Magic and Spark

Magic in Firma takes various forms, and manifests in many different ways. The most common interaction that humanity has with magic is in its mineral form, called Spark.

Spark
Magical Energy in Firma is distilled into a mineral deposit found throughout the world. In its mineral form, Spark was discovered in prehistoric times and has been an integral part of every major society since the dawn of written language. It was first industrialized in the mid 14th Century BP, and many historians claim it was the catalyst for the initial schism between the Blessed Ones and the Children.

In its natural state, Spark resembles a calcified crystal structure that glows softly with one of five colors. The pure mineral can be either Red, Gray, White, Amber, or Blue. Spark veins are naturally homogenous, and predominantly occur in specific regions of the world, but all colors have been found growing in all territories.

Recent developments in research by the College at Aera have revealed that an essence of Spark exists within living tissue. The implications of this discovery are not yet known.

In its refined state, Spark can take two forms: ferrous, or plasmic. Both forms are available in the same color forms as natural spark.

Ferrous Spark is a matte, metallic alloy with the consistency of gunpowder. It is intensely volatile. It can be used as combustible fuel, explosives, or kinetic charges.

Plasmic spark is a viscous fluid that retains its dim glow. It can receive, retain, and release energy that is properly aligned to its color, similar to a battery. Plasmic spark is somewhat volatile, but can be easily stored and transferred from place to place.

Most health authorities have little to say about Ferrous spark, but insist vehemently that Plasmic spark is "incompatible with life when handled directly."

Magic
Spark's energy can be leveraged through an effort of will and discipline. This allows for certain individuals to exercise a degree of control on the environment through evocation, rituals, and other magic.

"Spark points" are a measure of how much energy remains in a particular source.

Metagame Rules - Spark Uses
Plasmic Spark will be the primary fuel for all major industrial equipment. Ferrous spark deposits are the "red barrels" of the world.

Natural spark can be consumed to refill the spark pool of a magic user.

Natural Spark can also be "tapped" as a supplemental action to provide a temporary +2 bonus to the next use of a skill based roll within the same scene, according to the following chart.