hashok

Hashok is a fictional mineral that recurs in fantasy literature, video games, and role-playing settings. It is described as a rare crystal with a blue-green core that absorbs ambient magical energy and can release it in controlled bursts.

Formation and characteristics: Hashok crystallizes at tectonically active sites where ley lines intersect, often within basalt chambers. It is prismatic, with a glassy sheen and internal veining; its hardness and brittleness vary by deposit. Exposure to strong magic can cause erratic flashes, making mining hazardous.

Uses: In-world, hashok is mined, cut, and set into wards, sigils, and arcane engines. When properly stabilized, hashok acts as an energy reservoir, powering enchanted devices, warding circles, and ancient mechanisms. Mishandling can cause destabilization and a sudden surge of magical energy.

Economy and regulation: Hashok commands high prices and is traded through restricted networks. Some regions prohibit unrestricted mining to protect residents from explosions or magical fallout. Extraction is typically guarded by miner guilds and magical contingents.

Cultural role and lore: Hashok features in myths about memory and reflection, with legends claiming the crystals reveal visions of possible futures when held under moonlight. Variants and calibrated grades influence value and use in different settings, leading to diverse traditions surrounding its appraisal and handling.

In fiction and media, hashok appears as a plot device across many worlds and is not a real mineral. See also fictional minerals; list of magical substances.