adamantine non-ferrous? [2003 thread]

[nameless]

IIRC from my last chemistry class, magnetism is based on spin properties of the electrons in an element. Iron is very magentic because it has the greatest number of electrons in a sympathetic spin. Other metals less so, because their orbitals are arranged differently. Given that we're working with imaginary things that could be explained in many ways, I don't see a reason why a metal like adamantite couldn't be a different element that has electric properties similar to iron.

 

[Xeriar]

I haven't run into a case where it matters, but I would rule that it IS magnetic, but that's only based on the whole X-men, Wolverine thing.

Different metals have different affinities for magnatism. Iron is the strongest in this regard, followed by nickel.

Other metals can be made into magnets or controlled magnetically (well, anything can) but this takes an immense amount of energy.

For rust monsters, I just say they perform rapid oxidation - so copper and iron get corroded, but chrome and titanium are already oxidized and they lap it up like a popsicle or something.

 

[dcollins]

I agree there's nothing explicit in the rules one way or the other about it.

In situations like this, I tend to look to older rulesets for some guidance. In AD&D, mithral/adamantine armor and shields were definitely said to be "alloyed steel", so that's how I still handle it when I'm DM. Hence they would be affected by magnetism as usual.

AD&D 1st Ed. DMG p. 164: "Armor of +3 bonus is of special meteorite iron steel, +4 is mithral alloyed steel, +5 is adamantite alloyed steel."

 

[The Lone Badger]

It could be either (setting preference). I would make it non-ferromagnetic because it seems 'odder' and more unusual that way, which IMHO adamantium should be.

 

[Viktyr Gehrig]

I tend to follow the "adamantium = adamantine" line of thought myself, especially since I'm designing a d20 Modern superheroes game. It doesn't help that my friends use the terms interchangeably.

I'm intriguied by the Badger's argument, though, as it would make adamantine seem strikingly different from "mere" steel.

 

[Darklone]

Considering how few metals are magnetic... I'd say no too.

 

[the Jester]

If I recall correctly, a long time ago the Sage addressed this issue in Dragon (I think in the 1ed days). I don't recall for sure, but I think he ruled that mithril and adamantine are non-ferrous.

Anyone's collection and memory that good? Diaglo?

 

[AeroDm]

I would be willing to bet a pretty penny that had the scenarior been approached differently your DM would have ruled that adamantine is magnetic. Instinctively most people would rule that it is magnetic because, as has been said, adamantine is the partner to iron and mithril to silver. Because iron is metallic, so too is adamantine by association.

However, beceause you were trying to take away his 'super hammer' and one spell would negate his +13 damage, the dm figured a way to cancel your affect. A little chauncy, but understandable.

I'd rule that it is magnetic because it just makes sense to me. LIkewise, I'd rule that all metals are affected as per magnetic in D&D for simplicity.

 

[The Souljourner]

Instinctively most people would rule that it is magnetic because, as has been said, adamantine is the partner to iron and mithril to silver. Because iron is metallic, so too is adamantine by association.

That's funny because I really don't equate iron and adamantine nor silver and mithril. Silver and mithril are both shiny and "metallic" colored, but then again so are a lot of metals. Adamantine is no more like iron than copper is, as far as I can tell (except maybe color... but they don't talk about color in the DMG). So... actually, I don't see that being my instinct at all. If someone said "is it magnetic" I would say "does it have iron in it?" And since I'm pretty sure it's intended to be its own element, not just some fancy alloy, then I'd say no.

I'd rule that it is magnetic because it just makes sense to me. LIkewise, I'd rule that all metals are affected as per magnetic in D&D for simplicity.

Uh.... picking up gold and silver with a magnet makes sense to you? No no no. Ferrous materials makes sense to me.

But then again, I play with a bunch of engineers, and I think we'd all have an aneurysm if someone tried picking up gold with a magnet.

-The Souljourner

 

[Aeolius]

But then again, I play with a bunch of engineers, and I think we'd all have an aneurysm if someone tried picking up gold with a magnet.

I'll bet they never fall for that old "You see a pile of rusted gold pieces" trick, eh? I'm fond of placing platinum pieces in pools of clear liquid, myself. Granted, the liquid turns out to be acid, which platinum is more resilient against than say, fingers