Grounding Blades

Critically high affinitive potential in a small area–such as the bodies of shapers–for extensive periods of time can cause them and others in their vicinity to suffer from nuon-poisoning. Grounding blades were created to reduce affinitive potential in people. It should be noted that, despite their name, not all grounding blades are blades but since the houses often fashion them into knives or daggers by tradition, the name stuck. In fact, grounding blades are often amulets worn as necklaces or rings. There is no restriction to the shape of the 'blades,' so long as they are made of materials that have marginally stronger reorientating properties than their user. Since the blades would not function if the material used is too strong or weak, they are usually custom-made. However, mass-produced blades exist for those with relatively weak affinity. In addition to removing excess potential, it can act as a battery, allowing one to use affinities in areas with low ambience or if they have low potential.
The frequency of use depends from person to person, ranging from years at a time to every day. Regardless, it is a private practice as one becomes very vulnerable: nausea, nosebleeds and difficulty in breathing are all reported, especially if one has a weak affinity. Generally, shapers only allow the people they trust the most to be present close by, and only if it was absolutely necessary. For anyone else, it is considered taboo.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Grounding blades range from a lump of dried flesh wrapped with leather cords to ornate daggers with hidden buttons and twisting innards of wires and glass tubes. The sole requirement is that they must contain material with slightly stronger reorientating properties than its user.

Significance

For obvious reasons, grounding blades are incredibly important. All shapers must have one, whatever shape or form.

Item type

Tool

Related Condition

Ambience Corrosion

Rarity

Cheap grounding blades of lesser strength can be commonly seen in shops around the world. These are often crafted of kachasān or weaker ██████ metals, such as gold, or contain a thin core of iridium. It is also common practice to make your own grounding blades from dried leather and other animal products, but these are very ineffective. Powerful grounding blades are rare, especially those made of sandiye. Nearly all of them are in the possession of the Powers, who are the only ones strong enough to use them. Grounding blades are the most common family heirlooms for the Great Houses.