Elemental Shard

Significance

  Elemental Shards are the primary source of magic for the world. They come in 4 types reflecting the 4 elements; earth, fire, wind, and water. Using the shards independently or in combination with each other can produce different magic effects. In fact most modern technology is based on the combination of water and fire shards to create steam. Effects such as this are based on purely mechanical and scientific knowledge, however one may also leverage the shards to "shoot" balls of fire, or cause a stone wall to burst forth from the ground. These effects come from the mastery of arcane lore.

   

Rarity

  Elemental shards are the physical components left over when an elemental spirit dies in the physical world. They are both rare and commonplace. They are common because many many spirits where killed over the course of the Draconic Wars, and their remains (the shards) are scattered to all corners of the world. They are, however, rare because while some known battlefields exist with high concentrations of elemental shards, they can be found in all corners of the world. One might come across a particularly moist piece of land, dig a well, and discover a water shard. An area of rich soil may conceal a earth shard. There is no rhyme of reason to it, they can not be mined for or harvested, but each must be sought out individually.

 

Unique Properties

  Elemental Shards contain a "magical charge". Exposing them to sunlight causes this charging effect. Depending on the size of the shard and the quality of the sunlight, this charging process can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Concealing a shard in darkness will slowly drain them of all energy over a period of several months or years. The use of a shard in either an engineering or arcane application will also cause depletion over time.     A "charged" shard will be warm to the touch, appear transparent, and seem to give off an internal light; a glow if you will.    A "depleted" shard feels cold and heavy. They appear opaque, and dark.