Tag: loc-umbak
Hearth Crystal (Amarata, Hearth; Umbak)
Posted on August 17, 2026
The Hearth Crystal bound to a Amarata Hearth is something many Umbakians carry with them during life now. It has taken on some of their aura, and allows for them to personalize it and be buried or burned with it wherever they may fall and whoever oversees that. It is not considered a requirement for the afterlife, but it is considered expedient to return to the family hearth there – adding their energy to that of the living family hearth for those that come after them to draw upon.
The Hearth Crystals are the key to channeling the power of the hearth, and they must be attuned by being in the presence of the Amarata Hearth for a day’s fire duration. It used to be only nobles and those questing used the crystals and benefited from their protection, but now any of the larger extended family can – this came with the burial custom change in CY 8200 becoming a norm for Death, Burial, and Cultural Observances.
Opposition: The Hearth Crystal has always bothered some purist Umbakians, as it borders on Blood Magic rather than strictly religious bonds.The bonds of Conviction are what the purist believe should be used – it requires greater commitment (though less money) to achieve something similar.
Virtuous Precision of Umbakian Processes
Posted on June 29, 2026 in Steel-Realms
Umbak is known for its adherence to law, order and constancy; This is especially manifested in the Virtuous Precision of Umbakian Processes. Virtues of Precision are an Umbakian summoning ceremony specialty that are used in the crafting and maintenance of some of the greatest inventions of the Umbakian Automata Brigade of Virtue and ReasonAutomata Brigade of Virtue and Reason[/su_permalink. A master craftsman that already possesses considerable skill is augmented to create normal (non-mystic) items of perfect make. Armaments (armor & weapons), machinery, and structures are created with great tolerances that can operate with the utmost effectiveness.
All items made and/or modified & repaired using these entities in Umbak have a tell-tale Prestige Mark that is unmistakable.
Examples of items crafted or maintained using tool with bound Virtues of Precision:
Hearth Stations of Umbak (homeless shelters)
Posted on September 30, 2025 in Steel-Realms
The Hearth Stations of Umbak have evolved over time from their original simple social safety net for the homeless part of their Umbakian Culture. While Umbak is one of the places with the least homeless problem, there are always circumstances leading to loss of home and safety. It is part of the social safety net inherent in its “honor in service” perspective of its noble houses and precepts of the Lightbringers and Umbaks traditional form of nationalism.
In Umbak, the Hearth Stations are essentially homeless shelters, public baths, and also typically serve as hostels. There is typically one of these in every settlement. In the smaller ones, it is tied to (either connected to or next to) a Lightbringer church.
In the last few hundred years, the Hearth Stations and the function of The Pigsjin of Umbak have been combined.
The Pigsjin of Umbak
Posted on September 30, 2025
The Pigsjin of Umbak are the original creation by the Umbakians to manage waste and create natural gas fuel in their larger settlements. It has gradually led to a wider use of The Pigsjin in general in the Steel Realms, though it is much more prevalent in Umbak.
Its also used by extracting it from offal piles at large farms, towns and cities. The organized creation of The Pigsjin – offal pits, collection for and taxation/fines if NOT used has allowed beacons and Hearth Stations of Umbak to be warmed.
The Technology of Teilhard (Umbak)
Posted on September 30, 2025
The tech Teilhard is known for its natural gas processing plants for salt brine. Natural Gas is used by the Umbakians to boil sea water for salt brine. Some primitive electrical tech and turbines are involved.