Storm Quartz

A rare crystal that absorbs lightning and is used in powerful enchantments.

Storm Quartz is a powerful and dangerous material, revered for its unique ability to store and channel electrical energy. Highly prized by mages, artificers, and storm worshippers, it plays a crucial role in the creation of enchanted weapons, magical devices, and arcane technologies. However, its value comes at a steep price, as its harvesting and handling require both skill and caution. Whether used for enchantments, weapons, or technological marvels, Storm Quartz remains a symbol of the storm’s untamed power and a coveted treasure for those brave enough to seek it.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Storm Quartz is a striking crystal with a translucent, milky white appearance that often shimmers with faint traces of blue or purple light. Its structure resembles traditional quartz but with an unmistakable energy signature that pulses with static electricity when near storms or high levels of electrical discharge. The crystal is most often found in rough, jagged formations, though smooth, polished versions have been crafted by skilled artisans.

Upon close inspection, the inner matrix of Storm Quartz often reveals fractals or patterns that resemble storm clouds or lightning strikes—possibly due to its unique ability to capture and store electrical energy. The surface may appear to glow faintly or sparkle during thunderstorms, and its overall weight is denser than regular quartz, as if it has absorbed the force of the lightning itself.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Absorbs Lightning, Conductive, Enchantable

1. Energy Absorption:
   Storm Quartz can absorb lightning strikes and store electrical energy within its matrix, allowing it to retain a charge even after the storm has passed. This makes it incredibly useful as a power source for magical devices, enchantments, and weapons. The intensity and duration of the charge depend on the amount of lightning the crystal has absorbed.
2. Electromagnetic Conductivity:
   The crystal acts as an excellent conductor of electricity, amplifying the power of spells or devices that harness electrical energy. Mages and artificers use Storm Quartz to enhance spells or craft powerful lightning-based enchantments, allowing the crystal to channel, amplify, or focus electrical magic.
3. Magical Enhancements:
   Storm Quartz is commonly used in the creation of enchanted weapons, armor, and arcane relics. Its unique ability to store and release electrical energy makes it ideal for weapons that harness lightning, such as lightning swords, storm-infused bows, or staffs that summon thunder. It also serves as an essential component in magical energy storage systems or power cores for advanced technologies.
4. Durability and Stability:
   Despite its fragile appearance, Storm Quartz is surprisingly resilient. Once properly harnessed and processed, it is durable enough to withstand the intense forces of magic and powerful storms. It can hold vast amounts of energy without breaking down, though it is still susceptible to shattering if struck in a way that disrupts its energy charge.

Geology & Geography

Storm Quartz is a rare material found in locations where violent storms, especially lightning storms, are prevalent. The Skyward Pillars, towering monoliths that reach high into the sky and are regularly struck by lightning, are among the primary sources of Storm Quartz. The electromagnetic activity generated by the Everstorm causes the crystals to form in cracks, crevices, and caves within the pillars, often near storm-charged caves or high-altitude ravines.

The process by which Storm Quartz forms is a result of a reaction to the immense electrical energy contained within a storm's lightning. The energy from the strikes is captured by the crystal as it forms, embedding the storm's power within the crystal’s lattice. This process results in a material that not only stores electrical charge but also radiates the latent energy of the storm, making it incredibly potent.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Enchantments, Magical Artifacts, Energy Storage, Weaponry

1. Enchantments:
   Storm Quartz is a highly sought-after material for enchantments related to storm magic and lightning manipulation. Wizards and artificers often use it in the construction of magical artifacts designed to control weather, summon lightning, or enhance a caster’s ability to channel storm energy. It is especially prized by elementalists and shamans who specialize in storm and air magic.
2. Weapons and Combat:
   Many weaponry and armaments are enhanced with Storm Quartz to imbue them with electrical properties. Swords, hammers, or even maces are often crafted with Storm Quartz embedded in their hilt or head, allowing them to channel lightning strikes upon impact. Similarly, armor may be reinforced with Storm Quartz to redirect or absorb electrical attacks, offering protection against thunder and lightning-based magic.
3. Energy Storage and Artifice:
   The potential of Storm Quartz to store electrical energy makes it a key component in the development of magical batteries or arcane engines. Its ability to store and release lightning is vital in energy-intensive technologies, such as magical airships, lightning-powered golems, or artificial weather control systems. It is even rumored that the ancient civilization that once inhabited the Skyward Pillars utilized Storm Quartz to power advanced machinery.
4. Artifacts of Power:
   Beyond mundane uses, Storm Quartz is integral in the creation of legendary artifacts—such as storm staffs, lightning-infused relics, or weather-controlling artifacts—that can summon storms, strike foes with thunder, or redirect lightning. Some scholars believe that the true extent of the crystal’s power remains hidden, and that only those who can fully harness its potential will uncover the ancient wisdom that lies within.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Storm Quartz holds a place of reverence in many cultures that worship the storms or the Skyward Pillars. To the Windcloaks and other storm-worshipping sects, it is considered a sacred material—a physical manifestation of the storm’s divine power. The shards of Storm Quartz are used in rituals, often believed to act as conduits for storm deities or to channel spiritual power during storm rituals.

In certain nomadic tribes or storm cults, it is said that possessing a piece of Storm Quartz bestows upon the bearer a connection to the Everstorm itself, granting them favor from the ancient spirits and the elemental forces of the storm.

Hazards

While Storm Quartz is highly prized, it is also incredibly dangerous to harvest. The Skyward Pillars are treacherous and volatile, often subject to frequent and unpredictable storms. Harvesters must brave the fury of the Everstorm, where lightning strikes and electrical surges make the environment deadly. Additionally, the crystals themselves are often hidden in narrow crevices or dangerous, high-altitude caves, requiring the expertise of skilled climbers or storm-chasers to reach them.

The residual storm energy within the quartz also presents a hazard, as mishandling the crystal can result in electrical discharge, severe burns, or even fatal lightning strikes if the crystal is improperly touched or activated. Many artisans and magi employ protective enchantments or insulated tools when working with Storm Quartz to mitigate the inherent risks.

Type

Mineral

Rarity

Rare

Related Locations

• The Skyward Pillars