Focus Stones

Focus Stones use the natural elements of the earth in concert with the considerable powers of concentration by the wizards. For the most part, they are made from a yellow marble that is found in many places within the Nine Duchies. They are not used to perform a great deal, mainly small tasks such as moving objects, lighting candles and many menial chores.

The standard shape for a focus stone is ovular, or egg-shaped. This is the preferred shape for wizards since antiquity, and as a result, no other shape has ever been considered. A pure geometrical shape is thought to be easier to focus through. Popular thought with the guilds is that the ovular shape evolved to become the most efficient object through which the wizards were able to focus. Any other shape was considered inferior, although it was generally considered that other shapes were workable. Practitioners of 'other-grade' focussing are generally considered inferior.

It is also considered 'inferior' to practice with any type of stone other than that given to novices when they begin their apprenticeship with the guilds. The fact that many other types of rock have different qualities that may be drawn upon is dismissed as heresy by the heads of many orders.

Focussing

The practice of focusing is a skill that takes wizards many seasons to attain. The mere holding of a stone is not enough. The practitioner needs to be able to push his or her thoughts through the very substance of the stone to augment his or her will. The skill is learned through a series of increasingly complex mental agility routines, enabling the user to contemplate several things at once, whilst casting a focus through their stone. Only the strongest wizards ever attain the highest level of focussing, and they are to be feared for they have considerable psychic skills that can be brought to bear on any number of issues simultaneously.

There are many levels of focus, most of them not far above the menial. Of the known skills, being able to project ones thoughts over distance is considered amongst the orders to be the peak of the skill, though rumour has it that a focus can grow as large as the practitioner sets their sights.