yaplyor

Yaplyor is a fictional mineral described in speculative fiction and tabletop role-playing games as a luminescent crystal that can store sensory impressions and fragments of memory. The term is used to convey a tangible medium for recording experience within narrative worlds, rather than a real-world mineral.

Origin of the name is attributed to the imagined language of the northern highlands in which yap- denotes light and -lyor denotes possession or essence, though usages vary by author.

Physical properties: Yaplyor crystals range from pale silver to deep violet, with a glassy luster and a soft hum audible at close range. In fiction, the crystals are usually transparent or semi-opaque, with a hardness around 6 on the Mohs scale. They are found in basaltic geodes and form over long geological times under high-pressure conditions.

In-world function: When properly cut and prepared, yaplyor prisms can be programmed with memory traces through a ritual or technological process, allowing stored impressions to be replayed as sensory experiences or used as a basis for identity or lineage records. Handling requires protective wards to prevent unintended intrusion of memories.

Cultural depiction: Yaplyor is often associated with scholars, priests, and memory-weavers in stories, where it is treasured, traded, or guarded. In game contexts, it serves as a resource that can unlock visions or enhance moral choices.

Notes: Because yaplyor is a fictional construct, real-world science does not confirm its properties; variations exist across authors and game systems.