The Magiclysm

[Turko]

The Kingdom of Baros was rocked by what has become known as the "Magiclysm". On that fateful day the gemstones of the kingdom resonated with magic and exploded. This wave of destructive energy destroyed most of the settled areas of the kingdom.

The Heroes have arrived at the ruins of what was once Falconmeer Academy...

[Turko]

THE GEMSTONES AFTER THE MAGICLYSM
After the Magiclysm the gemstones became muted and more general in their powers but all have become awakened. They lost their specific powers and now all fall into one of three categories. The gemstones that retained their magical properties are only found as broken bits of gemstone rock and only come in three colors – clear, blue, and green.

CLEAR GEMSTONES: These gemstones are more universal in that they trap the magic that deals with a larger variety of items. These gemstones can be used to create items that fall between the destructive and protective powers of the green and blue gemstones. Magic items created using these gemstones range from potions of healing, to bags of holding, to headbands of darkvision, and wands of resurrection.
BLUE GEMSTONES: These gemstones trap the magic that is used for protective purposes. Magic items created using these stones are generally defensive items such as magic armors, cloaks of protection, potions of armor, etc.
GREEN GEMSTONES: These gemstones trap the magic that is used for destructive purposes. Magic items created using these stones are generally offensive weapons such as wands, magic swords, arcane bows, etc.

[Turko]

KNOWLEDGE (GEMSTONES) SKILL: The Magiclysm awakened all of the remaining gemstones. When a Hero uses this skill he/she is attempting to release the magic contained within the stones. Each success releases 1d6 power points that are then “collected” by the Heroes. The Heroes may decide how to distribute the released power points. Magic Items and gadgets can benefit from this as well. This destroys the gemstone.

[Turko]

GEMCRAFTING MAGIC ITEMS

The Hero completes a dramatic task using the Gemcrafting Skill and aid from 1 other Hero or extra.
Each success earns a “Creation Point.” Creation points are then spent to build the item's powers.

FAILURE:

0 Creation Points: The Gemstone is destroyed.

1-4 Creation Points: Mundane items are destroyed but magic items are unaffected.

SUCCESS:

5 Creation Points: 5 points must be spent to create the item. This gives the item a +1 in the appropriate skill such as fighting or a +1 to damage. If powers are involved it grants a d4 in the appropriate skill, a wild die, a single power, and 5 power points.

If the Hero gained more than 5 successes in the dramatic task, the additional Creation Points can be spent using the following guidelines.

1 Creation Point:
A die increase in the appropriate skill if a power is being used
An additional 3 power points
A +1 bonus to the appropriate skill roll (ie a sword gains +1 to fighting or +1 to damage)

2 Creation Points:
The benefit of an edge
Another Power that uses the same skill as the first power granted
A special ability to be agreed upon by the player and the GM

[Turko]

The Arcane Arts after the Magiclysm
The Magiclysm awakened the gemstones of the realm but the magical energies that flow throughout the atmosphere of the realms are a limited source of energy. When an arcane magic user casts a spell it pulls from this energy pool and "drains" the arcane energy that exists in the realm. Over time the energy returns.

In game mechanics terms: Arcane Backgrounds now use the Power Point Rules with the following additions:
1) When an encounter is over all arcane users make a Spirit roll. Each success and raise allows them to recover 1d6 power points. The user may allocate these points as needed if they have more than one arcane source (such as a weird science user).
2) The Knowledge (Gemstones) skill can be used to recover power points.