gem manipulation log

Study on the Composition and Creation of Crystalline Structures
Dura Levante

Herein are my findings for my research. It's never been our way to write these things down. I will burn them after so my work can't be repeated. I know now that some things are not worth sharing. Not until I've tested, refined, and can entrust it to able hands. Maybe not ever.

Goals in Abstract:
- Measuring the resonant frequencies of gemstones, so as to apply them to Lee Shin Youngs project of long distance communication
- To create and refine a process for artificial creation of enhanced gemstones for ritual craft - primarily for the purposes of cleansing, though applications of restructuring and creating these crystals can have far reaching consequences if executed properly.

1st Log
I had found myself first at Nera, clueless and nearly fresh off the boat. I managed to find myself in the good-enough graces of Pascha Pavlova, Providence's Duke at the time. He afforded me some funding for a side project - research into the appearing doors around the academy - then introduced me to Lord Constantine, the head of the small and floundering Research Division.

Though he took a long leave of absence for some time, leaving me adrift on my path to research, he did afford me his notes and basic theories for the transmutation of gemstones. This set me off on my path.

2nd Log
Chuck Midhir - now Castilund after his marriage - has always been an invaluable colleague. He's an alchemist of some note now. They have ways to transmute metals, and it seemed like the most sense to start with the basics there, though the structures between metals and crystals are vastly different.

He walked me through the process and I was able to note the tinctures he used and his methods, though we were young and cramped in that awful Urosil tent. Still, it was enlightening all the same.

3rd Log
Goro was Chairman back in those days when I was in Nera, and Boundary was much quieter with less clamor of war. I hadn't expected to find wisdom from him, but as an Anima of earth he had a surprising amount to offer. It was he that actually gave me a good nudge in the right direction.

I was discussing with him the nature of what made metals, and by extension crystals, different. He said they each spoke to him with a different 'voice'. They made different sounds when he held them, depending on their composition and nature. This was a great launching point for the rest of my work when establishing measurable frequencies of these stones.

4th Log
In Constantine's absence, Pascha took reigns of the the Research Division and named me Vice Head. I did my best to do what I could with it in the mean time, with what limited support I had. Shin Young Lee had grand designs for a system of communication, and after learning of the frequencies they produced - as well as seeing the opportunity for collaboration amongst all of us - I was all too willing to offer to potentially assist through means of my current research.

How utterly stupid and naive that was.

5th Log
I was able to witness a strange ritual in Boundary. One of the Umbra had a gathering, a party of sorts, to celebrate the occasion. They were to eat a unconscionable amount of Amber stones in the sight of all the town's residents and others. All were invited to come witness and, thinking it a curiosity, I attended.

I am full glad that I did, as strange as it was. They consumed all of them, took the qualities of the crystals into themselves somehow, and managed to digest and incorporate it into their being. Proof that these materials, these qualities of gemstones, can be broken down and restructured. Doing it with ritualcraft however is another matter.

6th Log
Actually measuring the frequencies was going to provide a basis for a lot of my work too. My theory was that the higher the mana potency of a gem - such as Malachite - the greater the frequency it would produce. That much was correct, and I was glad to have Chuck's assistance in testing it. I was going to use the Providence facilities for this, but I walked in with Chuck and was given a fantastic dressing down from the 'Minister' Creux.

Though there was some trial and error. Flowing the mana through the crystals just right takes some practice. This not only proves the correlation between mana density and frequency, but also that if properly focused these stones might have place in that long distance communication that Lee was after.

7th Log
I purchased a massive quantity of malachite gems to continue my trials. Surely I could have used a lesser stone, but I wanted to ensure I got results if it was at all possible, and the highest mana density stone I could readily fine was malachite. I enlisted Pchel, a medic and novice budding artificer, to assist.

I had painstakingly carved two mirrored concave discs from malachite, finding this the most logical configuration. All the facets were arranged to point, as best as their natural arrangement would allow, inward to a single focal point. I found that if mana was run through one of the discs, it would resonate with the other over a short distance. Further distances were not tested. Consideration should also be taken care of stability; if the facets are not aligned, or the structure not reinforced, damage is highly likely the more energy is put into the transmission.

8th Log
Inspiration and opportunity arises in unexpected places. I was on a journey in the Astral Sea, attempting to go to the Land of Suu to help a great turtle that my allies Renata and Chuck had met. It was a fantastical place we were taken to. A whole world covered in water and jungle that looks strangely like home.

A spirit lie there, cast out from Rhyst. Its purpose had been meant to wipe the slate clean on the world for the Convergence with massive floods, and so it was abandoned to the far reaches of the Astral Sea. We witnessed its death and pieces of its body, crystalized with Astra and Rhystian energy, remained behind.

...But it wasn't fair. Was it? She just wanted to go home...

9th Log
I have made the acquaintance of Elliot Nax as a colleague of some note; his expertise with rituals will be invaluable in making the final configuration for the prototype. He's offered his aid after we both assisted Orion in his own work, and after we discussed at length his own research.

He's offered pointers for the symmetry of my ritual configuration. Sigils for efficient transference of power. With access to the Lodestone afforded me by Drahcir, power won't be an issue - but now is not the time to be slouching. Reconfiguring the facets of Aspea's shard won't be simple or easy. If my theories are correct? I can use and amplify its natural Rhystian mana beyond what is already there. A perfect proof of concept for my designs.

They will see it, and they will know what I can do. As they should.