Races of Arthuria/Psychics

Quartz Psychics, often just called "Psychics," are a sub-race found in Arthuria and its neighbors. Despite their limited numbers, they have greatly influenced events in Arthuria over the years.

## Description

Psychics are technically not a race in their own right; nobody is born a Psychic. Instead, anyone can become a Psychic by undergoing a specific ritual, which results in their soul being sealed inside a provided crystal. This ritual is passed down between generations, and among groups of Psychics, they typically perform the ritual on their own children shortly after birth.

Most Psychics are born human; however, due to their unique properties, a Psychic could hypothetically be any race. They are superficially not very different from their natural race, with the only outward difference being their significantly slowed aging; a Psychic can live for hundreds of years. As the crystal carrying their soul is considered part of them, virtually all Psychics carry their crystal on their person, often incorporating it into their outfit.

### Abilities and Weaknesses

In addition to their slowed aging, Psychics have a myriad of unique abilities; however, each Psychic can only access some of the many potential abilities they can possess. The abilities each Psychic has is dependent on the type of crystal they possess. Known Psychic variants and their abilities are listed below.

* **Amethyst - Mnemokinesis:** Amethyst Psychics have the ability to look into and manipulate the memories of others. This includes recalling forgotten memories, suppressing existing memories, or planting fake memories; however, any alterations an Amethyst Psychic makes to an individual's memories can be undone fairly easily.
* **Biggs Jasper - Inhuman Strength:** Biggs Jasper Psychics can match the strength of an army, with mundane weapons being unable to pierce their flesh.
* **Blue Quartz - Healing:** Blue Quartz Psychics have the ability to heal themselves or others. This ability is so strong that a Blue Quartz Psychic can regenerate severed body parts, or even survive without their own head for brief periods of time.
* **Carnelian - Pyrokinesis:** Carnelian Psychics are able to create and manipulate fire as if it is an extension of their own body.
* **Citrine - Electrokinesis:** Citrine Psychics are capable of creating and manipulating electric currents, as if they are an extension of their own body.
* **Clear Quartz - Clairvoyance:** Clear Quartz Psychics can see possible future events; the further in the future events are, the vaguer and less reliable their visions become. However, a trained Clear Quartz can predict events decades into the future with frightening accuracy.
* **Morion Quartz - Mind Control:** Morion Quartz Psychics have the ability to manipulate the thoughts and actions of those around them.
* **Ocean Jasper - Hydrokinesis:** Ocean Jasper Psychics are able to manipulate water as if it is an extension of their own body. However, they cannot create water from nothing.
* **Prasiolite - Shapeshifting:** Prasiolite Psychics can alter their bodies to suit their needs. These changes range from just one part of their body (e.g. turning arms to wings) to their entire body (e.g. transforming into a bear).
* **Rose Quartz - Invisibility:** Rose Quartz Psychics can make themselves invisible, whether entirely or only in portions.
* **Wood Quartz - Phytokinesis:** Wood Quartz Psychics can manipulate plant life as if it is an extension of their own body.

Despite their power and slowed aging, Psychics are still mortal, and are generally as susceptible to injury or illness as ordinary mortals. While anyone can become a Psychic, it take years to learn how to properly use their crystal powers; consequently, a newly-converted adult will not have the same mastery of their abilities as a similar Psychic that grew up with their crystal. Their affinity for magic has the consequence of them being especially vulnerable to corruption, making self-corruption a common phenomenon among Psychics.

## Culture

Most Psychics attribute their existence to the Arthurian goddess Venya. According to legend, the first of their kind was given their crystal as a gift for their benevolence. Needless to say, Psychics almost exclusively worship Venya and consider themselves Her hands on the mortal plane.

Wugard exclusively uses the Psychic ritual to enslave criminals; consequently, all Psychics in Wugard are slaves, and are indoctrinated to accept their life of slavery. While the kingdom has experienced slave revolts in the past, they have taken increasingly drastic measures to prevent further uprisings.