Frongulous Crystals

**Frongulous Crystals** are a powerful resource found within several planets within the Wospian galaxy.

## Appearance

Frongulous crystals have a color range from light green to pear green. When in dark environments, it gives off a bright glow. In light environments, the tones of green it displays are softer and less vibrant. Most deposits of frongulous crystals contain three or more jagged spikes, but crystals with less have been recorded, although rarely. They are smooth and warm to the touch. Smaller frongulous crystals tend to be warmer, as they have a larger core. Large frongulous crystals can be cooler, but they never dip below 20°C.

## Specialties

Frongulous crystals have the strange ability to contain and transmit electrical signals. They can be used as batteries due to their powerful properties. They are often used in machinery on planets of the Wospian galaxy due to their resilience and lifespan. Signals can be easily transmitted between multiple crystals without the need of wiring. The charge it holds can be determined by the brightness of the light it gives off.

The crystals have a core of pure acid. Although it is invisible from the outside, every frongulous crystal has a core. Frongulous acid is incredibly hazardous. It can melt through hard steel with ease. The acid also contains most of the crystal's energy, which is why it is extracted and used to power many different machines. When many frongulous crystals are packed within a confined space, the internal structure of the crystal will break down. The energy of the acid will be too great, and it will begin to leak. The leaking of frongulous crystals causes an enormous amount of energy to release, causing an explosion.

When a frongulous crystal cuts or comes in close contact with several specific metals, it loses 'purity'. Purity is a factor that determines the strength and force of a crystal (particularly associated with weaponry such as a knife or other blade). The purer a crystal is, the faster it can react and move, and the faster electrical signals can be transmitted. Loss of purity is typically caused when a crystal comes in contact with iron. Metals containing iron, as well as blood, cause a loss of purity. The most common cause is faulty wiring or imperfect machinery.

## Value

Frongulous crystals are graded using *size, efficiency, color* and *resilience.*

### Efficiency

*Efficiency* is by far the most important of the four. The speed a crystal transmits a signal directly impacts the pricing of a crystal. When being mined, efficient crystals glow the brightest, as they already contain a charge. The fastest crystals are collected and used in large factories and expensive projects. The fastest crystals are priced incredibly high, no matter the size or resilience.

### Size

*Size* is nearly as important as efficiency. The larger the crystal, the larger the core, and the more energy it can hold. Large crystals are also much easier to carve, and are most often made into weapons or mechanisms. Despite popular belief, large crystals are more common than small crystals.

### Resilience

After size comes *resilience*. Nobody is looking to buy a crystal that shatters like glass under pressure. Most crystals sold are put into environments with harsh conditions. If the crystals can't withstand harsh conditions, they will begin to melt, causing the frongulous acid to either evaporate or spill out, destroying its surroundings. A good way to test a crystal's resilience is by heating it.

### Color

In fourth is *color*. It is a commonly shared sentiment that lighter crystals are impure, and will not be able to cut through any metals. Many myths and legends state that very light crystals have caused factory accidents in the past, leading to the loss of life. Darker crystals are generally preferred, although to a point. Deep, dark green crystals are rumored to hold less charge. These stories have not been verified, but people stand by their morals to this day.

## Culture

In ancient paintings, Omba has been shown on occasion to be surrounded by piles of frongulous crystals. It has not been proven that Omba has any correlation to the existence of frongulous crystals. Fökwospz has confirmed that only the planets of the Wospian galaxy contain frongulous crystals. Despite this, frongulous machinery is still commonplace in the rest of the Ombaverse, although exported by Wospian miners. It is unknown whether the crystals are natural or are machine-made.

Early writing depicts frongulous crystals as hazardous and risky. Only the worthy and rich would dare to experiment with the crystals, and only the most intelligent would survive. It is for that reason that the crystals were worshipped. Frongulous crystals were a rare sight even deep within the ground. Some exited the mines with terrible wounds and permanent injuries, yet all that mattered to them was the prize that lay in their hand—if they still had one. Some even left the mines with a wagon full of crystals ready to be sold. Believe in their power or not, the crystals were the gateway to wealth.

No early depiction shared the same details. Songs and murals referenced crystals being mass-produced within massive factories far below the light of day. Through a chain of wires and wormholes, they were delivered to the surface and shipped amass to planets of the nearly solar systems, lodged within cracks and cavities in the ground. Others showed the process of frongulous crystals growing over millions of years. Its core of acid grew from nothing, eating away at the inside of its crystal until suddenly, it stopped.

The unprecedented properties of frongulous crystals mystify experts to this day. The question of the crystal's ability to transmit energy, core of acid, incapability of cutting through metal, and strange reactions to magnets have yet to be answered. The study of frongulous crystals thrives, but answers are far and few.

## Identification

Frongulous crystals are immediately identifiable from their verdant glow alone. Sometimes, which the conditions are harsh in a cave, frongulous crystals may not give off light for a plethora of reasons. A major reason is brightness—lots of light may cause frongulous crystals to be nearly invisible in a cave, or be mistaken for jewels of less value. The easiest way to combat this is to lower the light level. Many frongulous mines are loaded with dim lights. Especially in deeper, unexplored parts of caves do the crystals shine. The only reason that crystal mines are not entirely lit with the green glow of frongulous crystals is because they simply aren't bright enough. Light is a requirement in a cave, but in the case of frongulous crystals, it can be a downside.

Another great way to identify a frongulous crystal is by using technology. Once a planet has been accepted by Fökwospz after meeting a list of requirements, technology will be dispersed around the planets. Stores will be set up globally, selling traditional Wospian technology such as identification tools. Identification tools are sold cheaply, but are incredibly useful. There are identification tools for plants, food, animals, and of course, gems. An identification tool can recognize a frongulous crystal from a far distance. It works in nearly all conditions: hot, cold, dark, wet. Wospian identification tools are one of the best ways to recognize not just frongulous crystals easily, but any gem.

There are many differences between frongulous crystals and other gems. A major difference is opacity. Frongulous crystals are translucent in all parts except one: the core. The acidic interior of a frongulous crystal is always concealed from view. Always remember to never cut similar looking crystals—it can be impossible to tell whether a crystal has an acidic core.

Secondly, temperature. Frongulous crystals are always considerably warmer than other crystals. A crystal's temperature corresponds to its charge, similar to its radiance. A frongulous crystal is not painful to touch, but its warm surface may be startling. Most modern thermometers can recognize a frongulous crystal.

Lastly, charge. When a frongulous crystal is brought closer to another crystal with a charge, their charges may transfer. This changes the brightness, temperature, and efficiency of the crystal. When transferring, a crystal will dim. It will cool and its output will slow. When used with wiring, it can instantly transfer electrical signals. Such systems are commonplace in lighting. Another way to locate and identify a frongulous crystal via charge is to wander throughout a cave while holding a crystal out. When approaching, nearby crystals will light up. Although this method uses some charge to perform, it makes locating frongulous crystals incredibly easy.

## Location

Frongulous crystals are deep below the surface, often found in large ravines or great caves. The best place to look for crystals is under or nearby tall mountains. Crystals under tall mountains are often higher to the surface and packed tightly in groups. Nearby most frongulous deposits, the terrain is dark and rocky. The ground is unfit for foliage. Most of the harsh conditions surrounding deposits are natural, but some, such as trampled ground, is the cause of mining operations.

Within the mines, crystals are located in mostly open areas. Frongulous crystals tend to be bundled together in groups. Depending on the size of the cave, packs of crystals can be large or small. The glow groups give off is dependent on the size and surroundings of a crystal—a crystal may take energy from surrounding items containing electric charges. This can be prevented with proper casing.

## Casing

All safe and energy-efficient frongulous crystals are stored within a casing made of reinforced glass. The glass casing prevents frongulous leaks and accidents without dampening the crystal's power. There are many names for the different types of frongulous casing. The two most notable are *frongulous containers* and *frongulous batteries.*

**Frongulous containers** are supercooled glass cases designed to store frongulous crystals tightly packed together for long periods of time. If large groups of crystals are placed in close contact with each other, the charge will amplify dangerously quick. The interior of the crystals at the center of the pile will begin to melt, causing a frongulous leak. The case allows crystals to be organized into rows and placed evenly within confined places. The supercooled interior of the case prevents the buildup of heat, which is a major problem of all crystals when in cramped environments. With the flick of a switch, the cooling can be turned on and off. When the interior of the case becomes hot enough, the cooling will automatically enable. The lid of the container can be taken on and off.

**Frongulous batteries** are specialized containers filled with frongulous crystals designed for power *charging stations* or rather *frongulous charging stations*. With protective equipment, crystals can be taken in and out of the bottom of the case. Two metal rods are fastened to the top of the battery that can connect to a charging station, allowing the crystal's charge to directed towards any mechanism or object. Within the case, the crystals are packed as tight as possible. The case has a supercooling feature, but it is optional, as heat energy is directed and used to strengthen the battery's power. Frongulous batteries do not break when dropped and are not affected by intense heat. In rare cases, the battery can be used to wirelessly charge some types of machinery. The glass does not impact the crystal's ability to transfer signals between other crystals.

**Frongulous charging stations**, also known as charging stations, are large, metal compartments used to store and charge machinery of all sizes and names. Charging stations are large metal boxes stacked upon each other designed to charge machines using a large variety of plugs. Most charging stations are built into walls and accessible from a hatch equipped with a ventilation shaft. Every charging station has a slot for inserting a frongulous battery, which in turn powers the entire mechanism. Charging stations are able to charge nearly all pieces of machinery, even outside of the Wospian galaxy. Charging stations are a major reason why frongulous crystals are commonplace throughout the Ombaverse and beyond.