Zai-Ashari

The richest people in the world build monuments from this stuff. Where do you get it and what special properties does it have?
The noble castes of the city state of Thalion commission the hunters guild to find and bring them youths of the Zai-Ashari tribe. Captured well before they go through the final changes of adulthood the youths are pampered and made to be living art. Over the course of many years they are trained in a number of intricate dances, one from each household is elected to perform at the cities major festivals. The dancer chosen as the most elegant brings prestige to their house and begins the rites of permanence. Starting on the last new moon of autumn the chosen dancer is given an elixir each night at the zenith of the moon. As the days progress and the doses of elixir the final dance is taught. On the night of the full moon the final dance performance begins. At the highest point in the sky the moonlight interacts with the elixir and turns the dancer to stone. Captured forever in a moment of beautiful movement the Zai-Ashari embodies the horrid grandiosity of the nobles of Thalion.

Properties

Material Characteristics

At near physical maturity Zai-Ashari stand at approximately six feet tall possessing long legs and 4 arms. Hairstyles are kept long and straight to frame their sharp cheekbones and angled brows. While alive they have pale skin with variations of brown hair and brown eyes. Upon petrification their entire physical form becomes a lustrous charcoal grey.

History & Usage

Hazards

The training needed to be chosen festival winner takes years and is a race against time and adulthood. If the Zai-Ashari reaches full adult maturity the elixir loses its effect. Adults are cast out to fend for themselves usually selling themselves into servitude or leaving society all together becoming thieves or brigands.

Environmental Impact

Due to the secretive nature of the tribes of the Zai-Ashari it is unclear how these practices have effected their populations.

Distribution

Trade & Market

The hunters guild gains patrons from the noble houses based on the quality and amount of Zai-Ashari they are able to find and deliver. Considerations are age and innate talent- the more time to train the youth and the more talent they show the higher the price. Special gifts usually weapons or armor are given by the noble house upon the completion of the rite of permanence.

Storage

Once the Zai-Ashari turns to stone a beautifully adorned and decorated pedestal is created for the statue to stand upon. Special clothiers are kept in residence to maintain beautiful garments on the statues. These statues are featured pieces in the homes and gardens of the noble house that they served

Law & Regulation

Noble families are allowed as many Zai-Ashari as they can afford but the Zai-Ashari must live in separated quarters and are protected by law to be kept safe from harm.

Type

Biomaterial

Rarity

The Zai-Ashari hide their children deep in the jungles of their homeland making them challenging to find.

Melting / Freezing Point

Under the last moon of autumn and preparation with elixirs the Zai-Ashari youths turn to stone.