Quartz Elf
Quartz Elves in New Generica are not so much a distinct species as humans who have, for one reason or another, been congenitally altered by the influence of fae magic; by way of analogy, hengeyokai are to animals as elves are to humans.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Quartz elves have skin that is light in color, but can be nearly any hue, with purples, blues, and pinks being the most common. In contrast, the irises of quartz elf eyes are always vibrantly colored and glow slightly in darkness (see below). Quartz elf facial features are sharp and aquiline and include pointed ears.
The fae of the Crystal Eye and the surronding forest are energetically tied to the naturally-occuring quartz, amethyst, and granite deposits beneath the surface, creating a stereotypical 'stained glass' distortion in light wherever they manifest. This effect is subdued, but not entirely suppressed, in the case of their quartz elf descendants. For this reason, quartz elves are natural illusionists. The specifics of their individual appearance may be difficult to pick out due to slight bending of light around them, and scrying magic falters when used directly against them. One side-affect of this crystalline association is that arcane effects that deal damage with sonic energy can disrupt the physical structure of quartz elves more effectively, as if the elves' bones themselves were absorbing and re-transmitting the destructive harmonics of such attacks. On the other hand, some quartz elves can learn how to grow and calve off parts of their internal crystalline structure to form glassy projectiles, launching them from their hands against foes with the force of crossbow quarrels.
Genetics and Reproduction
Quartz elves breed true amongst themselves, but many come into High Hedgemont from the Crystal Wood to seek out new experiences and interbreed with humans there. The hybrid offspring of humans and quartz elves look more human with each successive generation, but retain the sharp vision, natural magical aptitude, and creative streaks of their whimsical forebearers. Hedger bards, glassblowers, and illusionists often claim quartz elf ancestry.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Quartz elves have superior vision and the ability to see into infrared and ultra-violet frequencies due to their unique biology (see above). Unfortunately, this unique perceptiveness is offset by the quartz elves' exposure to the eldritch geometries of the fae realms; they are more prone to believing illusions or being drawn in by illogical arguments if these ruses are presented with a sufficient level of whimsy.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Geographic Distribution
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