Passion Crystals

In the Delirium, passions can have tangible substance. When mixed with passion, Vapor forms colorful crystals. The smallest of passions form the smallest of crystals, which usually quickly dissolve back into Vapor. But great passion can form larger, more enduring crystals. For example, a shaper-artist who feels truly inspired may become lost in the work of creating a masterpiece. When the work is complete, there may be one or more passion crystals lying on the floor around it.

A crystal's color may hint at its nature. For example, honor may form a pure white crystal. Desire may form a red crystal with aubergine threads. Hatred, darkest black. Creativity, blue with silver flecks. And so on. However, there are only general patterns of color and details. A found crystal must be closely examined to know its actual nature.

Passions and their uses define life on the shards. Passion crystals are both a natural resource and a currency, to be exchanged in the Passion Trade. Different Passion Guilds specialize in different passions.

Any sentient being can absorb a passion crystal, draining the passions frozen inside. Absorption releases passions directly, in a pure, raw form. The being feels the passion that formed the crystal, in a naked rush. There are no lasting effects of absorption, provided the passions aren't too strong and the being doesn't absorb too many crystals in a short time. However, absorbing passion crystals is something of a luxury, since crystals are also needed as money and to power machinery like passion furnaces. Also, with unusually intense or prolonged use of passion crystals, a being risks becoming a Dreamless.