Humble Pebble

Written by TheExasperatedDM

Easily forgotten when it's use is no more, however, the pebble is humble and waits for their moment to be something more. Separated from their home, but giving company to other pebbles from interesting, different places and supporting each other under the weight of malevolent beings.
Waiting for the one; who will smile down, let them experience home again, and transform them to something more.

— a humble pebble life

The humble pebble's hope is to find home again, but many find a purpose in the mysterious rush only the One can give. There are only four feelings, the humble pebble can experience; contentment, hope, deep sadness, and the mysterious rush. Hope to reach their goals gets them through the deep sadness of being crushed by malevolent beings, separation from home, and the long wait for the One's mysterious rush.

Significance

Mysterious Rush

The 'mysterious rush' is the sensation of magic focused into the pebble. Spells can be stored and cast from a pebble for later use. Children will scoop up many pebbles to attempt to focus magic into them. However, their inexperience and lack of knowledge only limits their spellcasting. It is a common sight at Torch Key Wharf and other major cities of children playing and attempting to practice magic.

Pebble Fights

Hiding around corners waiting to ambush each other, children utilize a spell that boosts the damage and range of a thrown pebble to have mock battles. Though these "battles" are more real than mock with many children having bruises, cuts, and small swelling spots from thrown pebbles. It is not uncommon for a child to be unconscious from this spell, however, this does not stop them from using it.
The 'pebble' spell is used for getting rid of swarms of Amphiptere for a short period of time. It has been used in protests by the people, and incident at Sklale, the infamous mage school, was reported to have students wielding this spell against teachers.

The Lesson

We're here to control the weather, make fortresses appear from nothing, or even just fly. Not make a pebble change colors!

— an impatient student

Pebbles are used as a starting point for students of magic. Most students have this childhood familiarity and the pebble's easy availability is why it is the first object students must practice spells on. The pebble is one of the most important lesson the students must learn and they hate it. Even the Cuvar of Torch Key Wharf pauses for the humble pebble for it is humble yet mighty.

Incident "Reports"

Location: Sklale (Is-ka-ale), Vatriasia

Summary: Students protest against Master Mages by throwing 'pebble' spells. Later a Master Mage punished the students for a day.

Incident #1: Protesting Students

Why is Master Faulkener's brow cut? Where has he been? Out on a mission?

Where have you been!? It's the only thing students are talking about.

I've been buried under these incantations Faulkner has assigned me. I've hardly spoken, or seen Faulkner, much less other students.

Well, they have earned their title of 'Pebbler'. They were doing Transmutation color-change on their pebbles and didn't like the Master's reply. They casted the 'pebble' spell at the Masters, while the Masters did have their shields, one pebble managed to slice Faulkner's brow.

.......those poor fools...

Incident #2: Master Retaliates

Master Faulkner, your injury was tended too. The students were to receive a heavy chore regiment for their careless behavior. Tell us why you choose to punish them and then reward them with advanced training.

I did not expect your quick interference into my teaching. Some of these students are under my tutelage for years to come and must learn the 'Pebble' lesson. However, these students have been stuck on this lesson for far too long and I refuse to waste their potential on peddling magic items. Especially, a student who can manage to slip a pebble past two Master's wards.

Master Faulkner, the students will not be expelled for their inability now as you have given them an advanced spell. Continue your testament and not your criticisms of our system.

Very well. Using the pebble that managed to slip past my warding, I surpassed the pebble's magic capacity by connecting it to my own. As the 'Pebble' lesson is to teach students the difference between Magic Capacity and Potential. I choose a direct method to teach them this lesson and give them a punishment.

My manipulation of the pebble's capacity and the advanced spellwork demonstrated the full lesson of the 'Pebble' lesson. After the students managed to free themselves, they began to understand the lesson and their desire to learn was reinforced. Thus these students sought me out to learn how I managed to leave them stranded to their dorm ceilings for a day with only a pebble. I did not reward them with advanced spellwork. It was a test, though my spellwork had left me weakened, I could still manage any damages caused by their inexperience.

Rarity

Common

Dimensions

Smaller, or "palm-sized"

Base Price

Time to locate one

Pebble -any small stone, harden clay, or lump of dirt.
Formation A pebble can be summoned through Conjuration, transformed from another material through Transmutation, or formed through natural forces.

Untitled by Creative Vix