Ice

Liquid water is ubiquitous, but its solid form is only encountered in certain industrial uses. It has to be made in small quantities and carefully stored for future use.

Water Seekers can control both water and steam, but ice is unmanipulable and undetectable. Each individual piece of water is locked to those around it in an overall pattern that completely cancels out hydrotropic effects.

Properties

Geology & Geography

The climate of the Cluster Islands is too warm for ice to form naturally. Only Ralcondray, an island far in the Northern Gap, has reported occasionally experiencing showers of ice instead of rain during its coldest weather.

History & Usage

Industrial Use

Ice is used as a method of preservation in situations where machine cooling isn't possible. Farms can transport some perishable goods farther by packing them in ice. Hospitals use cooling machines internally, but rely on ice to transfer samples or temperature-sensitive medications elsewhere. Galtern, the island most abundant in both eateries and hospitals, leads the Cluster Islands as producer and consumer of ice.

Hazards

Ice on the skin may feel pleasant at first, but extended contact becomes painful. People who handle ice must wear thick gloves or use long-handled tools to protect their skin from the cold.

It's a very weird thing to experience melting ice. I sit near it, eyes closed and without touching it, and I feel water appearing from empty space.

— Proto-Seeker Vanich