General Information
Name: Grithvine
Class: Oreborn
Type: Abrasive
Colour: Ashen grey with streaks of pale lilac and flecks of dull silver
Smell: Dusty and mineral-rich, with a faint metal tang
Description: Grithvine is a unique layered abrasive mineral that is rarely found growing through stone or other deposits. It appears in long, twisting veins reminiscent of trapped roots, which gives it its name. Despite its dull, pebble-like outer appearance, the layered interior contains razor-fine granules that are harder than most forged metals, making it ideal for shaping, honing, and finishing blades. The beauty of Grithvine lies not just in its hardness; it also fractures cleanly. When split, it reveals smooth inner surfaces. Artisans use different grades of Grithvine depending on the level of polish required and the specific tool being worked on. To the eye, it seems humble, but to the hand, it is indispensable.
Properties: This material is naturally layered and can be split into flat sharpening slivers. It features a fine-grain edge that is effective for smoothing and honing metals, similar to Veldstone. While it is slightly brittle and may fracture under heavy pressure, it can be ground into a powder and combined with hides or slabs for finer polishing. Finished edges have a faint silver sheen that is highly valued by swordsmiths.
Harvesting & Processing
Harvesting: Separating Grithvine from whatever it twists around is a masterful craft. Skilled craftsmen can determine which technique to use based on the minerals present. Once it is at least partially exposed, sharp tools are employed for extraction.
Processing: Flat Faces: When working with flat faces, strike along the grain using a strong Veldstone chisel or a sharp edge. Be careful to avoid blunt impacts that could cause shattering. Once you reveal a smooth sliver, cut and lift it whole; even small cracks can diminish the quality of sharpening. Powder: For powder production, grind any unusable or fractured shards using a heavy, smooth stone. The resulting powder can be mixed with sticky oils or drying Drak Grease and then pressed into leather to create flexible sharpening belts.
Storage: Store flat slivers wrapped in Flaxroot cloth to prevent chipping. While moisture does not harm the slivers, rough storage can cause them to fracture. Powder should be kept in tightly sealed Veilglass jars, as even light breezes can waste it. Additionally, ensure that bonded polishing tools are kept dry and clean for repeated use.