Herkimer Quartz

Herkimer Quartz (or just "Herkimer" for short) is a member of the Watchers living in The Palace on Mars. She serves as Howlite's bodyguard and assistant.

## Appearance

Herkimer is a head taller than most other Quartzes, with a typical Quartz build, a pointed nose, and pale gray skin. Her hair is white, and styled into three points. She has no mouth, instead having a series of cracks on her face around where her mouth would be. Her eyes are slate gray with white pupils and black sclerae, and her Gemstone is on her navel. Herkimer wears a gray two-piece uniform that exposes her midriff, along with dark gray boots. Over her uniform, she wears a sparkling black cloak with White Diamond's insignia on the front.

## Personality

Herkimer's personality is not clear, as she cannot talk and seldom interacts with anyone outside of Howlite. However, since she lacks the blind loyalty of the hypnotized Watchers, it is clear that she has her own individual will despite her obedience.

## History

Herkimer was made specifically to protect and serve Howlite, and has done so for her entire existence. When Howlite was sent to Mars, Herkimer naturally followed, and she aided in the "rehabilitation" of countless captured Crystal Gems. Consequently, she got stranded on Mars when the star system was abandoned. She still loyally carries out her intended purpose to this day, not knowing anything else.

## Abilities

As an Era 1 Gem, Herkimer has standard Gem abilities.

### Skillset

* **Exceptional Strength:** Herkimer, as a Quartz soldier, is stronger than the average Gem.

### Unique Abilities

* **Weak Telepathy:** An ability typical of her Gem type, Herkimer can communicate telepathically, but only with others that share a similar ability (such as Obsidians and Howlite).
* **Gem Possession:** Herkimer can take over and control a Gem's physical body. However, she needs to constantly have direct physical contact with the target's Gemstone to remain in control, and she can only possess the weak-minded or Gems that consent to being possessed. The possessed Gem will develop glowing, pure white eyes for the duration of the possession, but otherwise not change in appearance. She rarely uses this ability, as the only practical purpose she can see for it is to be able to speak using another Gem's mouth.
* **Power Absorption:** Arguably Herkimer's signature ability. When in direct contact with another Gem, she can absorb their strength and abilities. Needless to say, this leaves the target Gem weaker, while Herkimer not only grows stronger, but is able to use the victim's summonable weapons and unique abilities for as long as the absorption lasts. The effects wear off after a short period of time (between a few minutes and a couple days, depending on how much was absorbed). While affected by this ability, Herkimer's pallet will change to match the Gem she absorbed from, while the victim's pallet becomes darker, less saturated, or even transparent if enough power was absorbed. She mostly uses this ability to weaken Gems for Howlite to brainwash. The limitations of this ability are not yet known due to Herkimer's relatively sheltered life.

### Weaknesses

* **Mutism:** Due to lacking a mouth, Herkimer can't speak without her telepathy. This makes it very difficult for her to directly communicate with most other Gems.
* **Inexperience:** While she is strong, Herkimer has lived a sheltered life, never seeing combat. If she ever had to fight a more experienced opponent, even if they weren't built for fighting, she would be at a serious disadvantage.
* **Dependence:** Herkimer is reliant on Howlite for everything, from her orders to communicating with the other Watchers. Consequently, she is virtually helpless on her own—and she knows it. Even a brief separation from Howlite is enough to bring her to the verge of panic.

## Relationships

### Howlite

Herkimer is fiercely loyal to her superior, never leaving her side. She would do nearly anything Howlite asked of her, even if it meant risking her own life. However, she has been known to hesitate to act on orders, sometimes needing Howlite to pressure her to obey, suggesting this loyalty is not completely blind.

### Hypnotized Watchers

Herkimer clearly dislikes being around Howlite's many brainwashed victims; she tries not to get close to them, and avoids looking at them. She is especially made uncomfortable by Howlite's Nacre, probably due to their proximity. Her reason for this dislike is unknown.

## Trivia

* Herkimer's signature ability is drawn from the metaphysical belief that real-world Herkimer quartzes can absorb positive energy into themselves to be released later.
* Herkimer has a couple named hypothetical fusions, both involving Howlite. She would be willing to (reluctantly) fuse if ordered to.
	+ If she fused with Howlite, they would form an Ulexite.
	+ If she fused with Howlite and Nacre, they would form Alabaster.

## Gemology

Gemstone Information

* Herkimer quartz, more commonly "Herkimer diamond," is a trade name double-terminated (points on both ends of the crystal) clear quartz crystals. The "diamond" misnomer is due to their clarity and natural faceting.
* A Herkimer diamond must come from the Herkimer County in New York, from which the crystals get their nickname, in order to be considered a "true" Herkimer diamond.
	+ However, many similar crystals from other parts of the world are marketed as Herkimer diamonds for convenience and to capitalize on their renown.
* Herkimer diamonds are a popular collector's mineral and jewelry piece for pendants, with decent quality crystals fetching higher prices than many other types of quartz.
* Metaphysically, Herkimer diamonds are associated with clairvoyance and spirituality. As a healing crystal, they are used to "connect" people that are physically separated, as well as magnifying the properties of other stones or absorbing positive energy to be released later.

## Gallery

Herkimer's previous designHypothetical fusion dance with Howlite and Nacre