Wardstones
For the Sha and the Toi (collectively known as the Folk), Skaraeldinn is a dangerous place.
Eagers are the official apex predators, and there are plenty of other vicious creatures abroad besides, but Folk are equally wary of non-physical dangers.
The realm of Spirit overlaps into Skaraeldinn. There are spirits both malignant and benign, and all will leave their mark. There are other creatures: spectral, fae, and demonic too. Some feed on the living, or at least mean them harm or mischief. Some Folk stumble across cracks into the Spirit realm and pass through by accident, never to return.
All Folk carry with them one or more Wardstones to protect against ghastly occurrence from the Spirit realm. Ward Stones are sourced and polished by the Toi before being magically inscribed by the Sha – a symbolic union toward a single purpose: the protection of Folk.
It is considered very bad luck to be out and about in the country without a Wardstone – many Folk would get away from anyone admitting to carrying none as quickly as they could.
All Wardstones offer some protection from Spirit intrusion. They make the holder harder to discern, and they can be held aloft to ward off creatures of Spirit (with varying degrees of success, dependant on the power of the intrusion) or, as a last resort, thrown as a weapon.
Some types of stone seem to make more effective Wardstones, with Whitejay and Hove being particularly sort after. When combined with particularly potent inscription, powerful Wardstones can be created. Some have been known to harm or even kill creatures of Spirit, or heal cracks in reality. Some make the holder all but invisible to Spirit, or serve as an irresistible beacon.
Some Folk have their “Lucky Wardstone” that they never part with, or bequeath to a loved one. Some have sets of Wardstones for perceived different purposes, or just different days of the week. There are at least three games of chance that involve Wardstones. Wardstones won through particular displays of luck or skill become highly valued, whilst those involved in back luck plays are often discarded.
Eagers are the official apex predators, and there are plenty of other vicious creatures abroad besides, but Folk are equally wary of non-physical dangers.
The realm of Spirit overlaps into Skaraeldinn. There are spirits both malignant and benign, and all will leave their mark. There are other creatures: spectral, fae, and demonic too. Some feed on the living, or at least mean them harm or mischief. Some Folk stumble across cracks into the Spirit realm and pass through by accident, never to return.
All Folk carry with them one or more Wardstones to protect against ghastly occurrence from the Spirit realm. Ward Stones are sourced and polished by the Toi before being magically inscribed by the Sha – a symbolic union toward a single purpose: the protection of Folk.
It is considered very bad luck to be out and about in the country without a Wardstone – many Folk would get away from anyone admitting to carrying none as quickly as they could.
All Wardstones offer some protection from Spirit intrusion. They make the holder harder to discern, and they can be held aloft to ward off creatures of Spirit (with varying degrees of success, dependant on the power of the intrusion) or, as a last resort, thrown as a weapon.
Some types of stone seem to make more effective Wardstones, with Whitejay and Hove being particularly sort after. When combined with particularly potent inscription, powerful Wardstones can be created. Some have been known to harm or even kill creatures of Spirit, or heal cracks in reality. Some make the holder all but invisible to Spirit, or serve as an irresistible beacon.
Some Folk have their “Lucky Wardstone” that they never part with, or bequeath to a loved one. Some have sets of Wardstones for perceived different purposes, or just different days of the week. There are at least three games of chance that involve Wardstones. Wardstones won through particular displays of luck or skill become highly valued, whilst those involved in back luck plays are often discarded.
Web and Weave by The Ephemeral Man
Raw materials & Components
Whitejay: Milky-white stone with dark-blue flex
Hove: Hard black stone with dark-emerald swirls
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