The world of Gorse is well known for the tremendous array of satellite crystals orbiting high above the planet’s surface, acting autonomously as a planetary defense system. If a space hazard approaches the world, such as a meteor or star squid migration, the crystals will flare with energy and blast the incoming obstacle. No one is certain who put the crystals in place, or what force causes them to act against threats, but the people are more than thankful for their presence in the sky.
The crystals are still functioning, for the time being, but centuries ago the network began to decay. Crystals either fall away from the orbital formation, or merely crumble to bits. Some of these crystals, whole or in part, have impacted the planet’s surface. The inhabitants of Gorse have learned to make use of the crystals, carving them out into livable structures or using them to craft tools and weapons.
Among the crystals’ many utilities are their essential use in the magical arts. For whatever reason, the people’s capacity for magic is dampened to the point that only the most rudimentary spells can be used without assistance. To supplement this, many of those dedicated to the study of magic use carefully carved crystals as foci, gradually filling them with magical energy for later use. A mage will usually keep a large supply of pre-charged crystals close at hand, just in case impromptu spells need weaving.
Daniel Obrove, crown prince of the kingdom of Ulex, is one of the rare exceptions to the Gorsian disconnect from the mystical. His magic is strong enough that it can overcome whatever arcane inhibitor plagues his people. Without the aid of a crystal, a typical magician can only shoot sparks, but the prince ‘s magic is potent enough that performing the equivalent spell results in gouts of fire. Prince Daniel’s magic still isn’t on the level of wizards from other worlds, but from the perspective of Ulex’s royal courts, he is a true prodigy.
The prince’s ego certainly hasn’t suffered any for the praise he receives, but he still recognizes the disadvantage he has against more powerful magic users. To make up for his comparative magical frailty, Prince Daniel petitioned the king to allow him use of an ancient relic sword. The blade was crafted from the first shard cut free of the large crystal formation which became the royal palace. Ulex is a peaceful nation that has prevented large scale conflict on Gorse for years, so the sword had little use other than gathering dust. Each member of the royal family practiced the sport of combat despite the prevailing era of peace, and Daniel reasoned that a blade made of crystal would prove a suitable means to blend martial techniques with his magic. The sword could act as a spare cache of energy or be used as a conduit for spells during battle. The king could not deny that the heirloom would complement his son’s talents, so he granted the boy’s request. Yet the young royal still wasn’t totally satisfied.
Sparring on the palace grounds was well and good, but Prince Daniel wanted to truly test his abilities in the wider world outside of Ulex’s capital city. He wanted to discover the world’s deeper secrets, or even meet another strong magic user like himself. It wasn’t as if there were any wars going on; these quiet years provided the best opportunity to distract oneself with a bit of adventurous wandering. Why, while the prince was out exploring, he could even go on missions of diplomacy for the capital, should the courts require it. Maybe he would even earn himself a bride.
Prince Daniel brought his desires before Ulex’s throne once again. The king, recognizing a fire in his son which he himself possessed in his youth, gave him permission to embark on his journey. On the eve of his seventeenth birthday, Prince Daniel set out on a grand mission of exploration! Who knows what buried secrets lie beneath Gorse’s crystal-pocked surface?
The reason for native Gorsian’s low levels of magic isn’t due to a lack of knowledge, but their incapability to release enough magical energy on their own. The mages of Ulex and the surrounding territories have an extensive understanding of magical theory, but their bodies can’t seem to release enough energy to overcome whatever’s sealing their magic. The inhibitor acts like a dam, only allowing a little power through at a time. The crown prince’s energy, thusly, is enough to flood over that dam. It is believed that, had Prince Daniel not been born on Gorse, or if he could overcome the dampening factor, he would display phenomenal natural ability.
What exactly the dampening factor is remains a matter of debate among scholars. It might be a planet-wide curse, it might be genetics, or, ominously, it may have something to do with the same crystals the people have come to rely on.
The royal palace at Ulex’s capital city was carved from a crystal formation which is a rich purple in hue. The world’s crystal structures come in a wide range of different colors, but the precursors of the monarchy considered purple fitting for those who sought to rule a kingdom. Prince Daniel’s sword is therefore the same color as the palace, albeit a little more transparent for having been cut to a razor’s edge.
The crystals on the prince’s crown can be used in the same way as any other for the storage and channeling of magical force. Prince Daniel has little need for carrying loose crystals since he usually has mana batteries sitting on his head.
Prince Daniel is always on the look-out for new spells to mix with his swordplay! Beyond basic elemental manipulation, he has learned to collect light in the blade of his heirloom sword and then fire it out in a concentrated blast. To compensate for not using a shield, the prince has dipped into the school of abjuration magic in order to conjure barriers of light or otherwise protect himself and his entourage.
Prince Daniel dresses light, foregoing armor in favor of the regal tunic he might wear at the capital. This affords him increased speed and mobility during a skirmish while he uses his magic to protect himself in the same way a suit of armor would.
Prince Daniel Obrove of Ulex is the alternate universe analogue of the astral specter, Daniel Obrove. He is not his former life, his ectoplasmic relative, or a close acquaintance. He's the Obrove if Obrove were a young noble filling the days until his ascent to the throne with a life of adventure, while the ghost is Obrove in the form of a vigilante thoughtform hopping from one body to the next!
More Obroves, each of varying levels of nobility, can be found on their alt list, here.
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