Magic Crystals
Magic crystals are found throughout Adynía, usually in veins underground similar to those of most minerals or, to lesser extent, in streams, gravel or sand, but the single largest (and most easily accessible) concentration of this material is in the arid region of Goldensands to the east. They've been highly sought after among the people of Adynía since the paleolithic, as it allows them to use magic from a distance via magic staves, and to store arcane energy for later use without having to rely solely on one's own reserves.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Unlike more mundane precious and semi-precious stones, they lack any specific structure, can be found in any colour and, if charged with energy, emit a subtle glow in the dark.
History & Usage
History
Early inhabitants of Adynía often found these gems as they were collecting flint and obsidian, and used them to make spear- or arrowheads capable of taking down prey more easily, a practice still found among certain tribes living on the edges of Goldensands in eastern Adynía. These enchanted weapons later gave rise to the first magic staves, which were further developed and utilized on larger scale by the dwarven Zameltoníans during bronze age, who were also among the first to make use enchanted armour, helmets and shields.
Everyday use
Magic crystals are predominantly used to make magic staves, and enchant weapons and armour, and mages sometimes carry a few on their person to draw upon arcane energy in case they need to. More rarely, the stones themselves can be used as weapons, usually by throwing or slinging them at enemies.
Refinement
Polishing magic crystals is done in much the same way as with more common gemstones, though the process is somewhat more time-consuming as the crystals need to be regularly emptied of magical energy, otherwise they might shatter and harm the jeweler.
This is especially important in places with large stores of crystals, as the buildup of magic can cause all sorts of discomfort to the people nearby, ranging from acanthesthesia to fatigue to nausea.
This is especially important in places with large stores of crystals, as the buildup of magic can cause all sorts of discomfort to the people nearby, ranging from acanthesthesia to fatigue to nausea.
Hazards
Touching a charged magic crystal with bare hands is generally a painful experience akin to handling something electrified, due to the body being overloaded with arcane energy, which depending on the amount of magic one already has can result in temporary loss of consciousness or even death. However, covering a crystal with cloth or similar materials is usually enough to avoid this, as is wearing some kind of gloves or wrappings.
The sudden burst of magic caused by a charged crystal shattering has a similar effect on anyone close to it, which makes mining for (or accidentally hitting) them especially dangerous, as it can spark a chain reaction and collapse any nearby tunnels.
The sudden burst of magic caused by a charged crystal shattering has a similar effect on anyone close to it, which makes mining for (or accidentally hitting) them especially dangerous, as it can spark a chain reaction and collapse any nearby tunnels.
Reusability & Recycling
Fragments of shattered crystals are often reused for enchanting things, particularly in regions where the mineral is uncommonly found, or for fashioning weaker magic staves intended for students to practice with. Although equipment enchanted with those smaller pieces have weaker charge, they are popular among warriors, bandits and travelers due to being relatively cheap, and can still make a difference when encountering foes using magic.
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