Vu Light
Vu Light, usually referred to simply as "Light" by Arnorians, is the physical manifestation of Eltravu's influence on the world. Each of the seven gods warps some aspect of natural law. In Arnor, visible light takes on tangible weight. This weight grows as one approaches the Brightspire. Vu Light builds up in illuminated areas, somewhat analogous. Atop the Brightspire itself, nearly 100% of visible light manifests physically - outside of Arnor, the density of light is very low, although never zero. Vu Light "evaporates" by glowing when it gets dark. In areas without consistent periods of darkness, like Archais, Light buildup has to be manually removed from surfaces and disposed of. In most of the rest of the world, several minutes of darkness is enough to disperse the accumulated residue, such that most people don't notice it at all.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Vu Light is generally transparent and takes on the color of whatever surface its on. When there is significant Light buildup (e.g. more than 1mm), it takes on the color of whatever emitted the light in the first place: yellow-white for the sun, or a darker orange for firelight. Light has the consistency of soft butter and can be easily shaped or removed by hand.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Light is extremely compressible. In its natural state, its density is close to water, around .95g/mL. Application of physical force, magical pressure, or intense light will compress Vu Light, with no clear maximum density. If placed in darkness and allowed to emit light, Vu Light quickly expands to return to its normal density. This can cause explosive effects when high-pressure Light is handled.
Light is not chemically reactive and does not change states. It is best understood as a pure magical element, which can react with other magical forces but not with mundane materials. It is therefore safe to handle with metal, glass, wood, etc. Vu Light is always faintly warm to the touch but does not increase or decrease in temperature as it is handled.
As a pure magical element, Vu Light can be used as a direct power source for thaumaturgy and magical effects, such as crafting Vu Amulets.
Origin & Source
Light is found close to the Brightspire and across Arnor more generally. It does not emit from the Brightspire in a straightforward way - rather, all sources of light emit Vu Light at a rate proportional to their distance from Eltravu. Complicating this picture is the way that worship of Eltravu increases his power, and thus, the "density" of Vu Light. Priests of El have attempted to quantify the relationship between distance from the Brightspire, number of worshippers, and Vu concentration. Near the Brightspire, of course, Vu concentration is close to 100%, meaning that light is converted nearly 1-1 into Light.
Life & Expiration
In darkness, Light naturally dissipates as a steady glow until it disappears, at a rate proportional to its exposed surface area, the illuminance of the environment, and the ambient density of light. In most of Gelinia, Light typically accumulates at or above 1,000 lux and begins to evaporate around 500 lux. There is therefore little to no Light buildup after dusk. In Archais, where the density of light approaches 100%, Light evaporates extremely slowly, even in total darkness.
History & Usage
Everyday use
Despite being a safe, portable, fuel-less light source, Vu Light is rarely used for illumination. In central Arnor, where Light is so common it has to be scraped off walls and surfaces, mundane light is also ubiquitous from the Brightspire and a complex system of mirrors. Outside of Arnor, where bright light is highly valued by Arnorians, it is more common to use Vu Amulets, which are enchanted to emit light constantly.
Vu Amulets, like almost all other magical items in Arnor, are created using concentrated Vu Light. This, then, is the main use of Light, as a catalyst or power source for magical or industrial applications.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Vu Light is revered as a physical manifestation of Eltravu's blessings and used in religious ceremonies as well as daily prayers and other rituals. As Light is edible and non-toxic, it is often eaten as a side dish or used as body paint. Consuming Light is believed to bring good luck and makes the skin glow. Travelers outside of Arnor may bring Light as a food additive, compressed into a tube, although it has no nutritional benefits.
Industrial Use
Light can be used to power turbines, like steam, or as a direct power source for different appliances, like electricity. One common industrial use is the creation of Vu Amulets or enchanted weapons, which is mostly automated. Large quantities of Light are also used in religious rituals across Arnor and in Arnorian enclaves, so it must be shipped around the world. The amount of Light harvested from the capital is often in excess of what the rest of the nation can consume, so it is sometimes vented directly into the ocean or across the border into Exar.
Refinement
Compressing Light for storage or distribution takes place in large factories where light is reflected into high-intensity beams that exert pressure onto tiles of Light that are piped in from external reservoirs. At a certain density, these tiles are drained into different pipes to begin the concentration process at a higher density. Different densities of Light are used for different industrial applications, with priests of Vu continually trying to create higher density Light. The highest density created so far is around 80g/mL, but is highly unstable.
Manufacturing & Products
The most common use of Light is to create imbued objects, such as Vu Amulets or weapons. When properly treated, materials can absorb applied LIght until reaching saturation. Fully saturated objects glow constantly and are sometimes sharper or more durable than their mundane counterparts. Imbued weapons are wielded along the Great Wall and inflict greater damage against dark constructs and other creatures of Exar.
Type
Elemental / Molecular
Odor
Odorless
Taste
Tasteless
Color
Transparent - faintly yellow
Related Locations
This is a very interesting concept!