Elemental Stones
From MoongatesWiki
Elemental Stones are gems that resonate with the power of the elements. They can be found in places where the element is prevalent (for example, water stones can be found near pure lakes, earth- and fire stones might be found near a volcano.)
Elemental stones are always found in their "young" form, and only by being subjected to magical energies by those who have an affinity for the relevant element can they advance into their mature form.
Elemental stones can be used to increase the effectiveness of element-based spells, as well as invoking sympathetic effects from the character of the element involved. They can also be used as a component of Ritual Magic and are only used up in rare circumstances when one is trying to push beyond the boundaries of what is permitted by natural magical law.
To date there have been six elemental stones discerned: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Chaos and Law.
The only known current practicioner of Ritual Magic using elemental stones is Muldran Skully of the Shadow Court.
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Using an Elemental Stone
People with no magical talent cannot invoke any effects from the stones, nor can they use a stone that has been matured. Elemental stones only become active when possessed by a person with any magical skill. To those who have no magical skill - or do not believe in magic - the stone is inert. It is for such a reason that some cultures use elemental stones to find out if people are magically inclined; for good or ill.
The ungifted will still notice the beautiful description of the stone, but will not trigger any personality, when held or ritual magic effects. They will not be able to discern shapes in the stones that someone gifted (no matter how small their ability) would otherwise be able to see.
Elemental stones can only by used by those who are attuned to them. So a Fire stone can be wielded only by a fire-alligned soul. Such divinations can be performed by those with access to "sight beyond sight"-style talents or other more common methods of magical identification.
However, once the stones have advanced to a mature stage, they can be used by any mage with sufficient understanding of Ritual Magic.
Involuntary effects
Elemental stones always have a minor effect on the person possessing them, and although this effect is never harmful, it can account for some strange happenings around the owner. These persistant effects get stronger if the owner's flesh is actually in contact with them; hence people rarely wear them as jewellery unless they want to draw attention to the fact that they posess such items! These can range from visual effects to slight personality changes.
Note that personality changes should never be extreme: they're reflecting the element that people are alligned to! They're minor twists in someone's charcater, not a great rent in their soul!
Elemental effects of one stone
A mage who is attuned to a stone can use it as a component in spells; this can enhance the effect of magical spells that share that element. A mage could increase the power of a fireball, for example, or could dig more earth out the way when using spells to excavate.
Elemental effects using multiple stones
It is possible to combine stones to create effects that share characteristics of two elemental stones; such as air and water to form ice. Such combinations can be tricky, and quite dangerous, as the stones often fight for dominance in their own element. It also requires a person who can allign with two young stones, or two fully matured stones. There is no documented evidence of someone using three or more elemental stones in concert to produce more complex element based effects.
Sympathetic effects of one stone
Somewhat more difficult to wrap the head around is the concept that elements have sympathetic vibrations. For example, fire can increase speed, or invoke anger. Water can cleanse, purify and heal. An accomplished mage who understands this level of magic can evoke these effects, but needs to perform such sympathetic magic in close proximity to a ritual circle.
Sympathetic effects using multiple stones
In advanced ritual-based magic, a mage can use several stones to perform complex workings of magic. Using the characteristics of the elements, an accomplished mage could chain together many effects such as complex warding and protection, through to translocation. Using young stones to perform such magic could result in the gem's shattering. Mature stones are preferred for such workings, but an attendant risk with using multiple stones is that they also use the caster, as the caster uses the stones. Mages who work with multiple stones can become incpacitated and require rest after complex workings. Also, the mage gives up something of themselves when working such magic. This can be a risk, since if that magic is later dispelled, this could also weaken the mage in return.
The Effects of the Stones
Personality effects happen if the stone is nearby the owner.
When held effects are when the owner grips the stone, and will always occur (can be held in hand in a bag, pocket, etc. as well as being brandished.) They can also be triggered by people wearing the stone is close proximity (as a ring, or pendant).
Ritual effects can only occour as part of a ritual circle, or in a place of power. There are rumours that Muldran has found someway to use the stones indepdently - if he has, he's keeping that secret to himself for now...
Elemental Stone: Air
A glittering, ephemeral diamond in it's young form. It's clear to see through, and sparkles with captured light. It also feels a lot lighter than it should...
In its mature form, it crystallises into a pefect blue diamond. It still feels lighter than it should, and can also be used as a light source.
Personality Effects
The owner finds that nothing riles them and makes them angry. They simply drift through disputes and disagreements with a smile, nod and a "It'll all work out in the end!"
When Held
Holding an Air stone makes the posessor's clothes start to rustle, as if a gentle breeze was rushing past them. With a mature stone, the breeze becomes a bit stronger, and the effect on the clothes more noticeable. Oddly enough, there's no wind resistance for the posessor; just the appearance of the wind!
People near to the person holding the stone will also see the possessor's clothes move, even when there's no breeze: however, they'll not be effected by it. They may hear strange whispers that the holder cannot, however!
Ritual Magic
As part of a ritual, the Air stone can freeze things with it's chilly aura. It can also provide the power to motivate and move.
Elemental Stone: Earth
A rough, purple amethyst in it's young form. A dull stone, but quite beautiful. It feels quite heavy. In its mature form, it crystallises into a rough chunk of ecru citrine.
Personality Effects
The owner can find they feel a bit slower. They don't feel the urge to run, and carefully ponder things that are said to them.
When Held
Holding the stone gives one the feeling of being connected to Nature. The thrum and beat of nature pounds through you, from the earthworm in the ground to the slowly growing tree. People nearby the posesser might notice a not-unpleasant smell, like mown grass or turned earth nearby. They may spot leaves or buds growing in the person's hair or green sap moving under their skin.
Ritual Magic
As part of a ritual, the Earth stone reaches out and touches Nature; both the animal and plant kingdoms. Anything that influences the natural world is controlled by this stone.
Elemental Stone: Fire
A roughly cut ruby in its young form. It glitters and glow brightly. Flames can be seen leaping around inside the stone. In its mature form, it crystallises into a a perfect, round fire ruby – and the flames inside become even more active.
Personality Effects
The owner can find their temper raised slightly; not to a violent level; just quicker to tell people off, and easier to get wound up.
When Held
Holding the stone makes the owner feel warmer, and they can appear flushed. In the mature form, the sensation becomes much stronger. Not painful – just hot.
People near to the person holding the stone can hear a roaring and crackling, as if something is on fire: they may also feel slight waves of heat emanate from the holder of the stone.
Ritual Magic
As part of a ritual, the Fire stone provides energy to power items and people. It can be used to burn items from a distance if the posessor so desires, or transmitted to another person or item to rejuvinate.
Elemental Stone: Water
A sparkling star sapphire in its young form. It sparkles pure blue, like the deepest ocean. You can hear the ocean when it’s lifted to the ear. In its mature form, it crystallises into a solid turquoise - seeming to represent all the oceans in one, compact rock.
Personality Effects
The owner can find their thoughts running like a fast brook; they might be more indecisive than usual: nothing dangerous, just thinking thoughts at the rate of 20 to the dozen!
When Held
Holding the stone gives one the feeling of water gently washing around the holder's feet; this is not an unpleasant feeling – it is just like you are paddling in pure, clear water. This current becomes stronger when the stone is in its mature form.
People near to the person holding the stone can hear distant waves breaking, and will get the taste of sea-salt on their lips.
Ritual Magic
As part of a ritual, the Water stone can wash away curses and impurities from objects or people. Note that more than one water stone must be used for strong curses.
Elemental Stone: Chaos
A fearsome green emerald in it's young form. It looks sinister and unsettling, and almost seems to move, even when settled on a ledge.
In its mature form, it crystallises into pure emerald - but if anything it's false movement seems to increase – it makes you uneasy to look at it!
Personality Effects
The owner takes delight in making slightly off-colour or inappropriate comments; usually the wrong thing at the wrong time.
When Held
The Chaos stone is unpleasant to hold. It itches incessently, almost feeling like a spider crawling across your palm, settling, burrowing, chewing...
People near the person holding the stone will feel brief waves of nausea if they have to look at the person for a long period of time. I can't quite put my finger on it... There's something just not right with that boy...
Ritual Magic
As part of a ritual, the Chaos stone throws a spanner in the works; it's unpredictable and powerful. But like the Law stone, it's a key component of ritual magic and should not be omitted. And for use by itself? Mischief making - and it can have a dire effect...
Elemental Stone: Law
A square chunk of Tourmaline in it's young form. Its yellow hue is nothing special, but just seems... flawless. In its mature form, it crystallises into a a perfectly filed square chunk of Amber. It is quite peaceful to gaze upon.
Personality Effects
The owner will find that urge to stand a bit straighter, behave a bit more... upright. Perhaps they'll tut their tongue when seeing some minor infraction of the law, or feel a bit more guilty when stealing a biscuit from the cookie jar.
When Held
Holding the stone gives the owner a lawful cast. Their movement becomes a bit stilted and robotic. People near to the person holding the stone will be slightly unnerved by the otherworldly aura eminating from them, and will (out of the corner of their eye) see a strange yellow-grey crust start to spread across the holder.
Ritual Magic
As part of a ritual, the Law stone provides binding; it succesfully hooks the other stones together, and allow just the "right" amount of energy each. The holder of the Law stone generally keeps the ritual on track. By itself, the law stone can influence people to behave more lawfully.
The Stones in Britannia
Muldran Skully set up several expeditions some time ago. During one such delve into the place known as Terort Skitas, the Shadow Court recovered an item of importance to the Wisps called the Rainbow Teardrop. Using the Rainbow Teardrop, Muldran learnt of the existance of the elemental stones - and deduced that ritual magic would be the key to focus the powers of these stones.
Muldran lead several expeditions around the lands, going to places of elemental power to discover the stones. Several types of each stone were recovered, and Muldran ensured that those with the appropriate soul looked after the stone they were alligned with.
During this time, these people noticed a few odd effects; none more so than Cherry who became obsessed with the multiple fire stones she held; so much so that she brought forth a fire elemental from one of them.
Over time, Muldran regained at least one of each elemental stone, and has since made sure that they have matured to their advanced form. He used a combination of the Law, Water and Air stones to separate an evil entity from Tim Hunter. The ritual was apparently a success, but Tim was changed in the process, and although he thanked Muldran for his assistance, he returned less and less to the Court, until one day he had vanished.
The stones were lost during a break-in at the Vinyamar, but Muldran has since recovered them.
