Gemmani

The gemmani are a race unknown by the rest of the world. They are a new race handmade by a mortal woman and are one of the most recent species to exist. Though, there are some among my kind who don't consider these beings species. Some consider them nothing more than walking corpses and stolen souls. But in order to understand this, the Gemmani nature must be explained. These beings are alive not through a body but through a special type of crystal that can hold a soul inside it. A mortal woman was able to figure this out and decided to try to find a way to give the soul inside the crystal a body. She grabbed a fresh child corpse and used a spell to ensure that it was operational. Then she made a place for the crystal then used tiny metallic rods to connect the soul gem to the rest of the body. The child corpse became alive, as though it never died. But the child had no memories of before her death, despite having the same soul.
Some claim that these beings are not species because of how their bodies and souls were not made together. However, the Zeorus also don't have their bodies and souls made at the same time. Some claim that it is because that these beings were not made or expected by me. But the person who made them were one of my creations. So therefore, the Gemmani are also made by me, just by the fact that I made their mother. Therefore, they are a species just like any other.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Basically this species can be any thing from elves, humans, dwarves, etc. The only exception is that they cannot be Zeorus. But they always have a metal spot in the back of their neck, just underneath their head where they can place their soul crystal.

Biological Traits

Biological traits are random but the crystals are the important part. Each crystal looks slightly different either through shape, size, or color. Sometimes a crystal will have more than one color but each crystal can be identified as a specific person. The second most important thing is that their eyes will glow and have the colors that match their crystals.

Genetics and Reproduction

They can repopulate through sex then they are typically pregnant, unless the original body is not built for natural reproduction. But the baby they create will not be a Gemmani until they are made to be.

Growth Rate & Stages

The growth of Gemmani are dependent on the body that they inhabit. If they have an elf body, they will age slowly. If they have a human body, they will age normally.

Ecology and Habitats

They live underground in a giant cave system built by their creator.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Dietary needs depend on the body they inhabit. However, they mostly eat on foods and prey that can be found in the cave systems.

Biological Cycle

Overtime their bodies will eventually decay. So they take their soul crystal out of the metallic socket and place it into a new body. The body is considered more of a vessel than an actual part of them. In the new body, they will retain their memories since they were never truly connected to their body in the first place.

Additional Information

Social Structure

There is a simple but strict hierarchy among the Gemmani. There are the normal Gemmani who are considered just normal. They aren't less than anybody but they hold regular power among the group. Then there are the mothers, women who have chosen to become mothers, who have a special position since they have to deal with agony of childbirth and often have to sit out while other important things happen during pregnancy. Then there are the leaders who are given the title of Idriu. Idriu basically means that they are the leaders of their sectors of the underground caverns. Then there are the healers who are not tied down to any one sector and have the authority to correct injustice among the sectors after receiving approval from The Mother. Lastly, there is The Mother who is at the top. She is the creator and ruler of this species.

Domestication

Nope

Uses, Products & Exploitation

They are hidden away to avoid exploitation.

Facial characteristics

Glowing eyes that match the crystals on the back of their necks.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

They live in underground cave systems and have never seen the surface.

Average Intelligence

Despite having different bodies and thus different brains, their intelligence is about the same. It is average sentient intelligence.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They can have their limbs replaced with new limbs due to the fact that they have died previously. Otherwise, they have the same abilities as the corpses that were given to them.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Everybody can become a parasite for this species. If their crystals are taken out of their body, they are basically asleep until they are placed into a new body. But if somebody were to extract their soul from the crystal then they are as good as dead. And if that attacker placed their own soul in the crystal.... It would be like somebody possessing a normal body and pushing the original person out, destroying that person in the process.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

They typically name people after gems that look similar to their crystals. For example, somebody with a deep red crystal might have their first name be Ruby, even though their crystal is not a ruby. Their last names are often a combination of random letters taken from The Mother's name.

Major Organizations

The healer and leaders both have separate organizations. The leaders are focused on leading their section of the caves to prosperity and try to keep the favor of The Mother. Meanwhile the healers are focused on ensuring that the health of the Gemmani are well and focused on uniting each section as a family. They are the ones called upon when two sectors are fighting each other and typically sort it out when The Mother isn't there.

Beauty Ideals

Their crystals are considered essential for life and thus there are many beauty expectations for it. The perfect medium sized crystal is considered beautiful and the more detailed it is, the better. If the crystal is clear, it will not be considered as beautiful as a fully colored or detailed crystal. Also glowing eyes are considered beautiful. The more glow, the better. It also helps if the eyes are colorful or have an unusual color.

Gender Ideals

A female and male body can be swapped. If the Gemmani doesn't like the body that he/she/they have, they can simply choose to have a different one. Both males, females, and gender non-binaries typically hold the same expectations. The only time that there is a difference is when a female is pregnant. When she is pregnant she is considered very brave since pregnancy is a dangerous risk sometimes and one can die or suffer greatly in some way. Females are expected to have more bravery than other genders since they are able become pregnant.

Courtship Ideals

One night stands, short relationships, and long relationships are all common among the Gemmani. There is a way to keep pregnancy away through magical means so that is not considered an issue. However, it is considered highly inappropriate if one is to become pregnant and not have a partner to help raise the child. This partner can be of any gender but there must be two parents. If there are not, then the person who helped create the child will be made to help raise the child.
As for courtship itself, typically one must start the courtship by showing each other their crystals. Crystals are not covered up or anything but it is extremely awkward when one stares at a Gemmani's crystal, unless you are The Mother. The crystal is considered the most beautiful part and staring straight at it very closely is an indication that one is interested in the Gemmani. Then, after staring, the person interested must display their crystal. If the receiving party starts staring at the displayer's crystal then it is an indication that they are both interested in a relationship. If the receiving party turns away, then the other person cannot continue trying to pursue a relationship with the receiving party.
After both people decide they are interested, they begin courting. If it is a one night stand, then they will discuss what they want to do and find an appropriate place to...do it. If it is a full on relationship then both parties are expected to give gifts and spend time with each other before they have sex. If they don't do both things before having sex, then their relationship is considered to be a one night stand, even if they seem to stay together for a while. It is expected that one would have at least three years of being in a long-term relationship with each other before choosing each other as the permanent partner.
Cheating and having more than one partner is considered a major taboo.

Relationship Ideals

The relationship between parent and child is viewed as the strongest relationship, whether the child is blood related or not. The relationship between two partners is considered as the second most important relationship. Sibling relationships and friendships are tied for third place. Any other relationship is considered underneath these four types of relationships.

Average Technological Level

Besides their soul crystals and modified bodies, the second most important technology is their advanced pulley systems. These systems allow easier access to the rest of the cave systems. Another important technology is levers, gears, etc. They don't have machinery but they do have levers that can help open passages, lower bridges, etc. This is how they can go through the cave systems without issue of falling.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

They speak Common and no other language.

Common Etiquette Rules

NEVER GIVE A GEMMANI A GEM. Though they do have crystals and are powered by crystals, giving somebody a gem as a gift is considered a great offence. It's basically saying to them, "Here, take out your ugly crystal and replace it with this soulless gem. You will be improved." It's basically like telling somebody that they are better off not existing in their body and should be replaced by an inanimate object. If you give somebody a gem in a piece of jewelry, it is fine. But never give somebody a cute or gem ore unless it is in jewelry.
It is polite to introduce yourself to a stranger by saying hello and giving a wave.
Don't touch somebody else's crystal. It is like touching somebody's private parts. You can look at it, but touching it is considered invasive, unless you are a healer or The Mother.

Common Dress Code

Most choose warmer clothes that cover up since the caverns can be cold. If one wears extremely revealing clothing, such as underwear and bras instead of real clothes in public, it is considered stupid and odd. Otherwise one can wear whatever they like.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Their culture is recently new and typically revolved around family, whether they are blood related or not. Family is a huge part of this culture. Their entire culture is directed and maintained by The Mother.

Scientific Name

Gemmani

Origin/Ancestry

Morvenas

Lifespan

Infinite if they so choose.

Conservation Status

They are under high protection by their creator. They are hidden underground somewhere in the continent of Morvenas.

Average Height

Any

Average Weight

Any

Average Length

Any

Average Physique

Any

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Any