Golems

Golems are man-made superhuman beings who possess incredible power and strength. They were first created in the early parts of the Grand Age and were initially used as tools for manual labor. It wasn't until the Age Of Darkness when they were modified for militaristic purposes.

The process of making a golem is a magical one, so those who do not possess the gift of magic cannot create one. The first step involves making an artificial body forged from flames with magical properties, which also gives the golem its pyrokenetic ability.

It is at this stage that an object is crafted that not only controls the golem, but also acts as a source of power. Through this binding ritual the golem is compelled to serve the current owner of the object without question or hesitation. Any order given they will follow. Though they are given life by souls, they do not grant the golem any more than that. A golem without something to give it power is still alive and aware of its surroundings, but it may as well be used as a court yard decoration for it is completely immobile, not even able to usher a single word. The golem's weapon is also made at this time.

Once the shell is formed it then needs to be filled. Golems use human souls in order to have life breathed into it. The human, sometimes a willing participant, has their soul taken from their mortal form and put into the life less construct. The transference is mostly painless, but reversible so long as the body hasn't yet decayed or suffered grave injuries (losing its head, heart, etc). The golem is also given a new name after waking up.

When a golem awakens, it remembers nothing of who it used to be. The memories are not erased but locked deep inside the creatures mind. It may be possible that one with the skill could undo the psyche locks and allow the golem to have its memories back. The outcome of such are undetermined, as it was once theorized that the memories of its past life and those it has since being reborn would conflict with each other, causing the golem to suffer a major indenity crisis and potential mental breakdown, which could also sever the ties between the golem and its control device. It would still power the golem but no longer control it, giving the golem free will.

The object can be anything from a small orb to a helmet and whoever is in possession of it is the master of what golem it was bound to. The golem knows only one thing, and that is total loyalty to whom owns its unique control device. Golems never tire, never grow fatigued, never need sustenance, show no fear, and never disobey an order given. In addition, golems are also indestructible and immortal. They can live for thousands and thousands of years, perhaps even more. It's unclear just how long a golem can live.

The only way to 'kill' a golem is to destroy its control device. The object is tough, but it is breakable. If such were to happen, the golem would lose its power source and thus cease to function. It may be possible that the golem will absorb energies near by, but to build up enough power in order to move again will take centuries to achieve.

In battle, golems are a force to be reckoned with. They always possess a weapon granted to them at the moment of creation that can be anything from a sword, axe, lance, scythe, etc. Like them, the weapon is also immune to damage. They are very adept at melee combat but they also possess the ability to spawn flames by heating the air around them. This has many uses, but the most common useage is to coat their weapon in flame, making the golem an even deadlier adversary.

Golems were never able to be mass produced and formed into an army as production stopped suddenly. Only four were ever made for battle and the knowledge of making golems died with those who knew their secret, except one of the mages involved wrote a tome describing the process of golem craft. The location of this tome is unknown, and many do not believe it even exists, certain that golems are nothing more than myth and legend.