Ferrum

Also referred to as "iron" as an ore, Ferrum smithing occurs all over Anthos, but it varies from nation to nation. Human blacksmiths forge an alloy from ferrum they call 'Steel', which is stronger and less brittle than your average ferrum blade or plate. The Orcs stubbornly forge their weapons from base ferrum, but their smiths are so masterful at working with it that their cast iron (they call it Skahiron) weapons are comparable to Oren's steel. Dwarven metal is nearly universally regarded as having the best quality, and often in battle opponents of Dwarves will take the Ferrum weapons of their dead enemies and throw aside their own. The Dwarves are rather protective of the secrets behind their superior metal.