Metal-Rifting, a rare and formidable offshoot of Earth-Rifting, grants its practitioners the ability to manipulate and command metallic elements and magnetic forces with precision and ingenuity. This unique arcane art enables its wielders to bend metal to their will, whether by shaping it into tools of creation, shards of destruction, or barriers of defense. Beyond the manipulation of physical metal, Metal-Rifting also grants limited mastery over magnetic energies, allowing users to control and attract metallic objects with a force that transcends physical limitations.
Metal-Rifting is considered one of the rarest forms of Rift Magic, with only a few known masters in existence. It is a discipline of immense power and subtlety, requiring both physical strength and sharp mental focus. Those who wield Metal-Rifting are revered not only for their raw might but also for their artistry and precision, traits that define the essence of metal itself.
Origins
Metal-Rifting originates from the Earthstone, the ancient artifact at the heart of The Earth Realm, and is deeply tied to the elemental essence of Unknown, the Unknown Goddess of Earth. The art was first bestowed upon the Earth Realm by the Archon Bjorn, who inspired Unknown to sculpt the Terran Drake in his image from molten metal and raw ore as part of the grand design.
While Earth-Rifting governs the natural world of stone and soil, Metal-Rifting focuses on the processed and refined aspects of the earth, channeling the power of the minerals that lie hidden within its depths. This evolution of Earth-Rifting marked a pivotal moment in the history of elemental magic, as it enabled its practitioners to create and manipulate weapons, armor, and constructs with unmatched mastery.
Notable Metal-Rifters, such as Avatar Terra and Exarch Kaolin, are remembered as paragons of this art, their feats of Metal-Rifting shaping the history of the Earth Realm and beyond.
Applications of Metal-Rifting
Metal-Rifting encompasses a wide array of techniques that can be adapted to the wielder's specific needs, ranging from creative construction to devastating destruction. Its versatility has made it a tool of creation, war, and artistry:
- Metal Shards: Summoning razor-sharp shards of metal to launch at enemies with incredible precision and force.
- Magnetic Bind: Encasing foes in metal bindings by manipulating magnetic forces to restrain their movements.
- Iron Aegis: Creating metallic shields or barriers in an instant to defend against incoming attacks.
- Shrapnel Surge: Exploding metallic structures into deadly shrapnel, striking enemies in a wide area.
- Magnetic Pull: Drawing metallic weapons and objects from enemies’ hands or disarming them with a wave of magnetic energy.
- Ore Forging: Shaping raw ore into weapons, tools, or intricate designs, showcasing the creative potential of Metal-Rifting.
- Metal Elemental Form: Temporarily encasing the user's body in a living armor of metal, enhancing physical strength and defense.
- Magnetic Storm: Generating a field of magnetic energy that disrupts metallic weaponry and disables constructs in the surrounding area.
Cultural Significance
Metal-Rifting is revered as a rare and sacred discipline within the Earth Realm. While Earth-Rifting embodies the raw, untamed aspects of the natural world, Metal-Rifting reflects refinement, craftsmanship, and the harmonious union between nature and creation.
This duality is celebrated in the culture of the Earth Realm, particularly among the Exarchs of the Earth, who view Metal-Rifting as the pinnacle of their craft. Practitioners often dedicate their lives to mastering the art, honing their skills to create tools of unparalleled beauty and efficiency or weapons of devastating power.
The Forge of Kaolin, a legendary structure within Umber, stands as a monument to Metal-Rifting’s artistry. This massive forge, suspended above a molten lake, is where Kaolin crafted the weapons and armor that adorned generations of Njordir warriors. The forge also serves as a place of pilgrimage for aspiring Metal-Rifters, who seek to draw inspiration and strength from its hallowed halls.
Legacy
The lineage of Metal-Rifting traces its origins to Bjorn’s stewardship of the Earth Realm, where he first demonstrated the art's potential by creating the Terran Drakes. Over time, the art was refined and passed down to mortals, reaching its zenith under the guidance of figures like Avatar Terra and Exarch Kaolin.