Gravity Quartz

Frobious Grav’nak’s most famed discovery was that of the properties of a rare and precious gemstone which became known as gravity quartz. Contrary to the crystals name (As a direct result of being named after the discoverer of its properties) it doesn’t utilise gravity. When struck, the quartz emits a small pulse of energy that imparts a force which draws any object towards it. This is more similar to that of magnets with a number of key differences.

The Discovery

  Deep within the crust of the world, gravity quartz is formed. It is believed that the extremely high pressures and temperatures of depths that only dwarves regularly delve to are responsible for its formation. The additional energy required to form this variant of quartz is thought to be imparted into the crystal itself over the millennia of its creation. It is unclear if this energy is finite or endless but we have yet managed to locate a sample that does not break from use before being drained.   On the day of discovery, the very first miners to come into contact with the quartz were stunned. They initially struck the gemstone through regular rock, only to have their picks fly out of their hands and briefly attach to the mineshaft wall before falling to the ground! The reports were not believed by the miners guild at the time but testing confirmed their stories.

Size Matters

  In terms of strength of the attractive force output, the size of the stone matters. A large stone will produce more energy than a smaller stone. In addition to this, the shape of a stone also has an effect on the directional output. Many smaller and more pointed shards, when aligned and struck simultaneously can focus an attractive force. Nowhere is this used more effectively than in the Intercity Cargo Network that Frobious Grav’nak himself had a hand in creating. Flatter quartz samples on the other hand, will output a more dull attractive force but over a larger area. Finding the balance between size and shape proves to be essential for the application intended.   Due to these tangible factors being reasonably simple to manipulate, the focal point can be predicted with a high degree of accuracy (If the craftsman refining the quartz is skilled enough)

Striking a Balance

  In order to activate the crystals, they must be sharply struck. In the Intercity Cargo Network, this is achieved through its pointed striking plates. Essentially, all that is required is a point of sharp contact in an instant to allow the quartz to discharge its energy in one spell. The stronger the strike, the more precise and pronounced the attractive force.

Difficulties in Production

  Understandably, the gemstone is disliked by most traditional artisans. Regular cutting tools can easily be ripped from a craftsman's hand and be damaged by the stone. In some cases, if the focal point is great enough and the craftsman is caught unaware, the focal point of the crystal can be within the craftsman themselves. Causing internal bleeding or death from tissues being pulled apart from each other.   Some newer artificing artisans that are graduating from apprenticeships have begun to start fixing some of these issues with the introduction of anchored tools. These are tools designed to be anchored or mounted to desks, walls and other large, far less affected objects.

Uses within Society

  Gravity quartz is still a relatively new discovery. As such, its uses have not been fully explored. It’s implementation in the Intercity Cargo Network has resulted indirectly in protests and riots through the unseen effects the new, faster form of travel would have on The Outcasting Proclamation. Dwarves do not look to change their ways and sudden discoveries unfortunately take time to be caught up with.

Uses within Conflict

  The quartz has also been used in some forms of staves to produce an attractive force upon the pull of a trigger. The quartz gemstone is mounted at the top of the stave and is shaped in such a way that when rotated, the focal point is either tightened or widened accordingly. This is through the use of a rotating ring, near the handle of the staff, that is connected via a central metal core to a set of 90 degree bevel gears where the shaped gemstone is located. Some success has been made and upon tests on living targets, If the focal point is within an organism and the crystal is refined well enough, the force is able to tear the target apart from the inside causing intense bruising, bleeding and debilitation. This technology is yet to be introduced to any military unit and is still heavily within its testing phase. It is hoped that destruction caused by this weapon can be made more effective and honourable with time.

This article was created for my first World Ember - I hope you enjoy my writings and I'm looking forward to hearing your feedback!