Lustrous
| Lustrous | |
|---|---|
 A newly-born Lustrous. Note the angular, rough edges, crystalline skin and lack of eyeballs.
| |
| Population | 4-14 (est.) |
| Culture | Cánsenic (Western Lustrous)
Unknown (Eastern Lustrous) |
| Location | Angelic Nation, New Cánse |
| Place of Origin | The Lands (Eastern Lustrous), Cánse (Western Lustrous) |
| Notable Members | |
| Religion | Majority: Astericism (50%-80% est.) |
The Lustrous are a species of sentient, crystalline individuals native to the world of Cinder. Being composed entirely of inorganic minerals and gemstones, the Lustrous are characterized by their remarkable physical endurance and biological immortality. Unlike their biological counterparts, the Lustrous are not predisposed to being social individuals or forming tightly-knit societies: their societal organization and behavior has historically been influenced and changed by humans.
The effect this interaction has had on the Lustrous as a species is immense; adopting the habits, thought processes and social behaviors of humans, they have become a species more attuned to humanity's own structures and institutions. As such, social interactions between Lustrous have historically mirrored those of humanity, in spite of their polarizing differences.
The Lustrous vary greatly in size and composition, each member being made of a select mineral, gem or metamorphic rock. The Lustrous lack internal organs or a nervous system. They possess millions of inclusions, phototrophic organisms that grant the Lustrous the capacity to move their bodies. Inclusions also grant the Lustrous memories, self-awareness, advanced thought and the transmission of knowledge through language, putting them on par with humans. They do not have a need to eat or drink, instead relying on sunlight for energy. Given a Lustrous takes eons to fully form and emerge into the world, the species is few in number; while estimates vary, it is thought that there are anywhere between 4 and 14 currently active Lustrous in the world.
For most of their history, the Lustrous were split in two distinct groups, born on opposite sides of the world: the Eastern Lustrous, originating in The Lands and the Western Lustrous, originating in Cánse. The first Lustrous to be born were the Eastern Lustrous, by an estimated 24,000 year difference. Due to a lack of documentation, much of the culture and characteristics of the Eastern Lustrous are lost to time. In modern times, the Lustrous have spread out to much of the world, being sighted in places ranging from the northern landscapes of Cauldra to the plains of the Angelic Nation. Despite their small population, the Lustrous have come to occupy important roles in the world of Cinder as capable politicians, historians and soldiers.