#crystal lore

Curses in Atmos are part of a little-used branch of crystal magic, its teachings now unknown to many. Thousands of years ago though, they used to be much, much more common.

To cast a curse on someone, you need a crystal to store it in. It can be any crystal, but rare high-grade ones tend to accommodate stronger and more complicated curses. Once a suitable crystal has been acquired, pick your victim target and make a vow to cast your curse.

Example: I promise you a lifetime of poor harvests. No wheat or grain will ever satisfy your needs. Atone for the sins done to me and you may be released from this curse.

Strong curses take considerable amounts of willpower and internal energy as well as crystal energy in order to cast, and for inexperienced casters there is a high risk of it backfiring on the user. A backfiring curse uses the caster as a vessel, and may take anything from a few weeks to years to wear off.

Curse crystals become incredibly fragile as their matrices are rearranged in order to store the curse's magic. The most surefire way to break a curse is to break the crystal containing it, so knowledgable casters will take measures to prevent that, by either reinforcing the crystal, storing it somewhere safe, or giving it to the keeper of a Curse Library. Casters have the option of including a secondary condition to the vow to allow the target to break it by other means. This step is optional.

Magic! It comes in many forms.

There are four forces of magic at work in Cryxia:

The Sihedron. The shape of this rune invokes energy, briefly remembering an ancient power. Magic of this type is very easy to learn, but is often dangerous and unpredictable. In addition, it can be used to cast devastating spells. The more powerful spells can cause permanent harm to its caster if not used within the most extreme caution.

The Crystals. Shards of the hearts of a long-forgotten race, they are full of magical energy. Rarely found, they each have a unique use, whether it is some type of weapon, a strange effect, or even channeling and empowering spells cast through other means. However, those trained in a special art can use a completely different form of magic using them. The most powerful crystals are only found within the hearts of ancient kings, and are thus ridiculously rare and highly sought-after.

????. An unknown, possibly benevolent entity grants the most devout spellcasting prowess. None know its origin, but a few claim that it dwells within the very world of Cryxia itself. Spells cast using its power may bring life to the fallen, freeze the impurities of the world, and mend the wounds of allies. The most powerful spells cast in this way offer a glimpse beyond time and space, causing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the universe. That or it drives the caster insane.

Starlight. Once in a very long while, a child is born with horrible cataracts, their eyesight taken by the stars. In return, they can direct the stars' light through crystal lenses or chunks of crystal to use powerful magic. However, this power is very rarely seen, only found in those born with it or those who study intently for many decades. This form of casting's effects are quite powerful and versatile, but locking each lens into place takes a while. In all, the most powerful spells cast in this way take a very long time and a load of concentration to cast.

Selenite

cleanses and recharges other stones

boosts the energy of other stones

enacts intentions- be careful of your thoughts when setting those intentions

universal healing stone- supreme healing stone for mind, body, and spirit

brings mental clarity

aids in contacting higher guidance

helps link to and ground the soul and higher consciousness to the earth’s energy 

calms and instills deep peace

a great stone for meditation or spiritual work

when placed in the corners of your home it creates a safe and quiet space which is free of outside influences

helps prevent external influences on the mind

good for work involving past lives and checking life progress

pinpoints lessons and issues that are still being resolved and shows how best to deal with them

can be used for scrying 

aids judgement and insight and clears confusion

brings a conscious understanding to what have been happening on a subconscious level

Hematite

grounding

protective

strengthens connection to the earth

helps with feeling safe and secure

gives courage, strength, vitality, and endurance

aids concentration and focus

assists memory

stimulates original thoughts

dissolves negativity and prevents you from absorbing others’ negativity

strong and supportive of the timid

boosts self-esteem

increases willpower

makes the user more reliable

imparts confidence

boosts survivability