Ironhists

Ironhists are a fictional race featured in the fantasy novel series "The Chronicles of Aethelred" by author Silas Thorne. They are described as a humanoid species with a distinctive metallic sheen to their skin, varying in shades of bronze, silver, and dark iron. This unique epidermal quality is a result of a symbiotic relationship with microscopic, mineral-absorbing organisms that inhabit their bodies. Ironhists possess a natural resilience to physical harm, their tough hides offering protection similar to a light layer of armor.

The Ironhist culture is deeply rooted in craftsmanship and mining. They are renowned for their exceptional skill in metalworking, forging weapons, armor, and intricate artifacts of unparalleled quality. Their societies are typically built underground, in vast cavern systems that are rich in ore deposits. These subterranean cities are marvels of engineering, illuminated by phosphorescent fungi and powered by ingenious geothermal systems. Ironhists are generally stoic and pragmatic, valuing hard work and loyalty above all else. They have a long-standing, though often strained, relationship with other races of Aethelred, particularly the elves and humans, due to their differing philosophies and resource competition. Their society is organized into clans, each led by an elder or a master artisan, with disputes often settled through elaborate crafting contests or displays of resilience.