Role

Chapter 4

It has been years since my capture and imprisonment within the Crystal Tower. At
last, I have found rest to chronicle my time there, but I could not have imagined
how vastly my world would change in so little time.

I had become obsessed with the Crystal Tower - what methods were used to carve
this magnificent structure? What strengths and weaknesses did it have? Was it,
or could it be, empowered with the Runic Arts to become further defensible?
Hundreds - thousands! - of Lord Phaelim's collected books passed through my hands
in my research of raw earth-borne crystal, but nothing could prepare me for the
mystical strength of it in person.

It was truly magnificent, but these current occupiers had no clue as to the true
potential power of such a structure. Earth-borne crystal acts as a link between
the physical realm and the metaphysical. Enchanters often house crystal in
staves or globes as a focal point to enhance the effects of their magic upon the
physical world. But the crystal acts as a two-way gate, also focusing the powers
of the physical plane into raw mana (obvious to those attuned enough to sense
it!). Untapped, the raw mana eventually dissipates into the ether, the widely
available source through which a mage may draw her power.

But just imagine! Imagine the research, the knowledge, the magic that could be
discovered, if a coven of like-minded sorcerors could take root there. It would
be difficult to clear the Crystal Tower of its inhabitants, true. The
counterattack would be ferocious to defend. After that wave, word would surely
get out, and those who do not understand the sorcerous arts would be inclined to
attack. But it could be defended!

And so, I was explicably drawn toward the Crystal Tower. But I let my guard down
while I was examining a crystal specimen, and I was ambushed and taken captive.
My link with the ethereal source was severed, my prayers were answered by
silence. At first, I thought my life would pass, unnoticed. Then, I gradually
found the strength to live. The beatings slowed and stopped over the course of
several months.

Gradually, I was elevated from lowly prisoner to laboring slave, with no choice
but to chip away at the crystal and bide my time. It was the perfect opportunity
to learn the strengths and weaknesses of this ground-borne natural crystal.
Daily, I probed inwardly for the source, and daily I could feel my block
weakening. I could not count the number of years that passed before I made my
escape. But those years brought me to a grand conclusion:

The Crystal Tower could, indeed, be taken and held for the study of pure Magic.