Bloodsilk
Bloodsilk -- also known as xaa silk, ega-weave, or bloodweave -- is another variety of in-world silk alongside cloudweave, and is a luxury product of the burgeoning sericulture industry. Ustraria is the principal exporter of bloodsilk, though it relies on imports of raw materials rather than producing them itself.
Bloodsilk is so-called due to its source: the cocoons of xaa, a blood-drinking beetle that typically lives in symbiosis with bloodgrass and penecta. It is highly-prized for its remarkable luster but also its value in making Ega-resistant clothing; though it is not fully understood why the fibers are resistant, there is a common superstition that the Ega in the spilt blood on which the beetles feed is imbued into the silk. The higher the percentage of bloodsilk in a garment, the higher the resistance -- especially valuable for Rel and Uon practitioners.
Because of the danger in harvesting the cocoons and their scarcity besides, bloodsilk is expensive and rare, and pure bloodsilk rarer and more expensive still. It is more common to find cloudweave blends or occasionally -- as with more heavy-duty Bloodsinger clothing -- blends with other fabrics.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Typically woven to have a lustrous appearance; the greater the quantity of bloodsilk, the higher the luster. It is usually woven into an extremely light cloth -- as this is more practical for the majority of Icalaran climate -- if quantity allows, but due to availability it is more common to see bloodsilk thread, ribbon, or small bands or accessories when it is in pure form.
Cloth of 100% bloodsilk is known as 'full-bloom'; 99-75% as 'near-bloom'; 74-50% as 'half-bloom'; and anything below 50% as 'budding'. These labels can apply to single completed garments and, in the case of Bloodsinger raiments, often coalesced into a cumulative percentage in order to label the entire raiment together. Second- or further generation bloodsilks can have their purity labels updated, but marketing standards insist on including the generation label as well (e.g., a 'near-bloom first bloodsilk robe' or a pair of 'half-bloom second bloodsilk gloves')
Physical & Chemical Properties
Ega-resistant.
Another unique property of high-content or pure bloodsilk are the fibers' ability to be imprinted by the user's Ega after it has been worn for a certain period of time. In this manner, it is possible to judge the skill of the wearer by the depth and complexity of the imprinting. Similarly, an imprint can be left by another user's Ega if particularly potent, but often these fade over time -- these are sometimes called 'silk scars'. There have also been cases with higher-level users that special skills, or killing another Bloodsinger, can leave their own unique imprints.
Origin & Source
Male xaa beetles spin extensive communal cocoons in dry areas full of dense, structured ground foliage (especially those with dense crowns such as bloodgrass).
Life & Expiration
The fibers have an interesting tendency to 'rust' if not properly treated in the weaving process and continually exposed to moisture. Although the fibers themselves do not deteriorate quickly, their Ega resistance begins to lessen and an often undesirable dark orange staining occurs on the garment. Older pieces and those worn during wartime often show this effect. Although the staining itself may later be removed, the only way to restore the Ega-resistant properties is to weave in additional bloodsilk fibers -- fabric restored in this way is known as 'second bloodsilk', i.e. second-generation (the number increases should the number of restorations increase). Consequently for marketing purposes, 'first bloodsilk' is often a distinction made as well. Some consider first-generation bloodsilk to be stronger and more valuable, while others see the additional re-weavings as strengthening.
History & Usage
Everyday use
Bloodsilk rarely appears outside of ceremonial use, with the exception of Bloodsingers who can afford it (and usually this is only reserved for military service).
Cultural Significance and Usage
It is often considered a moment of pride when a Bloodsinger Novice or Adept commissions their own tailored set of bloodsilk garments; as these are a pricey investment and they may never be able to afford additional pieces, they strive to take care of them and often wear them for life, even if alterations or patching or outright reconstruction is needed.
Interestingly, the pre-war and post-war average price of a full set of light armor regalia has not changed much. A full cloth and leather set -- tunic-robe, breeches, over-robe with cowl, gloves, boots, and bracers -- averages around 4,000-10,000hy depending on quantity of bloodsilk.
Industrial Use
Some Clerics are experimenting with reinforced bloodsilk thread for surgical stitching and other healing applications.
Reusability & Recycling
Due to the expense and rarity of pure bloodsilk, it is not uncommon for a piece to be handed down through generations, repurposed, or broken down to salvage the thread.
Distribution
Trade & Market
Gild Bloodgrove have developed a near-monopoly on the harvesting of bloodsilk if not its trade.
Storage
When not in use, due to its value anything containing bloodsilk is typically kept under lock and key and carefully packed away to prevent damage.
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