The Crystals

The Crystals of the Elements have been a fixture of the Worlds that make up the World of Ruin for uncounted ages. For some, they are objects of veneration. For others, they are powerful sources of elemental power. What all can agree on, however, is that they are powerful.

The creation of the original Crystals are a mystery that remains yet unsolved. They are repositories of elemental power that those versed in the proper magics or technologies can tap into for tremendous effects… As long as they involve that element. The Crystal of Fire is not useful for sailing the ocean… Unless you’re using it to power an internal combustion engine.

Properties

The Elemental Crystals are powerful pools of elemental energy. Anyone trained in the uses of magic (or advanced technology) can tap into the Crystals to do anything that the element could reasonably be expected to do. Fire can burn or melt things, provide combustion. Air can alter the weather and create storms. Water can exert control over the ocean or other bodies of water. Earth can make lands fertile or barren or reshape the landscape. Those who can make use of Sorcery or powerful Technology can engage in wide-scale alterations. Those who wish may be able to make flames die, the earth rot, the winds die, and the seas grow rough, if they are willing.

The Crystals also respond to Light or Darkness. They may shine or dim with great concentrations of such are nearby, or resonate with nearby Hearts (whether that of a world or a particularly strong person) that are compatible. The Crystals which currently exist in the World of Ruin have no inherent Darkness or Light alignments of their own.

Crystal Creation

Creating a small Crystal may be possible, though gathering enough power in a reasonable time frame will likely cause damage to the environment. A larger Crystal on the scale of the Four would require enough energy to throw an entire world into chaos. A manufactured Crystal will also take on an affinity towards Darkness or Light based on the person who creates it.

Crystal Destruction

The problem is not destroying the Crystals, as they enjoy no particular defenses. The issue is that the destruction of one of the great Crystals would cause widespread devastation that would inevitably annihilate anyone who tried. Most who hold the Crystals also consider them far more useful intact than not.

Locations

• Water: Avira
• Wind: Tycoon
• Earth: Mt. Bur-Omisace
• Fire: Fluorgis