Sargast
Sargast is harvested from a species of giant kelp that grows only in the A'terian Sea, a region of the ocean with richer sediment on the ocean floor as a result of the ocean gyre that forms it's bounds. In this turbulent and nutrient rich part of the ocean the kelp thrives.
Sargast is prized for its immense tensile strength and flexibility making it the perfect material to hold together the floating structures of A'teris. Since the kelp is found so near to the city it has become part of the iconic architectural style. Other Siren cities use materials more easily found in their own regions of the Ocean when creating their own settlements.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Sargast retains the distinctive red hues of the kelp after harvest. In it's natural form, the A'terian Kelp grows to be between 200-275 m at full height. There are several stemlike structures that exist within the outer shell of the kelp that help distribute the strength. The kelp are processed after harvesting by removing exterior leaves and then using an intensified method of steeping in boiling waters and are cut to appropriate size.
Physical & Chemical Properties
The tensile strength of the kelp helps to hold together the structures of A'teris while also being flexible enough to withstand the movement of the ocean.
Life & Expiration
If processed correctly, sargast can remain structurally reliant for a period of roughly 25 years before the strain will start to ware away and require replacement as the stemlike structures begin to snap apart. In its raw state, sargast will need to be replaced every 5 years.
History & Usage
Byproducts & Sideproducts
When Sargust is processed, the leaves that generally cover the A'terian Red Kelp are removed in the process as they are superfluous to the main building use of the material. The kelp leaves though have an almost sweet taste that changes seasonally with the sorts of nutrients found in the waters at the time of harvest. The leaves are often in high demand in A'teris and are used to make a variety of delicacies that are influenced by the natural cycles of the ocean.
Environmental Impact
Hot water springs are necessary when processing the sargust which is disruptive to the natural ocean levels and can be disruptive to nearby ecologies if not handled carefully. As such, the harvested kelp is removed from the kelp forest location and follows the North Meliric Current to the the natural hot springs that bloom just past the Delois. There the kelp is processed before being transported on to A'teris.
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