Jewel Casting

Jewel Casting or Gem Casting is a magical practice wherein the caster coaxes the inherent magical properties out of certain precious materials to achieve a desired effect. It is mainly practiced by those who've studied magic in The Black Tower of The Kingdom of White. Such casters typically require material components to work their magic, which are described below. A valuable gemstone can be used to manipulate magic at a rate of approximately 1sp per caster level per ability used, after which the magic that lends it its shape and beauty is fully drawn out, leaving a worthless residue behind.

Light - Illusion - Time
Diamonds are used to manipulate the fundamental perceptions of the universe, bending light, altering the passage of time for certain creatures as well as forging all manner of illusions. A magically consumed diamond burns out and becomes a brittle piece of coal.

Dark - Death - Destruction
Amethyst is used to evoke terrible power from within it, unleashing darkness, destruction and death upon the caster's enemies. A magically consumed amethyst drains its color to white, becoming a brittle piece of ordinary gypsum.

Protection - Enhancement - War
Rubies represent strength and can be used to bolster the caster, their allies, or their equipment in various ways. A consumed ruby shatters, splintering into worthless shards of hardened clay.

Mind- Telekinesis- Divination
Sapphires are used in the casting of the magics of the mind, their deep blue color aiding the caster in staying calm and focused. When spent, a sapphire will melt into a viscous pool of deep blue crystal slag that gradually dries up into a bit of coarse sea salt.

Creation - Alteration - Warp
Emeralds control the magics of the physical, altering the bodies of living creatures or pulling things through space or into being from the aether. A fully consumed emerald rusts through completely, typically breaking down and dissolving into worthless copper dust.

Any
Gold is an inherently magical substance, but it's material stability makes drawing the magic out of it much more difficult and less rewarding than using gemstones. A caster may use gold to cast any sphere effects he knows, but requires a gold piece per caster level per ability used. The use of gold coins in this manner is a criminal offence, and prohibitively expensive for most, and thus goldcasting is typically only done in experimental or emergency situations. Any gold used for casting loses its luster, becoming an equivalent amount of darkened lead.