Taen

Taen is a kind of metal discovered in the Sickle Heights in the year 1023. It functions as a catalyst for the Talents.

Nature of Taen
When Taen was first discovered during the construction of the Road to Thack, the Sealers who discovered it were baffled by what they had found. It was a metal that they were not able to affect and that was resistant to the mightiest blows of pickaxes. After careful observation and experimentation, Wisers concluded that this new metal functioned as a catalyst for the Talents. Healers could use it to heal more and longer, Enhancers noticed a substantial boost in their enhanced powers, Sealers were able to make larger and stronger Seals and Wisers  felt like they could read the entire world while in contact with the metal.

So far, the only place where Taen has been found are the Sickle Heights in the southeastern part of Acir.

It has a grey shine with hints of purple.

Forging Taen
Sealers soon discovered that by themselves, they could not change the shape of the new metal, but they could do so when holding the metal itself and using it on another piece. In theory, reshaping Taen was not necessary for it to work, but making it easier to hold certainly helped the wielder in using it. The downside of reshaping Taen is that a certain portion of the metal gets lost in the process.

Due to its rarity though, very few Taen tools or weapons exist and are only handed out to those who deserve or need it the most. A small lump of Taen could easily buy you a small village.

Tools
For both Sealers and Healers, Taen was shaped to fit in the palm of one's hand and provided with leather straps to attach to the wielder's arm.

For Wisers, rings and tiaras were most commonly used. Wisers however are known for preferring raw lumps of Taen as it feels more natural for them.

Weapons
Most commonly used are Taen hilts for swords and spears, allowing the Enhancer wielding them to move faster and strike harder. Less frequent are bows with Taen hilts. Enhancers are also known to use the palm-shaped tools for faster movement and greater power.

The most famous weapons that contain Taen are probably the Five Sacratys, five swords each with their own unique design that not only have the hilt made out of Taen, but also have Taen blades. These swords were made in 1056 E.G. by Daughter of Sha Maery Tear, who was raised by a blacksmith and kept the trade even after joining the Order. The value of these swords is beyond estimate.

What makes these blades so unique and sought after is the fact they can ignore any type of Seal and can easily counter an Enhancer (given that the wielder can keep up with the Enhancer's speed).

First Sacratys - Silver of Night
Designed like a common soldier's sword. It currently belongs to the First Enhancer and is passed down to their successor. Current holder is Sherell Smokehair.

Second Sacratys - Gold of Day
A sabre-shaped sword. Its location is currently unknown, but there are rumours it is in the possession of a tribe leader in Sahad

Third Sacratys - Dew of Morning
A katana-shaped sword designed after the swords used by the famous Second Swords of Highwyrm. Its current possessor is the Prime of Highwyrm, Kida Amane.

Fourth Sacratys - Mist of Evening
A rapier originally made for ceremonial purposes, but it was stolen in 1093 E.G. by an unknown thief. It is still missing.

Fifth Sacratys - Moon and Sun
The odd one out of the five. It's a pair of daggers designed after the typical Anthorian dirk, with the subtle change that Moon and Sun have double-edged blades. Their location or possessor are currently not known.