Brineglass Resin
Brineglass is a naturally occurring, brittle silicate composite formed in the shallow, saline outflows of geothermal subglacial springs on Yxil-7.
Visibly, it appears as translucent or violet-white mineral blades growing in clusters from icebound sediment. In its raw state, it is harvested primarily for its reflective qualities: when suspended near a flame, brineglass fractures scatter light in gentle concentric halos, making them a common fixture in shelters. This superficial use is widespread among Yxil-7’s surface-dwelling communities.
However, among trained medicinal practitioners, typically affiliated with clan-based healer lineages, brineglass is also valued for its role in producing brineglass resin, a potent medicinal substance with clotting, anaesthetic, and antifebrile properties.
This secondary use is not widely known or taught outside of healer circles, and the process to produce it is laborious, ingredient-specific, and intentionally kept secret, as miscalculations in the process can yield dangerous results.
Brineglass develops in mineral-rich runoff zones fed by geothermally warmed aquifers beneath the glacial crust. The compound forms in fan-like protrusions from ice-locked sediment near these brine seepages, where temperatures fluctuate just enough to allow seasonal deposition. The mineral accumulates in the presence of sulphurated silicates, trace lithium, and fossilised organic detritus, all contributing to its unique chemical reactivity.
Harvesting occurs only during specific thaws, typically late in the frost cycle, when mineral deposits become accessible without shattering from thermal stress. Healers prefer younger deposits, which yield more viable reactions in the extraction process.
The conversion of raw brineglass into medicinal resin involves multiple discrete stages. Each step requires temperature control, non-metallic containment, and specific reagents known only to trained practitioners.
Brineglass resin is primarily used in field medicine. When applied topically, it promotes vasoconstriction and tissue preservation, making it highly effective in slowing the progression of frostbite. It also functions as a mild analgesic and encourages clotting when packed into open wounds. While not a substitute for full surgical care, it extends survival time significantly during extended exposure to Yxil-7’s subzero environments.
A diluted variant is administered internally (often as part of a warm broth) to reduce fever and inflammation following cold-exposure illness, particularly in cases of deep chill sickness or bloodfreezing onset.
The preparation and use of brineglass resin remain strictly within the knowledge of designated healers of the tribe. This expertise is passed down orally through generations, carefully preserved in healer lineages. The complex process depends entirely on locally harvested brineglass and traditional fermentation methods unique to Yxil-7.
Among the tribe, raw brineglass is widely recognised for its decorative use, prized for its reflective qualities when placed near flame. However, only trained healers understand its medicinal potential. Informal terms such as “iceblood” or “mender’s paste” are sometimes used in reference to brineglass resin but often describe improperly prepared or diluted substances. The true effectiveness of the resin in treating frostbite, promoting clotting, and reducing fever is known solely to those who have mastered its preparation and application.
Visibly, it appears as translucent or violet-white mineral blades growing in clusters from icebound sediment. In its raw state, it is harvested primarily for its reflective qualities: when suspended near a flame, brineglass fractures scatter light in gentle concentric halos, making them a common fixture in shelters. This superficial use is widespread among Yxil-7’s surface-dwelling communities.
However, among trained medicinal practitioners, typically affiliated with clan-based healer lineages, brineglass is also valued for its role in producing brineglass resin, a potent medicinal substance with clotting, anaesthetic, and antifebrile properties.
This secondary use is not widely known or taught outside of healer circles, and the process to produce it is laborious, ingredient-specific, and intentionally kept secret, as miscalculations in the process can yield dangerous results.
Formation & Harvesting
Brineglass develops in mineral-rich runoff zones fed by geothermally warmed aquifers beneath the glacial crust. The compound forms in fan-like protrusions from ice-locked sediment near these brine seepages, where temperatures fluctuate just enough to allow seasonal deposition. The mineral accumulates in the presence of sulphurated silicates, trace lithium, and fossilised organic detritus, all contributing to its unique chemical reactivity.
Harvesting occurs only during specific thaws, typically late in the frost cycle, when mineral deposits become accessible without shattering from thermal stress. Healers prefer younger deposits, which yield more viable reactions in the extraction process.
Resin Extraction Process
The conversion of raw brineglass into medicinal resin involves multiple discrete stages. Each step requires temperature control, non-metallic containment, and specific reagents known only to trained practitioners.
- Crushing – Raw brineglass is manually ground using bone or stone pestles into a fine particulate, avoiding the use of metal which can contaminate the chemical balance.
- Fermentation Bath – The powder is suspended in a warm fermentation bath made from blackstem moss pulp, ice-worm ova slurry, and fermented windleberry broth. The mixture is sealed in insulated ceramic vessels and left to react over a six-day period, during which volatile binding agents begin to separate.
- Simmering and Reduction – Once decanted, the mixture is placed near low embers and reduced at a steady temperature for approximately four hours. Open flame exposure must be avoided; overheating causes the compound to crystallise and become inert.
- Final Resin – The end result is a viscous, pale blue resin with a sharp saline odor and faint glow. It must be stored in bone-sealed tubes and kept insulated from extreme cold to retain efficacy.
Medical Application
Brineglass resin is primarily used in field medicine. When applied topically, it promotes vasoconstriction and tissue preservation, making it highly effective in slowing the progression of frostbite. It also functions as a mild analgesic and encourages clotting when packed into open wounds. While not a substitute for full surgical care, it extends survival time significantly during extended exposure to Yxil-7’s subzero environments.
A diluted variant is administered internally (often as part of a warm broth) to reduce fever and inflammation following cold-exposure illness, particularly in cases of deep chill sickness or bloodfreezing onset.
Distribution and Control
The preparation and use of brineglass resin remain strictly within the knowledge of designated healers of the tribe. This expertise is passed down orally through generations, carefully preserved in healer lineages. The complex process depends entirely on locally harvested brineglass and traditional fermentation methods unique to Yxil-7.
Common Misconceptions
Among the tribe, raw brineglass is widely recognised for its decorative use, prized for its reflective qualities when placed near flame. However, only trained healers understand its medicinal potential. Informal terms such as “iceblood” or “mender’s paste” are sometimes used in reference to brineglass resin but often describe improperly prepared or diluted substances. The true effectiveness of the resin in treating frostbite, promoting clotting, and reducing fever is known solely to those who have mastered its preparation and application.
Brineglass Resin is a rare medicinal substance derived from a translucent silicate mineral found in Yxil-7’s geothermal springs. Known only to tribal healers, it serves as a potent topical treatment for frostbite and wounds, as well as an internal remedy for cold-related illnesses. Its preparation is a guarded tradition passed through generations.
