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Táristones

Plane Stones

The key to the planes
The Táristones stood as the foundation of the Helcarandor's ability to traverse the planes of existence. These exquisite crystals, hewn from the deep caves of Ciryahalë, facilitating the creation of stable Táriporti. Revered for their potency and rarity, the Táristones played a pivotal role in inter-planar travel, and their acquisition and utilization marked a remarkable chapter in elven history.
“No door opens without a key—and no world opens without a song. The Táristones are both.”
— Vaeril Sarnë, Helcarandor
The Táristones were distinct among the Ciryathanor crystals, renowned for their larger size and exceptional purity. These characteristics made them reservoirs of concentrated magical energy, capable of maintaining the stability of a portal to another plane. The process of selecting, extracting, and crafting these precious stones was a meticulous endeavor, undertaken by master elven artisans who possessed an intimate understanding of crystal lore.  
Power and Precision
When employed in the creation of a Táriporti, the Táristones were arranged in a precise geometric pattern that harmonized their energies and established a conduit to the chosen plane. The crystals acted as focal points, channeling the energies to create a resonating portal. The arrangement itself was an intricate dance of geometry and magical theory, each crystal contributing its unique frequency to the symphony of inter-planar connection.
“One misplaced angle, and the stars will not listen.”
— Lyvarin, Artisan
Between uses, the Táristones were treated with utmost care and reverence. Elven artisans crafted ornate containers, known as Amanrestië, or "Stone Keepers," which were specially designed to house the crystals when not in use. These containers were imbued with protective spells to ensure the preservation of the Táristones' magical properties and prevent their interactions with external energies that could disrupt their resonance.  
The Ciryahalë Expeditions
One of the most remarkable adventures in elven history revolved around the quest for Táristones. In the lavatubes nestled within mountains on the island of Ciryahalë, the Valaraith embarked on a perilous expedition to procure these precious gems. The journey led them through treacherous jungles and the labyrinthine depths of ancient caves. Battling the elements and facing challenges that tested their strength and resolve, the elven explorers emerged victorious, emerging from the depths with a cache of Táristones that would fuel their magical endeavors for millennia to come.   The Táristones were not merely crystals; they were conduits of the Valaraith's aspirations and a testament to their unyielding pursuit of knowledge and mastery. These wondrous gems stood as a link between worlds, a bridge that connected Endórëmar with the diverse realms of Apanórion. As the keepers of the Táristones, the Helcarandor wielded a responsibility that resonated across time and space, safeguarding the key to inter-planar exploration and discovery.
The Testing of the Stone
Before a crystal could be named a Táristone, it had to undergo rigorous testing in the Vault of Resonance, a secluded chamber deep beneath Lirionostarë. Here, the crystal was placed in a triad with two known Táristones, and a series of harmonic trials would begin.   The stone was tested for:   Purity of resonance — Could it hold a tone without distortion for the full hour of song?   Stability under pressure — Would it fracture or hum wildly under amplified magical flow?   Response to alignment — Did its color shift match the predicted particle hue for its alignment?   Only after passing all tests without flaw would it be labeled a true Táristone.
“The test reveals the song. The song reveals the door.”
— Aelin Thorondor, Helcarandor
Most stones failed—too weak or unpredictable for this use. These were not destroyed but used in lesser more mundane tasks.
Stone Keeper
“We do not lock them away. We ask them to wait.”
— Elenvaré, Helcarandor
Historical event: Táriporti


Cover image: by This image was created with the assistance of DALL·E 2

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