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I have this race I've been tweaking for a while now and really just wanted to see if the idea made sense at all?
They're called 'Charivari' which I found after looking at Bavarian jewelry and thought the sound and meaning fit my race like a glove. So in essence they're dark elves with metal in them. Literally, they have veins that almost flow with precious metals like gold or silver, and sometimes copper. As well as gems that are embedded into their bodies. Their skin is either ebony dark or even as light as an almost violet. The gold, silver, and gems don't stay confined to the inside of the bodies however, and silvery streaks can be seen across their bodies. As well as popping out of the skin in either jagged or almost jewelry-esque protrusions. Gemstones also litter their skin and give them a shimmery quality. For example, a Charivari child could be born with bracelets literally already attached to their wrists and a pattern of gold and silver on their back and chest similar to marbling. The total amount of gold/silver/gems has become a class distinction and being born with more is often a good thing. The precious material is often prevalent around the face and comes out in unique patterns. It's even a genetic thing, with children inheriting specific patterns or styles from their parents.
Deformities often happen like a child being born with a literal silver tongue or an eye covered by a jutting out of gold. Those deformed are shunned by what society remains of their culture, and those born with copper in their blood are often deemed 'lesser' of literal less value. Class distinctions are very important and often tied to self or monetary worth. Eyes and hair are generally the same as other dark elves, and they don't really have too many special abilities other than that of their dark cousins. When they die, as long as the gold/silver is touching blood it remains in a liquid like form and is highly prized among bounty hunters and collectors. If used in spells as components, interesting results can occur. Predictably the Charivari have been hunted to near extinction, having only one great city left and most individuals live in small communities or are sold off as exotic pets.
Culturally Charivari are extremely competitive and value beauty and skill over all else. They practice ancestor worship and have interesting death rituals. When someone dies, their body is torn apart in an almost brutal fashion and anything valuable is quickly collected. It is then given to a 'soul-smith'. Charivari believe that after the bodies death the soul resides in the metal, so the smith will forge the materials into whatever was decreed in the persons will. Usually some kind of weapon, jewelry, or statue. Weapons and jewelry are given to family and next of kin and is usually magically enchanted in some way, to act as if the dead person is still watching over their loved ones. If the dead's soul-metal cannot be collected the soul is believed to be trapped or dead.
Gold and silver, along with gems not collected from a Charivari are not taboo to work with, and smiths and artisans are actually highly encouraged to craft with them, as they are holy metals. In times past when their numbers were higher, Charivari nobles would often try to cover themselves in crafted jewelry to appear more well-bred. While it was not frowned upon, in their history there have been several major scandals of peasants who went to such extremes as to melt metals into their own skin to fit in with high society. Wizards and magic is also encouraged, though its more a demonstration of skill and grace rather than the gaining of power. Some wizards have mastered the art of using the gems and metal in their veins to conduct spells and will intertwine magical tattoos in between their natural veins.
I have more written down somewhere, but this is the gist of the culture, religion, and looks! Any feedback or critiques or just suggestions? Would love to hear it!
