Memory steel is simply normal steel that has been alchemically altered in order to have a single preferred shape.

During forging, an alchemical mixture is added to the molten steel. When the metal is cooled following forging, the alchemical treatment causes the steel to "remember" its current shape. After that, the metal can be reheated and reforged into something else. However, it immediately morphs to its original shape if ever struck sharply against a solid surface. It will stay in this shape until reheated and reforged. It can be reforged any number of times and will always return to the same shape when struck. There is no way to "retrain" a memory steel object to assume a different shape.

Attributes

• Memory steel behaves like normal steel in all aspects except for the ability to morph.
• Since it is alchemical and not magical, memory steel does not detect as magic, unless magically enhanced. Further, true seeing reveals nothing special about it.
• The force required to morph a memory steel item is significant. Therefore, jostling around in a bag will not normally cause an object to morph.

Uses

A common use for memory steel is weapons of assassination. A clever assassin can create a memory steel dagger or short sword, then reforge it as a statue, platter, piece of armor, or any other non-descript metal object.

Another common use is in the creation of lockpicks. A set of memory steel lockpick can be reforged into non-descript items like coat buttons that can be worn or carried, and would not necessarily be removed should the carrier be incarcerated.

Cost

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