Crystals of Light and Dark

Lore & Background

Allagan scholars once studied these energies extensively within their Crystal Tower, attempting to harness them for immortality and flight. However, they failed to account for the emotional weight of the aether itself. Today, these forces are visible in the summoning of Primals, where faith crystallizes into physical form, and in the work of Arcanists who channel ambient light or dark currents. The balance between them dictates whether a realm thrives or succumbs to decay.

In Their Own Story

The air hummed with static as the scholar approached the altar. Two stones rested on the obsidian pedestal: one pulsing with warmth like a captured sun, the other cold and void-like, drinking in the torchlight. She reached out, her hand trembling. This was not just magic; it was memory. The light whispered of hope, while the dark promised an end to pain. To choose one was to break the world's spine.

Reader's Guide

In practice, these crystals function as conduits for spellcasting and aetherial manipulation. Mages do not typically hold physical 'Light' or 'Dark' stones in their inventory; rather, they draw upon ambient currents that possess these qualities. Ascians and powerful entities utilize concentrated versions to alter reality, such as summoning Primals or sealing rifts. For adventurers, understanding this duality is key to resisting corruption during high-stakes encounters where aether density fluctuates wildly. Wielders must maintain mental fortitude, as prolonged exposure to raw Dark Aether can lead to despair, while unchecked Light may cause stagnation. Balance is the true weapon.

Did You Know?

• The concept of Light and Dark Crystals stems from the original Star before it was sundered into shards by the First Calamity.
• Allagan technology in the Crystal Tower relied heavily on manipulating these aetheric currents for flight and teleportation.
• Primals are essentially temporary crystals formed from the collective faith of believers, mimicking this duality.