WIPWednesday - The Lazulite player race

Hey Critical Crew!

We've got your midweek check-in for what's to come with next month's release, and this time around it's the Lazulite -  the crystal-folk who are native to the tunnels and caverns of the Dark Below deep beneath the surface. Check out this excerpt from their lore and let us know what you think:

Lazulites are a race of crystalline humanoids that hail from the lands of the Dark Below. Tall and thin by nature, they use their natural abilities to amplify light sources to their advantage by acting as guides in the never-ending tunnels of the region. Devoid of any pigment, hair, or other distinguishing features, to the untrained eye one lazulite may be mistaken for another. However despite this fact, every lazulite is unique from one another in the facets of their crystalline facets, and the striations in their opaqueness.

Lazulite's inherent abilities to amplify even the tiniest source of light and help others see in the dark, combined with their innate sense of direction, make them especially suited for navigating the endless caverns of the Dark Below. As such, they are often highly sought after by merchant guilds, and can be found traveling with adventuring parties acting as their navigators. Lazulites normally spend the majority of their lives below the surface, but some have been known to take their roles of navigators to heart and venture out above the surface to continue their journeys.

Some lazulites take this calling one step further, and believe that they’re destined to walk the depths, looking for ways that they can be a light to others (both literally and figuratively). Lazulites who subscribe to this belief become an Illuminator, and pledge their lives to walking the caverns and tunnels, looking for someone who may be in need of help. An Illuminator sets out walking - throwing caution to the wind, with no thought to where they may wander - instead letting fate take them where they are needed. Many a waylaid traveler or adventurer, or a merchant or miner who has become lost owes their lives to an Illuminator who showed up at the right time and helped lead them to safety. To outsiders, an illuminators lifestyle may look cruel and thankless, but to many lazulites it is seen as the utmost honor.

"So they can increase the light source?? How does this work and what's the point?" you ask. Great questions!

Refracting Form. Lazulite’s transparent bodies allow light to refract through it in interesting ways. While holding a light source emitting a dim light or brighter, a Lazulite can channel the light into itself and magnify it, causing it to become bright light and emitting it out to up to 60 feet (with the exact range being controlled as a bonus action).  Dropping the light source causes this feature to end.

...and what if you could weaponize this feature?? Check this out, J.J. Abrams fans!

Lens flare. While holding a light source that is putting off a normal brightness of light or brighter, as a bonus action you can cause the light to flare to near-blinding intensity. All creatures within 30 ft. that can see you must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or gain the blinded condition until the end of their next turn. The DC for this save is equal to 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier. A creature that cannot be blinded is immune to this trait. Once you have used this feature, you cannot use it again in this way until after a long rest.

We really like how this one turned out! Let us know what you think!'

- Cameron