Elemental Shards are the source of all magic in the worldof Elemental. Once claimed, Shards provide Magic, which can be split between Mana, Lore, and Skill. Mana can be stored and used to cast known spells. Lore is used to research new spells. Skill is used by your Sovereign to gain levels and unlock new Kingdom-wide abilities. Destruction of the Shards is the main goal of the Sorcerer King. You have to claim them before his forces are successful.