Godsblood (Myrrsyrth, Hryxrum, Veritius, Thyramyrr, & Sil'Mair)

Godsblood's natural state is that of a silvery-blue liquid similar to that of liquid mercury. It gives off a consistent, faint, humming glow that can brighten once the element is activated through Shardcasting. Its body is partially translucent and viscous; however, it is an extremely light material, similar to a bird's feather.

Though odorless and tasteless, the fluid is extremely hot to the touch. It is dangerous on physical contact, capable of burning through most organic materials, yet emits little heat. Due to this, handling the element requires metallic or stone tools for transportation and forging. It radiates a dim, persistent glow that remains even after it has been sealed within a Shard. Once contained, the liquid remains molten, continuing to move within the channels of its confinement and giving off a slight warmth. When exposed to higher density of oxygen on the surface of Hindria, the top layer can partially crystallize, helping the liquid keep its volume.

Most commonly, the element is found in underground rivers that flow beneath Hindria's surface. Access to these rivers is often found in cave systems within mountain ranges and canyon systems. These rivers can also be put under immense pressure as tectonic plates shift, forcing the element to erupt to the surface as a spring. When this occurs, the element will slowly pour from the breach, becoming known as a Shard Vent.

Very little is known of the element's origin, with most races upon Hindria creating a legend based within their religion or local mythology. Due to this diversity, the element has gathered many names that are commonly used within these groups.

Human Naming & Origin

As Humans make up most of Hindria's population, their naming for the element as 'Godsblood' _(GODZ-blud) has been adopted as the common term. Godsblood derives from their religious mythos and origin: seeing the material as a blood-bond from the gods that connects the mortal world to the divine realms.

Pamyran Naming & Origin

The Pamyran mythology centers around the origin of the world being born from a Great Mother spirit. This spirit, known as Myrrarym, created the world and life to wander it. They call the element 'Myrrsyrth' _(MUR-sirrth), meaning Mother's Tears. Seeing this power as the Great Mother's final gift, they use it as proof of her approval of their deeds, blessing them with her strength and power.

Thyrin Naming & Origin

Thyrin perspectives on the element often varies, depending upon their lifestyles which are conditional to the other races around them. Along with their detached relationship with magic, they often adopt the local mythology of the dominant cultures around them. Most commonly, these are blends of Human and Pamyran adjacent beliefs.

However, Thyrins value conserving parts of the original legends, choosing to refer to the magical element as the God that it is originally connected to. For Thyrins that live exclusively with Humans, the element is referred to by Veritius _{(VEH-ree-shee-us)}. In cities that have more Pamyran influence, the element could go by Thyramyrr _{(TEER-ah-mur)}.

Saaran Naming & Origin

Known as Hryxrum _{(HER-icks-ruhm)}, which derives from the word 'Nocthryx' meaning 'of the Aspects', the name marries the parent theology of Saaran culture with their more scientific relationship with the element. They believe Hryxrum's origins to be of a natural foundation, being part of the planet as a raw resource rather than a remnant of ancient, divine birth. However, its cultural and technological significance still makes the element a rare commodity, requiring high social standing to have access to.

Elvin Naming & Origin

With some similarities of Hindria's mythology with Pamyrans, Elvs associate the element's origins to that of their Mother Spirit. Their name for the element, Sil'Mair _{(SILL-may-ear)}, also directs back to their Mother goddess, with the direct translation meaning 'Water of the Mother'. However, the legend behind the element diversifies their relationship from that of the Pamyrans.

Not much was known about Godsblood before the cataclysmic event that was The Sundering. There are records detailing that humans did possess Shards yet did not know much about them or their creation. However, many people would pass down the Shards containing the element as family heirlooms or trinkets. It wasn't until the first Shardcaster appeared 89 years after The Sundering, that Humans would begin to value the material for its potential.

Although there are many claims of Shardcasters appearing across Hindria, the first recorded instance was of a Sihlan refugee known as Otarius Cratius-Mara Sihla in 102 StS _{(Since the Sundering)}. Being a devout follower of the Sihlan pantheon of gods, Otarius used his newfound abilities as proof of his unyielding faith. The initial discoveries of Godsblood granted its users powerful, elemental magic; which those such as Otarius would use to launch crusades into Volksaar in attempts to reclaim lost homelands.

These appearances of rising Shardcasters, along with their connections to the divine, kickstarted the pursuit of discovering founts of Godsblood. These natural appearances of the material would become to be known as Shard Wounds. Villages would quickly sprout to support excavations, with some creating Shard Forges. Craftsmen within these Forges would refine the material into Shards.

Very little is known on the exact moments in Pamyran history that they first encountered Myrrsyrth. However, having it be a major element within their own origin myth, it would be possible that they had encountered it before Humans. It wasn't until 211 StS that Pamyrans would learn how to properly encapsulate it into Shards. This was in part of a collaboration of technology that was exchanged between them and the Western Sihlan Empire.

Elvs and Saarans had discovered the element many centuries before the Sundering, using it as they do today in rituals and technology respectively. However, the Elvin isolation on their continent of Londuror and the Saaran hostility towards other races makes the sharing of historical information troublesome, leading to inaccuracies.

Although records citing the initial discovery of Godsblood have been lost, the material has been recognized as existing before the Sundering. It wasn't until 103 StS when Pontiff Otarius I would decree the element as divine. In consequence, this made Wounds seen as a highly valued resource and holy site for humans.

A surge of expeditions in search for more Godsblood caused tension across Hindria. The years following Otarius I's proclamation are known as The Blood Rush. During this time, desire for control of Wounds lead to violent conflicts against other races and wars between nations. Bloodshed would eventually dwindle in 111 StS with the Marrik's Treaty ending the majority of conflicts. Though disputes between nations on territory, specifically surrounding Wounds, will always occur. Additionally, the term "Having Blood Rush" has been adopted to define when an individual is being particularly greedy or narrow-minded.

It is common in Human society to carry Shards on their person for most of their lives. The divine affiliation to the material in human mythology makes Shards idols of one's devotion to a god or pantheon. With ease of access and abundance of material, Godsblood has a very common appearance in the day-to-day life of Human society.

Most people throughout Hindria have learned to Shardcast minor instances of magic. These weaker forms of casting are often used in ceremonies or to assist in daily living. Small flashes of fire, filling cups with water, and other minor elemental magics are commonplace in daily living. Although some can learn more advanced Shardcasting through self-teachings, knowledge around more complex and powerful magic is safeguarded by a collection of religious orders across the world.

Sanctioned duels and tournaments are commonplace within the upper classes of human society. These competitions are usually hosted by guilds or the ruling families of a nation, with the intention to promote Shardcasting as a combative art. Participants often compete for renown or to settle disputes between noble houses.

Although Elvs have a sacred connection to Sill'mair through their goddess, use of the material is common amongst their people. Rituals to Ael'Maiora, where Elvs partake in a communal consumption of concoctions consisting of the element, are a daily occurrence in Elvin society. Additionally, small quantities will be brought on hunting parties when tracking down dangerous creatures. The distribution and use of Sill'mair is monitored communally, reinforcing local traditions.

Saarans have been seen to use Hryxrum regularly, using it to enchant tools and weapons for daily use. Handling of the material is still restricted to members of the Aspect of Sanctity or Steel as those sects of society hold the practices of handling and forging the material as secrets.

The Pamyran association of Myrrsyrth to the blessing of Myrrarym makes use of the material as highly rare. Once an individual has earned a Shard through feats or trials, they often choose to alter their clothing to highlight their trophies. However, there are no laws restricting use of the material once it has been earned.

Although there are differing pantheons from which Humans pray, it is universal amongst them that Godsblood is the connection between the Physical and Divine realms. This makes the use of the material as a staple amongst rituals and sermons. Common traditions that include baptisms, rites of passages, and the cleansing of relics in ceremonies.

Thyrins adopted much of the Human practices and significance of Veritius. Withholding the names they refer it as, along with the Shardcasting necessary for most ceremonies. They attempt to mimic the practices as best they can.

The significance of Sil'Mair is drawn from their claim that the Elvin people descended from their goddess, Ael'Maiora. Most ceremonies and practices are representative of this legacy, making many of their customs focus on a harmony of their body with the element. One such bond is reinforced through daily ingesting a small portion of Sil'Mair mixed with a soup consisting of a bean paste mixed in a bone broth. Elvin fertility is also believed to be tied to the bond to their goddess, having specific ceremonies around drawing the power of life from Ael'Maiora through the material.

Saaran culture highly regards Hryxrum as the keystone of their technology. Only members of the Aspects of Sanctity and Steel are allowed to handle equipment or weapons enhanced with the element. Though highly prized and adored in their theology, there are no customs or traditions around Hryxrum.

Much like Elvs, Pamyrans regard the Myrrsyrth as a divine, ancestral connection to their Mother Spirit, Myrrarym. However, as Pamyrans are unable to ingest the material, they reside to piercing it underneath their skin after forging it into Shards. The process of forging and attuning to Shards are seen as sacred, only being taught to shamans of Pamyran tribes. They then assist in ceremonies that often follow an individual's success in earning the right to be awarded a Shard. Often the significance of a Pamyrans place in society can sometimes be connected to the quantity of Shards they have won.

Many societies have founded ways to encapsulate Godsblood into allowing their people to wield it. This method, universally known as Shard Forging, is the process of trapping the element into a metal or stone capsule. These objects, known as Shards, allow the material to be accessible for the wielder to Shardcast with.

Shards can come in many shapes and sizes. Most commonly with Humans, they are small pendants that depict symbols or imagery representing an individual's god. For Pamyrans, they often come in the form of hollow, flat stones encarved with runes of power. Saarans are unique, with discovered the art of forging Hryxrum into large machinery, improving the volume available within a Shard. Elvs often carry the liquid within stone vials or bowls until needed to be mixed or ingested.

Upon use of Godsblood through Shardcasting, the magic created from the material can leave a silver tinted haze behind. This mist can persist for a varying amount of time, between a minute to a few hours, dependent on the amount used. Elvs have a unique side-effect upon ingesting the material. The patterns upon their skin can glow a dim silver. This hue is often a visible tell for when they are under the empowering effects of the element, which can persist for a few hours to a day depending on the amount consumed.

The process of encapsulating Godsblood into a Shard is highly dangerous, as it can melt most organic materials upon contact. Metal or stone tools are needed to handle the material during the forging process. As the divine importance and the magic that can be drawn from it is highly valued, many accept the risk of working with the material.

As Godsblood is highly volatile to most organic material, the occurrences with which a Wound opens onto the surface can be detrimental. If not contained naturally, the material can slowly burn through dense woodlands in a couple weeks. Though this is very rare, danger of excavating for Wounds or Veins can be deadly to those careless enough to release pressure building within the underground rivers.

Once expended from a Shard, the capsule will need to be refilled. The process of restoring a Shard is difficult and often results in "cracking". Cracked Shards require to be reinforced, resulting in less Godsblood being held within the capsule.

For Pamyrans, this draining of a Shard is seen as the loss of Myrrarym's blessing. Empty Shards must be removed, and the individual must succeed in another trial or feat to earn their right to replace it with another Shard.

Across all known races of Hindria, Godsblood is coveted for its religious significance across multiple cultures and its pivotal role in Shardcasting. Its rarity and inherent danger limit the distribution and accessibility of the material to different sects of societies.

Humans

Among human societies, stewardship of the substance is divided between two major institutions. Shard Forges handle manufacturing and refinement, serving as centers of extracting Godsblood and crafting it into Shards. Due to the religious importance of the material, Forges are often directly or partially controlled by local temples. Priests of these temples maintain custodial authority over sacred reserves, treating the substance as a divine gift that must be handled with care and respect. In part, the trade of Godsblood and Shards is heavily controlled by religious entities. The abundance of the material makes Shards rather affordable, becoming a staple idol and tool within most households.

Elvs

Extraction of Sil'mair is traditionally performed by the eldest members of the family, as the act is viewed as an honor granted to the wisest in the household. Due to this duty, the material is not traded traditionally but is common amongst Elvin communities.

Saarans

Saaran's of the Aspect of Steel are responsible for both extraction and forging. Though the duty of storing and distributing Hryxrum is given to members of the Aspect of Sanctity. Leaders within these Aspects dictate the needs of their communities when it comes to distribution and application.

Pamyrans

Pamyran society grants oversight to religious leaders, who monitor the regional Wounds where the substance surfaces. These sites are treated as sacred phenomena requiring constant vigilance. Local clergy regulate all harvesting, ensuring that each act aligns with doctrinal guidelines and preserves the balance between the physical world and the Mother Spirit.

Humans

Human legal codes are rather liberal on the use of Godsblood, permitting people to use it to assist with daily activities and religious traditions. Unauthorized Shardcasting against other people will lead to an individual being apprehended and punished by local law enforcement. There are some exemptions, allowing it to be used in acts of self-defense. However, this law is not enforced severely against members of wealth or nobility, often being dismissed or fined in more extreme cases.

Formal duels are recognized under law, provided they adhere to codified regulations and oversight. Sanctioned tournaments, often sponsored by a ruling family, nobility, or clergy, competitions are hosted to allow combatants to test their skill under controlled conditions, reinforcing both martial discipline and public spectacle.

Not all Shard Forges are overseen by religious entities. Some work independently, though are forced to trade through black markets due to cultural taboo of selling the divine material without consent of the clergy. When Forges operating this way are uncovered, they are vulnerable to being repossessed by the local church. This is often done forcefully with support from local governments or hired militia.

Pamyrans

Pamyran legends holds Myrrsyrth as deeply sacred, and their legal structure reflects this reverence. Usage is strictly prohibited without direct authorization from a local shaman. As the right of knowledge on forging Shards is held as a secret within the religious sects of society, it is often difficult to acquire Shards without their direct blessing. If it is uncovered that a Pamyran has acquire a Shard without blessing, they will be apprehended, and the Shard will forcibly be removed. In its place, the individual will be branded, scarring them as "False Blessed".

Elvs

Elvin societies maintain no explicit restrictions on possession or use of Sil'Mair. Instead, regulation is carried out through communal observation and social expectations. Individuals who exhibit signs of overreliance or addictive behavior may be placed under the watch of community elders, who intervene through counseling, ritual guidance, or temporary limitation of access. This informal system relies heavily on collective responsibility rather than punitive law.

Saarans

Among Saarans, the use of Hryxrum is exclusive to the Aspects of Sanctity & Steel. Members undergo lifelong training in discipline and martial craft in handling the material, in pursuit of understanding its limits and potential. Civil law reinforces this, forbidding individuals of other Aspects from wielding or manipulating the substance or equipment enchanted with it under any circumstance. Enforcement is typically the responsibility of the Aspects themselves, which act as both regulators and guardians.