Athúril

"Beneath the surface of an Athuril artifact lies a tale untold, a symphony of souls entwined in eternal craftsmanship."

Athúril are unique and powerful artifacts crafted by infusing a piece of a creature's soul into a weapon or item. These artifacts are imbued with the essence and energy of the soul, granting them extraordinary properties and abilities. The most powerful Athuril are called Godr usually made from the remains of an Eidol.
The origins of Athúril artifacts trace back to the first age when skilled Aelvari artisans and enchanters discovered the potent connection between souls and objects. Through extensive experimentation and refinement, they developed the technique to extract fragments of a creature's soul and infuse them into specially crafted items. This process required a deep understanding of enchantment, metaphysics, and the interplay between soul energy and physical matter.
The creation of Athúril artifacts became a revered craft among certain cultures and civilizations, passed down through generations of artisans, enchanters, and secret guilds. The art of Athúril forging was highly guarded and transmitted only to a select few, ensuring the preservation of its secrets and maintaining the exclusivity of these artifacts.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Initial Awakening: When an Athuril weapon is first forged and awakened, it possesses dormant or latent sentience. As the wielder engages with the weapon, the bond between them grows, and the weapon's consciousness gradually awakens.
Requesting Favors: As the Athuril weapon gains awareness, it may start to communicate with its wielder, either through subtle impressions, telepathic communication, or a voice within the wielder's mind. The weapon may request certain tasks or deeds to be performed, often aligned with the purpose or nature of the weapon.
Power Enhancement: The Athuril weapon offers the promise of enhanced power or abilities if its user fulfills the requested favors. By accomplishing these tasks, the wielder taps into the deeper potential and capabilities of the weapon. It becomes a symbiotic relationship, where the wielder gains greater prowess while the Athuril weapon becomes stronger and more attuned to the wielder's desires.
Hunger and Punishment: If the wielder repeatedly ignores or neglects the requests for favors, the Athuril weapon may exhibit signs of hunger or restlessness. The weapon's power might diminish or become less responsive to the wielder's commands. If the wielder continues to disregard the weapon's requests for an extended period, the Athuril weapon may resort to punishing its user as a means of asserting its own will and regaining control.
Punishments and Consequences: The punishments inflicted by the Athuril weapon can vary depending on its nature and the mythology surrounding it. They may range from physical discomfort or exhaustion during battle to temporary loss of control over the weapon's power or even inflicting harm upon the wielder directly. These consequences aim to remind the wielder of their bond and the importance of honoring the agreement made with the weapon.
Redemption and Reconciliation: If the wielder recognizes the weapon's hunger or experiences the consequences of their neglect, they may seek to reconcile with the Athuril weapon. Through a series of repentance, rituals, or acts of redemption, the wielder can restore harmony and renew their commitment to fulfilling the requested favors. This process allows the Athuril weapon to regain its strength and rapport with its user.
The process of the Athuril weapon requesting favors and punishing its user for neglect serves to emphasize the sentient nature of the artifact and establish a dynamic of cooperation and mutual respect between the weapon and its wielder. It adds depth and complexity to the relationship, as the wielder must balance their own objectives with the requests of the weapon to harness its full potential.

History

Ancient Origins: The precise origins of Athuril artifacts are shrouded in the mists of time. They are believed to have emerged during a forgotten era when ancient civilizations delved into the intricate relationship between souls and material objects. Through profound experimentation and wisdom, these artisans discovered the technique to infuse a piece of a creature's soul into specially crafted weapons and artifacts, giving birth to the first Athuril creations.
Ascendance of the Elves: The art of Athuril crafting flourished alongside the rise of elven civilizations. The elves, with their deep connection to magic and affinity for craftsmanship, became the primary practitioners and custodians of this ancient craft. They honed their skills over generations, perfecting the enchantment techniques and the delicate balance required to infuse soul energy into the material realm.
Golden Age of Athuril: During the height of elven culture and power, the crafting of Athuril artifacts reached its pinnacle. The ancient Sun elves, known for their mastery of enchantment and devotion to the arts, excelled in the creation of these artifacts. Athuril weapons became symbols of elven prestige, imbued with both the beauty of craftsmanship and the awe-inspiring power of infused soul energy. They were wielded by noble warriors, revered heroes, and elven champions in the defense of their lands and the pursuit of justice.
Sharing of Knowledge: While the elves guarded the secrets of Athuril crafting, there were instances of limited knowledge sharing with trusted allies. Some wise and worthy individuals from other races, including humans and dwarves, were allowed glimpses into the craft, fostering bonds of friendship and mutual respect. These rare instances ensured that fragments of the knowledge spread beyond elven boundaries.
Decline and the Era of Reclamation: The decline of Athuril crafting began during the era of reclamation, a tumultuous period marked by human retaliation against the elves. Libraries, temples, and repositories of knowledge were destroyed, and the artisans who held the secrets of Athuril crafting were scattered or killed. The artistry and wisdom required to create these artifacts were lost, and the crafting techniques faded away as elven communities fought for survival and preservation.
Scattered Legacies: In the aftermath of the era of reclamation, remnants of Athuril artifacts remain scattered across the land. These surviving artifacts serve as tangible testaments to the artistry, power, and lost craft of Athuril. They often possess a semi-sentient nature, hinting at the lingering soul energy within them, and hold great significance to those who uncover their secrets.
Modern Reverence: In the present era, the crafting of new Athuril artifacts has become an enigma and a lost art. The existing artifacts, regarded as priceless relics, are revered by collectors, scholars, and adventurers alike. The quest for lost knowledge and the pursuit of these artifacts continue, as individuals and organizations seek to unlock their mysteries, harness their power, and restore the art of Athuril to its former glory.
The history of Athuril is one of ancient origins, elven ascendancy, decline, and scattered legacies. The crafting techniques and profound knowledge that once defined Athuril artifacts have faded into legend, leaving behind only whispers and remnants of a forgotten era of craftsmanship and enchantment. Yet, the allure and reverence for Athuril artifacts persist, as they embody the artistry, power, and lost wisdom of a bygone age.

Significance

"Within the heart of an Athuril artifact, the souls of the past awaken, empowering the present and shaping the future."

Extraordinary Properties: Athuril artifacts possess exceptional properties that go beyond the capabilities of ordinary weapons or objects. They can grant enhanced attributes, magical effects, or unique abilities derived from the infused soul energy. These properties make Athuril artifacts highly sought after by warriors, mages, adventurers, and those seeking an edge in various endeavors.
Soul Connection: The infusion of a creature's soul into an Athuril artifact establishes a profound connection between the wielder and the essence of the creature. This connection allows the wielder to tap into the soul energy within the artifact, accessing its power and potentially even communicating with the soul itself. This link between the wielder and the soul energy is believed to provide a deeper understanding and resonance with the artifact.
Artifacts of Legends: Athuril artifacts often have ties to legendary figures, mythical creatures, or pivotal events. They become part of epic tales, sagas, or prophecies, carrying the weight of history and myth. These artifacts may be associated with renowned heroes, fabled battles, or triumph over great adversity, further enhancing their significance and mythical allure.
Throughout history, Athuril artifacts have remained highly coveted and revered due to their extraordinary properties, cultural significance, and association with ancient wisdom and legends. They are cherished as unique creations that bridge the mortal and spiritual realms, granting their wielders unparalleled power and a connection to the souls infused within them.

by EmperorDrako via Playground AI

Big Bone

Big Bone is an Athuril weapon with unique properties derived from its soul-infused nature. Crafted from the colossal bone of an ancient creature, it possesses exceptional strength and durability. When wielded, it enhances the user's physical strength and forms a strong bond with them, allowing for precise and powerful strikes. Upon impact, Big Bone releases shockwaves, draining the souls of defeated opponents and replenishing its own power. It exhibits remarkable resistance to wear and provides intuitive guidance to its wielder. These properties make Big Bone a formidable and enduring weapon.
In a time of political turmoil and rivalry, House Grianor entrusted Big Bone, their legendary Athuril weapon, to Aric Grianor, their eldest son, for a decisive battle against a rival noble house. During the chaos of the battle, Aric was disarmed by the rival champion, Seraphus, causing him to lose his grip on Big Bone. The weapon disappeared amidst the turmoil, never to be found again. The loss of Big Bone became a symbol of defeat and a burden on House Grianor, haunting them as a reminder of their ancestor's mistake. The descendants of House Grianor carry the weight of atonement and the lessons learned from the loss of their cherished family heirloom.
As a form of atonement for the loss of the family heirloom, Big Bone, all members of House Grianor have taken a solemn vow to abstain from wielding weapons. House Grianor, in response to the loss of Big Bone, their family heirloom, has chosen to master the art of hand-to-hand combat. They have embraced this path with resilience and adaptability, dedicating themselves to rigorous training in various martial arts and unarmed combat techniques. By developing physical and mental discipline, House Grianor members demonstrate versatility and adaptability in combat situations. Their pursuit of unarmed combat symbolizes redemption, personal growth, and a new path forward for the noble house.

Item type

Unique Artifact

Creation Date

The First Age

Rarity

The Great Liberation of 1A 954, brought about the era of reclamation, marked by a widespread human retaliation against the elves, and had a profound impact on the crafting of Athuril artifacts, ultimately leading to the loss of their creation.
The era of reclamation represents a tragic chapter in history, marked by violence, destruction, and the loss of precious cultural knowledge. The widespread human retaliation against the elves, resulting in the destruction of knowledge centers and the displacement of elven communities, led to the fading and eventual loss of the Athuril crafting techniques. The few remaining Athuril artifacts serve as poignant reminders of the artistry and power that once existed, but the ability to craft new artifacts has become a lost art, buried in the annals of history.

Godr

In the aftermath of the War in Heaven, Blatoth-Al-Aduir to the elves a conflict in which the elves and dwarves fought against the early humans and their gods, the Eidols. Many Eidols were slain in this war leaving behind their essence which the elves exploited forging their remains into the first Godr. The zenith of Athuril forging, these powerful artifacts became the focal points to the rise of legends or the downfall of nations.
Since many Eidol were lost at sea it has become very rare to find their remains without slaying the creatures outright, a foolish affair for most, and since the Era of Reclamation people have still continued to hunt down and excavate the remains of these powerful beings in an effort that one day the knowledge of forging Athuril would be regained.