Vytaluz (vai-ta-luzz)

Vytaluz is a sap that is then converted into Vertazyum, a magical crystal, and byproduct of the grand and mystical Verytavor, a massive tree of unimaginable proportions rooted in the Sava Region of Konran. Its roots reach deeper than the mountains of oceans, and it stands as a colossal monument to life itself, seen from space in its overwhelming enormity.

"The Vytaluz, it gives us the eyes to see beyond. But each vision seems to pull us further away from our roots..." - Priest's diary, circa 4505 KR

Verytavor - The Tree of Lyfe

The Verytavor

Origin & Geology/Geography

The Verytavor, also known as the Great Tree, was sown in the heart of Konran, specifically the Sava Region, by Ousava, the Goddess of Life, during the nascent stages of the world's creation. Standing nearly 30,000 feet tall, it's a behemoth that dwarfs the tallest of mountains. With roots burrowed deep enough to rival the ocean's depths, the tree can be seen from space, a testament to its colossal size and significance. Its origins are inherently magical, given its celestial gardener.

Compounds & Properties

The Verytavor's sap, now known as Vytaluz, contains unique magical properties that set it apart from any other botanical entity in the world. Overconsumption, however, leads to addiction and subsequent physical and mental decline. Once a divine gift, it became a societal vice for the Gold Elves.
After the sap undergoes a transmutation process, it becomes Vertazyum, a gold-colored, odorless crystal. It has a taste that can be best described as a blend of bitter and sweet, a testament to its duality. In terms of physical properties, Vertazyum is incredibly dense and solid, yet its molecular structure enables it to store and release vast amounts of energy.

Discovery, Common Use & Cultural Significance

Vytaluz was discovered by the Gold Elves during Konran's first era. Initially, its consumption was limited to the priesthood who revered it for its power to grant premonitions. It eventually found its way into the wider society, leading to widespread addiction, including the monarchy, thereby weakening the Gold Elves as a civilization.

Making Vytaluz Wine from collected Rain

A Decanter of Vytaluz Wine

The discovery of Vertazyum, the crystallized form of Vytaluz, brought about a paradigm shift. Its capability to store vast amounts of energy made it an indispensable tool in technology and weaponry. Its role in Konran's society, both past and present, has deeply ingrained it into cultural, industrial, and political landscapes.

Vytaluz - The Life-Giving Sap

The sap from Verytavor, named Vytaluz due to its magical properties, is the original form of the resource that later becomes Vertazyum. Vytaluz, in its raw form, was never meant for consumption. A direct gift from Ousava, the Life Goddess, it was intended to aid in the growth and vitality of the life surrounding Verytavor, nurturing the forest and its inhabitants. However, the Gold Elves, chosen guardians of Verytavor, stumbled upon its magical properties and became intoxicated by the power they discovered.
The first taste of Vytaluz resulted in an era of enlightenment for the Gold Elves, leading to an unparalleled understanding of their world, their lives, and their roles. Yet, the rich, golden sap was potent and potent, and its effects were never intended to be experienced by mortal beings. Over time, the excessive consumption of Vytaluz began to alter the Gold Elves at a genetic level, causing untold damage to their lineage. This addiction, unfortunately, led to their downfall, as they gradually descended from their lofty heights to become a shadow of their once glorious selves.

The Evolution to Vertazyum

A Vytaluz Conversion Machine made by ObysidianHeart

As the era of the Gold Elves waned, the ObsydianHeart Corporation rose to prominence. Unfettered by the shackles of religious dogma and divine restrictions, they saw potential where others saw despair. Through their relentless efforts, they discovered a method to transform Vitalis into a solid state, a process that birthed Vertazyum.
The transformation process harnessed magical and technological methods in an intricate dance of power and precision. Vitalis, in its raw form, was potent but unstable. The researchers of ObsydianHeart Corporation developed a magical transmutation process, using carefully tuned arcane energy to alter the structure of the sap at a fundamental level, solidifying it and locking its power into a stable crystalline form.
This process was a groundbreaking achievement, forever changing the course of Konran's history. Vertazyum, the beautiful golden crystal born from the life-giving sap of Verytavor, held within it an unimaginable reservoir of power, enough to sustain an entire family for a lifetime, and its applications proved to be limitless.

The Verytavor Catastrophe

Click Here To Read About The Disaster

The catastrophic event known as the Verytavor Catastrophe stands as one of the most devastating in the annals of Konran's history. On 4th Veles, 3878 IC, a fateful series of accidents and oversight led to the death of the Great Tree Verytavor, a loss that was felt across all dimensions of existence in Konran.
The ObsydianHeart Corporation had been running an extensive refining operation within the trunk of Verytavor, extracting and transforming the tree's potent sap into Vertazyum, the gold crystal that had come to define the era. Vertazyum's power, while immense, was accompanied by a volatile nature that had to be carefully managed. Direct, hard contact between crystals could cause a powerful, catastrophic explosion, and the tree's refinery had become a stockpile of these potent crystals.
The day started as any other in the refinery. Workers manned their stations, overseeing the magical transformative process that turned sap into Vertazyum. However, a critical oversight on the part of a junior engineer, undertrained and overwhelmed by the responsibility thrust upon him, would set off a tragic chain of events.
A safety measure failed, causing a minor explosion that triggered a much larger chain reaction. Two sizable Vertazyum crystals came into hard contact. The result was a blast of such devastating proportions that it shook the entire Sava Province. It ripped through the refinery, instantly transforming it into an inferno of magical energy. The shockwave spread through the massive trunk of Verytavor, rupturing its internal structures and causing it to topple.
In an instant, thousands of lives were lost. The Gold Elves, already a marginalized society due to sap addiction, were decimated. Many of the refinery workers, both from ObsydianHeart and contracted locals, were vaporized instantly. The surrounding forest, once a vibrant testament to Ousava's creation, was reduced to a burning wasteland.
The tree, which had stood tall for eons, now lay dead, its enormous structure smoldering and scarred. The forest that had once thrived under its shadow now bore the brunt of its death, a grotesque monument to a terrible accident.
News of the catastrophe spread throughout Konran, bringing a pall of mourning that blanketed every province. The Sava Province, which had housed the Verytavor for all these centuries, was forever scarred by the event. The burning wasteland left in the wake of the explosion served as a grim reminder of the tragic cost of unchecked progress and lack of oversight.
The Verytavor Catastrophe had not only claimed countless lives and a significant part of the Sava Province's forest, but it had also ended the era of Vertazyum. The destruction of the tree brought a sudden halt to the production of the potent crystal, sending shockwaves through Konran's economy and society that are still being felt to this day. This event was a stark reminder of the volatile balance between technological progress, nature, and the ancient magics that bind the world of Konran together.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Vytaluz is a viscous, sticky liquid with a deep green hue. It's slightly luminescent, with a soft glow that appears to pulse rhythmically, as if it has a life of its own. The sap is warm to the touch, and upon skin contact, it causes a tingling sensation.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Vytaluz has both mystical and physical properties. It has a deep green color and a thick consistency, similar to tree sap, with a sweet, fruity aroma and flavor. Mystically, it induces heightened senses and visions, acting as a powerful hallucinogenic. However, prolonged or excessive use of Vytaluz can lead to addiction, affecting both mental and physical health.

Compounds

The Vytaluz sap consists of various arcane and natural compounds. The primary magical component is Ousavium, an ethereal element believed to be a direct manifestation of Ousava's divine energy. The other primary components include naturally occurring tree sap constituents such as water, sugars, and minerals, which provide it with a thick consistency and sweet taste.

Geology & Geography

The Verytavor tree, the sole source of Vytaluz, is found within the Gold Elf territory, specifically within their sacred groves. Its geographical distribution is, therefore, inherently limited, as it does not naturally occur anywhere else in Konran. However, the Gold Elves have been known to transport Vytaluz, primarily for trade or as diplomatic gifts.

Origin & Source

Vytaluz originates from the great tree Verytavor, a millennia-old entity believed to be nurtured by Ousava herself. The Gold Elves first discovered the sap's mystical properties and began utilizing it in various cultural and religious practices. Its presence is considered a divine blessing, a conduit to the divine, making it a central part of the Gold Elves' religious practices.

Life & Expiration

Being a natural substance, Vytaluz does not possess a traditional half-life as radioactive substances do. However, when exposed to the open air, it begins to evaporate, losing potency over time. If stored properly in airtight containers, Vytaluz can remain potent for up to a year before its magical properties begin to deteriorate. After approximately five years, regardless of storage conditions, Vytaluz loses all its potent properties and becomes a simple, thick, dark liquid with no particular value or use.

History & Usage

History

The history of Vytaluz is deeply entwined with the Gold Elves. It was discovered in the first era of Konran and quickly became an integral part of the elves' culture and religious practices. Over time, the sap's frequent use led to the slow decline of the Gold Elf society due to its addictive properties. The sap's fate took a dramatic turn with the arrival of the ObsydianHeart Corporation, who discovered a method to transmute the sap into a potent energy source, Vertazyum.

Discovery

The sap was discovered by the Gold Elves during Konran's first era. Initially, its consumption was limited to the priesthood who revered it for its power to grant premonitions. It eventually found its way into the wider society, leading to widespread addiction, including the monarchy, thereby weakening the Gold Elves as a civilization.
The discovery of Vertazyum, the crystallized form of the sap, brought about a paradigm shift. Its capability to store vast amounts of energy made it an indispensable tool in technology and weaponry.

Refinement

The creation of Vertazyum was made possible by the pioneering efforts of ObsydianHeart, a neutral trading corporation. It was their scientists who discovered the process of transmutating the sap into Vertazyum, which has become a cornerstone of advanced technology. The discovery also led to the creation of weapons such as the "Piercers", automatic firing crystal crossbolts.

Byproducts & Sideproducts

The process of refining the sap into Vertazyum involved a series of chemical reactions, each with its byproducts. The most significant among these was the release of potent magical energies that were repurposed in other areas of industry and magic. However, not all byproducts were beneficial. The refinement process also generated waste substances that posed environmental challenges, given their magical properties and the difficulty in disposing of them safely.

Hazards

One of the primary hazards associated with Vertazyum lies in its highly volatile nature. If crystals come into direct, hard contact with each other, it can result in a cataclysmically powerful explosion. As such, handling of Vertazyum must be done with extreme care. Furthermore, Vertazyum fumes, if accumulated, can lead to dangerous situations and even a potential cataclysmic chain reaction.

Environmental Impact

The extraction and refinement process of Vertazyum has had significant impacts on the environment. The once-lush and verdant surroundings of the Verytavor tree suffered due to the industrialization and pollution caused by the refinery operations. Moreover, the magical waste byproducts from the refinement process posed further threats to the ecological balance.

Reusability & Recycling

One of the significant advantages of Vertazyum was its recyclability. While the crystal lost its energy over time, it didn't become useless. Once depleted, Vertazyum crystals could be re-energized using magical means, a process that became common practice in the later eras.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Vertazyum is a highly traded resource, forming the backbone of various industries and markets in Konran. It is a significant part of Konran's economy.
Vertazyum is a non-renewable resource, contributing to its high value and strict trade regulations. This element is stored in high-security vaults due to its worth and potential misuse. Several professions in Konran revolve around Vertazyum, such as the Vertaz Smiths.

Storage

Storing Vertazyum was a challenge given its volatile nature. The crystals had to be kept separate to prevent catastrophic reactions if they came into contact with each other. Specialized containers with individual compartments for each crystal became the norm. The storage units were designed to withstand internal explosions if the crystals were to somehow come into contact.

Law & Regulation

Following the destructive addiction epidemic, the use and possession of sap were strictly outlawed by the king. However, with the rise of ObsydianHeart and Vertazyum, new regulations came into effect. The corporation's monopoly on the trade and extraction of Vertazyum was legally sanctioned, while rigorous safety guidelines were enacted to prevent potential catastrophes.

Vytaluz

A Single Drop of Vytaluz

Pronunciation	/vai-ta-luzz/
Appearance	Vibrant purple crystalline structure
Standard atomic weight Ar°(V)	321.12
Vytaluz in the periodic table	Hydrogen ↑ V ↓ Helium
Atomic number (Z)	120
Group	g-block groups (no number)
Period	period 8
Block	g-block
Electron configuration	[Rn] 5f3 6d1 7s2
Electrons per shell	2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 18, 8, 2
Phase at STP	Solid
Melting point	3500 K ​(3226.85 °C, ​5840.33 °F)
Boiling point	5900 K ​(5626.85 °C, ​10140.33 °F)
Density (near r.t.)	25.1 g/cm3
Heat of fusion	20.14 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization	500.1 kJ/mol
Oxidation states	−1, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6 (an amphoteric oxide)
Electronegativity	Pauling scale: 1.4
1st Ionization energy	850 kJ/mol
Covalent radius	180±7 pm
Natural occurrence	Synthetic
Crystal structure	Hexagonal
Speed of sound	4000 m/s
Thermal conductivity	30.5 W/(m⋅K)
First isolation	Dr. Luna Skye (2023)

Vertazyum

Vertazyum the Crystalized form of Vytaluz

Pronunciation	/ver-ta-zyum/
Appearance	Bright green crystal with an iridescent sheen
Standard atomic weight Ar°(V)	298.97
Vertazyum in the periodic table	Hydrogen ↑ V ↓ Helium
Atomic number (Z)	121
Group	g-block groups (no number)
Period	period 8
Block	g-block
Electron configuration	[Rn] 5f3 6d1 7s2
Electrons per shell	2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 18, 9, 2
Phase at STP	Solid
Melting point	4100 K ​(3826.85 °C, ​6920.33 °F)
Boiling point	6100 K ​(5826.85 °C, ​10540.33 °F)
Density (near r.t.)	23.5 g/cm3
Heat of fusion	22.34 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization	480.2 kJ/mol
Oxidation states	−1, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6 (an amphoteric oxide)
Electronegativity	Pauling scale: 1.3
1st Ionization energy	900 kJ/mol
Covalent radius	170±7 pm
Natural occurrence	Synthetic
Crystal structure	Cubic
Speed of sound	3000 m/s
Thermal conductivity	28.7 W/(m⋅K)
First isolation	Dr. Luna Skye (2023)

Type

Biomaterial

Odor

Vertazyum has the smell of pungent dark licorice root. It is not intended for smelling or ingestion.

Taste

Vertazyum is not meant to be edible and hence does not have a defined taste.

Color

Vertazyum is gold in color.

Boiling / Condensation Point

Vertazyum doesn't boil or condense under normal conditions due to its unique properties. When subjected to extreme conditions, it releases energy instead.

Melting / Freezing Point

Vertazyum maintains a solid state across a broad range of temperatures due to its magical properties.

Density

Due to its magical nature, Vertazyum's density can vary significantly. However, it is generally denser than most standard minerals.

Common State

Vertazyum is found as a thick liquid tree sap