Haryk Crystals

It looks like a transparent crystal with a slight green 'inner light.' Can be refined into a gemstone without losing its magical properties.

The mineral makeup is similar to zircon. Its Mohs hardness is 7.5 and is very durable to weathering. Fire, acid, and water do not seem to damage the crystals.

Crystals are often used by themselves but can be embedded in other magical materials to enhance magical properties.

Found among igneous rocks as the crystals form during the volcanic process. The unique magic energy of the crystal comes from being in close proximity of the portal of the Veil and strong leylines.

Very stable and strong. Little seems to damage it and it holds its magical energy for centuries.

These crystals were always viewed as important and highly prized items. Only the most influential can purchase and wear the crystals. When researchers realized that they enhance magic-users talents, the Council was urged to protect and restrict who can use them. A common fear was that a faction/group would own the crystals and then use them to start a war. It was a struggle throughout the years to keep one faction/group from hoarding the crystals. Even the Council of Elders was accused of corruption and hoarding. Mining the crystals has slowed down in recent years to assess the damage to the environment. It is difficult to state if the crystals are nearly mined out or if there is still more in the valley. The Council refuses to answer questions about this.

Popular lore states that the crystal was first found by an Earth-affinity's magical accident. A young apprentice was practicing basic Earth moving spells when he experienced a surge of power. The surge allowed an inexperienced magic-user to perform a much more complicated spell then intended. Within the earth that was moved, these crystals were found in the rocks. The area was sectioned off and research began on the crystals. Shortly after, the first mine was established. The Lapidary was created shortly after to continue research on the crystals and work on finished products.

They are not used in everyday life, only in emergencies or ceremonies. Most crystals are refined into gems and turned into jewelry or embedded into weapons.

The jewelry made from these crystals are not elaborate but functional. Most include earrings or bracers that won't be lost during battle. Since only the most wealthy or influential magic-users can afford these, the crystals are a good indication of status among the groups. The Gathering Season is a time to show off status and power. During the Welcoming Feast at the Council's Camp, those with Haryk Crystals wear them. It becomes a small competition on who has the largest or strongest crystals.

Some crystals are mounted in jewelry or weapons in the raw, uncut state. Otherwise, normal lapidary processes are used to refine the crystals into gemstones.

The mining process can destabilize the area due to tunneling and cave-ins. All crystals that were on or near the surface have already been mined.

The Council of Elders regulates the mining of the crystals and is responsible for selling them to the greater magic community. As it is a luxury item, few can afford it.

The Council of Elders dictates how much raw crystal can be mined in a year. It also requires that the crystals can only be sold to other Treaty Signers. Non-signers and non-magic-users are not allowed to own the crystals.