Accessing the Lode

Witches and Fae are the only known beings capable of manipulating the raw energy of the Lode, a task that carries considerable difficulty and unpredictable outcomes. While a solitary witch can draw upon the untapped potential of the Lode, it is highly advisable to use a coven. The presence of multiple witches helps mitigate the risk of a power surge, ensuring stability and preventing the witch from becoming overcharged and unstable, which could render spellcasting challenging.

Unlike witches, Fae possess inherent magical abilities. They serve as direct conduits having originated from what is believed to be the source of the Lode, enabling them to harness and store this power within themselves. However, their repertoire of learned spells is limited in comparison.

In addition to direct access, witches along with the other species possess the ability to harness the Lode’s power through a coveted reservoir of gemstones imbued by the Lode’s essence. When these gemstones are faceted and brought to their purest form, they unleash a significant mystical energy, granting those who possess them access to the Lode’s extraordinary power.

Gemstones

Gemstones found in Eclipse Ridge are unique in their ability to act as vessels for the raw magic in our world, able to hold within them the otherwise flitting essence of the Lode within their many facets.

Gemstones are innately tied to the lunar cycle, undergoing fluctuations in energy with the moon’s waxing and waning. At the Full Moon, a Gemstone left in direct moonlight will slowly recharge, drawing in and reflecting the Lode within itself; conversely, at the New Moon, its potency is at its lowest, although still usable.

Of course, Gemstones can also be depleted through the expenditure of the Lode within, with different uses consuming greater or lesser amounts depending on the size of the task at hand. 

Lode absorption and abilities are categorized as follows:

• Tier 5 (T5) – 100% use, completely drains all Lode contained within.
• Tier 4 (T4) – 60% use
• Tier 3 (T3) – 40% use
• Tier 2 (T2) – 20% use
• Tier 1 (T1) – 10% use
• Passive (P) – 5% daily use (e.g. protection charms)

All Gemstones offer passive enhancements, or buffs, to any species in possession of one. However, only Witches are capable of manipulating the Lode contained within for specific and varied purposes (see Grimoire). 

Raw unfaceted Gems, or those that have become broken and corrupted through intense use or abuse, will leak Lode rapidly, quickly becoming dull and useless. Broken and corrupted Gems are considered extremely unstable and dangerous.

How Does it Work?

Many objects have been used as conduits for magic over time, varying widely by cultures, geography and preference, however, the abilities of gemstones in Eclipse Ridge is not widely known outside of the Witch and Fae community – Perhaps on account of their rarity in the world, or by means of purposeful obfuscation by those charged with their protection. Witches who have resided in Eclipse Ridge for an extended period may have received education or guidance in the gemstones from a fellow witch, their coven, or a visit to Mystic Junction. Fae would be taught how the use of runes allow them greater control of the Lode, using the runes to help focus on their spells and abilities. To other species and communities, knowledge of gemstones is earned only through education, exposure or research, their mysteries shrouded even within The Shroud itself.