Crystals have the unique property of being able to hold Magical Energy. Any type will do, from Neutral Energy to Void Magic, though they are usually used to store Elemental Energy. The clearer the crystal, the more it can hold, and stronger material is less prone to breaking after the energy is released. Once a crystal has captured energy, it will change color to reflect the element held.

Capturing energy on its own is not particularly useful, however. The true value comes from a crystal's ability to capture the "intent" of a Spell -- the mental directive that makes energy do what the caster wills it to do. When a caster stores energy in a crystal, they may do so either with or without intent, which in turn affects how the crystal is later used in a spell.

Energy stored in a crystal can be used by anyone, even if the caster isn't normally able to wield that type.

Usage (Without Intent)

If the mage who originally stored the energy did not provide intent, the caster who later uses it may then release the energy and direct it as they wish, the same way they would control energy released in any other spell. Releasing the energy does not require any special process, but the caster must be in physical contact with the crystal.

Usage (With Intent)

Storing energy with intent already imprinted on it creates a crystal that can cast a spell on its own. The original mage must cast the spell of their choice with the desired actions of the energy in mind, thus imprinting their intent onto the energy, then immediately store it into the crystal instead.

After the caster makes use of the crystal later, it will perform the spell automatically. While this means that the caster has minimal control over what the energy does, it also means that complicated spells can be passed from mage to mage in a physical form. Skilled mages can even imprint the intent to only release a small amount of energy at a time, allowing the crystal multiple uses before it needs to be recharged.

The art of storing energy with intent into a crystal is the basis of Magitech.

Cultural Impact

Crystals and magitech devices are often sold by mages who are able to fill them with energy. Many races purchase or otherwise trade them to add creature comforts to their lives, such as using ice crystals to fill an icebox.