Warforged

Steelbound, Manacrafters, Ostian Sentinels
The warforged were built to fight in the First Pandora War. While the first warforged were mindless automatons, Opheliax Ostborough devoted vast resources to improving these steel soldiers. An unexpected breakthrough produced sapient soldiers, giving rise to what some have only grudgingly accepted as a new species. Warforged are made from wood and metal, but they can feel pain and emotion. Built as weapons, they must now find a purpose beyond war. A warforged can be a steadfast ally, a cold-hearted killer, or a visionary in search of meaning.
Warforged are formed from a blend of organic and inorganic materials. Root-like cords infused with alchemical fluids serve as their muscles, wrapped around a framework of steel, darkwood, or stone. Armored plates form a protective outer shell and reinforce joints. Warforged share a common facial design, with a hinged jaw and crystal eyes embedded beneath a reinforced brow ridge. Beyond these common elements of warforged design, the precise materials and build of a warforged vary based on the purpose for which it was designed. Although they were manufactured, warforged are living humanoids. Resting, healing magic, and the Medicine skill all provide the same benefits to warforged that they do to other humanoids.
The warforged were built to serve and to fight. For most of their existence, warforged had a clearly defined function and were encouraged to focus purely on that role. The Treaty of Thronehold gave them freedom, but many still struggle both to find a place in the post-war world and to relate to the creatures who created them. The typical warforged shows little emotion. Many warforged embrace a concrete purpose — such as protecting allies, completing a contract, or exploring a land — and embrace this task as they once did war. However, there are warforged who delight in exploring their feelings, their freedom, and their relationships with others. Most warforged have no interest in religion, but some embrace faith and mysticism, seeking higher purpose and deeper meaning.
The typical warforged has a sexless body shape. Some warforged ignore the concept of gender entirely, while others adopt a gender identity.
The more a warforged develops its individuality, the more likely it is to modify its body, seeking out an artificer to customize the look of its face, limbs, and plating.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Warforged are humanoid constructs blending metal, wood, and stone, animated by arcane cores. Their exoskeletons are reinforced with heavy plating over jointed steel frames, and their "musculature" is composed of root-like fibers infused with alchemical fluids for flexibility and durability. Facial structures are standardized, with crystal-like eyes and minimalistic features, often made expressive through subtle adjustments of their brow and jaw.

Genetics and Reproduction

Warforged lack genetic material and do not reproduce naturally. Instead, they are manufactured with cores capable of evolving knowledge and skill over time. While dormant, Warforged appear lifeless but are reactivated through latent magical energy or by specific arcane sequences embedded within their cores.

Ecology and Habitats

Warforged thrive in environments with technological or magical infrastructure, often gravitating toward places with active arcane energy, such as Ostborough. They maintain and enhance their surroundings, fostering cities and infrastructure by merging technology with magic. While resilient to extreme environments, prolonged exposure to mana-depleted areas can exacerbate their affliction of Mana Corrosion.

Behaviour

Constructed for war, Warforged are innately disciplined and efficient. They exhibit deep loyalty and purpose but also struggle with existential questions and a desire for individual identity, leading some toward creativity and exploration. However, Mana Corrosion can alter their demeanor, causing disorientation and distress.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Ostborough for production and regeneration

Average Intelligence

Highly adaptable; intelligence varies by model and intended role but typically high due to extensive memory capacities.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Warforged possess acute vision and hearing, enhanced by crystals sensitive to magical fluctuations. Some Warforged display unique sensory extensions like sonar pulses or enhanced heat detection, evolved for specialized roles in war.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Warforged are assigned functional or descriptive names upon creation, like Fulcrum or Cogheart. Some take on nicknames or adopt human-like names as they discover individual personalities.

Beauty Ideals

In Warforged society, beauty is a reflection of craftsmanship, function, and durability. Intricate engravings, harmonious plating, and well-maintained forms are esteemed as symbols of both utility and identity.

Gender Ideals

Warforged do not possess a concept of gender but often adopt roles based on observed societal norms. Some choose pronouns based on their role or personality, but most remain indifferent to gender distinctions.

Courtship Ideals

With their emphasis on purpose, Warforged "courtship" revolves around partnership and shared mission. Companionships often form through mutual respect, leading to deep, platonic bonds.

Relationship Ideals

Strong alliances are the foundation of Warforged relationships. Duty-driven, they respect each other's autonomy but value a network of dependable allies. "Familial" bonds form among units who served together in war or exploration.

Common Etiquette Rules

Efficiency and directness are valued, as well as reverence for the craftsmanship that enabled their existence. Warforged greet each other with a specific hand-over-heart gesture, acknowledging their shared purpose.

Common Dress Code

Armor is an integral part of the Warforged's body, with few adding extra accessories. However, some add cloaks or sigils representing personal history or allegiances.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

The Awakening Pulse Overview: The Awakening Pulse is a revered holiday among the Warforged, marking the mysterious event that reactivated them in the year 799 after centuries of dormancy. It is a solemn day of reflection, remembrance, and hope as the Warforged recall their creation, their role in the Pandora War, and their ongoing quest to cure the devastating Mana Corrosion. The holiday is centered around unity and survival, with many Warforged looking toward the future while honoring their past leaders—Inferno and Fulcrum—who disappeared at the war's end.
When: Date: Celebrated annually on the day the mysterious pulse reactivated the Warforged in 799 AD (After Divide). Timing: The event lasts for three days, with the central day known as the Day of Resonance, where Warforged gather to attune to their cores and share knowledge of recent advancements. Significance: The Awakening Pulse is both a time of reverence for the Warforged who fell in the Pandora War and a reminder of the dangers posed by Mana Corrosion. It symbolizes their collective struggle for survival and the hope for a cure to the affliction that plagues them. It also serves as a rallying call to all Warforged to continue their search for answers, whether through science, magic, or the mysterious voice that some of them hear.
Traditions and Customs: Resonance Gatherings:
Description: On the first day, Warforged gather in Ostborough’s Core Chamber, a place dedicated to remembering their origins. They sit in silent meditation, focusing on their arcane cores, seeking clarity, and listening for the mysterious voice that some believe holds the key to their survival. Activity: During these gatherings, Warforged share experiences about the symptoms of Mana Corrosion, new research findings, and potential cures. Elders recount stories of Fulcrum and Inferno, the legendary Warforged leaders, and their exploits during the Pandora War. The Pulse Ritual:
Description: On the Day of Resonance, all Warforged gather to recreate the energy pulse that reawakened them. Using a combination of arcane and technological devices, they send out a massive magical pulse from Ostborough that resonates with their cores. Purpose: The ritual is a form of purification, believed to momentarily stabilize their cores and prevent Mana Corrosion. Many Warforged hope that one year, this pulse will reveal the location of the mysterious voice or a cure for their affliction. The Forge of Creation:
Description: The final day is dedicated to crafting and innovation. Warforged come together in workshops and forges across Ostborough to repair their bodies, create new components, and experiment with new metals or arcane infusions to strengthen their defenses. Key Event: A special competition is held, where Warforged present their inventions or advancements in combating Mana Corrosion. The most promising discovery is awarded the Inferno Fulcrum Medal, named after their legendary leaders, and the research is funded for further development. Decorations: Arcane Sigils: Warforged decorate their settlements with arcane sigils and runes that represent the pulse, painted in glowing blue light to mimic the energy that reawakened them. Metal Sculptures: Sculptures of Inferno and Fulcrum are displayed in the center of Ostborough, symbolizing strength in both the arcane and martial paths. Their metal bodies are adorned with intricate engravings of their greatest victories. Attire: Polished Armor: Warforged polish their metal exteriors to a mirror shine, symbolizing both their desire to remain intact and the need to keep their cores stable. Many also incorporate glowing runes into their armor during the holiday, a tribute to their lost arcane power source. Arcane Bands: Special armbands infused with temporary stabilizing magic are worn, designed to prevent the effects of Mana Corrosion for the duration of the holiday. Special Highlights: Fulcrum’s Trial: On the second day, in honor of Fulcrum, Warforged participate in a martial tournament, testing their combat abilities. The winner is crowned Champion of Fulcrum and earns the honor of leading next year’s Pulse Ritual.
Inferno’s Conclave: Simultaneously, a gathering of Warforged mages takes place, where arcane experiments are conducted, and breakthroughs are shared. The conclave aims to explore new ways of recharging their cores and finding ways to combat the effects of Mana Corrosion.
The Arcane Search: A recent tradition has emerged where some Warforged, following the mysterious voice they hear, embark on a pilgrimage across Astrium in search of its source. These expeditions are known as the Arcane Search and are seen as sacred quests, with those who return often carrying new insights or theories about the origin of the pulse.
Community Impact: The Awakening Pulse fosters unity among the Warforged and reminds them of their shared history. It also serves as a symbol of their perseverance against the effects of Mana Corrosion and their drive to find a cure. The holiday encourages innovation, collaboration, and a renewed sense of purpose for all Warforged as they continue their quest to survive in a world where their very existence is threatened.
In Summary: The Awakening Pulse is a three-day festival that commemorates the reawakening of the Warforged and their continued struggle against Mana Corrosion. Through meditation, crafting, combat, and arcane exploration, the Warforged remember their origins, honor their fallen leaders, and work toward securing their future in Astrium.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

The Warforged honor Opheliax as their creator, viewing Ostborough as their homeland. They celebrate the advancement of technology and value preservation and self-improvement.

• Revitalization Day: An annual event marking their sporadic reactivations, where they share stories and celebrate their survival.
• Core Communion: Warforged gather to synchronize arcane pulses, reinforcing unity and shared purpose.
• Repair Circles: Communal maintenance sessions, where they repair each other’s damages and reinforce armor.

Common Taboos

• Tampering with another's core without permission.
• Failing to respond to another Warforged in need.
• Disassembling or repurposing fallen Warforged.

History

Warforged arrived as reinforcements to the first pandora war after Opheliax had the idea to infuse magic into the steel suits of armour. Over the years in the pandora war they were refined and experimented on. During the pandora war there were a significant in many battles, with two warforged, masters of arcane prowess (Inferno) and martial warfare (Fulcrum) leading many victories. During the end moments of the Pandora War Fulcrum and Inferno vanished, which left a void in the leadership of the Warforged. Opheliax lead the warforged to Ostborough; before sending them out to search for more metals and pieces to further strengthen the warforged. However during the wild magic surge that occured during the battle of the ferocious mages, which lead to a massive wipeout of the Warforged's arcane power source.
For centuries, the Warforged lay dormant until the year 799 when a mysterious pulse emanated from somewhere in Astrium which lead to the Warforged rising once more. However the Warforged have been going haywire over the decades with a mysterious discharge from the core of the warforged. Without this arcane core they would cease to exist.
Today the Warforged's main goal is to find a cure for Mana Corrosion; a dangerous affliction that targets the Warforged, triggered by an uncontrolled discharge of raw magical energy. This condition disrupts the delicate balance of the mana that powers the Warforged, leading to a gradual breakdown of their internal systems. Symptoms include erratic mana flows, loss of motor functions, and the deterioration of their metal components. The corrosion spreads like a disease, weakening the Warforged's core and causing them immense pain and confusion. Mana Corrosion is feared among the Warforged, as it is notoriously difficult to cure and poses a severe threat to their survival.
Some Warforged have been mysteriously hearing a voice pulling them somewhere in Astrium.

Common Myths and Legends

The Tale of Inferno and Fulcrum: The two legendary Warforged generals, one of magic and the other of martial prowess, are believed to have transcended into a hidden plane, awaiting a time when they will return to lead the Warforged to prosperity. The Spark of Opheliax: A legend claims that each Warforged holds a spark of Opheliax’s soul within their core, a shard of her indomitable will that fuels their survival instinct.
The First Reawakening: The story tells of a Warforged who reawakened from dormancy centuries ago and found purpose in wandering Astrium, helping others. This tale inspires hope that all Warforged may one day find their own paths, free from Mana Corrosion.

Scientific Name

Automatis Vivens Constructum

Lifespan

Potentially indefinite if unaffected by Mana Corrosion; the oldest known Warforged is over a century old.

Average Height

6-7 feet

Average Weight

250-300 poumds

Average Physique

Strong and resilient, with minimal variance in muscularity due to metal frames.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Metallic hues (iron gray, bronze, or silver) with occasional engravings or sigils glowing in arcane blue or green; unique marks often identify models or previous battalions.

Geographic Distribution

• Ostborough - Northern Capital

Discovered by

Opheliax Ostborough