Exalted Focuses
(Header image by Arukanoda)
Exalted Focuses, simply referred to as Focuses, is the most surefire way to gain a lot of power quickly. Focuses are also the only thing that allows Common Crystali to use magic.
Magic can be enhanced with spell circles and Sygils up to a certain point, but the most powerful way of achieving more magic is to use an exalted focus.
Exalted focuses work by essentially stealing a Crystali’s connection with Nophra's core, allowing the user to access multiple flows of magic.
To achieve this, one must obtain sizable chunks of Crystali horns, tails, or other conductive sources on their bodies. Harvesting something with this much power and connection to the core will always kill the host, as their life-force is literally being taken from them. Making and owning these weapons is highly immoral and strictly forbidden in most of Nophra. As a result, they are very rarely spotted.
To make one, a skilled smith will carefully forge a weapon or accessory with the harvested crystal and enchant it so that it acts as a bridge between the user and the harvested crystals. The results are a weapon or accessory that allows the wielder to access the extra flow of magic, which can greatly amplify their abilities.
The more sources used, the stronger the user gets. The downside is the increased flow of magic becomes unstable, making it easier to be overwhelmed by an unexpected surge of magic.
Unlike with Marks, a Crystali can use different elements through focuses.
Overuse
Overuse of these weapons can cause a rebound-type effect. Learning the limits of using them is always a gamble, and is done through feel alone. It's easy to become transfixed on this newly gained power and most will suffer for it.
Like with regular magic and sygil use, one's ability to use these tools varies and can be trained up to an extent.
Consequences of overuse include:
- Blindness
- magic 'burns' that usually cover entire limbs
- A cutoff or significant weakening of magic flow, from overwhelming and damaging it
- Other mutation-esque issues
- Death
These effects are very obvious and visible and will result in being shunned. They are unmistakable for diseases or other disabilities.
Re-use
Crystals can be re-forged into new weapons, or broken into smaller pieces to create a different look. As long as they are kept close to each other and all used together, they retain their original strength. When separated, all of them will lose potency. If they are separated for too long, they will 'die' and become inert.
Dead Crystals
Crystals harvested from a dead individual, or small pieces that do not conduct flow from Nophra's core will retain a charge of magic. These can be used to make things for aesthetics like jewelry or other embellishments. Most of these things are still frowned upon, since it is impossible to know at a glance where the crystals came from. The last little bit of magic within them can be used up like how one would use a focus, however. It can never be recharged after the fact. When the last of their magic is consumed, crystals are considered dead and become dull, grey and brittle.
The only socially accepted form of this is a wedding ritual where a Crystali will chip off a small part of their own horns to be used as a rock for a wedding ring. A risky practice that still isn't very common.
Crystals belonging to dead Crystali will all eventually die unless some sort of enchantment is placed upon them.
Focus Smiths
Only the most skilled of weapon smiths are able to incorporate crystals into their work and use the enchantments to create these focuses. They are specifically referred to as Focus Smiths.
Most will not take commissions and will be very secretive about their craft. You only learn of them through word of mouth. Although they're very aware creating these weapons is forbidden, the temptation to prove their skill and harness the additional power is always there for some. It is very much a black market thing.
