Qashra

The qashra are a race of crystalline humanoids from Noctis.

Description
Qashra are humanoid beings made of sentient crystal. They acquire nourishment from ambient energies rather than eating, and they feel and think through some sort of whole-body process. Qashra possess no mouth or vocal chords with which to speak, and instead communicate by vibrating particular crystals to create sound. Their own language sounds like harsh tones to foreigners, somewhat like tuning forks.

The qashra reproduce by either locating or somehow growing a crystal suitable for passing on their essence, and imbue part of their own internal power into that crystal.

Personality
Most qashra are unfamiliar with the ways of the civilized world, and tend to favour their own customs that are based around tribal traditions and laws. They are mostly very patient, but can be slow to learn new ways of acting.

Society
Qashra society is tribal. Within a tribe most individuals are equal, save for a leader. Once every several generations, a special qashra is born to a tribe with fearsome powers. The significance of this is not yet clear.

Some refer to qashra as "shardminds," though they find this term offensive.

History
During the events of Genesis, one tribe of qashra ended up in Equis after journeying through a rift of some sort, either found or created by the chosen of their tribe who wielded powers of shadow.

Notable Qashra

 * Nel Stormeyes, High mage of storm and crystal magic (turned human as part of a deal with a psychopomp)