Shard

 

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  Shards are the lifeblood of Ranoi'Qua, and many other Flatlands tribals and towns. It can be used to craft weapons and armor, tools, cutlery or dinnerware, and just about anything else that you may find made of metal in The Empire, or the real world.   The source of shards are Exos. Specifically, their chitin and other products, typically harvested from a corpse or possibly a molted shell or egg. A single "Shard" is typically around a 1ft by 1ft shell or portable length of chitin plate. This is almost always what is expected when a Flatlands refers to "A shard".   However, the name shard, or shardcraft, also refers to the product made out of a number of individual shards. For example, a Shard Helmet is guaranteed to be made out of Exo parts but could take a few different forms. It could be made of a composite "shardcraft": various blended shards reformed with resin binding agent, and using various techniques and tools to mold into the desired shape. Or, it may be a shell of a Canopy Beetle, broken into reinforced strips that are combined with the bowl of a shell, to create a more natural Shard-based design. While more traditional and considered more beautiful and pure by most Flatlanders, the natural style Shardsmithing is no stronger or weaker than a composite shardcraft item. Some items will only be possible to produce with composite shardcraft due to their shape. In the end, the craftsman's (or woman's) technique and experience is the most important factor in quality when working with comparable materials.   With that said, not all shard is created equal. Mantis arm Shards are renowned for their exceptional spring and durability, and Mantis Blades are a coveted item for anyone with the means to commission one. Beetle shard is, by and large, considered the best common material for armors. Most beetle shards have a natural padding and dampening effect, while maintaining exceptional hardness, when used in this manner.