Flexicrystal

:"It's tough like metal, moves like leather. Means I can focus my powers a little better - and - uh - less of it gets in my lungs, which is brill." - Quinn Quickley.
Flexicrystal is a material created by the UNWD's laboratories for use by Agent Quinn Quickley. It is a lightweight lustrous quasifabric most commonly used in apparel - in Quickley's case, gloves.
==History==
Flexicrystal was developed by UNWD researchers following a routine threat disposal in which Quickley took control of the shattered glass from a building's windows as part of an attack. Although this maneuver was effective, it was quickly followed by Quickley collapsing with severe cuts to his palms, fingers, throat and sinuses resulting in excessive bleeding from the nose and mouth, as well as injuring accompanying agents Alkaev and Russo.
After a recovery period, examinations of Quickley's body showed build-ups of crystalline matter in his joints and respiratory system. Despite Quickley's training using his lustromancy, the uncontrolled use of his power was causing excess material to enter his body, and his ability to manipulate shiny substances lacked aim and accuracy due to his physical limitations.
The Flexicrystal gloves were developed to aid Quickley in using his powers, improving his control and reducing the risk of long-term health difficulties. Since the material's creation, the UNWD has also been developing its use for the side-effect alleviation of other kinetic or mancy-type powers.
==Uses and Abilities==
=== Protection ===
Flexicrystal is durable and, as its name suggests, highly flexible. It has the protective qualities of a light gauntlet and the flexibility of thick leather, with the additional benefit of protecting the wearer from their own powers, such as Quickley's whirling glass or glitter shards. It offers some protection from sharp implements and hazardous materials, but not from extreme temperatures or crushing force.
=== Power Assistance & Alleviation ===
The material's primary benefit, over their protection or flexibility, is that it improves the ability of their wearer to channel their powers. Quinn, when wearing the gloves, can control lustrous particles into focused attacks with improved aim and slightly reduced power, minimising collateral damage and drawbacks of his lustromancy.
This also aids Quinn in that it reduces the amount of lustrous material that enters his body through his respiratory, digestive or circulatory systems.
=== Other Benefits ===
The compression and energy dispersal of the gloves aids in joint alignment and prevention of various issues in the hands and fingers, such as arthiritis, swelling or carpal tunnel syndrome. It could theoretically also aid in the excessive buildup of mancy-related pressures, such as the kind of pressure that can cause severe throbbing hand pain in haemomancers, numb extremities in cryomancers or shot nerves in electromancers.
==Trivia==
* Without the UNWD researchers' knowledge, Quinn is sharing info on Flexicrystal technology with administrative figures in the Hulderic Institute, as the complication-alleviative properties would help students such as Victor Wolffe or Janine Desrosiers who experience mancy-related pains.
** Quickley performs these transactions through Sven Lorde, as the Drunken Swordsman is an area that the NEST cannot observe.
Category:Items