Itchai: Soulphire

The everyday workers of Itchai society, Soulphires tend to the countless affairs necessary to maintain their settlements. From tuning the great crystal-powered machines to refining precious minerals and crafting enchanted artifacts, few aspects of Itchai civilization function without their involvement.

Soulphires make up the majority of nearly every Itchai settlement and are considered adept sorcerers, even among their own kind. Their natural affinity for channeling magical energy allows them to manipulate crystalline mechanisms with remarkable precision. A skilled Soulphire can sense imperfections in a crystal’s magical resonance and correct them before the machinery it powers begins to fail.

Though rarely entrusted with positions of great authority, Soulphires take considerable pride in their work. They are meticulous and methodical, often dedicating themselves to a single craft for centuries. This devotion has produced some of the finest enchanted artifacts known to Ischierdia, many of which continue to function long after their creators have departed.

Soulphires are generally indifferent to outsiders, preferring the order and predictability of their daily duties. However, when their settlements are threatened, even these seemingly humble workers can wield formidable sorcery in defense of their homes.

Ecology

Like all Itchai, Soulphires are bound to regions where crystals occur naturally. They depend upon crystalline lattices to conduct the spells necessary to conjure the mystic essence that sustains them. These lattices can be as simple as ordinary ice, although the spells employed to produce essence vary considerably between individuals. The more intricate the crystalline structure, the more potent the resulting essence.

The relationship between Soulphires and their crystals extends far beyond simple nourishment. Many have become accomplished crystal cultivators, carefully manipulating temperature, mineral concentrations, and magical energies to encourage the growth of increasingly elaborate lattices. Some of the greatest machines of Itchai civilization, powered by immense essence crystals, have inadvertently originated from the culinary experiments of Soulphire chefs preparing an ordinary meal.

The average Soulphire can survive for several weeks without consuming essence, although its magical abilities gradually diminish as time progresses. As its reserves become depleted, the nebular dust composing its body begins to lose cohesion. Its once-vibrant eyes fade, its movements become sluggish, and the swirling clouds surrounding its soul crystal grow thin and transparent. Should this deprivation continue, the Soulphire may eventually lose the ability to maintain its physical form altogether.

The constant conjuration of mystic essence has a peculiar influence upon the surrounding environment. Vegetation and creatures exposed to residual magical energies may develop properties rarely observed elsewhere. Some scholars believe these changes are responsible for the abundance of peculiar flora and alchemical materials found near ancient Itchai ruins.

Despite their dependence upon crystals, Soulphires are remarkably adaptable within suitable environments. Even the simplest frozen landscape can provide the means of survival, provided that sufficient magical energy is available to conjure essence. This has allowed isolated groups of Soulphires to persist in remote tundra regions where other civilizations would struggle to survive.

D & D statistics

Abilities

Nebular Form

The Soulphire can move through an opening as narrow as 6 inches without squeezing, provided its soul crystal can pass through.

When passing through confined spaces, the Soulphire draws its nebular essence tightly around the crystal before expanding back into its familiar humanoid silhouette.

Actions

Intelligence is the Soulphire’s spellcasting ability (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). Each option below requires one action. Resonance Bolt can be used at will.

The Soulphire channels magical energy through its soul crystal, releasing a concentrated bolt of vibrating crystalline energy.

One living creature the Soulphire can see within 30 feet regains 12 (2d8 + 3) hit points.

This ability requires a crystal or ice structure within 30 feet of the Soulphire. It cannot restore life to a deceased Itchai whose soul crystal has become permanently inert.

Essence Absorb (1/Day)

The Soulphire consumes one Essence Crystal within its reach and regains 11 (2d10) hit points. The crystal is destroyed. Soul crystals cannot be consumed with this action.

Mystic Ecology