Difference between revisions of "Sundering"

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[[Category:Magic]]
 
[[Category:Magic]]
 
[[Category:Created by Ruin]]
 
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[[Category:Created by Vesper]]
  
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[[File:Sundering2.png|center]]
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[[File:Sundering1.png|center]]
  
  
  
 
==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
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The general term for manipulating Sunderscraps, Sundering also touches on the ritual hunting of mages for the Marks of Control they possess. These markings are Sundered from the very soul of the mage, resulting in Sunderscraps which are then corrupted by Magithermal Entropy into Relics, tortured artifacts notorious for the decimation of entire armies.
  
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In some sense, Sundering is very new to the world. It has existed for thousands of years in reserved elven laboratories and smithies, but its innovators did not share their knowledge with any outside of their own for the entirety of the time they commanded it. It was their well-kept secret, an edge on the rest of the world that helped keep the Ald'Norai ahead of the competition, and it served them best as a tool of war. Since the elven domination of the craft, it has grown both in popularity and infamy as one of the most lucrative and immoral applications of Arcanacrags.
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Sundering is new to the current age. Long ago it was the well-kept secret of the Ald’Norai, an edge that helped to dispense shock and awe as a tool of war. Since the fall of elven dominion, it has become infamous as the most amoral application of World Magic. Many regions ban Sundering with the penalty of murder without proper licensure. Others such as Daravin and the Grisic Empire cruelly endorse it.
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Sundering is the general term for tampering with [[Fragments#Sunderscraps|Sunderscraps]], but heavily revolves around the concept of hunting and sacrificing those that command [[Magic List|Marks of Control]] and using their power in the creation of Relics; powerful artifacts that can command tremendous might and decimate armies. Because of this, many regions ban Sundering with the penalty of murder (unless sufficient licensing is achieved) and monitor its practitioners very closely.  
 
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==Origin==
 
==Origin==
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Shortly after the manipulation of Arcanacrags became widely available to the Ald'Norai, the Sunderscrap was discovered, and from that, more types of Fragments and greater magical technologies soon followed. The Ald'Norai were the greatest users of Sundering in all of history, millennia ahead of the rest of the world's knowledge. They possessed powerful Relics and a means of purifying, refining, and even farming Sunderscraps; massive swaths of slaves were initiated with the intent of being harvested to fuel their Sundering. At their peak, they created powerful artifacts that have persisted through to the Age of Industry.
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With the fall of the Ald’Norai, their technologies were lost to flame. The passage of time brought ruin to the greatest innovations of Sundering, and soon even the knowledge to Sunder a Mark of Control was lost, and Sundering fell into obscurity for a time.  
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With their fall, their technologies and innovations were lost, utterly destroyed in the flames of war as no more than 'Elven Trinkets' in the eyes of their executioners. The passage of time brought ruin to most of their research on Sundering, and when the knowledge that was to Secure and collect a Mark of Control from a subject was lost, so too was the art of Sundering. The craft vanished from the world for a time, broken by the vengeful wroth of humanity.
 
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===Modern Methods===
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Partway through the Fragmenting Revolution of the current age, Sunderscraps slipped into existence with a shudder. The crystallized ether of a mage was rediscovered in Daravin, and Candor spread the word like wildfire. Fragmenters abroad learned of its existence and began to hypothesize its inner workings, and soon the first corrupted Relic of a new age came to be, the process co-opted by both the wielders of the Mark, and the Grisic Empire which hunted them.
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Partway through the Fragmenting Revolution, Sunderscraps slipped quietly into existence. The crystallized ether of a mage was discovered in Daravin, and though the existence of such a thing was tried for secrecy, the workings of the Candor found the truth, and word spread like wildfire. Fragmenters all over the world learned of its existence and began to hypothesize how something could come to be, and what its applications might entail. And with their reserves of knowledge and research, they found the answers they sought in the form of Relics.  
 
  
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A new branch of Fragmenting was founded. ''Sundering'', as it was called, was built with a focus on mage hunting, and the gathering of Sunderscraps by extension. Grisic's Fragmenters saw the most growth in this practice, and because they didn't care for the well-being of mages that were executed in the acquisition of the Sunderscraps, no innovations toward the longevity or sparing of the Donor Mage were looked for, but only greater tools purposed for the murder and cannibalization of a mage's ether.  
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==Sundering Instruments==
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Some tools within the Sunderer's Kit are derived for the purpose of murder. Unlicensed possession of Sundering Instruments may be equated to the intent to commit murder, or even treason. Only in the Grisic Empire are these tools fully legal without license, as the practice of sacrificing mages is regulated elsewhere out of fear.
  
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The weapons and armor created through Sundering changed the tides of war and decimated opponents that relied on steel and bullet alone. Quickly, it was established that Grisic's innovations in the efficiency of extraction and destruction of mages were a superior means of obtaining Sunderscraps, and the wild arms race that was the Sundering Revolution hit its head.
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'''Sunderstrike:''' The most well-known tool of the Sunderer, a Sunderstrike is a basic tool for the conversion of a Mark of Control to a Sunderscrap. The stake is made of pure brass with a lens at the hilt, coating a sturdier material beneath that is capable of plowing through bone and musculature.
  
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Now, Sundering is the common name for the practice. Countries, scholars, politicians, and peasants are usually divided politically on the practice, as some regard it as a World Magic, and others, a blasphemous misuse of the Mark of Control. It is both lucrative and dangerous to study, both for the potential of wealth within the soul of the Mage, and the perils of engaging such dangerous wielders of Ether in combat.
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'''Sunderwell:''' This vast, deep centrifuge of dark iron is coated along the inside with hundreds of brass mirrors, then filled with Lightwater which naturally circulates into a neverending whirlpool of glowing waters. The Sunderwell is built expressly for the conversion of mages to their myriad of Sunderscraps. '''The Sunderwell is a rare structure that cannot be purchased. It is not a part of a Sunderer’s Kit.'''
  
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'''Tonal Susser:''' A handheld claw-like contraption of black iron with deep brass engravings upon the exterior of the claw mechanism. When the claw is clutching a Sunderscrap, it will thrum with soft vibrations when within range of an active mark of control of the same kind. It is used optionally with the Sunderstrike to hasten the process of Sundering.
  
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==Tools==
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==Sundering==
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Some of the tools used in Sundering are primarily used in the art of Fragmenting but can be repurposed for the sake of shaping the extremely durable and tough nature of Imbued metal. Other tools will usually need to be purchased in less-reputable rings, or crafted by the Sunderer themself. The intent of a Sunderer's kit is to murder another for-profit and seldom serves any other purpose. Depending on the region, unlicensed possession of a Sunderer's kit can be considered upwards of pre-meditated murder, and even treason. Grisic is perhaps the most famous of the exceptions to this rule, where the hunting and murder of Mages are encouraged large scale.
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Sunderscraps are produced through the act of Sundering. This entails the location and restraint of another being in possession of a Mark of Control. The point of the Sunderstrike is thrust into the heart of the mage where the Mark of Control meets the soul. This is done through the back, through the ribs, or through the sternum.
  
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*All the descriptions below are in nature of the tool's appearance and its general purpose in the art of Fragmenting. For more detailed uses and the processes these tools are involved with, please refer to the Processes section beneath.
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Once the heart is touched by a Sunderstrike, the mage’s arcane stamina dissipates to nothing. The body becomes steadily inoperable, the conscious victim forced to feel as their ruptured heart struggles to pump, ears ringing, eyes drawn wide with shock. Wriggling and pushing aside the ventricles of the heart for several moments, the Sunderstrike will hum violently with vibrations once it finds the traces of a Mark reaching towards the soul. The mage may choose between Marks of Control, each flaring brilliantly with light as the Sunderstrike bumps different connections.
  
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The Mark of Control will begin to have its presence crystallized from the soul with prolonged contact by the Sunderstrike, hardening the heart into a jewel of potential, a Sunderscrap. As the mage dies, the Sunderscrap is formed embedded upon the tip of the Sunderstrike, ready to be plucked from the victim’s chest.  The Tonal Susser may channel a held Sunderscrap or Relic with the same Tone to immediately crystallize a Mark of that type directly from the soul on contact with the heart, hastening this entire process from several seconds down to just a couple of heartbeats.
  
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'''Fragment Catalogue:''' A staple in any Sunderer's kit is some form of documentation to record the applications and uses of all Sunderscraps obtainable. While this is not a magical item, it's well known by any that dabble with Fragments that such documentation is completely necessary.
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A Sunderwell may be employed to harvest multiple Marks of Control at once, drowning victims in churning Lightwater and crystallizing every Mark within the mage’s body in one go, the flesh and bone disintegrating to nothing except for the Sunderscrapts themselves. Once drained, the Sunderscraps in the shape of the mage’s many organs: heart, stomach, spleen, brain, lungs, kidney, liver - one for each Sunderscrap - may be retrieved. This entails the risk of parading captured mages across the countryside, often executing many at once in a public display. Sunderwells are rare objects maintained by large institutions. They cannot be purchased and must be constructed by a Master Fragmenter aware of the necessary Convergences.
  
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==Relics==
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Powerful artifacts of tightly bound corruption, Relics are the result of harnessing and further tainting Sunderscrap energies - Magithermal Entropy - towards specified qualities. These objects may be capable of immense fireballs, repulsion of force, or other wonders dependent upon the Sunderscrap used in its creation.
  
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'''Shaping Bench:''' A large anvil of black iron, almost akin to a table in its size, often carved and engraved with golden-brass lining on the faces where work is not performed. A peddle is usually built into the foot of the Bench to allow for ease of control. Generally, it is used to reshape Arcanacrags. When used in the context of Sundering, however, the Shaping Bench helps eliminate dozens of hours in the process of shaping Imbued metal.
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'''Tonality:''' The natural resonance of a Relic is its Tonality, the ‘Tone’ of the Relic referring to the Sunderscrap that was used to create it. This governs the strength and type of abilities it may channel, and sometimes even the weight of the object. Many Relics possess a ‘Grace Period’ indicating how long one must wait for the Tonalities to be activated in succession.
  
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Every Relic exhibits an aura shimmering across its surface with effects detailed in the write-up for that Sunderscrap. Furthermore, the stronger its Tonality, the more the object will ‘sing’ with the qualities of that magic, offering a soft hum or even a grating screech to those in its presence, chirping ever more loudly when the abilities are actively channeled.
  
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'''Dividing Rod:''' The tool is a single metal pick-like object, akin to a heavy black iron chisel in appearance, but with a brass core that can be seen through engravements in the body. The Inlays, which shine a shade of metallic gold, end right before the sharpened tooth of the tool. A small dial is usually affixed to the head of the chisel, where a hammer would strike on a Mundane tool, which can be used to alter the time that the loop cut it produces remains active. While this is primarily used as a Fragmenter's tool, it also serves to help the splitting of a clump of Imbued metal when used in conjunction with the Shaping bench.
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'''Structure:''' The structure of the Relic is dependent on the base object. This can be anything from a sword, to a piece of armor, a pair of gauntlets or a ring. Each separate object must be on one’s person in order for the Relic to channel its abilities. Darkforging will then multiply these structural values; steel will be tougher than iron provided the skill and Tonal Strength are similar. These enhancements will almost always warp or twist the object into something that looks artfully offensive.
  
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'''Shattering:''' The destruction of a Relic is referred to as Shattering; its energies lash out violently from the broken surface in an explosion that leaves the surrounding area awash in corruption. Those caught in the blast will suffer burns as well as (1) point of Mageblight per tier of the Sunderscrap used in its Strickening.
  
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'''The Etherforge:''' An enormous tower-like contraption that stands as a necessity in any Sunderer's kit. Akin to a blast furnace in shape and design, but often built with a door that yields access to a cavity within the trunk and a single faucet with a fixture for a hose. The Etherforge is used primarily in the art of Fragmenting but also aids in the creation of Relics by evenly granulating Sunderscraps and generating Sunderdust.
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==Mercies (Tools)==
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The dark tools for the Sundering of Relics, Mercies are similar, yet fundamentally different to those of Fragmenting in the way they utilize Magithermal Entropy to mimic the Mark of Control through a Sunderscrap. Many Mercies serve the dual purpose of torturing people, inflicting pain and Mageblight.
  
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'''Mercy Suit:''' The Mercy Suit is a collection of safety equipment that all Sunderers must wear. Most striking is a blackened, beak-like mask of smooth dark iron covering the entire face used to lens all facets of Magithermal Entropy towards the visual spectrum, informing the Sunderer’s actions. Upon the torso sits an apron of plated metal sheets and a thick, brass lined robe contributes even more protective layering against the corrupting energies. Unwieldy gauntlets of dense metal lined with arcane circuits are used to shield the Sunderer from the lapping tendrils of Magithermal Entropy. These are worn for nearly every process, as direct exposure will mean certain death or contamination by Mageblight.
  
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'''Sunderstrike:''' The tool that will undoubtedly land an unlicensed practitioner on the chopping block if they're discovered with it. The Sunderstrike most commonly appears as a stake of pure brass with a lens at the hilt. The brass is a coating for a sturdier material, capable of breaking through bone. Sunderstrike is used in the conversion of mages to Sunderscraps. It is named for the process in which a mage's Marks of Control are Sundered from their soul.  
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'''Isotopic Chamber:''' A compact, pyramid-shaped forge for use with Strickening. Tiny brass mirrors line the rounded internal structure of the forge, arcane circuitry flowing behind every panel to carry the raw, Magithermal Entropy of Sunderscraps towards the tip and focus them into a beam.
  
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'''Strickening Chains:''' Chains of alternating brass and dark iron are hung from dark iron hooks screwed into the ceiling above an Isotopic Chamber. The weapon, object, or raiment to be enchanted is bound in these chains, suspended above for the process of Strickening.
  
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'''Shimmertrough:''' This dark iron barrel or vat is engraved with a series of brass veins that extend from a broad brass plate at the bottom of the structure. It creates a substance known as Shimmershine, which is created by pouring water and Sunderdust into the tool, and leaving it to process for twenty-four hours. While Shimmershine is primarily used in Refinement and Purification to protect the Fragmenter from corruption, it is a necessity in the creation of Relics; Shimmershine in this context is used for Quenching Imbued metals and finalizing the creation of a Relic.  
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'''Tonal Maiden:''' A large man-sized cabinet of dark iron filled with an innumerable number of resonating prongs and brass focusing circuitry, a Tonal Maiden is operated by dozens of dials and levers for use with Flaying, tuning and strengthening a Relic towards its potential.
  
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'''Lightwater:''' Derived as a byproduct from Fragmenting, Lightwater is used with Darkforging to make a Relic reel with repeated quenching, rendering it vulnerable to the Scab and Keelbrand. Sunderers must source their Lightwater from Fragmenters.
  
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'''Founding Vessels:''' These crucibles come in a variety of sizes for the completion of different jobs. The inner lining is always a metal with a higher melting point, while the outer shell (or the casing) is a dark iron with a specific grind of Brass Inlays through the body that's designed for heat vectoring. They are a necessary tool in casting Relics as they hold the ability to make Sunderscraps Soluble in Molten Metal.  
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'''Scab:''' The Scab is a menacing tool of dark iron with several protrusions and bends upon the flanged, curved end. It is used with Darkforging to tweak, twist, prod, and jab a Relic to torture away its structural weakness.
  
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'''Keelbrand:''' A pair of twisted dark iron prongs with many awful teeth, the Keelbrand is used with Darkforging to gnash sections of a Relic towards finer points, honing its sharpness.
  
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'''Casting Molds:''' Casting molds usually take the form of cast iron crates of various sizes with brass inlays of various designs and complexities. They usually bare a single seam that runs the whole way around with hinges to hold the two halves in place. A single funnel extends from one end of the Casting Mold, which can be used for pouring Imbued Metal into more complex, three-dimensional shapes. The appearance of the inside varies based on what the Sunderer has forged with mundane metals and placed there, which depends on what is being cast.
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'''Scaphist:''' The Scaphist is used with Malefaction to cast multiple Sunderscraps together using Lightwater as the catalyst. This is a spherical dark iron vessel covered in window-like dials for tweaking the energies within towards a singular essence.
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==Processes==
 
==Processes==
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Those that delve into Sundering are normally fairly experienced with very few shortcomings in terms of skill. The processes below reflect that skill and knowledge, as all Sunderers are accomplished smiths and Fragmenters.
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Those that learn the Mercies of Sundering are usually supported by an institution or else their own desire for revenge or power, as Sundering is both expensive on the wallet and taxing on the soul. Sunderers who begin as accomplished mage hunters, artisans, and Fragmenters will have an easier time approaching this field due to the need for Sunderscraps, well made creations, and Lightwater that these trades yield. Every process in the creation of Relics ultimately makes use of at least one of these labors.  
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===Sundering===
 
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Sunderscraps are produced through Sundering and are later used in the process of Imbuement and Casting. While this is fairly straightforward, it does come with some complexities that the Sunderer will need to overcome in order to fully utilize the process.
 
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The only tool needed for the process is the Sunderstrike. However, the Sunderer also needs to locate, and usually (but not necessarily) restrain another being with a [[Magic List|Mark of Control]]. To aid with Locating the mage, a kit of Tonal Resonators is infinitely valuable.
 
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The point of the Sunderstrike must first be thrust into the heart of the mage, where the soul rests. This can be done through the back, through the ribs, or through the sternum if the Sunderer is strong enough to break through the bone. The gem at the pommel of the Sunderstrike will begin to glow at its core when a soul is found, which usually only takes a few seconds depending on the closeness of the point to the center of the heart.
 
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The victim will find their strength waining unnaturally quickly. Signals from the brain to specific body parts that would otherwise command movement become interrupted and spotty with most attempts to move only partially succeeding. Speed and strength are very quickly sapped from the victim until they're rendered utterly paralyzed with muscles that tense and lock them in place. The victim is still conscious and aware at this point, usually only ten seconds after being impaled.
 
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When complete paralysis is achieved, the Sunderer will have the opportunity to peer into the gem at the pommel of Sunderstrike, which is fully illuminated when complete paralysis is achieved. Within the gem, the soul is visible as a core of light that radiates with different intensities and subtle colors depending on the variety of marks and claims attached to the soul. Various strings and webs litter the outer reaches of the soul, and some of these root-like strings lead to specific marks around the body of the mage. More potent marks have more complicated, surging roots that branch in all sorts of directions, like a sprawling system of roots that course through the body whereas weaker marks have more linear, direct, undeveloped roots that are much easier to find without getting lost.
 
  
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The Sunderer is able to map their way through the victim's soul by touching the gem to follow the indicated roots toward specific Marks of Control. When a Mark is Located, it will glow as its own ball of light with root-like capillaries reaching in all directions, but a major artery of luminescent ether reaching toward the direction of the soul. The Sunderer needs only to hold a digit on the mark for two seconds to Secure it, where the light will become luminescent green, and the path toward the soul will also become enveloped with that same emerald green hue. When the Mark is secured, the Sunderer needs only to trail their way back to the soul and search for more paths to other Marks of Control.  
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===Strickening===
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To Stricken an object is to convert it into a Relic. Hung from Strickening Chains above, an Isotopic Chamber is fitted with a Sunderscrap and placed beneath. Magithermal Entropy will begin to circulate within before erupting as a  beam of light from the top-most point of the forge. As the Sunderscrap disintegrates, its information is imparted through the corrupting beam, irradiating the object above.  
  
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Altogether, the mage has around sixty seconds to locate and Secure as many Marks of Control as the victim possesses. After which, the Sundering process ends.
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The Sunderer must be wearing the Mercy Suit as they turn the would-be Relic over by hand, irradiating every possible surface with focused light as they intimately expose the object to their soul through touch. Sunderers suffer unavoidable Mageblight because of this, ascending (1) point on the Mageblight graph for every Relic created. Understudies can be invaluable resources for this reason.
  
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All through the ordeal, the victim will feel their body hardening with impossible weight and stiffness. Their diaphragm will eventually fail to pull air into their lungs. Their vision will fill streaks of blurs and floaters, like the mess on the lens of glasses, and pressure will gradually build in their heads. Before unbearable pain and anguish overcome them, their ability to feel altogether is removed, followed by their sense of taste, smell, hearing, and vision. Death follows shortly after, most victims utterly unaware of what has become of them.
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There is usually enough energy in a single Sunderscrap to Stricken a large weapon, two small weapons, two gauntlets or boots, a piece of torso armor, or equivalently sized objects. The resultant Strickened Relic is dangerous but rapidly decaying, the untuned abilities subjecting those around it to moderate Mageblight at the slightest touch to bare skin. If the Sunderer fails to coat every surface in Strickened light, then the object will explode in subsequent steps. Strickening is learned at Novice.
  
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Gradually, the body of the victim is converted into jagged crystalline structures known as Sunderscraps. The body begins to shrink as more and more of it is gradually converted to crystal. As they near a critical point of density, the warped formations of crystal are very vaguely reminiscent of body parts in their shape with little to no features to separate hands from shoulders. It's around this point that the Fragment will break apart and produce a Sunderscrap for every Mark that was Secured. Other parts form Markless Sunderscraps, which can be ground to dust as fuel for the Etherforge and the Shimmertrough.
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===Flaying===
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The process of tuning the corrupted energies of a Relic with sound, Flaying is accomplished by placing a Strickened Relic within the Tonal Maiden, then adjusting the internal prods to hold the Relic in place. The door is then shut, and the Sunderer begins to adjust the dials as necessary, reading and binding the resultant Magithermal Entropy. This process is incredibly loud, akin to screaming as dangerous energies rattle violently within the machine, threatening to explode if overtuned. The visible tendrils of corruption will begin to wrap and bind tightly to the Relic as they are Flayed before disappearing altogether, rendering it resistant to further tuning, fully functioning, and safe to wield.
  
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Flaying allows the Sunderer to tune for Utility capabilities at Novice, and eventually they learn to impart Offensive and Defensive Tonal Types as well by Apprentice. By Expert, a Sunderer is able to halve or double the weight of a Flayed Relic purely by adjusting its Tonalities. The maximum Tonality Strength is dependent on both the skill of the Sunderer, and the tier of the Sunderscrap used. Flaying is learned at Novice.
  
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===Imbuement===
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===Darkforging===
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Imbuement transfers the power of a Sunderscrap to the Sunderer's chosen metal. This is an important step in the creation of Relics; most Sunderers are well versed in Metallurgy and Smithing because Sunderscraps cannot imbue other materials. High-quality steels and other strong, durable metals are used in the process as Sundered gear is often priced on the quality of the metalwork.
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Darkforging is the art form for torturing structural improvements into a Relic. Lightwater from a Fragmenter must be obtained and poured from a dark iron vessel upon the Relic, awakening its Magithermal Entropy. Once those tendrils of corruption begin to rise from the sizzling surface, the Darkforger may take the Scab to twist, prod, bend, stab, and strike the corruption into submission until the object is far more durable than normal. Similarly, the Keelbrand may be used to squeeze and stretch the points and edges of the Relic and its corruption to render them more deadly. Both tools horribly disfigure a Relic, contorting its surfaces and edges into twisted abominations of uneven bends, pock marks, dimples, and angles.  
  
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The Sunderer needs access to a Sunderscrap, a metal of their choice, Markless Sunderscraps, the Founding Vessels, and the Etherforge.  
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The Relic hardens itself towards Lightwater faster the weaker the Tonality Strength is, becoming impervious to further change without Shattering. The amount of additional sharpness and structural improvement a Sunderer may impart upon a Relic is directly tied to skill and the tier of Sunderscrap. Only a Master may Darkforge a Relic that appears without disfigurement.
  
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First, the Markless Sunderscrap must be crushed and ground to a fine grain, similar to salt's consistency. This is achievable with a Mortar and Pestle as Markless Sunderscraps are brittle in nature. This creates a substance known as Sunderdust, which is used as fuel for the granulation process in the Ether Forge.
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===Malefaction===
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The merging of Sunderscraps for the purpose of imbuing Relics with multiple properties, Malefaction is performed with the Scaphist by inserting up to three Sunderscraps within the device and drowning them in Lightwater. The energies within are then manipulated by dials to harmonize the Sunderscraps until they begin to melt and crystallize with the surrounding waters. The result is a spherical, artificial Sunderscrap with the tonalities of each. Three of the same mundane Sunderscrap can create an Artificial Sunderscrap of the next tier, and Artificial Sunderscraps are impervious to further merging.
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With Sunderdust in the fuel port of the Etherforge, the Sunderscrap used for Imbuing should be placed in the Ether Forge. When the Etherforge is ignited, the Sunderscrap will be granulated and reduced to a similar consistency as the Sunderdust used as fuel. The Sunderer's chosen metal should be melted in a mundane forge, then poured into a Founding Vessel of appropriate proportions. It's ill-advised to try and melt the metal in the Founding Vessel as most desirable metals have a higher melting point than the brass Inlays of the Founding Vessel.
 
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The molten metal is kept in its molten state by the Founding Vessel, as regulated by the Arcanacrag technology that has was used in its creation. It's even safe to hold the outside of the Founding Vessel while it's filled with molten steel, thousands of degrees in temperature, and the surface will be no warmer than the air around a lit fireplace.
 
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The granulated Sunderscrap must be poured into the molten metal within the founding vessel, where they will sink beneath the surface of the metal. It's only in this precise circumstance that the Sunderscrap becomes soluble and dissolves under the molten surface. It's for this reason that the Sunderscrap must be ground to dust, as larger chunks might take longer to dissolve, which leads to severe impurities and weak points in the Relic. Some Sunderers will even leave the Founding Vessel to work overnight to be completely sure that there are no impurities in the final product.
 
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The ideal ratio of Sunderscrap and metal for optimally strong Relics is 1 part Sunderscrap and seven parts metal.
 
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===Casting===
 
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Casting is the creation of Relics, otherwise known as Sundered Gear. Because most metals used in the creation of Relics are incredibly durable, a lot of them also have exceptionally high boiling points. While achieving heats of that magnitude is no mean feat, it's also imperative to ensure that the metal doesn't cool too quickly after it has been imbued as the metal can shrink, crack, and warp. That is where the casting mold becomes infinitely valuable.
 
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To Cast a Relic, the Sunderer needs access to a Casting Mold and the Shimmer Trough. The inner section of the Casting mold is usually interchangeable with whatever the Sunderer is trying to create, and can be made from iron in the desired shape with mundane smithing tools. The Shaping Bench and Dividing Rod should also be used, but aren't completely necessary.
 
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If the Relic being cast is of a simple shape, then the mold should be laid flat and open. If a relic with a specific shape, dip, or curve is being Cast, then the Mold should be closed and stood with the funnel upright. When the mold is prepared, the Sunderer will need to pour the molten Imbued metal into the cast either through the funnel or the deepest point of the Mold until it's full.
 
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The Casting Mold will regulate the heat loss for the Imbued metal and will ensure that the heat loss is gradual by draining the heat from the iron template and recycling it into the air and back into the Imbued Metal.
 
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From there, the creation of the Relic is largely dependent on the Mage's Smithing skill; Their ability to temper, quench, grind and shape the metal is the only limiting factor from there.
 
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===Shaping, Cutting & Quenching===
 
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The Shaping Bench will allow ease of shaping extraordinarily tough Imbued metal when it has advanced to the white stage. The peddle must be pressed and held while the Imbued Metal is atop the Shaping Bench. It will begin to glow amber, then gold, then white. It's only after the Relic has accumulated the Apex of the Shaping Bench's energy that it becomes easy to shape with the likes of a mundane smithing hammer or a whetstone.
 
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The Imbued metal can be cut freely with the Dividing Rod as many times as the Sunderer wishes while it's in the white stage upon the Shaping Bench, but the smaller portion will lose the imbuement as a result. This enables the creation of smaller Relics that retain the potency of larger Relics, for example, a ring-sized Relic will have just as much potency as that of a war hammer if they're imbued with the same Sunderscrap.
 
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When all the adjustments, bevels, and sharpened edges are made, the Relic will need to be quenched while red-hot in the Shimmertrough, which will vaporize most of the oil in the container, rapidly cool the Relic, and strengthen it with the Sunderdust in the solution. Once the Relic has been quenched in the Shimmertrough, it cannot sustain damage that breaks away more than ten percent of its total mass or the Imbuement will be lost forever.
 
−
 
 
−
==Relic Abilities==
 
−
Common Relic attributes are listed below; these apply to all Relics, regardless of their potency or type. The specific descriptions of the Relic's Tonalities are listed in the [[Fragments#Variants_2|Variants]] section of the Sunderscrap write-up.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
'''Tonalities:''' The Tone that manifests in a Relic largely depends on the intent of the Sunderer during Casting. For example, if the Relic is forged with the intent to cause harm, the Relic's Tone will manifest with more offensive capabilities. If the Relic is built with the intent to protect, the Tone will manifest with greater defensive capabilities. If there is no greater desire to do harm or protect in the Sunderer's will, the Relic's Tone will manifest in similar means with no discernable offensive or defensive abilities, but a combination of both or neither. These are often regarded as Tertiary or Utility Relics.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
'''Strength:''' All Relics are extraordinarily physically strong. For example, if a lump of steel is processed by a Sunderer, and half that lump of steel is fashioned into a Mundane sword and the other half is Imbued with the power of a Sunderscrap, the Imbued steel sword will cut through the mundane weapon even though both are fashioned with equal quality steel and equal smithing skill. The addition of a Sunderscrap to a metal etherically increases its durability and hardness twofold. This makes them extraordinarily difficult to work with mundane smithing tools, but also assures that the wear and tear of regular use doest destroy them.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
'''Sharpness:''' Relics with a sharpened edge will seldom blunt as a result of the extraordinary toughness they display as a universal quality. Striking coarse, unyielding surfaces like the face of a cliff might result in blunting if struck frequently or with reckless abandon. In such cases, an insignificant portion of the Relic is destroyed to make the edge narrow once more. Over time, this can result in the loss of the Imbuement and has occurred with some of the oldest Relics developed with modern Sundering.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
'''Weight:''' Relics are a little lighter than the mundane counterparts of the metal they were forged with, this is due to the lower density of the Sunderscrap, which, when combined with the sturdier metal used in the Imbuement of the Relic, comes out just slightly lighter.  
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
'''Sound:''' When a Relic encounters the resistance of the air, it hums with a specific tone unique to the Relic's strength and the type of Sunderscrap that was used in its creation. This tone can be deciphered with an Appraisal Skill of 75 or more and may be used to evaluate the strength of a Relic without a live demonstration.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
'''Overlay:''' The completion of a Relic leaves a finish that will uniquely resemble the Magic the imbued Sunderscrap. As the potency of the Relic scales, this effect becomes more and more obvious, some of which yield auras that tell of their dangerous potential, and make it very difficult to conceal such Relics.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
==Impact==
 
−
When the first Sunderscrap was discovered in Daravin, Grisic's Fragmenters were quick to learn of its true nature. With sufficient funding and a bounty of research, they created the first modern Sunderstrike as a means of converting mages into usable Sunderscraps. The discovery of the Sunderscrap has largely affected countries like Grisic and Lorien where magic is feared and detested. To some, it stands as a beacon of hope that the mortal man can hope to fight the evils of the Mark of Control on equal ground.
 
−
 
 
−
That same anti-mage, anti-religious sentiment seems to follow the practice through its applications in all cultures. Many Sunderers are driven by their bitter hatred of mages; these Sunderers often revel in their toxicity as a form of strength, as though their resentment of the Mark of Control spurs them on. Many others describe the act of Sundering another as an appropriate means of asserting justice. This mentality attracts those with vendettas against mages and Gods, and only further adds to the toxic, hateful culture that is most Sunderers.
 
−
 
 
−
The Relics they create have the potential to change the tides of war, alter climates, erase ecosystems and obliterate opponents of considerable strength. That is to say that this application of Arcanacrags is not without its own self-made demons, as many view the practice with fear and uncertainty.
 
  
 +
Relics made with multiple Sunderscraps merged into one tend to ‘sing’ more loudly than their counterparts, and one made with several powerful mages could be deafening to the point of nausea in its presence without being encased by additional shielding.
  
 
==Progression==
 
==Progression==
−
 
  
 
===Novice===
 
===Novice===
−
The Novice Sunderer should invest a lot of time developing their Dexterity and Perception, as the craft demands a lot of attention to detail and a keen eye. Knowledge of specific Fragments and their effects are very much vital for the Sunderer’s development. Research should be conducted on the physical properties of Arcanacrags and their safe handling practices. Many of the stones react poorly with biology and should be treated with care. All the dangers of Arcanacrags, corruption, poor handling, and the like are studied early on in the Sunderer’s career, and various other processes are taught afterward. The inner-workings of an Arcanacrag, Fractals and their relation to Melding, the complexities of Inlays and Mounting are all learned after the Novice has retained the most basic safety procedures, as one wrong move can doom both the Novice and the Master. Traditionally, the end of their preliminary training involves a written test and some mock demonstrations using wooden replicas of tools and Arcanacrags.
+
A Novice Sunderer is often someone of questionable morality. They will spend their time hunting and learning about newly initiated mages and the many Marks and Sunderscraps derived from them. They will use Sunderscraps to learn Strickening and Flaying, operating the Isotopic Chamber and Tonal Maiden under the watchful guise of a mentor to avoid disaster in the creation of their first Relic.
  
−
Untraditionally, learning  Sundering without the aid of a tutor is immensely difficult. Even the most comprehensive written guides are steeped in terms and jargon that anyone unfamiliar with the practice is unlikely to understand. Harsh failure, the danger of death, disfigurement, mageblight, and endless trial and error pave the way for the novice that learns without the aid of a more experienced practitioner, but they should find themselves with the ability to Imbue and Cast Novice-level Relics, refine Arcanacrags from tier 2 to Tier 1, and reshape Arcanacrags with some minor deviance to their original shape. The Novice is also able to Sunder marks of Novice quality. Purification is also plausible for the Novice, but even so much as the slightest oversight can result in the destruction of themselves and/or their workshop. Players that pursue Sundering without the aid of a mentor are expected to gain at least six mageblight in their time as a novice and either destroy all their tools at least once or suffer severe injuries (repairable with Necromancy) from misuse of tools and poor handling of corruption.
+
At this stage, they may only impart Utility Tonality upon a Relic, unable to progress beyond T1 Tonal Strength. It is no more durable than a normal item, and thus faces the heightened risk of being Shattered.
  
 
===Apprentice===
 
===Apprentice===
−
It's after the Novice has proven their retention of basic safety procedures, the outlines of processes, and the translations of all the terms that Sunderers use on a day-to-day basis that the tutor will allow the aspiring world mage to attempt working with live Arcanacrags. Before such can be achieved, the apprentice will need to learn the workings of live tools, and display sufficient knowledge and understanding to begin. The first Arcanacrags an apprentice will usually touch are those with minuscule effects that do not react harshly toward biology. Most lessons will revolve around the safe-handling of Arcanacrags during shaping and cutting. Purification and refinement are supervised with a close eye, but the apprentice can manage such alterations to the Fractal that advance the properties of the stone from Tier three efficiency to Tier one with relative ease. The basics of each process are covered, and the tutor gradually peels away from their apprentice's work with scaling reassurance that the budding Sunderer can handle themself.  
+
Apprentice Sunderers begin to study the art of Darkforging and its intricacies, seeking out Fragmenters for coveted Lightwater. They have a more detailed understanding of Strickening and Flaying, the risks to them mitigated through experience. As a hunter, they can begin to operate the Tonal Susser with some measure of success provided they have the correct Sunderscrap, allowing them to specialize in hunting specific types of mages.
  
−
If the lone wolf still has yet to cave to the endless misfortune that befalls them at this point in their journey, they will be able to refine Arcanacrags from Tier three to Tier one, reshape Arcanacrags to a significant degree, Imbue and Cast Relics of Apprentice quality or lower, and Sunder Apprentice-level Marks. The aspiring mage will likely start to get an idea of what it means to be safe with the Arcanacrags. Players that pursue Sundering without the aid of a tutor are expected to gain at least three points of Mageblight and destroy three pieces of Sundering equipment in their time as an apprentice.
+
An Apprentice Sunderer is capable of imparting T2 Tonal Strength from T2 Sunderscraps, and they may begin to impart Offensive or Defensive Tonality types. Darkforged Relics from T2 Sunderscraps are half again as sturdy and sharp as the original item.  
  
 
===Journeyman===
 
===Journeyman===
−
By the time the apprentice can be considered a Journeyman Artificer, they are able to perform most processes without the aid of their mentor, and even without their supervision. It's possible that the mage will have been instructed heavily on the process of Sundering and should be able to Sunder marks of Journeyman strength without too much hassle (Apprentice and lower will yield with incredible ease). Purification and Melding still require heavy oversight, but they're not impossible for the Journeyman Sunderer to achieve. It's at this stage that the Sunderer can be comfortable in their position with few problems and processes that they require their tutor's guidance on. Journeyman Sunderers are the bog-standard, middle-lane practitioners of their field.  
+
As a Sunderer begins to fill the shoes of a Journeyman, they have become menaces to the mages around them, often sickened with Mageblight from several Strickenings. They begin to dabble with Malefaction, merging Sunderscraps together to create Relics with multiple Tonalities.
  
−
It's at this point that the self-taught Sunderer has usually mapped out most causes of corruptive infection and can safely perform most processes without disastrous consequences. There is little difference between the self-taught Sunderer and the Mentored Journeyman at this point. The quality of the lone wolf's work is still subpar to the student that learned from a Master, but only slightly. Arcanacrags can be Shaped and Cut with very significant deviance to their original shape, Marks of Journeyman quality and lower can be mapped with some degree of ease if the user has encountered any mages, and Purification almost never results in corruption floods. Melding is still very dangerous, but the Sunderer is likely to have a good idea of what they need to do and what to watch out for. Players that opt to learn Sundering without the aid of a Mentor are expected to gain at least one point of Mageblight in their time as a Journeyman and botch their first attempt of Melding.
+
The Journeyman Sunderer may impart T3 Tonal Strength from T3 Sunderscraps, and their Darkforged Relics from T3 Sunderscraps are twice as sturdy and sharp as the original item.  
  
 
===Expert===
 
===Expert===
−
Expert Sunderers are likely renowned in their areas as 'good at what they do', unless, of course, the world mage's intent is to remain secretive about their occupation. They can produce Relics of Expert quality or lower with the power of Casting and Imbuing, and are likely to have created many potent Relics. They understand all processes with detail and can create some very specifically shaped Arcanacrags with just about any requested dimensions. The lone wolf is likely to still struggle with melding at this point, as even the mentored practitioner is unable to successfully complete every Melding, but both know the danger signs and proper procedures for when such disaster strikes. Some experts might take on Novices of their own, but despite all their knowledge, they're still learning the properties of Arcanacrags, and the complexities of Fractals.
+
The Expert Sunderer is often a true wretch of Mageblight. They are sought by many, either to be a patron of their craft, to employ them as a torturer and hunter of mages, or to bring about their end. At this point, a Sunderer’s skill with the Tonal Maiden is so remarkable that they are able to Flay half the very weight from an item, or else double it. Their Darkforged items can begin to look somewhat normal, if still villainous.
 +
 
 +
Expert Sunderers may impart T4 Tonal Strength from T4 Sunderscraps, and their Darkforged Relics from T4 Sunderscraps are three times as sturdy and sharp as the original item.  
  
 
===Master===
 
===Master===
−
In common day-to-day operations, there isn't much that sets the Master ahead of the Expert, but when it comes to knowledge of Arcanacrags, their appearance, their effects, the shape of their fractals and the achievable effects that come with Melding them, the Master dwarfs the Expert. There's almost nothing that the master doesn't know about any given Fragment, and all the complex roots of a Master Mark can easily be navigated and captured by extension, though not all Sunderers ever get the chance to Sunder a Master Mark of Control because of the mage's power and the obscurity of such a thing. The master is able to innovate better tools, and even created tools of their own to sell for a profit. The master is also likely to charge through the nose for lessons in Sundering with a few dedicated novices to teach at any given time. Some Masters are capable of creating Relics with multiple Imbuements, but these individuals are so very few and far between.
+
The Master Sunderer is a strange thing. Perhaps a dozen in the entire world openly admit their existence, and many of them are Blighted or other abominations. The scarce few that serve the Omen of Lorien, the Grisic Empire, or the Daravinic Entente are the disfigured and rotting husks of men and elves conspiring to bring about the downfall of powerful mages. Their Relics can be as beautiful as the sins enacted to create them, throbbing with their auras and singing powerfully with haunting melodies. The Tonal Abilities these Relics wield are capable of true wonder or utter catastrophe.
 +
 
 +
Master Sunderers may impart T5 Tonal Strength from T5 Sunderscraps, and their Darkforged Relics from T5 Sunderscraps are five times as sturdy and sharp as the original item.  
 +
 
  
 
==Related Articles==
 
==Related Articles==
  
 
* [[Fragments]]
 
* [[Fragments]]
−
* [[Arch Hollows]]
+
* [[Fragmenting]]
 
* [[Spirits And Dregs]]
 
* [[Spirits And Dregs]]
 
* [[Magic]]
 
* [[Magic]]
 +
* [[Magic List]]

Latest revision as of 04:04, 25 March 2022


Sundering1.png


Introduction

The general term for manipulating Sunderscraps, Sundering also touches on the ritual hunting of mages for the Marks of Control they possess. These markings are Sundered from the very soul of the mage, resulting in Sunderscraps which are then corrupted by Magithermal Entropy into Relics, tortured artifacts notorious for the decimation of entire armies.

Sundering is new to the current age. Long ago it was the well-kept secret of the Ald’Norai, an edge that helped to dispense shock and awe as a tool of war. Since the fall of elven dominion, it has become infamous as the most amoral application of World Magic. Many regions ban Sundering with the penalty of murder without proper licensure. Others such as Daravin and the Grisic Empire cruelly endorse it.

Origin

With the fall of the Ald’Norai, their technologies were lost to flame. The passage of time brought ruin to the greatest innovations of Sundering, and soon even the knowledge to Sunder a Mark of Control was lost, and Sundering fell into obscurity for a time.

Partway through the Fragmenting Revolution of the current age, Sunderscraps slipped into existence with a shudder. The crystallized ether of a mage was rediscovered in Daravin, and Candor spread the word like wildfire. Fragmenters abroad learned of its existence and began to hypothesize its inner workings, and soon the first corrupted Relic of a new age came to be, the process co-opted by both the wielders of the Mark, and the Grisic Empire which hunted them.

Sundering Instruments

Some tools within the Sunderer's Kit are derived for the purpose of murder. Unlicensed possession of Sundering Instruments may be equated to the intent to commit murder, or even treason. Only in the Grisic Empire are these tools fully legal without license, as the practice of sacrificing mages is regulated elsewhere out of fear.

Sunderstrike: The most well-known tool of the Sunderer, a Sunderstrike is a basic tool for the conversion of a Mark of Control to a Sunderscrap. The stake is made of pure brass with a lens at the hilt, coating a sturdier material beneath that is capable of plowing through bone and musculature.

Sunderwell: This vast, deep centrifuge of dark iron is coated along the inside with hundreds of brass mirrors, then filled with Lightwater which naturally circulates into a neverending whirlpool of glowing waters. The Sunderwell is built expressly for the conversion of mages to their myriad of Sunderscraps. The Sunderwell is a rare structure that cannot be purchased. It is not a part of a Sunderer’s Kit.

Tonal Susser: A handheld claw-like contraption of black iron with deep brass engravings upon the exterior of the claw mechanism. When the claw is clutching a Sunderscrap, it will thrum with soft vibrations when within range of an active mark of control of the same kind. It is used optionally with the Sunderstrike to hasten the process of Sundering.

Sundering

Sunderscraps are produced through the act of Sundering. This entails the location and restraint of another being in possession of a Mark of Control. The point of the Sunderstrike is thrust into the heart of the mage where the Mark of Control meets the soul. This is done through the back, through the ribs, or through the sternum.

Once the heart is touched by a Sunderstrike, the mage’s arcane stamina dissipates to nothing. The body becomes steadily inoperable, the conscious victim forced to feel as their ruptured heart struggles to pump, ears ringing, eyes drawn wide with shock. Wriggling and pushing aside the ventricles of the heart for several moments, the Sunderstrike will hum violently with vibrations once it finds the traces of a Mark reaching towards the soul. The mage may choose between Marks of Control, each flaring brilliantly with light as the Sunderstrike bumps different connections.

The Mark of Control will begin to have its presence crystallized from the soul with prolonged contact by the Sunderstrike, hardening the heart into a jewel of potential, a Sunderscrap. As the mage dies, the Sunderscrap is formed embedded upon the tip of the Sunderstrike, ready to be plucked from the victim’s chest. The Tonal Susser may channel a held Sunderscrap or Relic with the same Tone to immediately crystallize a Mark of that type directly from the soul on contact with the heart, hastening this entire process from several seconds down to just a couple of heartbeats.

A Sunderwell may be employed to harvest multiple Marks of Control at once, drowning victims in churning Lightwater and crystallizing every Mark within the mage’s body in one go, the flesh and bone disintegrating to nothing except for the Sunderscrapts themselves. Once drained, the Sunderscraps in the shape of the mage’s many organs: heart, stomach, spleen, brain, lungs, kidney, liver - one for each Sunderscrap - may be retrieved. This entails the risk of parading captured mages across the countryside, often executing many at once in a public display. Sunderwells are rare objects maintained by large institutions. They cannot be purchased and must be constructed by a Master Fragmenter aware of the necessary Convergences.

Relics

Powerful artifacts of tightly bound corruption, Relics are the result of harnessing and further tainting Sunderscrap energies - Magithermal Entropy - towards specified qualities. These objects may be capable of immense fireballs, repulsion of force, or other wonders dependent upon the Sunderscrap used in its creation.

Tonality: The natural resonance of a Relic is its Tonality, the ‘Tone’ of the Relic referring to the Sunderscrap that was used to create it. This governs the strength and type of abilities it may channel, and sometimes even the weight of the object. Many Relics possess a ‘Grace Period’ indicating how long one must wait for the Tonalities to be activated in succession.

Every Relic exhibits an aura shimmering across its surface with effects detailed in the write-up for that Sunderscrap. Furthermore, the stronger its Tonality, the more the object will ‘sing’ with the qualities of that magic, offering a soft hum or even a grating screech to those in its presence, chirping ever more loudly when the abilities are actively channeled.

Structure: The structure of the Relic is dependent on the base object. This can be anything from a sword, to a piece of armor, a pair of gauntlets or a ring. Each separate object must be on one’s person in order for the Relic to channel its abilities. Darkforging will then multiply these structural values; steel will be tougher than iron provided the skill and Tonal Strength are similar. These enhancements will almost always warp or twist the object into something that looks artfully offensive.

Shattering: The destruction of a Relic is referred to as Shattering; its energies lash out violently from the broken surface in an explosion that leaves the surrounding area awash in corruption. Those caught in the blast will suffer burns as well as (1) point of Mageblight per tier of the Sunderscrap used in its Strickening.

Mercies (Tools)

The dark tools for the Sundering of Relics, Mercies are similar, yet fundamentally different to those of Fragmenting in the way they utilize Magithermal Entropy to mimic the Mark of Control through a Sunderscrap. Many Mercies serve the dual purpose of torturing people, inflicting pain and Mageblight.

Mercy Suit: The Mercy Suit is a collection of safety equipment that all Sunderers must wear. Most striking is a blackened, beak-like mask of smooth dark iron covering the entire face used to lens all facets of Magithermal Entropy towards the visual spectrum, informing the Sunderer’s actions. Upon the torso sits an apron of plated metal sheets and a thick, brass lined robe contributes even more protective layering against the corrupting energies. Unwieldy gauntlets of dense metal lined with arcane circuits are used to shield the Sunderer from the lapping tendrils of Magithermal Entropy. These are worn for nearly every process, as direct exposure will mean certain death or contamination by Mageblight.

Isotopic Chamber: A compact, pyramid-shaped forge for use with Strickening. Tiny brass mirrors line the rounded internal structure of the forge, arcane circuitry flowing behind every panel to carry the raw, Magithermal Entropy of Sunderscraps towards the tip and focus them into a beam.

Strickening Chains: Chains of alternating brass and dark iron are hung from dark iron hooks screwed into the ceiling above an Isotopic Chamber. The weapon, object, or raiment to be enchanted is bound in these chains, suspended above for the process of Strickening.

Tonal Maiden: A large man-sized cabinet of dark iron filled with an innumerable number of resonating prongs and brass focusing circuitry, a Tonal Maiden is operated by dozens of dials and levers for use with Flaying, tuning and strengthening a Relic towards its potential.

Lightwater: Derived as a byproduct from Fragmenting, Lightwater is used with Darkforging to make a Relic reel with repeated quenching, rendering it vulnerable to the Scab and Keelbrand. Sunderers must source their Lightwater from Fragmenters.

Scab: The Scab is a menacing tool of dark iron with several protrusions and bends upon the flanged, curved end. It is used with Darkforging to tweak, twist, prod, and jab a Relic to torture away its structural weakness.

Keelbrand: A pair of twisted dark iron prongs with many awful teeth, the Keelbrand is used with Darkforging to gnash sections of a Relic towards finer points, honing its sharpness.

Scaphist: The Scaphist is used with Malefaction to cast multiple Sunderscraps together using Lightwater as the catalyst. This is a spherical dark iron vessel covered in window-like dials for tweaking the energies within towards a singular essence.

Processes

Those that learn the Mercies of Sundering are usually supported by an institution or else their own desire for revenge or power, as Sundering is both expensive on the wallet and taxing on the soul. Sunderers who begin as accomplished mage hunters, artisans, and Fragmenters will have an easier time approaching this field due to the need for Sunderscraps, well made creations, and Lightwater that these trades yield. Every process in the creation of Relics ultimately makes use of at least one of these labors.

Strickening

To Stricken an object is to convert it into a Relic. Hung from Strickening Chains above, an Isotopic Chamber is fitted with a Sunderscrap and placed beneath. Magithermal Entropy will begin to circulate within before erupting as a beam of light from the top-most point of the forge. As the Sunderscrap disintegrates, its information is imparted through the corrupting beam, irradiating the object above.

The Sunderer must be wearing the Mercy Suit as they turn the would-be Relic over by hand, irradiating every possible surface with focused light as they intimately expose the object to their soul through touch. Sunderers suffer unavoidable Mageblight because of this, ascending (1) point on the Mageblight graph for every Relic created. Understudies can be invaluable resources for this reason.

There is usually enough energy in a single Sunderscrap to Stricken a large weapon, two small weapons, two gauntlets or boots, a piece of torso armor, or equivalently sized objects. The resultant Strickened Relic is dangerous but rapidly decaying, the untuned abilities subjecting those around it to moderate Mageblight at the slightest touch to bare skin. If the Sunderer fails to coat every surface in Strickened light, then the object will explode in subsequent steps. Strickening is learned at Novice.

Flaying

The process of tuning the corrupted energies of a Relic with sound, Flaying is accomplished by placing a Strickened Relic within the Tonal Maiden, then adjusting the internal prods to hold the Relic in place. The door is then shut, and the Sunderer begins to adjust the dials as necessary, reading and binding the resultant Magithermal Entropy. This process is incredibly loud, akin to screaming as dangerous energies rattle violently within the machine, threatening to explode if overtuned. The visible tendrils of corruption will begin to wrap and bind tightly to the Relic as they are Flayed before disappearing altogether, rendering it resistant to further tuning, fully functioning, and safe to wield.

Flaying allows the Sunderer to tune for Utility capabilities at Novice, and eventually they learn to impart Offensive and Defensive Tonal Types as well by Apprentice. By Expert, a Sunderer is able to halve or double the weight of a Flayed Relic purely by adjusting its Tonalities. The maximum Tonality Strength is dependent on both the skill of the Sunderer, and the tier of the Sunderscrap used. Flaying is learned at Novice.

Darkforging

Darkforging is the art form for torturing structural improvements into a Relic. Lightwater from a Fragmenter must be obtained and poured from a dark iron vessel upon the Relic, awakening its Magithermal Entropy. Once those tendrils of corruption begin to rise from the sizzling surface, the Darkforger may take the Scab to twist, prod, bend, stab, and strike the corruption into submission until the object is far more durable than normal. Similarly, the Keelbrand may be used to squeeze and stretch the points and edges of the Relic and its corruption to render them more deadly. Both tools horribly disfigure a Relic, contorting its surfaces and edges into twisted abominations of uneven bends, pock marks, dimples, and angles.

The Relic hardens itself towards Lightwater faster the weaker the Tonality Strength is, becoming impervious to further change without Shattering. The amount of additional sharpness and structural improvement a Sunderer may impart upon a Relic is directly tied to skill and the tier of Sunderscrap. Only a Master may Darkforge a Relic that appears without disfigurement.

Malefaction

The merging of Sunderscraps for the purpose of imbuing Relics with multiple properties, Malefaction is performed with the Scaphist by inserting up to three Sunderscraps within the device and drowning them in Lightwater. The energies within are then manipulated by dials to harmonize the Sunderscraps until they begin to melt and crystallize with the surrounding waters. The result is a spherical, artificial Sunderscrap with the tonalities of each. Three of the same mundane Sunderscrap can create an Artificial Sunderscrap of the next tier, and Artificial Sunderscraps are impervious to further merging.

Relics made with multiple Sunderscraps merged into one tend to ‘sing’ more loudly than their counterparts, and one made with several powerful mages could be deafening to the point of nausea in its presence without being encased by additional shielding.

Progression

Novice

A Novice Sunderer is often someone of questionable morality. They will spend their time hunting and learning about newly initiated mages and the many Marks and Sunderscraps derived from them. They will use Sunderscraps to learn Strickening and Flaying, operating the Isotopic Chamber and Tonal Maiden under the watchful guise of a mentor to avoid disaster in the creation of their first Relic.

At this stage, they may only impart Utility Tonality upon a Relic, unable to progress beyond T1 Tonal Strength. It is no more durable than a normal item, and thus faces the heightened risk of being Shattered.

Apprentice

Apprentice Sunderers begin to study the art of Darkforging and its intricacies, seeking out Fragmenters for coveted Lightwater. They have a more detailed understanding of Strickening and Flaying, the risks to them mitigated through experience. As a hunter, they can begin to operate the Tonal Susser with some measure of success provided they have the correct Sunderscrap, allowing them to specialize in hunting specific types of mages.

An Apprentice Sunderer is capable of imparting T2 Tonal Strength from T2 Sunderscraps, and they may begin to impart Offensive or Defensive Tonality types. Darkforged Relics from T2 Sunderscraps are half again as sturdy and sharp as the original item.

Journeyman

As a Sunderer begins to fill the shoes of a Journeyman, they have become menaces to the mages around them, often sickened with Mageblight from several Strickenings. They begin to dabble with Malefaction, merging Sunderscraps together to create Relics with multiple Tonalities.

The Journeyman Sunderer may impart T3 Tonal Strength from T3 Sunderscraps, and their Darkforged Relics from T3 Sunderscraps are twice as sturdy and sharp as the original item.

Expert

The Expert Sunderer is often a true wretch of Mageblight. They are sought by many, either to be a patron of their craft, to employ them as a torturer and hunter of mages, or to bring about their end. At this point, a Sunderer’s skill with the Tonal Maiden is so remarkable that they are able to Flay half the very weight from an item, or else double it. Their Darkforged items can begin to look somewhat normal, if still villainous.

Expert Sunderers may impart T4 Tonal Strength from T4 Sunderscraps, and their Darkforged Relics from T4 Sunderscraps are three times as sturdy and sharp as the original item.

Master

The Master Sunderer is a strange thing. Perhaps a dozen in the entire world openly admit their existence, and many of them are Blighted or other abominations. The scarce few that serve the Omen of Lorien, the Grisic Empire, or the Daravinic Entente are the disfigured and rotting husks of men and elves conspiring to bring about the downfall of powerful mages. Their Relics can be as beautiful as the sins enacted to create them, throbbing with their auras and singing powerfully with haunting melodies. The Tonal Abilities these Relics wield are capable of true wonder or utter catastrophe.

Master Sunderers may impart T5 Tonal Strength from T5 Sunderscraps, and their Darkforged Relics from T5 Sunderscraps are five times as sturdy and sharp as the original item.


Related Articles

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