The Crystal Mines (Zeru)

Sade · Rogue Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Posts: 63

READ THIS FIRST: The following is an extensive article detailing an aspect of Arctic Islands Culture. This article is NOT necessary information. Even if you are creating an Arctic Islands character, you do NOT need to read this article. This article is only for those of who are interested.

The Crystal Mines

Spread throughout all the Arctic Islands are small deposits of rare crystals that the royalties and nobles of other countries go absolutely daffy for. Throughout the ages, these crystals were used by the natives for religious ceremonies, and are still considered to mediums to the spirit world. Excessive mining in late years depleted the resources of the crystals, leaving the caves bare and the tribal natives with little to no crystals left for ceremonies. This was brought to the attention of King Ataneq (now deceased). He ordered that non-natives had to have a permit for the collection of crystals. Of course, there is a copious amount of illegal mining.

The crystals are located in small, pocket-like caves placed randomly throughout the islands. Most natives know how to locate these caves, and are often paid in foreign items to lead expedition teams to the caves.

The island of Mairak, smaller than any of the minor islands and with no major towns or cities, is especially known for its crystal deposits, and has been nicknamed The Crystal Island. Most crystals there can be found poking out of the snow, and along the coast, crystals jut from rock cliffs. King Ataneq limited tourism to the island of Mairak for this reason. Natives there are also rather violent and unwelcoming to outsiders due to being used for their crystals in the past.
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Sade rhymes with Made