coupueter), but it's effectively the same breed as a modern nerd.
TheDarkLord 09-05-04, 04:30 AM	Maybe not among the newbies, but c'mon. Being a car enthusiast is the 40's-70's equivalent to the computer enthusiast of today: pouring over magazines, ordering specialty parts, installing and modifying and working the bugs out until you had spent thousands of dollars on a 10% upgrade in effect that would be obsolete next year. It may have been more socially acceptable (no beach boy style songs about a little deuce coupueter), but it's effectively the same breed as a modern nerd. True, i'm not very old, i grew up with computer's and whatnot. I inherited my love of car's from my Good Ol' redneck dad :D. My job is within the computer industry, I'm a Computer Graphical Designer by trade. I understand where the love of computer's come's from, I unfortunately have that love also. The only difference I see between a Car Enthusiast and a Computer "Nerd" is the amount of attention that get's paid to you. Drive up to your nearest Sonic or other fast food joint people like to hang out and start showing off your "latest" computer, then Drive up in my Monte Carlo or my 'Stang and see how much more attention you get. Note: I can call people Computer Nerd's and Geeks because "I are One!" Lol
Failut 09-05-04, 04:43 AM	Note: I can call people Computer Nerd's and Geeks because "I are One!" Lol LOL.. just remember a "Nerd's" life is surrounded by computers, a "Geek" likes it that way. I am a geek!
Moon-Lancer 09-05-04, 10:22 PM	unobtanium? were would i find the meteral in a d&d book. I looked at stronghold builder guild and thiers a meterial called obtanium. it had a hardness of 30 and is like adamantium. Could you direct me to this meterial?
Greenintern 09-05-04, 11:45 PM	Go with unobtanium It's the best there is but it's really hard to find Or, you could try Upsidaisium. For those of you that get this reference, I salute you.
simen_88 09-06-04, 01:49 AM	Unobtanium a joke. The material from SBG is called obdurium, and it rules.