Malsteel

Malsteel is a metal that is known for its unusual physical properties, like its varying melting points depending on its state, or how it reacts to physical force.

Properties

Malsteel is a black and dense material, and can feel quite heavy. It's non-toxic, and has a minor disinfectant property. Malsteel can't be enchanted, however, it can conduct mana and magic, though it isn't affected by mana or magic in general. Activated malsteel can store kinetic energy, though it won't retain this for too long. Once malsteel becomes dormant, any stored kinetic energy will unleash at once.

Thermal properties

Malsteel undergoes two different thermal transitions depending on the current state. When malsteel is dormant, its melting point is 10,000 °C, at which point it transitions to an activated state. When it is activated, it becomes soft at 40 °C, and undergoes another thermal transition at 50 °C, going back to its dormant state.

Malsteel is an effective heat conductor. Even just heating one small area will propagate through the entire piece.

Physical properties

Dormant malsteel is practically indestructible. Most kinetic force applied to it will be transferred over to any object behind it, even if it's air. It also barely makes any sound.

Activated malsteel is malleable, and, once at a high enough temperature, is soft enough that you can easily fuse two pieces of activated malsteel together.

Obtaining malsteel

Malsteel is generally found in its activated state, which makes mining rather straightforward. However, one does have to be careful not to introduce heat, as this will propagate to the rest of the vein. If the temperature reaches 50 °C, it has to be mined all at once, otherwise you'll either have to find a way to heat it back up to 10,000 °C, or carve it out. Therefore, it's advised not to use heavy machinery, and to never hold a flame close by.

Etymology

The name malsteel may have two different origins. One is the fact that it's derived from malleable steel. Another possible explanation is that it was first found in the mines of the Malus Mountains.

Possible applications

Because of its thermal conductivity, malsteel could theoretically be used to create a malsteel version of the Brazen Bull. Combined with the fact that activated malsteel can still be fused together at 40 °C or higher, it makes for a particularly effective execution device. One could put someone inside, fuse the latch closed, then flash-heat it to 50 °C, before beginning the execution.

Trivia

• One joke explanation for the name malsteel was that someone yelled out "mah balls" when hit in the gonads by a bouncing pickaxe.