Molten-Rifting, often called Lava-Rifting, is an exceptionally rare and destructive offshoot of Earth-Rifting. This unique arcane art enables its practitioners to command molten earth, summoning the raw, fiery power of magma to reshape the world or lay waste to their enemies. Molten-Rifting allows its wielders to generate devastating floods of molten lava, summon fiery eruptions, and manipulate molten stone with deadly precision.
While Earth-Rifting focuses on the solidity and stability of stone, Molten-Rifting embodies the chaotic, transformative force of molten rock. This rare and perilous art represents the earth's fury, unleashing its wrath upon those who dare challenge its strength.
Origins
Molten-Rifting originates from the Earthstone, a sacred artifact bound to the elemental essence of Unknown, the Unknown Goddess of Earth. This fiery offshoot emerged as an embodiment of the earth's molten core, carrying with it the volatile energy of the planet’s fiery heart.
Bjorn, the Archon of Earth, was the first to channel this destructive power during The Aeonic Struggle, wielding molten lava to combat the titanic forces of the Elementari. The Archon’s mastery of molten fury inspired future generations to refine this dangerous art, though only a select few have dared to explore its power.
Among mortals, Molten-Rifting is considered the most volatile form of Earth-Rifting. Its mastery requires immense physical endurance, unwavering mental focus, and a deep connection to the molten essence of the earth. Only one known master, Exarch Maar, has successfully wielded this power without succumbing to its destructive nature.
Applications of Molten-Rifting
Molten-Rifting is a tool of unparalleled destruction, capable of altering the landscape and annihilating foes with searing heat. While its primary use lies in combat, it also carries the potential for creation, shaping molten stone into solid forms:
- Lava Eruption: Summoning a surge of molten lava from deep within the earth, creating fissures that erupt in a fiery torrent.
- Volcanic Surge: Generating waves of molten lava that flow toward enemies, consuming everything in their path.
- Molten Armor: Enveloping the wielder in a protective layer of semi-cooled molten stone, granting immense defense while radiating searing heat.
- Pyroclastic Burst: Creating an explosive burst of molten rock and ash, damaging enemies in a wide radius.
- Magma Manipulation: Shaping and directing streams of molten lava with precision, turning the environment into a weapon.
- Lava Pitfall: Cracking the ground beneath enemies to engulf them in a sudden burst of molten fury.
- Molten Constructs: Forming temporary structures or weapons out of cooled magma, such as walls of obsidian or molten spears.
Cultural Significance
Molten-Rifting is considered both a blessing and a curse within The Earth Realm. While its destructive power can be harnessed to protect the realm and its denizens, the art's volatile nature demands respect and caution. Only those with the resilience and willpower to master the chaos of molten earth are permitted to wield it.
Among the Exarchs of the Earth, Molten-Rifting is revered as a mark of unparalleled mastery. Its practitioners are seen as champions of the earth’s raw power, their abilities likened to the volcanic wrath of Bjorn himself. The forge halls of Grimhold often commemorate Molten-Rifters with volcanic murals and sculptures depicting their fiery feats.
Legacy
Molten-Rifting’s lineage is deeply rooted in the fiery heart of the Earth Realm. Its power has been passed down through a select few, each leaving an indelible mark on the realm's history.
Molten-Rifting is among the most dangerous forms of Rift Magic to master. The immense heat and destructive potential of molten rock demand not only skill but also a physical and mental fortitude that few can achieve. Overexertion can lead to catastrophic consequences, including self-immolation or the unintended devastation of the surrounding environment.
For this reason, Molten-Rifters are often revered with a mixture of awe and caution, their power respected but their presence always a reminder of the earth’s unpredictable wrath.