Cold Iron [Archive] - Wizards Community - Pages Merged by Solauren

Cold Iron [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Donraj
01-28-05, 01:42 AM I apologize if this is the wrong section.

Anyway, after reading about numerous monsters that only take damage from "Cold Iron" I have one nagging question: What the heck is it? Does it refer to some sort of pure, unalloyed iron? Iron made by some special treatment? Iron that's been stored in a snow bank? Sorry if its a foolish question, but really, I have no idea what it refers to.
gbnogkfs
01-28-05, 02:00 AM DMG page 284.
Wharin
01-28-05, 02:03 AM If i remember correctly as its been stated on the boards:

Historically speaking, "cold iron" are weapons that smith either without, or with very low heat. It took longer to do, and i would imagine that you couldnt get very fine craftsmanship out of it. Of course, with the ever improving technology, cold iron fell by the way side to normal iron, and then steal weapons. I think there is some superstitious connotations that this form of smithing also kept faeries away, which i guess was a good thing, thus the horseshoe over the door. Of course i could be wrong, but i think i got the gist of it.

In DnD terms, i believe that in 3.5, its it's own kind of metal, although it could just be iron thats hammered out with the use of a real forge. Its pretty cheap compared to other special metals (ala mithral and adamantine), so i wouldnt think that its a particularly rare metal to find, if it is indeed a unique metal. Regaurdless of what it is, it doesnt take to magic that well, which is why enchanting it is a pain (adds like 2k to the enchanting cost or something). And following old superstition, certain creatures (typically faerie-like) have DR x/cold iron, which means that its easier to hurt them with cold iron weapons.
Callahan
01-28-05, 02:09 AM I apologize if this is the wrong section.

Anyway, after reading about numerous monsters that only take damage from "Cold Iron" I have one nagging question: What the heck is it? Does it refer to some sort of pure, unalloyed iron? Iron made by some special treatment? Iron that's been stored in a snow bank? Sorry if its a foolish question, but really, I have no idea what it refers to.

Iron, Cold: This iron, mined deep underground, known for its effectiveness against fey creatures, is forged at a lower temperature to preserve its delicate properties.

It's it's own material and requires special smithing techniques.
Lord of Dorkness
01-28-05, 04:21 AM caution, unneeded knowledge ahead:
iron is much softer than steel (and is pretty prone to dents and blunting), but can hold a much sharper edge. ask your granny for her best kitchen knife, and she'll produce a probably rusty, whettled away iron one. mine would :)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Donraj 01-28-05, 01:42 AM	I apologize if this is the wrong section. Anyway, after reading about numerous monsters that only take damage from "Cold Iron" I have one nagging question: What the heck is it? Does it refer to some sort of pure, unalloyed iron? Iron made by some special treatment? Iron that's been stored in a snow bank? Sorry if its a foolish question, but really, I have no idea what it refers to.
gbnogkfs 01-28-05, 02:00 AM	DMG page 284.
Wharin 01-28-05, 02:03 AM	If i remember correctly as its been stated on the boards: Historically speaking, "cold iron" are weapons that smith either without, or with very low heat. It took longer to do, and i would imagine that you couldnt get very fine craftsmanship out of it. Of course, with the ever improving technology, cold iron fell by the way side to normal iron, and then steal weapons. I think there is some superstitious connotations that this form of smithing also kept faeries away, which i guess was a good thing, thus the horseshoe over the door. Of course i could be wrong, but i think i got the gist of it. In DnD terms, i believe that in 3.5, its it's own kind of metal, although it could just be iron thats hammered out with the use of a real forge. Its pretty cheap compared to other special metals (ala mithral and adamantine), so i wouldnt think that its a particularly rare metal to find, if it is indeed a unique metal. Regaurdless of what it is, it doesnt take to magic that well, which is why enchanting it is a pain (adds like 2k to the enchanting cost or something). And following old superstition, certain creatures (typically faerie-like) have DR x/cold iron, which means that its easier to hurt them with cold iron weapons.
Callahan 01-28-05, 02:09 AM	I apologize if this is the wrong section. Anyway, after reading about numerous monsters that only take damage from "Cold Iron" I have one nagging question: What the heck is it? Does it refer to some sort of pure, unalloyed iron? Iron made by some special treatment? Iron that's been stored in a snow bank? Sorry if its a foolish question, but really, I have no idea what it refers to. Iron, Cold: This iron, mined deep underground, known for its effectiveness against fey creatures, is forged at a lower temperature to preserve its delicate properties. It's it's own material and requires special smithing techniques.
Lord of Dorkness 01-28-05, 04:21 AM	caution, unneeded knowledge ahead: iron is much softer than steel (and is pretty prone to dents and blunting), but can hold a much sharper edge. ask your granny for her best kitchen knife, and she'll produce a probably rusty, whettled away iron one. mine would :)