The magic in my roleplay system is based around gemstones. It started off with the fact that wizards could use gems to regain lost mana: essentially, the gems were nothing more than glorified potions of mana. Since then I've managed to expand the uses of gems considerably and make them much more integral to the magic system; however, I still feel there is a lot more that I could do with them if I could only think of it! Basically, I'm asking for any ideas and suggestions that people have on how to make the gems and magic more interlinked.

The well was dug in years beyond memory. The locals still knew to stay away...

Untold years, laying in the deep
Sheltered in the sepulchre earth
Borne by the dead who never speak
Funeral Gold and Grave Silver
Beware the gift
Beware the giver

'Come in, come in. I knew you were coming.

How did I know? Your brother told me.

Yes, yes I know your brother died in the war several years ago, he has told me all about it.'

Deep in the mountains, beyond where the trails end, one can find collossal stairways and long, cliffside roads, massive arched bridges and huge vaulted tunnels, spanning thousands of miles. These roads, though seemingly deserted, are closely watched by their creators, the reclusive and strange Iothun ('yoh-thoon').

Some times the same old thing, be it a species or class or type of magic, just does not have that old spark. That is what these threads are about. They are re-imagined versions of the classics. An attempt to make them interesting and useful again.

The First Ones, The Kan-Yow, are the only non constructed beings to know the face of their Creator God. They were born as the world was being made. Tutored by their God (Kanchiyonnaho), they developed a perfect society immersed in the magic of the world. The Kan-Yow breathed magic, they are saturated with it, and they are bound to it as the world itself. As the Gods have withdrawn from the Mythic Lands, as the blessing of Time has graced the World, they have become the guardians of The Magic and The World.

The Surash are without doubt,the most distrusted and least liked race in existence.

Pride. Strength. Skill.
These are the values of the Monroi, woven into their very being - for them, battle is not just self-preservation, but a need.

The Daharvati bear a striking resemblance to large kangaroos forced to breed with apes by some deranged scientist.

Towering giants that stand well above 15 feet,these inhabitants of the great grasslands that border the most remote boundaries of the nation of Xhiklus,are an intimidating cross between humanoid and rhino. Their massive heads resemble those of a rhino,but they possess the hunched,hulking lower bodies of a humanoid being,and are endowed with the ability to fashion and use tools with their huge,three fingered hands. Often called ''the Grey Monsters'' by most people of the Hundreds,they are a force to be reckoned with.

Ru-Men are an old race who dwell throughout the area encompassed by the Hundred, but are most plentiful in their traditional homeland on the Andraverly Mountains on the west coast of the Heavy Sea (northward of Peklichr). They live in small 'nests' of 10-20 individuals which generally lie in the mountains or cliffs. Many call them the Crow Men or the Jackdaw Men, while others refer to them as the Black Mountain Bastards.

The Qwards were just another type of goblinoid race -a bit more odd than most- living in the cramped dark spaces. While durrable and intelligent, they could achieve no level of dominance. Upon the advent of Technology, their natural aptitudes came forth. They are born engineers.

Seldom does one see a Dunshar 'nude', as an amorphous masses of jelly. They can animate mud, earth, stone or metal, and use them as a body to shield their fragile self.

In Gaeaioa's wings, inspiration is physical.

Elves are said to be girly, elves are said to be gay. What does this popular opinion stem from? Hardly their lack of facial hair. Note: Not quite a new take, but something to think about.

Growren are bear like people, who appear much like Giant Teddy Bears... and are as about as smart.

The Khor are a monsterous and violent race that can grow to great size.

These are Elves of a different sort. Not quite a new take. The HighFather is the father of all his race. He is immortal, powerful, and a strong physical presence. His memory is quite powerful- it is the races way of immortality - to be remembered by the HighFather.

The Frozan are revered as creatures so old and ancient that only the very ice caps and glaciers are older than they are.