klásk

Klásk is a term used in the fictional universe of the Klang Chronicles to refer to a family of handheld percussion instruments central to ceremonial music. In the lore, klásk are typically small, hollow bodies made from hardwood or fired ceramic, fitted with a single skin or membrane. They range in diameter from about 15 to 25 centimeters and are played by striking the membrane with an open palm or a soft beater, producing a dry, punchy tone that carries in open spaces. The instrument is valued for its portability and its capacity to articulate complex rhythms within a larger ensemble.

Etymology and cultural role: The name klásk is said to derive from Old Nyr, meaning "to strike" or "to awaken sound." In the stories, klásk performances accompany ritual storytelling and communal gatherings. They serve as timekeepers and as a trigger for dancers; their rhythms guide sections of ritual sequences. In regional varieties, the body may be deeper or the membrane thicker, altering pitch and sustain.

In the Klang Chronicles, the klásk also appears in variants and ensembles, sometimes paired with light sticks or small rattles to expand the sonic palette. Its use emphasizes communal participation, with performers coordinating tempo and dynamics to support narrative elements of the ceremony.

Related instruments include other membranophones such as drums and tambourines. In fan works and adaptations, the klásk has become a symbol of intercultural exchange and ceremonial tradition within the fictional world.