Crystal Gardens

Geography

The geography of these places can vary, aside from an abundance of crystals and gemstones, there is no change to the geological structure of the area.

Fauna & Flora

A crystal garden is simply an area that has undergone Crystallization due to the presence of the Arcane being stronger or denser than usual. Whatever flora was there previously continues its existence with their organic parts replaced with gemstones resembling the color of what was there before, a rose would have an emerald stem and ruby petals. Instead of photosynthesis they instead draw in magical energy to survive and grow. Under the light of a full moon, the plants are known to hum in a unique pitch and intensity to each plant. This same sound can be recreated by guiding magic through the plants, which is a similar process to being able to graft the flowers onto other objects or relocate them. It is possible to attach a crystal flower to a magical staff and guide the stem to curl around the staff. Some believe that attaching these plants to magical items not only adds an aesthetic quality but improves the magic item either in terms of capacity or effectiveness. Whether this is true or simply a perception has not been fully tested as there are dangers to going into these places so gathering samples is difficult.
The Fauna in such a place takes two paths, one they become crystal statues as Crystallization sets in and petrifies them. The other is the creatures manage to adapt to their new condition, these crystal hide creatures are a particular menace to those who rely on ray spells as the crystal on their bodies is known to deflect rays. Thankfully they are as dependant on the Arcane energies within the gardens as the plants are. Some of the creatures within the Gardens can become invisible due to the arrangement of their crystal hide, while others can project images of themselves. These gardens often have arcane elementals tending to the plants and protecting them, with a very powerful one guarding where Arcane Hearts can be harvested.

Natural Resources

Living Crystal Crystal Hide Crystal Plants

Tourism

Many people like to view Crystal Gardens from afar or venture near enough to hear the sounds the plants produce in the light of a full moon, to enter one of these places though takes a courageous sort. The person entering risks exposing themselves to the effects of Crystallization which has no exact science about how fast it can form or progress, further the creatures that inhabit these places are even more dangerous than the normal varieties.

Alternative Name(s)

Arcane wells