Preservation
The ancient force of stasis that gifted Scadrial life and metal powers before merging with Ruin to form Harmony within Sazed.
Preservation is one of the two Shards of Adonalsium that came to rest on the planet Scadrial, representing the concept of stasis and unchanging life. Unlike its counterpart Ruin, which sought destruction, Preservation aimed to maintain existence in a perfect, static state. For thousands of years, it acted as the silent guardian of the world, infusing the atmosphere with white or silver mists and granting humanity the power to manipulate metals through Allomancy.
Background
Preservation and Ruin together created humanity and the world of Scadrial. Preservation's key intervention was to trap Ruin by giving up a portion of his own power at the Well of Ascension, limiting his influence and allowing life to continue. The mists—typically white or silver—are a manifestation of Preservation's power, and through them and the Well of Ascension, Preservation granted Allomancy to humanity. The era of ash and mist known as the Final Days was caused by Ruin's influence breaking through the Lord Ruler's control, not by Preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What powers did Preservation grant?
This Shard infused the planet's atmosphere with gold mist and enabled humans to manipulate metals through Allomancy. It also created the Well of Ascension and maintained the physical laws that kept humanity alive during the Deep Mist era.
Is Preservation still active today?
No, Preservation is currently merged with Ruin inside Sazed, who holds both Shards as Harmony. While the specific intent of stasis remains part of this new fusion, the original Shard identity has ceased to function separately.
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