Potentia Crystals

In diffuse warm light, a potentia crystal exudes a slight pink glow. Most crystals have a six-sided star cross-section in fine threads that are fractally tesselated with each other. These can form much larger crystals of any size, although they generally don't exceed 30 cm across and the length-to-diameter ratio is typically between 20 and 40 to 1. They come to sharp points, in the center at one end and six smaller points on the opposite end.

In places with insufficient magical density to support full crystal growth, they do not form the star shape. They instead form an octahedral face-centered cubic crystal formation, nearly indistinguishable from diamonds. These crystals are the basis of magic in such worlds, being consumed to fuel rituals and incantations. When the crystal structure is destroyed, the liberated magic eventually builds up in the world, increasing the overall magical density and what can be done through its use.

Potentia crystals are carbon and magical energy condensed from the phlogiston of wild space. They are as hard as diamonds, with high compressive strength. They have low tensile strength and can shatter if they flex too far. This can have unpredictable effects, often called chaos bursts or wild magic.

Reefs can form anywhere in Wild Space where multiple phlogiston currents collide. Crystal spheres that are at confluences of multiple currents are the most densely packed with crystals and have been the focus of many wars of conquest.

The great tides of phlogiston in Wild Space twist and turn, grinding against each other and the crystal spheres floating within. As they do, bits of organic material crystalize around the raw magic of the phlogiston, creating reefs of crystals.

The first crystal spheres with high potentia crystal density were able to exploit the crystals that fell into their worlds to create Spelljamming technology. Without the energy density in the crystals, it is very difficult to provide enough power to a 'jamming engine to bridge the gulf between spheres.

In spheres in areas with low crystal density, there is generally not enough material on the planets to provide the energy needed to escape the sphere without outside intervention. Crystals can still be found in these worlds, but not in enough quantities to create viable Spelljammer technology.

Potentia crystals have been discovered independently in many systems. Crystals that form on the edge of spheres get drawn into the worlds within and are eventually discovered by the people of those worlds.

The crystal's primary use is for powering Spelljammer ships. Spelljammer generators operate by taking potentia crystals and stripping them layer by layer to emit the carbon and focus the magical energy into weapons, engines, or other ship utilities.

In spheres without Spelljammer technology, the crystals are rarely recognized for exactly what they are. In those spheres, they are often used as material components for spells and focus crystals for magic items.

In the most advanced magitech using societies - such as the Holy Imperium, the Arcane Cartel, or the Dohwar Collective - potential crystals power most industry. The expelled carbon is a problem for the production worlds, as it forms a fine soot that tends to cover everything and causes several lung diseases when breathed in. The high magical energy content makes these diseases resistant to magical cures.

Generators that break apart the crystal structure and allow the energy to be directed toward other machines are the bedrock of such societies.

Potentia crystals are the most important trade good among the known systems of wild space. They are a fungible commodity traded freely and commonly used as currency among different societies.