Before deciding to seek out Lady Galadriel, Allen had already conducted many experiments.
Among the materials used to make magic dust, apart from silver and that unknown magical substance, everything else consisted of common metals and herbs. Even if Middle-earth lacked them, Allen could spend a few denars to buy them in the Simulator. That was hardly a problem.
But Allen simply could not find a substitute for that silvery magical substance. Having once heard that gemstones possessed certain powers, he had tried every gem in his treasury, but their powders, glittering in all manner of colors, had no effect whatsoever.
By the final stages of his experiments, Allen had even mixed in a little of his dwindling supply of mithril. The result was the same: when applied to leather, the material could not activate the runes.
After exhausting every avenue, Allen could only turn to the Noldor Elves, who had once received instruction in smithing from Aulë. Among the Noldor, the princess who had come from Valinor was undoubtedly one of the most knowledgeable Eldar still living.
Allen wanted to replace the equipment of most of his soldiers within a few years. Even the most ordinary militia and archers were to receive Greenleaf Armor, and he would later provide shin guards to protect their legs.
The reason was simple: within five to ten years, Allen and Thorin planned to move against the Half-orcs of the Grey Mountains. If Allen's men could be equipped with such light, flexible, and exceptionally protective armor by then, it would greatly ease their burden.
Human soldiers traveling light would also be able to follow the Dwarves across the mountains and through the tunnels while fully armed, rather than fall prey to Half-orc ambushes because of exhaustion. That would do a great deal to keep