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Wire

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Wire was a manufactured length of flexible metal, a "coiled good" alongside chain and rope. It was extremely useful and in wide demand across the Realms for everything from common tools to fancy jewelry to elaborate mechanisms.[1][3]

Description[]

Wire was often quite brittle and soft from the drawing process, making it quite easy to snap under the right circumstances. Bending wire more than once in the same spot could snap it, and most wire produced was quite thick to ensure its durability.[1]

Hard metals and alloys could respond poorly to being drawn into wire and become more fragile, while softer metals such as gold were the easiest to draw into fine wire. Adamant in particular was difficult to draw into wire because of its extreme brittleness, and had to be alloyed with molybdenum to make it usable.[4]

Availability[]

Gold Wire

A spool of gold wire.

Adamant Wire

Adamant wire.

Most blacksmiths could make relatively thick wire as needed, but thinner and more delicate wire was much rarer.[5] Crafted by wiredrawers,[6] the expertise and tools required to make good fine wire made it harder to come by in much of Faerûn compared to rope and chain, with the centers of such production found in the Calimshan and Tashalar regions.[7] In many human communities, urban gnome and dwarf artisans pioneered fine wire and chain crafting,[1] and gnomes in particular led the development of increasingly thin and flexible wire that could be used for everyday purposes.[8]

Trade[]

Steel Wire Rings

Steel wire rings.

Usages[]

Maillers Lathe

A mailler's lathe.

  • Wire was coiled on a lathe, then cut to make rings, such as for making chainmail armor. The process of coiling, cutting, knitting, and riveting them was extremely tedious and delicate.[4] Copperbright armor resembled scale armor, and was held together with extensive wiring.[18][19]
  • Cable was an unusual form of woven rope that had a twisted wire core to give it incredible strength.[20]
  • As a strong, stiff, malleable line, wire was popular with merchants for tying down loose cargo.[13]
  • Fashionable clothing, elaborate hairstyles and costumes, and accessories such as bustles and stomachers used wire to shape and support their forms,[21][22][23][24] and many forms of jewelry used wire in their construction.[25] The finest, most flexible wire (such as gold) could be used similarly to thread in clothing.[4] Wire was not, however, used in making shaped brassieres or corsets.[26]
  • Wire was a common form of ornamentation for all sorts of objects.[27]
  • Wire loops were used to store holed coins such as the authokh.[28]
  • Stringed instruments could use metal wire for their strings.[29]
  • Wired canes used a hard-to-see wire support to facilitate thefts.[30]
  • Some garottes used a length of flexible, strong wire between two handles to throttle victims.[31][32]
  • Traps could use wire for a strong, hard-to-see trigger mechanism.[33][34] Specially sharpened wire could be used as a trap itself, especially when stretched at neck-height.[35]
  • Clockwork devices used wire as part of their mechanisms.[36][4]
  • Professional lockpicks used lengths of wire to manipulate locks, and any short piece of sturdy wire could be used as an improvised lockpick.[37]
  • Basic hinging mechanisms could be made from a simple loop of wire, such as in sparkers.[38]
  • Taxidermized animals were often held together with metal wire,[39] and entire skeletons could be wired together to be kept intact.[40]
  • Fine woven wire meshes could be used to stop small blades, and found some use in making thief-resistant coin pouches,[11] as well as masks for practicing fencing.[41] Larger wire meshes could be used to make fences for animals.[4]
  • Combs and brushes often used fine metal wire for their teeth and bristles.[42]
  • Small cages for animals and insects could be made from wire.[43][44]
  • Spectacles were made of wire wrapped around the glass lens.[45][46][47]
  • Priests of Gond were fond of gathering up small, useful bits of junk such as wire.[48]
  • Loviatans celebrated the Rite of Pain and Purity by dancing on sharp objects, including barbed wire.[49]

Notable Instances[]

Wire Mesh

Wire mesh.

  • The Iron Bow of Gesen had a golden wire bowstring.[50]
  • The Machine of Lum the Mad contained a vast profusion of wires.[51]
  • The Sash of Sune was stitched in thread-of-gold.[52]
  • A trap-springer was made from a spiral of flattened wire.[53]

Spell Components[]

A great number of spells used various forms of wire as material components, especially those involving communication and thought.[54]

History[]

Thread-of-gold was an exceptionally fine wire made by ancient dwarves, though the process of crafting it was long lost to modern dwarves.[52]

Wire was made by the ancient human peoples of Faerûn, including the Rengarth of Netheril thousands of years before 0 NY (−3859 DR),[79] and by the people of Calimshan by -6048 DR.[80]

The consistent production of fine wire in Faerûn was still a developing art by the mid–14th century DR, as artisans continued to gradually refine the process over time. It was expected to still be an area of experimentation and notable improvements through to the mid–16th century DR.[1]

Cable—rope woven around wire—was first developed around the mid-14th century DR.[20][1]

Appendix[]

See Also[]

Notes[]

  1. ↑ The price of silver wire is presumed to be in error.

Appearances[]

Adventures

Shadowdale • Halls of the High King • Nightmare Keep • Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

Novels & Short Stories

Black Wizards • Azure Bonds • Homeland • Horselords • The Halfling's Gem • Song of the Saurials • The Night Parade • Pool of Twilight • The Fallen Fortress • Masquerades • War in Tethyr • Cloak of Shadows • The Giant Among Us • King Pinch • Realms of Magic: A Worm Too Soft, Gunne Runner • Sword Play • Dangerous Games • Escape from Undermountain • The Council of Blades • Realms of the Underdark: A Slow Day in Skullport, Sea of Ghosts • Elminster in Myth Drannor • Finder's Bane • The Simbul's Gift • The Abduction • The Mercenaries • The Temptation of Elminster • Mortal Consequences • Realms of Mystery: Lynaelle • Under Fallen Stars • Tantras • Servant of the Shard • Realms of the Dragons: How Sharper than a Serpent's Tooth • The Halls of Stormweather • The Magehound • The Nether Scrolls • Pool of Radiance: Attack on Myth Drannor • Realms of the Deep: Messenger to Serôs • Shadow's Witness • Black Wolf • Temple Hill • Realms of Shadow: Assassin's Shadow, Liar's Game • Lord of Stormweather • Condemnation • Dawn of Night • Venom's Taste • Annihilation • Death of the Dragon • Forsaken House • Extinction • The City of Splendors: A Waterdeep Novel • Realms of the Elves • Swords of Eveningstar • Road of the Patriarch • The Howling Delve • Swords of Dragonfire • Storm of the Dead • Swordmage • Corsair • City of the Dead • The Fanged Crown • Avenger • Gauntlgrym • The Captive Flame • The God Catcher • Brimstone Angels • Dawnbringer • Sandstorm • Sword of the Gods • Spider and Stone • Lesser Evils • Spinner of Lies • The Gilded Rune • Prophet of the Dead • The Adversary • The Companions • Rise of the King • Spellstorm • Death Masks • The Devil You Know

Gamebooks

Knight of the Living Dead

Video Games

Neverwinter

External Links[]

References[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Ed Greenwood (October 2012). Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 128. ISBN 0786960345.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), p. 60. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  3. ↑ Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), pp. 143–146. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Cryptic Studios (June 2013). Neverwinter. Perfect World Entertainment.
  5. ↑ Wolfgang Baur (March 1998). “The Heart of the Forge”. In Dave Gross ed. Dragon #245 (TSR, Inc.), p. 26.
  6. ↑ David Cook (April 1995). Dungeon Master Guide 2nd edition (revised). (TSR, Inc.), p. 144. ISBN 978-0786903283.
  7. ↑ Ed Greenwood (October 2012). Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 123. ISBN 0786960345.
  8. ↑ Ed Greenwood (October 2012). Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 11. ISBN 0786960345.
  9. ↑ Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), pp. 36, 48. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  10. ↑ Ed Greenwood (2013-11-05). Thaelon Morgyr's Map. Forging the Realms. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2016-10-31. Retrieved on 2017-08-27.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Ed Greenwood (1987). Waterdeep and the North. (TSR, Inc), pp. 41, 43. ISBN 0-88038-490-5.
  12. ↑ Ed Greenwood (January 1993). Volo's Guide to Waterdeep. (TSR, Inc.), p. 131. ISBN 1-56076-335-3.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Ed Greenwood (July 1995). Volo's Guide to Cormyr. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 111. ISBN 0-7869-0151-9.
  14. ↑ Ed Greenwood (July 1995). Volo's Guide to Cormyr. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 156. ISBN 0-7869-0151-9.
  15. ↑ Ed Greenwood (October 1998). The City of Ravens Bluff. Edited by John D. Rateliff. (TSR, Inc.), p. 83. ISBN 0-7869-1195-6.
  16. ↑ Ed Greenwood (April 2001–May 2003). Elminster Speaks archive (Zipped PDF). Elminster Speaks. Wizards of the Coast. p. 77. Archived from the original on 2016-11-01. Retrieved on 2016-09-03.
  17. ↑ Ed Greenwood (2003-01-22). Part #59: Khôltar, Part 10, Hungry in Handrornlar, and More. Elminster Speaks. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2016-11-01. Retrieved on 2017-10-28.
  18. ↑ Ed Greenwood, The Hooded One (2012-12-11). Questions for Ed Greenwood (2012). Candlekeep Forum. Retrieved on 2023-09-22.
  19. ↑ Ed Greenwood, The Hooded One (2012-12-14). Questions for Ed Greenwood (2012). Candlekeep Forum. Retrieved on 2023-09-22.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Ed Greenwood (January 1993). Volo's Guide to Waterdeep. (TSR, Inc.), p. 159. ISBN 1-56076-335-3.
  21. ↑ Ed Greenwood, The Hooded One (2008-09-16). Questions for Ed Greenwood (2008). Candlekeep Forum. Retrieved on 2023-09-22.
  22. ↑ Ed Greenwood (January 1993). Volo's Guide to Waterdeep. (TSR, Inc.), p. 31. ISBN 1-56076-335-3.
  23. ↑ Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), p. 77. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  24. ↑ Ed Greenwood (1987). Waterdeep and the North. (TSR, Inc), p. 34. ISBN 0-88038-490-5.
  25. ↑ Ed Greenwood (October 2012). Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 96. ISBN 0786960345.
  26. ↑ Ed Greenwood (October 2012). Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 99. ISBN 0786960345.
  27. ↑ David "Zeb" Cook (December 1993). Book of Artifacts. (TSR, Inc), p. 126. ISBN 978-1560766728.
  28. ↑ Ed Greenwood (October 2012). Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 118. ISBN 0786960345.
  29. ↑ David Noonan, John D. Rateliff (December 2001). Song and Silence. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 46. ISBN 0-7869-1857-8.
  30. ↑ Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), p. 13. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  31. ↑ Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), p. 14. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  32. ↑ David Noonan, John D. Rateliff (December 2001). Song and Silence. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 52. ISBN 0-7869-1857-8.
  33. ↑ Jean Rabe (1989). Cities of Mystery. Edited by Kim Mohan. (TSR, Inc), p. 52. ISBN 0-88038-744-0.
  34. ↑ Ed Greenwood (1991). Halls of the High King. (TSR, Inc), pp. 17, 20.
  35. ↑ David Noonan, John D. Rateliff (December 2001). Song and Silence. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 32. ISBN 0-7869-1857-8.
  36. ↑ Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), p. 109. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  37. ↑ Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), p. 15. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  38. ↑ Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), p. 46. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  39. ↑ Allen Varney (May 1989). Knight of the Living Dead. (TSR, Inc.), p. 107e. ISBN 978-0880385985.
  40. ↑ Andy Collins, James Wyatt, and Skip Williams (November 2003). Draconomicon: The Book of Dragons. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 164. ISBN 0-7869-2884-0.
  41. ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), chap. 22, p. ?. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  42. ↑ Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), p. 102. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  43. ↑ Rick Swan (1991). Nightmare Keep. (TSR, Inc), p. 21. ISBN 1-5607-6147-4.
  44. ↑ Jean Rabe (December 1991). Red Magic. (TSR, Inc.), chap. 13, p. 256. ISBN 1-56076-118-0.
  45. ↑ Jeff Grubb, Kate Novak (October 1988). Azure Bonds. (TSR, Inc.), chap. 14, p. 161. ISBN 0-88038-612-6.
  46. ↑ Mark Anthony (1993). Crypt of the Shadowking. (TSR, Inc.), chap. 7, p. ?. ISBN 1-56076-594-1.
  47. ↑ slade et al. (February 1995). Encyclopedia Magica Volume II. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 462, 463.
  48. ↑ Julia Martin, Eric L. Boyd (March 1996). Faiths & Avatars. (TSR, Inc.), p. 63. ISBN 978-0786903849.
  49. ↑ Julia Martin, Eric L. Boyd (March 1996). Faiths & Avatars. (TSR, Inc.), p. 102. ISBN 978-0786903849.
  50. ↑ David "Zeb" Cook (December 1993). Book of Artifacts. (TSR, Inc), p. 44. ISBN 978-1560766728.
  51. ↑ David "Zeb" Cook (December 1993). Book of Artifacts. (TSR, Inc), p. 53. ISBN 978-1560766728.
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 Ed Greenwood and Doug Stewart (1997). Prayers from the Faithful. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 73. ISBN 0-7869-0682-0.
  53. ↑ slade et al (November 1995). Encyclopedia Magica Volume IV. (TSR, Inc.), p. 1454. ISBN 0-7869-0289-2.
  54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 Richard Baker (1996). Player's Option: Spells & Magic. (TSR, Inc), p. 73. ISBN 0-7869-0394-5.
  55. ↑ Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 197. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
  56. ↑ Jennell Jaquays (December 1988). “Mummies”. In Scott Martin Bowles ed. Lords of Darkness (TSR, Inc.), p. 39. ISBN 0-88038-622-3.
  57. ↑ Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 218. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
  58. ↑ Richard Baker (1996). Player's Option: Spells & Magic. (TSR, Inc), p. 167. ISBN 0-7869-0394-5.
  59. ↑ Julia Martin, Eric L. Boyd (March 1996). Faiths & Avatars. (TSR, Inc.), p. 119. ISBN 978-0786903849.
  60. ↑ Cook, Findley, Herring, Kubasik, Sargent, Swan (1991). Tome of Magic 2nd edition. (TSR, Inc), p. 106. ISBN 1-56076-107-5.
  61. ↑ Mark Middleton et al (January 1998). Wizard's Spell Compendium Volume Two. (TSR, Inc), p. 477. ISBN 978-0786906642.
  62. ↑ Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 61. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
  63. ↑ Mark Middleton et al (January 1998). Wizard's Spell Compendium Volume Two. (TSR, Inc), p. 483. ISBN 978-0786906642.
  64. ↑ Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 248. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
  65. ↑ Mark Middleton et al (January 1998). Wizard's Spell Compendium Volume Two. (TSR, Inc), p. 519. ISBN 978-0786906642.
  66. ↑ Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 253. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
  67. ↑ Mark Middleton et al (March 1998). Wizard's Spell Compendium Volume Three. (TSR, Inc), p. 631. ISBN 978-0786907915.
  68. ↑ Mark Middleton et al (March 1998). Wizard's Spell Compendium Volume Three. (TSR, Inc), p. 737. ISBN 978-0786907915.
  69. ↑ Ed Greenwood and Doug Stewart (1997). Prayers from the Faithful. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 62. ISBN 0-7869-0682-0.
  70. ↑ Mark Middleton et al (March 1998). Wizard's Spell Compendium Volume Three. (TSR, Inc), p. 755. ISBN 978-0786907915.
  71. ↑ Julia Martin, Eric L. Boyd (March 1996). Faiths & Avatars. (TSR, Inc.), p. 162. ISBN 978-0786903849.
  72. ↑ Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 276. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
  73. ↑ Mark Middleton et al (March 1998). Wizard's Spell Compendium Volume Three. (TSR, Inc), p. 786. ISBN 978-0786907915.
  74. ↑ Mark Middleton et al (September 1998). Wizard's Spell Compendium Volume Four. (TSR, Inc), p. 910. ISBN 978-0786912094.
  75. ↑ Kieran Turley and S. Deniz Bucak (December 2002). “Arcane Lore: A Clutch of Cantrips”. In Jesse Decker ed. Dragon #302 (Paizo Publishing, LLC), p. 49.
  76. ↑ Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 67. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
  77. ↑ Mark Middleton et al (September 1998). Wizard's Spell Compendium Volume Four. (TSR, Inc), p. 981. ISBN 978-0786912094.
  78. ↑ Ed Greenwood and Doug Stewart (1997). Prayers from the Faithful. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 72. ISBN 0-7869-0682-0.
  79. ↑ slade, Jim Butler (October 1996). “The Winds of Netheril”. In Jim Butler ed. Netheril: Empire of Magic (TSR, Inc.), p. 90. ISBN 0-7869-0437-2.
  80. ↑ Clayton Emery (January 1999). Star of Cursrah. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 16, p. 287. ISBN 0-7869-1322-3.
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