I was also surprised to see no reference to the gemstones in the Arcanist storyline so far, or from any npcs at the guild. But since it's on the official site, that's what I went with for N'klas' backstory. The gem angle is fairly important to him. I wouldn't mind it being at least referenced in-game at some point.
However, as for the question at hand, I think it'd be fine to go either way. Perhaps it could be seen that the whole writing animation is required if the Arcanist doesn't actually have a gemstone on hand to draw from.
My view on Arcanist spellwork is that the power is in the symbols themselves rather than the actual book. The book is just handy, because it contains this vast library of symbols already so the Arcanist doesn't normally need to actively draw them out on the fly in battle. Which could also lead to some fun ideas of maybe larger spellwork (for rp purposes) being possible by actively drawing out large geometric symbols to whatever purpose.
But I do like the idea Roda brought up of the writing out in the grimoires acting as a catalyst. So maybe I'd use that if the person didn't have a gemstone handy for the more complex summoning spell. Or writing out symbols is better for more potent spells. But it's just not something that's usually all that feasible in battle.
That's my personal take on it at least.
However, as for the question at hand, I think it'd be fine to go either way. Perhaps it could be seen that the whole writing animation is required if the Arcanist doesn't actually have a gemstone on hand to draw from.
My view on Arcanist spellwork is that the power is in the symbols themselves rather than the actual book. The book is just handy, because it contains this vast library of symbols already so the Arcanist doesn't normally need to actively draw them out on the fly in battle. Which could also lead to some fun ideas of maybe larger spellwork (for rp purposes) being possible by actively drawing out large geometric symbols to whatever purpose.
But I do like the idea Roda brought up of the writing out in the grimoires acting as a catalyst. So maybe I'd use that if the person didn't have a gemstone handy for the more complex summoning spell. Or writing out symbols is better for more potent spells. But it's just not something that's usually all that feasible in battle.
That's my personal take on it at least.
