Bloodstone

Bloodstone, the oathstone, the stone of promises and protection.
This material is found deep within the mountains of the Craglands and on a few islands, including the Twins and Cindorria. It is often used as a substitute for making blood oaths or pacts. While traditional blood pacts are still practiced—most notably by the orcs of Uzrash—the stone has become a favored alternative. Fragments of the stone are highly valued, especially those with rich veins of crimson streaking through the green.
The stone is considered rare and highly prized by those who possess it. To gift someone a Bloodstone is to offer a solemn oath or binding promise. Such deals are not made lightly and are often unbreakable. Legends speak of the stone’s potential magical properties, believed to enhance the strength and permanence of these oaths.
A bloodstone is traditionally associated with protection, strength, and courage, as well as the ability to influence or guide others through its reputed magical properties. In many cultures, it is linked to life force and sacrifice, embodying themes of loyalty, secrecy, and power. In this world, however, it is primarily used for binding promises. In political settings, ornamental pieces of bloodstone are often carved into animals or symbolic figures, which are then housed in special places to signify their importance.
Additionally, the stone is believed to have the power to absorb and store the emotions or intent behind the promises made with it, creating a tangible connection between the giver and the recipient. This aspect of bloodstone has made it an invaluable tool in both diplomacy and warfare. It is said that when a bloodstone is broken, the bond it symbolizes is shattered, often leading to catastrophic consequences for those involved.

"You once sent me an uncut bloodstone after The Hellion’s Blaze Battle at sea," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. “I had something made, bloodstone is as close to making a blood oath.”~Magnus Quinn

Properties

Material Characteristics

The stone is typically found in large chunks, with its striking red veins revealed only when broken into smaller pieces. These smaller fragments often display shades of dark green, accented by vivid crimson streaks. The stone is naturally cool to the touch but warms quickly when held, absorbing body heat. Thinner pieces can be translucent, giving them an ethereal, almost otherworldly appearance.

Geology & Geography

The stone can be found in the rugged mountains of the Craglands, particularly in regions like the Ashen Crown and the High Cliffs of Moonmount. Other notable sources include Toria’s Southern Cliffs and the Blood Mountains near Saltwood Castle.

History & Usage

History

At first, Bloodstone was perceived as nothing more than a strikingly beautiful stone when it was originally mined in the Craglands. However, over the years, its rarity and innate magical properties transformed how people viewed it. The first recorded promise made over Bloodstone occurred between two ancient Dwarf Kings of the Craglands as they sought to settle a long-standing dispute. It was then they discovered that a vow sworn over the stone created an unbreakable magical pact, binding them to their word.

Everyday use

Bloodstone is not commonly used, as it is reserved for the most solemn bonds and pacts. To swear upon the stone is to bind oneself to an oath that cannot be escaped. Such promises are sacred and unyielding, with those who break them said to suffer dire consequences. Because of its significance, Bloodstone is mined sparingly and used with great caution, often only for matters of utmost importance.

Refinement

While Bloodstone can be used in its raw form, the common practice now is to cut it into smaller, wearable pieces. This allows those who make pacts to carry the stone with them, serving as a constant reminder of their binding promises. The pieces are often shaped into symbols or meaningful forms. Some skilled jewelers create intricate carvings, particularly if the stone holds significant meaning. These carvings can also enhance the natural colors of the stone, highlighting the striking crimson veins that run through each piece.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Very few Bloodstones are sold, as they are rare and difficult to come across in markets. Purchasing one often requires knowing which miners possess these stones or which realms permit their sale. King Thorin Dankil forbids the widespread use of Bloodstones in the Craglands, recognizing their profound significance. In contrast, Lady Sanguine of Cindorria allows her people to use them freely; a promise sworn on a Bloodstone in Cindorria is considered as binding as law.

Storage

Bloodstone is often stored in gemstone vaults. no special equipment is needed.

Bloodstone in its raw, polished form displays striking red veins that sharply contrast with the rich green base. These particular stones were mined from the depths of the Saltwood mines in Cindorria, renowned for their high quality. The veins of crimson running through the green are especially vibrant, making these pieces highly sought after. Each stone was expertly cut and polished by Ambrose Ventrix, the master stonecutter of Cindorria, whose skill has elevated these stones to works of art in their own right.

This piece is currently housed in the Royal Vault of Solstead, carefully guarded under the watchful eye of King Thorin Dankil. Mined from the Ashen Crown Mountain Mines, it is yet another striking example of bloodstone, featuring bold crimson spots that contrast beautifully against the deep green. Originally a larger specimen, this piece was trimmed down to its current form. Arken Featherstone, a renowned Dwarf Lapidrist, meticulously cleaned and polished the stone, and it is now stored in anticipation of further work to be done on it.

A pair of the most famous bloodstone pendants, belonging to Lady Sanguine and Admiral Magnus Quinn, were cut from a large piece of bloodstone gifted by Sanguine to Magnus after the Hellion's Blaze Battle at sea. The pendants were expertly cut by Hendrick Fieldstone, the royal jeweler of Stomer. Though these pendants are a matched pair, symbolizing a shared oath between the two, they are rarely seen together. The bond represented by the bloodstone is unbreakable, and the pendants are kept apart for reasons known only to Lady Sanguine and Admiral Quinn, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to their already storied history.

Rarity

uncommon

Color

Deep Green with Crimson Veins

Common State

solid