The Corvidan Archipelago has developed highly advanced metallurgical techniques as a consequence of its unique environment. With trees, and by extension wood, a precious commodity, and with metal easily manufacturable using material magic, metalworking took a large role in the creation of Corvidan tools, buildings, and other everyday objects. Irynian material mages innovated in the creation of specialized metallic alloys that allow for the creation of unique architecture and magitech devices. These alloys are often used in composite construction, in addition to non-metallic materials such as hemplime and glass, to balance each other's weaknesses for a more stable final product. The most commonly-used of these materials include:
Coin-gold is an alloy consisting primarily of gold. One advantage to using pure metals is that their simple composition makes them easier to recreate; however, with currency, that quality is a disadvantage. For that reason, Corvidan mints use a complex alloy whose composition is difficult to analyze and even more difficult to counterfeit. Pure gold is also too soft for practical use.
Mythril is an alloy consisting primarily of silver, the most magically-conductive metal. Pure silver is also too soft to be used in most applications, although it is found in very small but critical components of magitech devices such as SmartStones. For applications such as elevators and subway trains, which need to withstand heavy wear, the use of mythril is essential. Mythril is also used in weaponry, arcane instruments, and armor; these items are often protected with spells, necessitating high arcane conductivity for maximum efficacy, but must remain physically durable.
Alum-bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of copper, a common metal whose history stretches back to ancient times, and aluminium, a lightweight and easily-shaped metal. Its bright yellow color makes it valued for aesthetic reasons in addition to its practical benefits. Its antimicrobial properties make it a commonly-found material in healthcare facilities such as Iryna General.
Titanium is resistant to corrosion and heat, with the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metallic element. For this reason, it is used most commonly in the structural supports of Iryna's skyscrapers, as well as in ships and other vehicles. Titanium's only major drawback is its low arcane conductivity, which can be partially remedied by alloying it with more conductive metals.
In Iryna in particular, metalwork is considered aesthetically attractive, a point of cultural pride, and an integral element of their city's construction. A common Irynian architectural style called Structurism uses its skyscrapers' metal superstructure as both support and decoration. Exterior bracing reduces lateral loads to protect buildings from environmental hazards such as storms and earthquakes. It also opens up the building's floorplan by minimizing interior supports. These exterior braces, also called trusses, are so iconic in Iryna that they are the city's national symbol.