Sapphire: Difference between revisions

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|image = noimg.png  
|image = noimg.png  
|officialname = Sapphire
|officialname = Sapphire
|nicknames = Nessallsonssossos
|nicknames = Deva-Ikshana, Bumi Biru
|origin = [[Hadaria]]
|origin = Unknown
|proficiency = Requires 15 points in [[Finecraft Arts]]
|uses = Decorative, Religious
|uses = Decorative, Religious
|rarity = Rare
|rarity = Rare
|accessibility = Upper Class
|accessibility = Upper Class
|}}
|}}
Sapphires are rare, typically blue, translucent gems found across the lands of [[Hadaria]]. Before the [[Chrysant War]], the [[Essa Empire]] had a monopoly on the Sapphire trade. The [[Slizzar]] saw them as holy objects, called “Snake God Eyes,” which all true believers of the faith should possess. After the War and the repair of many mines, [[Regalia]] now holds the monopoly on the trade of Sapphires. The blue gems are used in the jewelry of the upper class, especially in [[Ithania]] and Regalia where they are commonly paired with silver due to their sparkling properties. Today, Sapphire exports are targeted towards nobility and the upper class, who buy them for their beauty or ito serve the Slizzar pulling their strings.  
Sapphires are rare, typically blue, gemstones found across the lands of [[Hadar]] and [[The Far West]]. Before the [[Chrysant War]], the [[Essa Empire]] had a monopoly on the Sapphire trade, profiting extensively from the extraction and sale of the mineral. However, the [[Slizzar]] also held deep ties to the material, utilizing it for millennia as self adornment, while in the lands of the [[Suvial]] and later, [[Kathar]], the material held great value but was less frequently extracted. After the War, the repair of many mines by the [[Allar]] allowed the [[Regalian Empire]] to press a stake in the Sapphire trade. The blue gems are now used in the jewelry of the upper class, especially in [[Ithania]] and [[Regalia]], where they are commonly paired with [[Silver]], while also holding a deeper meaning  to Slizzar who possess them.


==History==
==History==
The Sapphire has an ancient history dating all the way back to the [[Meraic]]. A common mineral at the height of their Empire, they mined it extensively and used it to adorn various objects and structures. After the [[Fourth Void Invasion]], the next [[Race]] to use Sapphires were the Slizzar, who viewed the gemstone as petrified “eyes” of their gods. The most influential and powerful Slizzar soon acquired jewelry studded with this stone. When the [[Allorn Empire]] reached Hadar, they too grew infatuated with the gem, and raw sapphires almost immediately became one of [[Daen]]’s primary exports. When the Altalar finally left Hadaria, the material returned to largely being a common adornment among the Slizzar. Unfortunately, the [[Cataclysm]] changed this. Sapphires became much harder to acquire, as some of the largest mines were destroyed by the volcanic activity triggered by the event. During this time, many Slizzar families started passed down their Sapphire jewelry through the generations as a way to preserve their faith, turning them into valuable symbolic heirlooms. The Allar ultimately helped rebuild Sapphire production, as they gradually came to admire the stones and helped the Slizzar by opening new mines across Hadaria around 100 AC. Until the Chrysant War, a steady stream of Sapphires poured forth from these mines and out to the wider world, where they soon became a highly desired item. Following the destruction caused by the conflict, one of the first tasks of the [[Regalian Military]] was to seize more of this luxury good, which they have steadily done through their trade deals with the regional Digmaans. Today, the stream of Sapphires is small, but still plentiful enough to supply the wealthy of the world with this deep blue gemstone. In recent times, this stream will possibly grow larger as many Allar nations finally are repairing enough of their old infrastructure to resume mining in large amounts.
The Sapphire has an ancient history. but precisely how far back it extends is unclear. The well accepted history is that it dates to the [[Meraic]] where the gemstone was a commonly extracted mineral at the height of their Empire. They mined it extensively and incorporated it into their technology, known today as [[Crystaltech]], crafting beautiful pieces now emulated or copied centuries later by their successors, the [[Maraya]]. After the [[Fourth Void Invasion]], the Slizzar encountered Sapphires in the rocky landscape of Hadar, adopting the gems as part of their society. Yet for the Slizzar, the material is ancient, as old as they are, which is a considerable span of time. In their faith, [[Nihsereya]], Sapphires represent the all-seeing eyes of Zaalaanzaal, for while mirrors are their chief domain, an eye in a good place allows one to see all, and influence what might be viewed. This ties into tales of Slizzar [[Mages]] using enchanted bangles studded with the gemstone and more to spy on those wearing them, and whispers that some Slizzar encountered Zaalaanzaal’s presence beyond the homeland while wearing such stones prior to the Cataclysm. Some even claim that purple Sapphires, a far rarer sight than the normal deep blue hues, are the best channel for this power, able to directly connect with a Dragon’s eyes.
 
These claims, especially the more superstitious, are often viewed as dubious, but are possible given the extended period of time that the Slizzar have survived. What is known for certain though, is that Sapphire deposits are, and remain rich, in Hadar while the lands of what is now [[Rokhara]] and the [[Sundial Isles]] also housed deposits. The material was supposedly used in decorating the ornate opalescent dining plates of the [[Gra-rassör]], studded into the shelltips of the [[Col’kärrab]] leadership, and held within the branchweave necklaces of the [[Raav]]. The Suvial also made some use of it, though largely traded it to the [[Allorn Empire]], as the Sundial Islers preferred elements of fire and the heat left them to be cool on the similarly toned gemstone. The [[Fin’ullen]] took to Sapphires well, and ultimately, their portions of the Empire were the Suvial’s best customers until the Sundial Isles closed themselves off. The Cataclysm which came several centuries later also heralded the rise of the Kathar, who slew all native [[Races]] of Rokhara in their way, stripping the corpses of their finery and competing for control over Sapphire mines. Their war with the Suvial, which started soon after, ultimately damaged the Suvial’s capacity to mine Sapphires, and its trade has dwindled as a result. The Kathar, for their part, came to horde Sapphire and engaged in little trade with outsiders.
 
Among the Slizzar though, such events had little impact on their own Sapphire production and the Cataclysm, in fact, provided them with even more sources of the rare material. The [[Chrysant Kingdoms]] which arose up across the islands of Hadar soon found the value in the mineral, trading it among themselves before Ailor and Altalar interests saw the first exports beyond Hadar around 40 AC. Over the next two centuries, mines dwindled, but Hadar remained the key producer for the rest of Aloria. Even more Sapphires ended up flowing out as Slizzar began to impart greater significance into their jewelry, turning them into family heirloom items, of a time now past when their deity communicated with them, reducing their cut of the material for some time. However, with the rise of the [[Essa Empire]], Sapphires grew in importance for the Slizzar, decorating many new outfits and structures of the growing empire. But when the Chrysant War came, this finery was a target, and many found such wealth stripped from them, be they Allar leadership, Slizzar advisors, or [[Magic]] users. When the war ended, the [[Regalian Military]] immediately turned to restoring full Sapphire production with slave labor. The return of Allar nobility to control of their own regions ceased the harshest of these activities but to this day, Sapphires mined in Hadar are transported to the many states of the Regalian Empire.


==Characteristics==
==Characteristics==
===Appearance===
===Appearance===
Sapphires are deeply blue-colored gemstones that have a similar structure to the [[Ruby]], a much rarer gemstone. Unlike the Ruby, which is only present is one shade (red), Sapphires have also been discovered in shades of yellow and purple; the purple color is the rarest Sapphire variety on earth and is incredibly valuable to any merchant, [[Nessrassian]] worshipper, or Slizzar. Impurities within these gems are quite rare, which only increases their desirability among consumers. Sapphires are often cut into the shape of teardrops or rounded squares.
Sapphires are most commonly gemstones colored a deep blue that have a similar structure to the [[Ruby]], a much rarer gemstone. Unlike the Ruby, which is only present in red, Sapphires have also been discovered in shades of yellow and purple; with purple being the rarest Sapphire variety on earth and incredibly valuable. Impurities within these gems are quite rare, which only increases their desirability among consumers. Sapphires are often cut into the shape of teardrops or rounded squares.
===General Uses===
===General Uses===
Sapphire has few uses, but it serves a dual function of self-decoration and religious iconography. For the upper echelon of numerous societies, Sapphires are beautiful minerals used in jewelry and is often paired with [[Silver]] to make such pieces. To those who follow Nessrassian beliefs, the gemstones have deep symbolic ties back to their great [[Deep Sea Serpent]] gods. Often times with these individuals, the stone also exists in jewelry but are sometimes kept in small decorative wooden cases rather than being worn or are inserts onto the masks used to commit acts in worship to their gods.  
Sapphire has few uses, but it serves a dual function of self-decoration and religious iconography. For the upper echelon of numerous societies, Sapphires are beautiful minerals used in jewelry and are often paired with Silver to make such pieces, ranging from small rings to ornate necklaces and headgear often accentuated by the use of [[Diamond]]s or other precious materials. They are also sometimes carved into statuary or minor artwork, but these are very rare. Among the Slizzar, Sapphires are often crafted into similar pieces, but hold a ceremonial function where one might whisper a prayer or word of fond wishes into the stone with the hope it is witnessed by Zaalaanzaal. Certain Slizzar are also capable of crafting beautiful art pieces, often in mosaic or wall art, with Sapphire sea serpents enthralled in service of a Slizzar master, or other similar scenes of the finest moment of the Slizzar.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Ironically, no Nessrassian diety has blue eyes, and the color occurs in the eyes of the Deep Sea Serpents. This is why the other colors of Sapphires are so sought out by Slizzar, as yellow relates to the Serpent of Greed and the color purple to the Slizzar themselves.
*There are many notable Sapphires in the Ailor sphere today, but the most well known are those provided by rare trade of the material from the Sundial Isles. Some of these famed pieces include the Seastar of Padesh, Princess Regina of Castellajoux, and the Griffith Sapphire.
*The Slizzar of today often manipulate noble patrons or wealthy friends into acquiring Sapphires, as the Race’s need to hide themselves has prompted great care when acquiring rare goods. Luckily, because of how common it is for the upper class to get Sapphires, few people ever notice.
*Manipulative Slizzar often coerce noble patrons or wealthy friends into acquiring Sapphires for them. Because of how common it is for the upper class to get Sapphires, few people ever notice.
*The Vault Network (the network of tunnels that held the dormant Meraic that later became Maraya) was once studded with various beautiful though small Sapphire flourishes. Unfortunately, time either broke the material or saw Slizzar steal them.
*The Vault Network that held the dormant Meraic was once studded with various beautiful though small Sapphire flourishes beyond the works of Engineering throughout the hallways. Unfortunately, time either broke this material or saw outsiders steal them.
{{Materials}}
{{Materials}}
{{Accreditation
{{Accreditation
|Writers = HydraLana
|Writers = HydraLana
|Processors = AlphaInsomnia, Dosier, LumosJared
|Processors = BillyTheScruffy, LumosJared
}}
}}
[[category:Materials]] [[category:Gemstones]]
[[category:Materials]] [[category:Gemstones]]

Revision as of 16:45, 6 June 2022

Sapphire
Noimg.png
Materials
Official Name Sapphire
Common Nicknames Deva-Ikshana, Bumi Biru
Origin Unknown
Uses Decorative, Religious
Rarity Rare
Accessibility Upper Class

Sapphires are rare, typically blue, gemstones found across the lands of Hadar and The Far West. Before the Chrysant War, the Essa Empire had a monopoly on the Sapphire trade, profiting extensively from the extraction and sale of the mineral. However, the Slizzar also held deep ties to the material, utilizing it for millennia as self adornment, while in the lands of the Suvial and later, Kathar, the material held great value but was less frequently extracted. After the War, the repair of many mines by the Allar allowed the Regalian Empire to press a stake in the Sapphire trade. The blue gems are now used in the jewelry of the upper class, especially in Ithania and Regalia, where they are commonly paired with Silver, while also holding a deeper meaning to Slizzar who possess them.

History

The Sapphire has an ancient history. but precisely how far back it extends is unclear. The well accepted history is that it dates to the Meraic where the gemstone was a commonly extracted mineral at the height of their Empire. They mined it extensively and incorporated it into their technology, known today as Crystaltech, crafting beautiful pieces now emulated or copied centuries later by their successors, the Maraya. After the Fourth Void Invasion, the Slizzar encountered Sapphires in the rocky landscape of Hadar, adopting the gems as part of their society. Yet for the Slizzar, the material is ancient, as old as they are, which is a considerable span of time. In their faith, Nihsereya, Sapphires represent the all-seeing eyes of Zaalaanzaal, for while mirrors are their chief domain, an eye in a good place allows one to see all, and influence what might be viewed. This ties into tales of Slizzar Mages using enchanted bangles studded with the gemstone and more to spy on those wearing them, and whispers that some Slizzar encountered Zaalaanzaal’s presence beyond the homeland while wearing such stones prior to the Cataclysm. Some even claim that purple Sapphires, a far rarer sight than the normal deep blue hues, are the best channel for this power, able to directly connect with a Dragon’s eyes.

These claims, especially the more superstitious, are often viewed as dubious, but are possible given the extended period of time that the Slizzar have survived. What is known for certain though, is that Sapphire deposits are, and remain rich, in Hadar while the lands of what is now Rokhara and the Sundial Isles also housed deposits. The material was supposedly used in decorating the ornate opalescent dining plates of the Gra-rassör, studded into the shelltips of the Col’kärrab leadership, and held within the branchweave necklaces of the Raav. The Suvial also made some use of it, though largely traded it to the Allorn Empire, as the Sundial Islers preferred elements of fire and the heat left them to be cool on the similarly toned gemstone. The Fin’ullen took to Sapphires well, and ultimately, their portions of the Empire were the Suvial’s best customers until the Sundial Isles closed themselves off. The Cataclysm which came several centuries later also heralded the rise of the Kathar, who slew all native Races of Rokhara in their way, stripping the corpses of their finery and competing for control over Sapphire mines. Their war with the Suvial, which started soon after, ultimately damaged the Suvial’s capacity to mine Sapphires, and its trade has dwindled as a result. The Kathar, for their part, came to horde Sapphire and engaged in little trade with outsiders.

Among the Slizzar though, such events had little impact on their own Sapphire production and the Cataclysm, in fact, provided them with even more sources of the rare material. The Chrysant Kingdoms which arose up across the islands of Hadar soon found the value in the mineral, trading it among themselves before Ailor and Altalar interests saw the first exports beyond Hadar around 40 AC. Over the next two centuries, mines dwindled, but Hadar remained the key producer for the rest of Aloria. Even more Sapphires ended up flowing out as Slizzar began to impart greater significance into their jewelry, turning them into family heirloom items, of a time now past when their deity communicated with them, reducing their cut of the material for some time. However, with the rise of the Essa Empire, Sapphires grew in importance for the Slizzar, decorating many new outfits and structures of the growing empire. But when the Chrysant War came, this finery was a target, and many found such wealth stripped from them, be they Allar leadership, Slizzar advisors, or Magic users. When the war ended, the Regalian Military immediately turned to restoring full Sapphire production with slave labor. The return of Allar nobility to control of their own regions ceased the harshest of these activities but to this day, Sapphires mined in Hadar are transported to the many states of the Regalian Empire.

Characteristics

Appearance

Sapphires are most commonly gemstones colored a deep blue that have a similar structure to the Ruby, a much rarer gemstone. Unlike the Ruby, which is only present in red, Sapphires have also been discovered in shades of yellow and purple; with purple being the rarest Sapphire variety on earth and incredibly valuable. Impurities within these gems are quite rare, which only increases their desirability among consumers. Sapphires are often cut into the shape of teardrops or rounded squares.

General Uses

Sapphire has few uses, but it serves a dual function of self-decoration and religious iconography. For the upper echelon of numerous societies, Sapphires are beautiful minerals used in jewelry and are often paired with Silver to make such pieces, ranging from small rings to ornate necklaces and headgear often accentuated by the use of Diamonds or other precious materials. They are also sometimes carved into statuary or minor artwork, but these are very rare. Among the Slizzar, Sapphires are often crafted into similar pieces, but hold a ceremonial function where one might whisper a prayer or word of fond wishes into the stone with the hope it is witnessed by Zaalaanzaal. Certain Slizzar are also capable of crafting beautiful art pieces, often in mosaic or wall art, with Sapphire sea serpents enthralled in service of a Slizzar master, or other similar scenes of the finest moment of the Slizzar.

Trivia

  • There are many notable Sapphires in the Ailor sphere today, but the most well known are those provided by rare trade of the material from the Sundial Isles. Some of these famed pieces include the Seastar of Padesh, Princess Regina of Castellajoux, and the Griffith Sapphire.
  • Manipulative Slizzar often coerce noble patrons or wealthy friends into acquiring Sapphires for them. Because of how common it is for the upper class to get Sapphires, few people ever notice.
  • The Vault Network that held the dormant Meraic was once studded with various beautiful though small Sapphire flourishes beyond the works of Engineering throughout the hallways. Unfortunately, time either broke this material or saw outsiders steal them.

Accreditation
Writers HydraLana
Processors BillyTheScruffy, LumosJared
Last Editor HydraLana on 06/6/2022.

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