Channeler
Since ancient times, channelers have been used by mages to extract magic from imbued objects. The oldest recovered channeler is an amulet presumably worn by the Great Magus Avamorn, who lived circa 3,000 years ago. The amulet is on display in the Garyialan Royal Museum, might you be interested to see it for yourself.
Channeling of Magic
Of the two types of mysticism, only activation of magic is an inherently safe practice. The already present, yet dormant magic is awoken for the object’s mystical property to be expressed. For extraction of magic, on the other hand, the mage needs to channel the magic and move it elsewhere. In the case of transfer, the magic is moved to another object, in the case of transformation, the magic is transformed into a non-physical property. Channeled magic needs to be passed through a conduit, the default being the mage’s body, which is harmful, even deadly. Luckily, other conduits have been found. These are called channelers.
Several types of heart stones exist. Unlike their name suggests, heart stones are often times not stones. In northern Namda they are in fact seeds the size of pebbles harvested from the okaplan fruit. In southern Fergel, heart stones are also harvested from fruit, specifically from the liben tree in the centre of the Lopindali jungle. In Taklasil, the most common ones are glass structures formed by the desert sands. The most unique and powerful heart stones across the globe are harvested from the bellies of Great Beasts.
Heart Stone
Interestingly, heart stones are imbued objects—it’s ability to channel magic can be activated by a mage. In addition to channeling magic, a few gifted mages are capable of storing magic in heart stones to be used at a later time. With use, heart stones lose their potency and can eventually become nonreactive to channeling. The exact duration of a heart stone’s functionality is not easily predicted, but well-trained mages are able to feel a change in efficiency, in time to acquire a new channeler.Several types of heart stones exist. Unlike their name suggests, heart stones are often times not stones. In northern Namda they are in fact seeds the size of pebbles harvested from the okaplan fruit. In southern Fergel, heart stones are also harvested from fruit, specifically from the liben tree in the centre of the Lopindali jungle. In Taklasil, the most common ones are glass structures formed by the desert sands. The most unique and powerful heart stones across the globe are harvested from the bellies of Great Beasts.
The largest batch of heart stones obtained from a Great Beast amounts to a total of fifty-six stones. Thirty-two men and women lost their lives fighting this beast called Disaz. I wouldn't suggest attempting such a fight yourself.
Companion
Frowned upon by many cultures, yet still used by some, is the use of an animal companion as a channeler. Because of the inevitable death of the companion, use of a companion is also known as sacrificial mysticism.
The type of companion used differs per mage's preference. Some mages prefer easily breedable animals such as rodents and birds. These animals die within a few channelings. Other mages prefer more resistant companions, such as amphibians, which are surprisingly hardy against the harmful side effects of the passing through of magic. The most notable mages still using a companion are the Meadens of the Meadow, mysterious women and their companions who pass through towns, granting mystical favours.
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