Orbs of Power
Origins
Section titled “Origins”It is theorized that the orbs of power are crystallization of the interactions between the magical energies of the different planes of existence that intersect with Thera. The largest orbs for example, represent points of convergence between a Material Plane, such as Thera, and a Chaotic Plane, such as the Feywild.
Natural Deposits
Section titled “Natural Deposits”Smaller orbs which are not perfectly spherical are found in various deposits all over the world. Many of these were formed naturally, through some unknown mechanism in cave systems surrounding one of the larger orbs.
These larger orbs have yet do be proven to be natural in origin or artificially made.
Herb of the Harem grows naturally in places rich in deposits of the material that becomes orbs of power when refined. Ahuria has known natural deposits supporting this growth. Druids can reproduce the necessary conditions using refined or synthesized orbs, allowing cultivation away from those natural sites.
Natural deposits are also believed to exist in Senera and were, at least briefly, under Reformist control. This local source remains a belief rather than a fully documented deposit.
Man-Made Orbs
Section titled “Man-Made Orbs”Artificially synthesized orbs are known to exist, although none have yet been documented in Senera. Some members of the Reformed Church of the Divine Masochist have been known to carry small portable pedestals which, in time may form an orb of power atop it. It is not known how these pedestals are created or how the Reformists gained access to them.
Types of Orbs
Section titled “Types of Orbs”Orbs of Enhancement and Repulsion are thought of as related types of orbs of power, in part because they are found in the same deposits. It seems as though these are duals, related but opposing in purpose. It seems to Ritma theorists, that enhancers perhaps are a conduit in which magical energy from Chaotic Planes are siphoned into a Material Plane, while repellers work in the opposite direction, instead siphoning magical energy from a Material Plane toward some other.
Orbs of Endowment and Orbs of Absorption on the other hand have never been seen from naturally-occuring deposits. They’ve only been taken from captured Reformist agents, perhaps formed from their pedestals.