Introduction
Power crystals, or
strenga crista, are crystal structures capable of housing the elemental power of nature and the universe. These crystals grow in vast networks and span the entire underground of the continent of Arkanis, and are the source of the elemental power of certain humans on the surface. Elemental power, known often just as "the power", is the ability to manipulate elements of the natural world where one otherwise couldn't - such as controlling the tides (
Aquarys), growing plants (
Terrys), or creating fire (
Ignys). There is much
mythology centered around the crystals, leading to the development of Arkanis's unique cosmology and religion.
Properties
Each crystal has a unique molecular structure and is responsible for the birth of particular humans, called
Chosen, who wield elemental power. Scientists and philosophers believe the molecular structure of a power crystal has something to do with which power manifests genetically in a person and how the crystal houses the power itself.
The power - or rather, the genetic predisposition to inherit the power - is passed down genetically from mother to child. Thus, it is nearly 90% guaranteed that a child with XX chromosomes born from a Chosen parent will inherit the gift.
Each crystal network connects to a
nexus crystal, a massive slab or cluster of crystal where the power is most concentrated. Each queendom was established atop these home crystals, guaranteeing their XX heirs inherit the power and thus ensuring they maintain control over the general public.
Expression
The power manifests in people who were born with two X chromosomes, leading scientists to deduce that the power needs the structure of two X's together to manifest properly. It's rare for power to manifest healthily in people born with an X and Y chromosome, as such manifestation often leads to birth defects. However, a few select individuals born with an X and Y chromosome have grown into healthy wielders.
Consequently, this has caused many members of the royal bloodline to place preference on heirs born XX rather than XY, leading to primarily female rulers (there has not yet been a transgender ruler of an Arkanis queendom, but transgender individuals are not unheard of wielding Chosen power).
The power first shows itself around the middle of puberty, near the age of 16. Some people are "late bloomers" and don't show signs of their power until their late teens or, rarely, their early twenties. Those shown to have the power are taken under the wing of the government to be trained in skilled trades, combat/military operations, entertainment, or courtly duties.
Categories
Individuals who possess the power wield one of five elements: Light, Darkness, Fire, Water, or Earth.
The crystals and their powers are as follows:
- Lys Crista = Lumys (light magic)
- Vode Crista = Umbrys (shadow magic)
- Glys Crista = Aquarys (water magic)
- Nys Crista = Ignys (fire magic)
- Ede Crista = Terrys (earth magic)
Mutations
Mutations most often occur:
- when the power attempts to manifest in people born with XY chromosomes,
- when normal people are exposed to the crystal and do not possess the genes meant to tolerate the power,
- or crystal power is attempted to be destroyed/altered.
Some common mutated defects are: blindness, deafness, muteness, weak immune systems, speech impediments, depression, anxiety, and learning or mood disorders.
These people, called the
Feriori, are often ostracized from society and/or purposely isolated to their own sectors of settlements. However, despite their lowered status, many become key figures either in the Court or in peasant society as healers, shamans, priestesses, or public servants.
Parameters of Power Use
Crystal networks draw their power together. If one crystal connected to a cluster loses its power, the rest of the cluster is weakened. Operating similarly to tree root networks, crystals communicate and share power between each other as long as they are physically connected to one another.
If a
nexus crystal is severely damaged or removed from its network - such as by human excavation, earthquake, or intentional destruction - the rest of the network suffers, either by diminished power or destruction of its power completely.
Touching the home crystal is forbidden for all but the Chosen royal family and Chosen priestesses, as doing so may result in powerful consequences. Touching the home crystal only occurs under unique circumstances, such as to give a temporary boost to one's power, for religious ceremonies, or to help coax the power out of a weak Chosen individual. Touching the home crystal of another queendom - ergo, touching a home crystal with which an individual does
not share its elemental magic - may result in retaliation from the crystal itself.
Geography affects how and when an individual may manifest their power, and certain weather or geographical conditions may lead to either a strengthening or weakening of power usage. For example, an Ignysine's power is strong in hot, dry conditions but not necessarily in cold, damp weather conditions.
There has been some speculation about the ability for one person to
wield all five elements. However, this speculation has never been physically proven in the modern era, living only in myth. Some scientists argue that Darkness wielders, with their ability to manipulate dark matter and its absence, could somehow house the energy to manifest all five powers at once, although this has been sorely argued against by scientists who believe the same of Light wielders.
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