Shard

A Shard is a piece of living ice. They are naturally grown underground, between tunnels thought to be constructed by the extinct Ḳupilġuḳaluk. They are at the heart of Snow Elf magic, and an Elf must be bound to a Shard before they can Sing. Shards can also be made by deconstructing living matter or through Communion/Shardification, though this process is complex and can only be performed by advanced members of the Sikusong or Mindsong Ways.

Growth and Purity
Shards are grown in their greatest concentration in the nursery cave beneath the Temple of Siku. At this epicentre, the Shards are most pure. Once they are ready to fall, they are bound to young Snow Elves by the Sikusingers.

If the Shard falls before binding or is not completely pure, it is passed on to the Shardsingers for use in Shardsongs. Its purity in part determines the health and strength of the Shardform.

Deconstruction and Communion/Shardification
All organic matter can be broken up into its base parts through Deconstruction, a process frequently performed by Shardsingers. Shards can be reclaimed in this way, but are less pure each time.

Forming a Shard from a non-bound life form is a process known only to inducted members of the Sikusong and Mindsong Ways. While a life form is dying, but before it is dead, a Singer is able to conduct "Communion" (for the Sikusingers) or "Shardification" (for the Mindsingers) to turn the life form to living ice using small pieces of ice from the caves.

Conversion
If the Shard made from Communion/Shardification was of near-Elf intelligence, it will form a sentient Shard. Most choose to Convert into full Snow Elves or Shardforms, while others eventually revert to their original forms.