Lifestones

Ancient Zarenians considered the mountains a god (aka the long-forgotten Zalen), the longstanding protector of their people. They took small pieces of this god to use as protective charms to be returned to the earth on death. Current-day residents are no longer as devout or superstitious as their ancestors, but some old traditions remain.

Zarenians are renowned for their masonry and smithing capabilities. Smiths from all over the empire make pilgrimages to Zarenia to obtain apprenticeships under master stoneworkers. Because Zarenians keep a policy of secrecy and dislike prying outsiders (still bitter over the imperial conquest several centuries ago), most pilgrim smiths are unsuccessful in securing an apprenticeship.

Manufacturing process

The lifestone is crafted painstakingly over years, making each one is unique. Each combination of minerals, thread, and runes has different meaning.

The lifestone is begun with a single small thread, whose material is based on either the familial crest or the symbol of certain plants. Because the necklace is never removed from the individual, each new bead is woven into the cord.

Significance

Each lifestone bead is carved with runes representative of what parents wish for their children.

Tradition dictates giving newborn infants a lifestone: a single bead strung with threads made from the wood fiber of their familial crest – Ancient Zarenian clans were named after types of trees (The Carona family is the exception). The child receives a new bead from their parents on birthdays or for notable life events. These beads are carved with blessings in the form of runes. When the child comes of age, they carve their own bead to signify their approach into adulthood. After that, they may receive beads as honors and awards for selfless deeds. A lifestone is most often worn as a bracelet or necklace.

Except for the coming-of-age rite stone that the child carves for themself, it is considered improper to give oneself a bead, equivalent to "bragging" or "stolen valour".

Exceptional people may be awarded an honor stone carved from the rare mineral Zanite.

In ancient times, forcibly removing someone's lifestone was akin to attempted murder and was met with swift retribution. In present-day Zarenia, the gesture is still considered a major faux pas but no longer risks death. Likewise, being allowed to touch one's lifestone is considered a gesture of extreme trust or friendship.

Alanians exploited this by using the lifestones of captured Zarenians as collateral. The prisoner becomes an indentured servant/slave for the duration a person holds his lifestone, fearing its destruction.

Item type

Jewelry / Valuable

Weight

0.15–0.5 oz (4.3–14.0 g)