Arvenhelmi (arh-ven-ELM-ee)

Arvenhelmi, meaning "Arven's Gem" in Ancient Yasamaqi, are special gemstones which are taken from Kreelenvolb by an inhabitant from Yasamaq once they come of age. Once their specific gem is picked out, they generally display it on their person at all times, even when sleeping.   All Yasamaqi are taught a special ritual (Locate Arven's Gem) that will allow them to pick their gem out themselves. This ritual, while only well known by the Yasamaqi, usually involves chanting and a vision of the past lives of the soul that was contained within that gem. It is believed that a soul is linked to a single gem, and that only the soul's next incarnation can pick it out and wear it. Once the current bearer dies, its soul is returned to the gem by Arven (or so it is believed), and the former wielder's family takes it back to Kreelenvolb, waiting for the next incarnation to be born and claim the gem once more. If it is impossible or inconvenient for the family or clan of the former wielder to do it, it is considered holy for a Yasamaqi to do it for the sake of someone else.   Some argue that the ritual does not call to the soul's past lives, but instead to the ancestors that once held that very same gem. Many consider these differences to be semantic at best.   Sale and trade of gems from Kreelenvolb is illegal in both Yasamaq and Qarah's Dream, and most people of Siarvald would rather be caught dead than to try and sell or buy one. This is because any one gem from this place is considered holy, a container for a soul; therefore, to sell one is a crime akin to murder.   A specific meaning is often associated to the stone that one claims as their Arvenhelmi.

• Blue sapphires: The most common out of them all. It is believed that one wielding such a gem is hardy and loyal to their family - typical qualities for a Yasamaqi to have.
• Black sapphires: The rarest type of Arven's Gem. It is believed that one possessing such a gem is destined for greatness, and that they will likely end up leading their clan or family. Qarah wielded one such gem, hence their reputation.
• Jacinth: Those who bear a jacinth gem are said to be healers, and their presence in a place is said to ward off disease and hunger. Some say that the bolts of an Ökenhadari never strike those who bear such a gem.
• Ruby: Those who bear a ruby gem are said to have a fiery personality, and are often thought of as energetic and reckless.
• Emerald: Those who bear an emerald gem are said to be loyal and faithful, especially in matters of love. It is said that those who bear such a gem will often birth or sire many healthy, successful children.
• Sodalite: Those who bear this blue gem are said to be intelligent, honest, and willing to learn. They make perfect teachers.
• Tourmaline: Tourmaline comes in many colors, and each has a slightly different stereotype associated to it. In general, those who bear a tourmaline are said to be of strong constitution, and rarely ever fall ill.
• Snowflake Obsidian: A very rare gem. Those who bear this gem are said to be balanced, reliable people. It has a reputation of signaling great trial and great reward in the lives of its bearers.
• Opal. Opals are amongst the rarer types of Arven's Gem. Because of the typically beautiful and irridescent coloring of an opal, the bearers of such a gem are believed to have destinies that call them to "shine" above their circumstances.