Genesis from the Static
The Tastekin aren't born, they’re *manifested*. Not of flesh and blood, but of concentrated sensory experience – the lingering echoes of laughter in a forgotten tavern, the precise geometry of a perfect wine glass reflecting candlelight, the phantom taste of starfruit plucked from a dying sun. They coalesce within areas of intense, unresolved emotion, drawn to places where memory itself has begun to fray. Initially, they are fragments, shimmering motes of sensation – a single note of melancholy, the scent of rain on cobblestones, a fleeting image of a face long gone. These fragments, if left undisturbed and nurtured with similar potent stimuli, will gradually knit themselves together, forming…well, Tastekin.
The earliest accounts speak of ‘Harmonics’ – particularly sensitive individuals who inadvertently triggered the initial manifestations. Brewers overwhelmed by their craft, poets wrestling with unrequited love, even clockmakers obsessed with achieving perfect precision; each contributed a thread to the nascent tapestry. It’s theorized that the 'Alchemical Tap' itself isn't merely a place of gathering, but an amplifier – a confluence point where such energies are drawn together and solidified.
The Concoctions - A Taxonomy
Tastekin classification isn't based on physical appearance, but on the *flavor* of their essence. They are categorized by ‘Harmonics’ – the dominant sensory imprint that defines them. The most common Harmonics include:
- Amberglows: Born from intense nostalgia and regret. Their presence evokes a bittersweet longing, like remembering something beautiful that can never be reclaimed. Often found near old estates or abandoned theaters.
- Veridiums: Manifested from moments of profound clarity and insight. They exude an almost tangible sense of understanding, capable of illuminating hidden truths - though their pronouncements are rarely straightforward. Commonly associated with libraries and observatories.
- Crimsonfluxes: Emerging from passionate outbursts – love, rage, triumph. Their energy is volatile and unpredictable, radiating a potent intensity that can overwhelm the senses. Often encountered in bustling marketplaces or during festivals.
- Silvershimmers: The rarest of Harmonics, born from moments of pure, unadulterated joy. They are fleeting, ephemeral beings, their presence leaving behind only a lingering sense of lightness and wonder. Rumored to inhabit places touched by spontaneous celebration.
Beyond these primary Harmonics lie countless sub-variations – the nuanced distinctions between a ‘Veridium’ haunted by mathematical equations or a ‘Crimsonflux’ fueled by a defiant rebellion.
The Cult of the Tastekin
The 'Cult' isn't a formalized organization in the traditional sense. It’s more akin to a network – individuals drawn together by a shared fascination with, and reverence for, the Tastekin. They operate primarily through whispers and clandestine meetings within the Alchemical Tap, seeking to understand the principles governing their existence and to harness their power. The Cult's core belief is that Tastekin are not merely manifestations of emotion, but conduits – channels through which the very fabric of reality flows.
Their rituals involve carefully curated sensory experiences - brewing specific concoctions, listening to particular melodies, observing celestial events – all designed to attract and stabilize Tastekin. The most skilled members can even induce the formation of new Harmonics, though this is considered a perilous undertaking with potentially devastating consequences.
Resonance & The Flow
The Alchemical Tap itself functions as a focal point for ‘The Flow’ – the underlying current of sensory energy that sustains the Tastekin. It's believed that all places touched by intense emotion contribute to this flow, and the Tap acts as a central nexus, amplifying and directing it. The structure of the Tap – its winding corridors, its intricate plumbing system designed to channel liquids and gases - are not merely functional; they’re deliberately shaped to harmonize with the Flow.
Understanding 'Resonance' is key to interacting with Tastekin. Each individual possesses a unique vibrational signature, influenced by their past experiences and emotional state. By attuning oneself to this resonance – through careful observation, empathetic listening, or even the deliberate creation of specific sensory stimuli – one can establish a connection, potentially gaining access to the Tastekin’s knowledge and power.