Mountains

Virdanite

Virdanite, often called Virdan once smelted, is a naturally green-hued ore found deep within the mountainous and steppe regions of Keleva. Revered by Orcs, Virdanite occupies a unique place among the metals of the known world—stronger and more resilient than standard iron yet lacking the refined purity of true steel.

To the Orcs, Virdanite is not just a metal—it is a spiritual inheritance. They believe it to be the blood of the mountain spirits, infused with the souls of ancient warriors who fell in battle within the valleys. Orc warriors don Virdan armour into battle, serving both as protection and a statement of their identity. It is not uncommon for high-ranking warlords to wield weapons forged from Virdan, often passed down through generations.

Its hardness surpasses that of iron in raw toughness and resistance; blades with edges made from Virdan dull more slowly and rarely rust, even when neglected. It weighs slightly more than iron, giving a distinct movement and feel to Virdan weapons. It's known to be challenging to smelt in conventional forges; it requires intense heat and considerable hammering.

Virdan axes and cleavers are valued for their weight and brute force. Virdan armour is cumbersome but provides excellent defence against slashing and piercing attacks. Some Orcs wear it bare-chested, with only shoulder plates and greaves, believing that the mountain spirits that made this ore protect the rest. Powdered Virdanite is sometimes used in war paint, ground and mixed with oil to create symbols on the Orcs' skin before battle. The colour of the paint depends on the other materials combined with the green powdered virdanite.