Death Smith – GRRO Rifter Manual: #21-a (Rift-shards)

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GRRO Manual part 21.

Written by MSc Klara Sokolov,

Author of ‘The heart stone 224a-2’.

Greetings ,

In this section, we will analyse the peculiar nature of elements 2242-A and B, more commonly known as Rift-shards. Rift-shards are a curious element. One cannot find these shards anywhere on Earth, nor are they found in indigenous life-forms within the Rift. The only documented and recovered samples have been from Rifters and the entities that guard said Rifts. In essence, it is something created by the Rift itself. The shards typically come in two variants: Element 2242-A, also known as a white shard and element 2242-B, known as a black shard. We can find these white variants within humans or animals that have survived a Rift and managed to return to Earth. We find the black shards within the monsters that lurk inside these Rifts. The monster or monsters that are directly tied to the Rift itself are Rift-guardians. Typically, these variants of monsters have a black shard that has a red hue, but the reason behind that is still unclear. In this section, we will mostly cover the black shards.

Properties:

Although rare documents exist about black shards showing signs of damage, it is remarkably resilient, and it is nearly impossible to damage them through conventional means. It has a rating of 11.2 on the Mohs scale, making it the hardest substance that is known to mankind, except for a white shard. Beyond that, it is extremely heat resistant, chemically inert, and does not conduct electricity. Study shows it is radioactive, but research on what this radiation is and how or if we can harness this energy is still in its infancy. What we have learned over the course of several years is that there are no obvious signs of this radiation being malignant to organic life. The most accepted theory regarding this radiation is that it is a marker of how strong the monster had been. The field of Advanced Rift Chemistry and Minerals has come a long way, but there is still much to learn about this strange element. As far as we can determine, a white-shard is several times harder and more radioactive compared to the black-shards.

Location:

Typically, a shard is located within the chest area, although Rifters have recorded variation between different species. See the link for several documented variants-->. The flat surface of the shard protruding out of the body is smooth and uniform, resembling a crystal. The section of the shard embedded inside the body is chaotic and branches out in different directions, spreading farther into major arteries and nearby organs. Most theorists believe that this is by design and that it forces blood through the shard to get enriched by this strange radiation. Afterwards, the blood will spread it throughout the body using a body’s intricate roadmap of veins and arteries. Doing so will alter biological components and process through radiation, allowing for the manifestation of strange abilities and the use of ‘skills’.

Use:

Researchers have found very little use for white shards, beyond their ability to grind or cut into black shards. Research has been slow, because of the scarcity of these shards and the obvious ethical elements that surround them. The black variants are less scarce, and people frequently use these for crafting purposes. One such way is for a Rifter classed as a Smith or Crafter to use a skill to repurpose these shards: A process that reshapes or fragments it, sometimes altering or destroying them entirely. This process is lengthy, but it maintains the stability of the material and the energy within it. Machines and talented people can replicate this process by using chemical processes and powerful lasers, but the result is usually far more unstable. This makes it better suited for generating energy or to be used in volatile processes. Notable examples of items created from black-shards from Rifters are; Black-tipped arrowheads, encrusted shields, black-tipped ammunition, and flame-resistant coating. Some examples of non-Rifter created items; Volatile black dust, overcharged mana stones, and cloaking gems.

Price:

Depending on the size and the level of a monster, a black-shard can be denser and more radioactive than others. These denser shards often result in better crafting recipes or results. Beyond that, Rifters frequently use these black shards as a form of payment. This is due to it retaining its value and its status as a universal form of currency. It is hard to put an exact value on these black-shards, or to compare them to more earthly materials such as platinum or gold. This is because of the fluctuation between demand and the availability of these shards. Beyond Rifters there are other parties interested in these black shards, from researchers, museums or even collectors. Note: The GRRO encourages the sale of black shards through official GRRO licensed traders to ensure proper documentation and appraisal.

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Author: Osirium

Copyright: 2021 OsiriumWrites

Released: 2021