Crystal Enhancement
The use of crystals and stones to enhance magic is a somewhat debated form of magic. While it is very common for magic users to enhance their abilities, spells, and enchantments with soulstone, the use of other kinds of crystals is considered by many to simply be a placebo on a spell-caster’s confidence. The debates of how crystal enhancement as a skill works has earnt it a place in the “unconventional” magic category, despite it being relatively common, as most forms of the magic that include the use of anything other than soulstone are considered speculative.
Despite being classed as unconventional, crystal enhancement is a skill taught to many different kinds of spell-casters early in their education, especially in the Rendi.
Alchemists often have tools made of different crystals to enhance different affects of their potions; enchanters will rest crystals around the items they are tying spells to in order to make their magic stronger; shape-shifters will use carved crystals animals as symbols of reference; and witches and mages will use stones inlaid into wands to channel their powers.
It is believed that crystal enhancement is a passive form of magic; even if the spells cast with the enhancements from crystals are active or triggered. This is because the magic is always within the crystals, passively flowing out into the air as an aura to be used in other magics.