Homebrew Gem Species Details

Gems' humanoid shapes are projections from their gemstone, which can be changed at will, described as being "like a hologram, but with mass," with their only constant feature being their gemstone and color scheme. Different types of gems can give different physical forms and different weapons. Gems get their energy by absorbing light from their surroundings, resulting in not requiring food. 

If a gem's gemstone is damaged, their physical form will deteriorate and render them incoherent, as the gemstone is the true body of the gem. If a gem's physical form receives sufficient physical damage or is otherwise disrupted, it "poofs," turning into a cloud of mist and leaving the gemstone behind. The only permanent forms of damage for gems are cracking or shattering. Shattered gems are not dead, but their mind is splintered between the pieces, unable to properly think.

The names of each gem are what their gemstone is called, with small differences due to preferences and living style, though it is mostly common to keep their gemstone's name as their own.

Gems have had many conflicts with dwarfs as they have used gemstones in weapons, armor, and pieces of jewelry. This is due to gems seeing gemstones as prepubecent gems that have yet to form physical forms, and due to this, it is highly discouraged to wear anything with gemstones on them, and if found to have some on, they will be perpetually marked by others by either craking or even shattering them, with more severe punishment depending on the amount worn.

Since they are gems they are often seen with dragons, as dragons see them as treasure and the gems get protection. Those that aren't with a dragon are often in large groups they llive in caves, waiting to see if any gemstones could gain a form.

Gem Traits

Gems are all formed from their respective gemstones, but the form they achieve has different qualities that depend on the type of gemstone they derive from.

Physical form

The gems refract light and construct it into a physical form, then give it the properties of the gem to have mass. The shape and size of their form depends on the type of gem they are, as smaller gems give smaller forms and bigger gems give larger forms.

If the gem's physical form has received too much damage, they return to their gem form; this process lets them regain energy. It takes 1 short rest for them to regain their physical form. During their gem stage, when reforming, they are able to change small details like color.

They are able to give themselves clothing by refracting light, though it does not help with any protection.

Gem projection

Light refracts from their gem allowing them to either project their thought or can cause a distraction