Iron

Iron, especially raw iron, is a metal with many uses in magic.

Faeries are well known for being vulnerable to raw iron, like other crude and unrefined materials.<ref>“Then you know what Faerie are weak against?” I thought, but I couldn’t connect it.  “Something about raw iron, but…” “Crude elements,” Rose cut in.  “Things that have been worked, refined, or crafted are less effective against them.” - excerpt from Damages 2.5 </ref> Iron is symbolically opposed to, and so can be used to bind or repel, Others associated with nature<ref name=":0">Bonds 1.7</ref> such as Goblins.<ref>“That’s essentially it.  You know their weak point?”

“Iron,” I said.  “They’re creatures of nature?” “Iron.  But they’re warriors, understand?  They use iron.  They make weapons.  They’re of nature, but so is snake venom, so is cancer, understand?  They’re the ugly bits. [...] The second big reason that the goblins stopped picking on humanity was that we went and got ourselves modern plumbing.  You know that bit, about how vampires can’t cross running water?  Water is life, it’s natural, and it naturally draws out the deathly energies.  Well, for goblins, metal does the same thing, and it takes a bit out of them when they pass over a place where metals are buried.  More so if that metal is charged with any power.” - excerpt from Damages 2.7</ref> Iron or iron ore is used in the Awakening ritual,<ref name=":0" /><ref>Pact Dice: Mile End - Essentials</ref> representing the element of Metal and forward-thinking, although the more traditional holly (for Wood) can be used instead.<ref>“Get them out, we’ll need them soon.  These circles will each have an

offering supplied by one of us.  I’m thinking back to a ritual I was 

barely paying attention to when I went through it twenty years ago, but it should be myrrh, oil, spice, quartz, and.. holly?”

“I would suggest holly,” Miss said, from the other end of the clearing.  “It’s the old way, and our approach here hews to old ways.  Up to the girls.”

“What’s the new way?” Verona asked.  “And what does it change?”

“The materials connect to fire, earth, air, and water.  The fifth spot can be wood or metal, depending on culture.  Wood has roots, and metal points to the future.” - excerpt from Lost for Words 1.2 </ref>

References

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