Shimmershells

Species Overview

Physiology

Shimmershells are squat, compact creatures wrapped in a hard, iridescent exoskeleton that refracts beautifully in water. They walk on four legs and use their front two as arms. Those more adapted to the waters have antennae-like eyes, while land-dwellers sport gem-like beady eyes set into their carapace.

Demeanor

Known for a curious and tight-knit nature, Shimmershells thrive on mutual support. To satisfy their curiosity of other folk, they often build their communities both in and out of the waters. While generally hospitable and kind, they fiercely protect their kin and the natural balance of their home.

History

Relatively new to the 4th Aeon, Shimmershells were thrust into the world when a Gley scientist's greenhouse of Spectrashade Mycelia came crashing down during the Sundering. A colony of calm crustaceans along the Meridian Coasts happened to be nearby, and started to graze happily on the fungi. Over time, well, the results speak for themselves.

Their residential and spiritual spaces are safeguarded underwater, while businesses and attractions sit above the surface. Anyone with a high mana-alignment in either direction can expect odd looks and head tilts from these balanced folk.

Shimmershell
Shimmershell Variant

Outlook

The natural harmony of their former selves still runs deep. Shimmershell mantras align well with The Twilight Manifest's principles:

  • Let the sum of your actions mirror the Twilight sky, where Bright and Dark meet in harmony.
  • Amidst the tides of change, find a measured step.
  • Moderation in all things, even moderation.
  • Our carapaces bear the marks of past trials - let them remind us of kin and resilience.
  • To those who walk in balance, our waters are deep and wide.

Abilities

Species Size

Small

You are squat, compact, and crusty.

  • You are a Small Species.

Innate Ability

Twilight's Harmony

Whether through strange fungi or ancestral will, you are the ebb and flow.

  • You begin play with 1 Bright and 1 Dark Allegiance Point.

Innate Ability

Sea Floor Dweller

You are comfortable commuting in the water, even if it's the 'long way'.

  • You can breathe underwater indefinitely and are immune to Suffocation in water.
  • You cannot swim, but you can sink and walk along waterbed floors with ease.
  • You can see in the dark, and do not need to rely on Light.
  • You are immune to the Obscured Battlefield Condition if caused by darkness.
  • You have a Snag while doing anything in bright light, unless your eyes are shaded in some way or you are submerged in water.

Maturative Ability

Briny Bulwark

Through careful rebalancing of your innate mana, one of your arms has grown into a truly protective wall.

  • One of your arms grows into a Large Shield, gaining all of its gear properties.
  • Unlike normal Large Shields, you do not suffer a Speed Penalty from its use.
  • You can never be disarmed of the Shield unless the arm is Severed. If Severed,
    the arm may be regrown through the use of a Downtown Activity.
  • You lose normal use of the arm for dexterous or manipulation tasks.