Starem

The Starem are a type of Earth Elemental, sometimes colloquially known as 'Geomancers' Bane', which emerge in Creation where the natural landscape has been significantly altered, sculpted to change the flow of the Dragon Lines for purposes such as manse construction. While they do not seem to emerge once such edifices have been completed, they present a constant hazard to workers and architects during construction, and while the spirits are not potent they can pose a challenge to an unprepared mortal, the danger rising as they gather in greater numbers.

The elementals are squat beings, only standing about three feet tall, with round rocky bodies and short thick arms and legs, their faces featureless crystals set in a way reminiscent of a hearthstone socket. It is through their crystal that they 'see', and through its vibrations that they speak.

The Starem are excellent diggers, working slowly but steadily, a skill which they use to 'correct' geomantic changes to the landscape. As there are many other Earth Elementals who can move rock and soil more quickly or with greater craftsmanship, Starem are rarely summoned... another reason for this is the elementals' potent hatred for hearthstones, which if given the opportunity they will attempt to steal and destroy.

Within the Scarlet Empire and areas beholden to the Immaculate Order, it is traditional to submit donatives to the local temple before beginning any construction project. Amongst the duties the temple takes up in exchange is patrolling and removing Starem who might interfere with the project, a task considered beneath the Exalted and typically assigned to mortal monks who have been trained in the martial arts.