Onyx
"Onyx is seen as a simple gem by the mortal races. The mortals were close in associating onyx to necromatic magic, but they barely grazed the surface of it's dark potential. There's symbolism in many parts of our lives, tonight my child you learn about one of them."
~ Unknown Tremere to their Childer
Properties
Origin & Source
Onyx is created by precipitation that settles into a crevice in the Earths crust that evaporates and then gets compressed by other layers of sediment.
History & Usage
History
When the world was still in its infancy and primordial essence flowed freely, some stones and gems acted as conduits for these energies. As time continued and the veil grew thicker the powers in these conduits drained to mere fragments of their former power. These conduits laid dormant for eons till founded by the Elder Vampires. Some brute forced the power into place, while others studied and manipulated the power into the shape they desired. This mere act of power manipulation was one of the many decisions that lead to the different creations of the clans.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Humans use onyx in jewelry and fashion. There are some religions organizations that find onyx to hold some significant symbolism for better or for ill.
For the Kindred, especially the Tremere, use onyx in their dark rituals. For those that are attune to the dark magics of the Abyss theirs a fragment of power in each onyx that's bound to the dark realm. When tapped into properly the onyx infuses the ritual with the Abyss's dark influence. For the uninitiated, the results can very to no results all the way to catastrophic failures that kill the caster.
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