Nemithic Metal

Nemithic metal is a unique material used extensively by the dark pantheon and their Stygian legions in the construction of warships, weapons, and armor. This otherworldly substance originates from within the Nemither, where it forms naturally in vast deposits that defy the normal laws of physics and metallurgy. Unlike conventional metals found in realspace, Nemithic metal possesses properties that make it particularly suited for crafting implements of war and destruction.

Ancient forges within the Palace of Pain where Nemithic metal is shaped into instruments of war

The fundamental nature of Nemithic metal reflects its origin dimension's chaotic and destructive properties. The metal appears as a deep, almost impossibly dark material that seems to absorb nearby light. Its surface exhibits a constant, subtle rippling effect, as though the metal itself is in a perpetual state of flux. This instability, rather than being a weakness, actually contributes to its effectiveness as a material for weapons and armor, as it allows the metal to channel and amplify the destructive energies of the dark pantheon.

When forged into warships, Nemithic metal creates vessels that possess an inherent Nemi-aura, a field of warped spacetime that provides natural defense against conventional weapons. This property makes Nemithic fleet vessels particularly difficult to damage, as incoming fire may be absorbed or even reflected back at the attacker. The metal's natural resonance with the chaotic energies of the Nemither also allows it to be easily enchanted with additional protective properties, such as the multiple layers of Infernal shielding found on larger vessels.

The process of working with Nemithic metal requires specialized knowledge and techniques that differ significantly from conventional metallurgy. Dark artificers must undergo years of training to learn how to properly forge and shape the material, as traditional methods prove ineffective or even dangerous when applied to this supernatural substance. The metal responds best to a combination of physical manipulation and ritual incantation, with the artificers' own connection to the dark pantheon playing a crucial role in the forging process.

One of the most remarkable properties of Nemithic metal is its ability to resonate with and amplify psychic energies, particularly those aligned with chaos and destruction. This makes it an ideal material for constructing weapons such as Ruin cannons and Hellwave batteries, which channel these energies into devastating attacks. The metal's natural affinity for such powers also explains its effectiveness in creating vessels capable of carrying and deploying aberrations through specially designed launch bays and boarding tubes.

Nemithic metal's unique properties extend to its structural integrity. Unlike conventional materials that weaken or fatigue over time, Nemithic metal actually appears to grow stronger with use, particularly when exposed to violence and destruction. This self-reinforcing property makes it particularly valuable for constructing capital ships and other long-term military assets. The metal has been observed to develop what some artificers refer to as a "battle memory," becoming more resistant to types of damage it has previously sustained.

The metal's resistance to conventional analysis has frustrated attempts by the Technate of Elysia to understand and counter its properties. Their most sophisticated scanning equipment often returns contradictory or impossible readings when attempting to analyze Nemithic metal structures. This has led some researchers to theorize that the metal exists simultaneously in both realspace and the Nemither, explaining its apparent violation of normal physical laws.

Despite its tremendous advantages, Nemithic metal does possess certain limitations. The material requires constant exposure to chaotic energies to maintain its properties, making it unsuitable for use in regions of space heavily influenced by order and law, such as the areas immediately surrounding Zyon. Additionally, prolonged exposure to the metal can have deleterious effects on unprotected organic beings, causing various forms of physical and psychological corruption.

The production and distribution of Nemithic metal remains strictly controlled by the dark pantheon, who ensure that only their most trusted servants have access to the material. This control helps maintain their military advantage while preventing the possibility of the metal being studied and potentially countered by their enemies. The largest known stockpiles exist within specially constructed vaults in each god's domain within the Nemither, with smaller caches distributed among their various fleets and armies.

Understanding of Nemithic metal's true nature continues to evolve as the War for Eternity progresses. While the forces of the Omnium Theocracy have managed to destroy vessels and weapons made from the material, they have yet to capture any significant samples for study. This has left them at a distinct disadvantage when developing countermeasures against the dark pantheon's forces, forcing them to rely on tactical adaptations rather than technological solutions.

See Also

• The Nemither
• Infernal shielding
• Dark Artificer's Forge

References

• "Treatise on Enemy Materials" - Gear Hierophant Archives, Hebhastun
• "Technical Analysis of Recovered Nemithic Debris" - Elysian Research Division
• "The Nature of Chaos-Forged Materials" - Codex Nemithicus