Crystal Tender (Shaman Archetype)
The way that a crystal structure can grow from a single crystal almost makes them seem like living things, and in the deep dark, what caverns are not filled with fungi might treat such formations as the closest thing to a garden.
Where such crystals, magical or mundane, can be found, there are those that treat them as sacred things to be cared for and harvested from responsibly. Many who take up this duty are shamans, speaking to the very earth spirits of the crystals themselves as they watch over them.
These crystal tenders are protective of such places in the same way a druid might protect an ecosystem, protecting them from being plundered or destroyed.
In turn the spirits grant them power over crystals that few can replicate, though curiously, the shamans have no limit on the exact type of spirits they can bond with, perhaps representing the multitude of forces that can result in crystal formation, though naturally, spirits that that are associated with the open terrain of the surface may be hard to find.
Rather than bond with an animal, crystal tenders instead conjure forth a small elemental in the shape of a familiar to be their spiritual conduit, a creature composed of living crystal which is quite durable, though vulnerable to sonic attacks.
With their connection to crystals, they can choose to redirect some of the power from a wandering spirit into their bodies, growing crystalline growths to protect themselves and their spirit animal.
Additionally, both familiar and shaman benefit from ioun stones that one or the other bears, and the familiar can integrate said stones in their body to protect them.
At the very zenith of their power, these mystics can channel their power to turn into durable living crystal, being as hard as iron, but taking on the vulnerabilities of crystals.
A simple archetype that doesn’t change too much, but gives you some extra defenses and an ability for protecting ioun stones, so if your build revolves around those, go for it. Be warned that this version of the familiar is more expensive to replace, though, so I’d advise to find ways to keep it safe. Beyond that, build to your heart’s content.
Because the archetype places no restrictions on your primary or wandering spirits, It can be fun to figure out exactly how said spirit relates to crystals, even the ones where it isn’t immediately obvious. For example, a heavens spirit might be associated with crystals that twinkle like starlight, while a waves spirit may have to do with crystals that form exclusively by the action of water.
After plundering a formation of crystals hidden below Regus Isle, the smuggler ship Stormshawl makes all due haste towards the buyer. However, they are pursued by the shaman whose duty it was to protect that formation, but the smugglers have a guardian of their own, a magic-infused animated figurehead with fists that crackle with lightning. This is where the party, struggling to remain afloat from the wreckage of their ship, gets caught up in the mess.
From the air, Pamasha Jungle looks like unbroken trees and plant life as far as the eye can see, but beneath the canopy and undergrowth, there are deep fissures in the earth that a brave or foolhardy explorer might enter. The native catfolk do guard some particularly fiercely, however, as they contain seams of gemstones and crystals sacred to them
The drow city of Unvekkar, an auction is about to take place, one that only the various leaders of the city’s houses are invited to. The primary lot that has everyone abuzz is apparently a seed crystal from Glimmerhaven, a cavern known for it’s munavri residents and psychic resonance. If true, one can only bet that the munavri are trying their hardest to get it back.