A Technical Treatise on Gems: Technicalities of Topazes

A Technical Treatise on Gems : Technicalities of Topazes By Magus K. Firehart

This treatise covers the use of topazes in wand craft. Even the most novice artificer knows that topazes are used to extend the duration of spells, but even experienced artificers may overlook tiny technicalities of topaz use. These technicalities are subtle and easily overlooked especially when combined with gems like emeralds or fire opals; but by the end of this treatise, dear reader, you too will know these tiny technicalities about topazes. I also apologize for the formulaic format these treatises have taken but they get the job done, dear reader, and you are willing to overlook them.

Sorting

The first thing we need to do with topazes is to sort them. There are a whole slew of characteristics that influence how you can use a stone for simplicity sake I am going to lump them all together into a singular category. As a master artificer there are only four categories I use and that is category one through category four. Category one is reserved for topazes that are only fit to be used in a wooden wand. Category two is reserved for topazes that can be used in a steel wand. Category three is reserved for topazes that can be used in ivory wands. Category four is reserved for topazes that can be used in a gold wand. I am often fond of using category four gems (including topazes) in all my artifice for reasons delineated in the introduction and detailed below.

Each wand also has a base ranking on the Flenken Power Scale and a certain number of castings that it can hold. If you are unfamiliar with this information I recommend you pick up a copy of A Technical Treatise on Wands, it covers this basic information. If you can not find a copy this treatise I usually have some for sale in my loft (along with other impressive works of artifice) and if I have none for sale I certainly have some available for in-loft examination. All gems can either modify this FPS ranking, provide additional charges, do both, or provide other properties that make them useful. Topazes are used to extend the duration of a spell, I've found consumers of my wands are fond of this topaz feature and often request it.

Wooden Wands

Wooden Wands have a base FPS ranking of 0.075 and provide five castings. Using a category one topaz in a wooden wand extends the duration of the spell. Using a category two topaz in a wooden wand extends the duration of the spell, provides an additional casting of the spell, and offers a slight increase in the potency of the spell. Using a category three topaz in a wooden wand extends the duration of the spell, provides an additional casting of the spell, and offers a slight increase in the potency of the spell. Using a category four topaz in a wooden wand will increase the FPS ranking to 0.1, extends the duration of the spell, provides an additional two castings of the spell, and offers a slight increase in the potency of the wand. Aside from duration extending properties of the topaz most of the other benefits from using them are trivial in nature and out performed by other gems.

Steel Wands

Steel Wands have a base FPS ranking of 0.15 and provide ten castings. Using a category two topaz in a steel wand extends the duration of the spell and provides an additional casting of the spell. Using a category three topaz in a steel wand extends the duration of the spell and provides an additional casting of the spell. Using a category four topaz in a steel wand will increase the FPS ranking to 0.175, extends the duration of the spell and provides an additional two casting of the spell, and offers a modest increase in the potency of the wand.

Ivory and Gold Wands

For the sake of brevity, I will cover both Ivory Wands and Gold Wands simultaneously; Ivory Wands have a base FPS ranking of 0.225 and provide fifteen castings while Gold Wands have a base FPS ranking of 0.3 and provide twenty castings. A category three topaz in an ivory wand will extend the duration of the spell, and provides an additional casting of the spell. A category four topaz in an ivory wand will increase the FPS ranking to 0.25, extends the duration of the spell, and provides an additional casting of the spell. A category four Topaz in a gold wand will increase the FPS ranking to 0.325, extends the duration of the spell, and provides an additional two castings of the spell.

This concludes my treatise on topazes. As with my other books this book is just a primer. It will take you decades of research and experimentation to truly master the skill of artifice as I have. This treatise is merely a sample of the intricacies and wonders that the buffet of artifice offers. I have set your plate and provided your cup and now it is up to you, dear reader, to gorge yourself to your heart's content at this feast; may your appetite be insatiable and the duration of your wands measure in days. Burn brightly.