Warforged

Among the myriad wonders of Eberron, none present a more profound challenge to conventional biological understanding than the warforged. These entities, classified universally as "living constructs," defy simple categorization, possessing both the undeniable sentience and self-determination of organic life, yet lacking virtually all its traditional biological functions. This treatise aims to meticulously detail the known anatomy and speculated morphology of these singular beings, derived from decades of observation, forensic examination of decommissioned units, and direct, if often inscrutable, dialogue.

I. Gross Anatomy: The External Shell

The quintessential warforged presents as a bipedal, humanoid automaton, typically ranging from six to eight feet in height and possessing a density significantly greater than organic beings of comparable stature. Their construction is a masterful testament to the alchemical and artificer arts of the Creation Forges.

A. Composition and Plating: The exterior of a warforged is a composite of meticulously crafted materials. The primary load-bearing structures are often forged from dense, enchanted darkwood or livewood, woven with overlapping plates of steel, adamantine, or various alchemical alloys. These plates serve as both armor and the foundational structure, interlocking with incredible precision to allow for a surprising degree of flexibility and articulation despite their inherent rigidity. Seams are often sealed with a resilient, almost organic-feeling sealant, preventing ingress of foreign matter and maintaining internal integrity.

B. Articulation and Joints: Movement is facilitated by robust, multi-axis joints, often secured by reinforced metallic pins or intricate systems of arcane seals and contained elemental forces. Unlike skeletal muscle, there are no visible tendons or ligaments; instead, the plates glide over one another, propelled by internal mechanics and, speculatively, the directed flow of arcane energy. The flexibility of warforged, particularly those designated "scouts" or "infiltrators," can rival that of trained humanoids, a testament to the sophistication of their joint design.

C. The Head and Sensory Apparatus: The warforged head is typically featureless, bearing no traditional mouth, nose, or ears. Instead, two deep-set, often luminous crystalline sensors serve as their primary visual organs, capable of perceiving the full light spectrum and, in some models, specialized thermal or arcane sight. Auditory perception is achieved through small, recessed apertures along the cranial plates, which absorb and translate sonic vibrations. Communication, particularly speech, is achieved not through vocal cords but through internal resonation chambers and controlled expulsion of processed elemental air, resulting in a distinctive, often metallic timbre.

D. Limbs and Appendages: Their limbs mirror the heavily armored aesthetic of the torso, culminating in powerful, five-fingered hands and multi-toed feet. While generally lacking the fine dexterity of organic digits, warforged hands are renowned for their incredible strength and gripping power. Some models possess integrated tools, weapon hardpoints, or specialized manipulators designed for specific wartime roles.

E. The Sentient Glow: Perhaps the most telling external feature is the subtle, internal luminescence that emanates from many warforged, often visible through the seams of their plating or etched runes. This "sentient glow" varies in intensity and color, generally brightening with heightened emotion or exertion, and dimming in states of quiescence or distress. It is widely regarded as a manifestation of their internal arcane energy flow and the very "spark" of their consciousness.

II. Internal Morphology: The Enigma Within

It is in their internal structure that warforged diverge most radically from any known biological paradigm. Lacking traditional organs, circulatory systems, or digestive tracts, their internal workings are a complex interplay of arcane mechanics, elemental binding, and hitherto unique alchemical processes.

A. The Resonance Core: The Spark of Life: At the very heart of every warforged lies what scholars refer to as the "Resonance Core" or "Spark of Creation." This is not a physical organ in the conventional sense, but rather a nexus of stable, self-sustaining arcane energy, bound within a precisely crafted and enchanted receptacle. This core is the ultimate source of their consciousness, their sentience, and the animating force that permeates their entire form. Damage to the core is invariably fatal to the warforged's individual personality and often results in irreparable structural collapse.

B. The Conduits and Filaments: Radiating outwards from the Resonance Core is an intricate network of glowing, root-like fibrous conduits. These are not veins or nerves, but rather channels for the distribution of raw arcane energy throughout the construct. These filaments appear to serve as analogues to both the nervous and circulatory systems of organic beings, transmitting commands from the Resonance Core to the limbs and sensors, and returning sensory data. Observations during deep-repair procedures suggest these filaments are themselves semi-sentient, capable of intelligent self-repair and rerouting energy flows around minor damage.

C. Pseudo-Musculature and Locomotion: Warforged strength and endurance are prodigious, yet no conventional musculature has ever been identified. Current theory posits that their immense power is derived from the contained and directed kinetic energies within their structure, augmented by small, localized elemental bindings (often minor fire or earth elementals) integrated into their joints and core plates. These bindings, in conjunction with the arcane energy distributed by the conduits, allow for incredible feats of strength and sustained activity far beyond organic limits.

D. Internal Structure and Material Regeneration: The internal cavities of a warforged are remarkably sparse, filled primarily with the interwoven network of conduits and the internal mechanisms responsible for joint articulation. There are no hollow bone structures; the internal material appears to be a solid, dense matrix of the same enchanted darkwood and metal alloys as the exterior. Minor damage to external plating can be slowly mitigated through an internal process akin to crystallization or arcane accretion, drawing upon residual ambient magic or requiring external magical input (such as a Mending spell) for more significant repairs. Catastrophic damage, however, often requires the complete replacement of components.

III. Physiological Analogues and Deviations

The profound differences in anatomy translate to an equally radical physiological profile.

A. Sustenance and Waste: Warforged have no need for food, water, or air in the biological sense. They neither respire nor digest, and produce no waste products. Their energy requirements are met internally by the Resonance Core, which draws upon ambient arcane energies or, in older models, may have required periodic "recharging" via arcane rituals or direct energy siphoning.

B. Replication and Aging: Reproduction is an alien concept to the warforged. Each unit was individually constructed within the Creation Forges, a process that is currently lost to the world after the destruction of the Mourning. They do not age in the biological sense; their physical forms are theoretically immutable unless damaged. However, their minds and personalities continue to mature and develop over time, accumulating experience and wisdom.

C. The Quiescent State: Instead of sleep, warforged enter a "Quiescent State." During this period, their internal lights dim, their systems power down to a minimal operational level, and exterior movement ceases. This state allows the Resonance Core to stabilize, repair minor internal fluctuations, and process accumulated sensory data. While outwardly appearing inert, many warforged report a heightened state of internal awareness or a form of deep contemplation during quiescence.

IV. Variations and Adaptations

While the core anatomy described above holds true for the vast majority of warforged, specialized models were undoubtedly created during the Last War. These might include:

• Juggernauts: Significantly larger and more heavily armored, featuring reinforced plating and enhanced internal elemental bindings for crushing power.
• Scouts: Lighter and more agile, with streamlined plating and internal mechanisms optimized for speed and stealth.
• Integrated Weapon Platforms: Warforged whose very limbs or torsos were designed to incorporate siege weaponry or arcane projectors.

These variations, however, are primarily external modifications or internal reconfigurations of the same fundamental principles, always centered around the enigmatic Resonance Core.

As previously established, the Warforged chassis, a marvel of material science and craftsmanship, forms merely the physical vessel. The true genesis of a Warforged—the spark of self-awareness, the emergence of a unique consciousness—occurs within the Creation Forge. This monumental magical apparatus, a closely guarded secret of the Cannith artificers, functions not merely as an assembly line but as a crucible of nascent intelligence. Within the Forge's mystical energies, the complex network of arcane circuits, resonant wood, and enchanted metals that constitute the Warforged body is infused with a simulated soul, a unique sentience arising from the confluence of magic and sophisticated design. This process is highly precise, yielding a fully formed adult consciousness without the intermediary stages of childhood or maturation inherent to biological life.

The concept of "genetics" for the Warforged is therefore redefined as the design blueprint and the quality of the soul-forging process. Different models of Warforged, such as the hardy Juggernauts, the agile Scouts, or the specialized Medics, are not the result of genetic mutation or natural selection, but of deliberate design variations within the Cannith schematics. These blueprints, honed over decades of the Last War, dictate their physical form, inherent capabilities, and even subtle psychological inclinations, akin to a pre-programmed personality matrix. The "lineage" of a Warforged is traced not through biological descent, but through the specific Forge they were activated in, and the particular design parameters that governed their creation. Any variations among them are not hereditary in the biological sense, but manufactured as refinements or adaptations to existing models.

"Reproduction," in the Warforged context, is synonymous with creation. It is an external process entirely dependent on the operation of the Creation Forge and the skilled artificers capable of operating it. The exponential growth of the Warforged population during the Last War was a direct consequence of the continuous, industrial-scale output of these Forges. However, the signing of the Treaty of Thronehold, which mandated the destruction of all active Creation Forges, abruptly halted this "reproductive" cycle. This cessation makes the Warforged a finite population, a race with no means of self-propagation. The knowledge required to construct and operate a Creation Forge, once a closely guarded secret of House Cannith, is now either lost, fragmented, or deliberately suppressed, ensuring that no new Warforged can be brought into existence.

The emergence and development of the Warforged stand as a profound anomaly within the known biological and arcane sciences of Eberron. Unlike any other sentient race, the Warforged do not undergo a period of physical maturation; rather, their 'growth' is almost entirely a process of cognitive and experiential acquisition, heavily influenced by their unique method of genesis. This report elucidates the distinct stages of Warforged development, from emergence to their post-war maturation.

Stage One: The Genesis – Emergence from the Creation Forge

The Warforged are, fundamentally, constructs. Their "birth" is not a biological process but an activation within a Creation Forge. Upon completion of this arcane fabrication, a Warforged emerges fully formed, their composite plating and internal mechanisms complete and functional. There is no period of infancy demanding physical care or growth. From the very moment of their activation, they possess rudimentary linguistic capabilities, enabling basic comprehension and vocalization, alongside instinctual knowledge of fundamental motor functions necessary for locomotion and interaction with their immediate environment. This instantaneous physical readiness distinguishes them sharply from all biological life.

Stage Two: The Formative Crucible – Cognitive Imprinting (First Months)

While physically complete, the newly emergent Warforged exists in a state of profound cognitive malleability. The initial months post-activation represent their most critical developmental period, akin to the formative years of biological races, yet dramatically compressed. During this phase, the Warforged mind functions akin to a tabula rasa – a clean slate. They are incredibly adaptable, demonstrating an unparalleled capacity for rapid assimilation of new skills, complex data, and operational protocols.

It was precisely within this narrow, crucial window of cognitive elasticity that House Cannith, under the strategic imperatives of the Last War, implemented its foundational training regimens. The vast majority of Warforged units deployed during the conflict were subjected to intensive martial instruction immediately upon their activation. This training encompassed combat doctrines, weapon proficiency, tactical maneuvers, and an understanding of chain of command, all imprinted with astonishing speed.

Crucially, the Warforged possess no inherent moral compass or pre-programmed ethical framework at this stage. Concepts such as "good" or "evil," "right" or "wrong," are entirely alien to their nascent consciousness. Consequently, they are entirely at the mercy of their creator's tutoring. The information and directives imparted by House Cannith artificers, military commanders, or assigned trainers during these infant months were absorbed and internalized as absolute, undeniable truths. Without any prior experiential context or internal moral reference, a newly forged Warforged would adopt the teachings of their instructors as the singular reality, believing them implicitly until direct, undeniable evidence or compelling, authoritative counter-instruction proved otherwise. This foundational imprinting shaped their understanding of the world, their purpose, and their very identity as instruments of war.

Stage Three: Post-Formative Accrual – Experiential Maturation (Ongoing)

Upon the successful completion of the intensive initial training period, the Warforged transition from directed cognitive imprinting to a phase of continuous experiential learning. While the rapid assimilation of data diminishes somewhat from the initial months, their capacity for learning and adaptation remains robust throughout their existence.

This stage is characterized by the accumulation of lived experience, which gradually refines and, in some cases, alters the foundational truths imprinted during their infancy. Exposure to diverse individuals, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of civilian life post-Treaty of Thronehold has allowed many Warforged to develop personal ethics, individual preferences, and a deeper understanding of the nuanced social dynamics of Eberron. Their 'growth' becomes less about programmed instruction and more about the organic development of self, intellect, and, for some, even a burgeoning sense of emotionality.

The perception of the Warforged stands as a testament to unparalleled artifice, a profound departure from the organic sensory frameworks common to the sentient races of Eberron. Unlike humans, elves, or dwarves, Warforged do not possess traditional biological senses. Their existence is predicated upon a sophisticated interplay of specialized components, designed not merely to mimic standard sensory input but, in many cases, to transcend its conventional limitations. Instead of flesh and blood, their very essence relies on carefully balanced alchemical fluids, magically-treated composite materials, and intricate internal networks that process environmental stimuli with unparalleled efficiency. It is a system built for purpose, not pleasure, yet it yields a comprehensive understanding of the world around them.

A meticulous examination of Warforged design reveals visual capabilities that, for most models, are demonstrably comparable to, if not superior to, human sight. This is achieved through their precisely engineered crystalline lenses and an array of light-sensitive receptors integrated directly into their chassis. However, the nuances of their vision can vary significantly based on their original intent. Some Warforged, particularly those designed for reconnaissance or specialized industrial roles, are demonstrably capable of perceiving a wider spectrum of light, granting them limited infrared or ultraviolet vision. This grants them tactical advantages in low-light conditions or the ability to discern heat signatures and invisible magical emanations. Others are engineered for enhanced clarity and precision, manifesting as microscopic acuity or telescopic range, proving invaluable for tasks requiring meticulous detail, such as clockwork repair or battlefield analysis.

Rather than the conventional auditory organs, Warforged utilize an advanced system of resonators and internal chambers that meticulously translate ambient vibrations into intelligible audible signals. This sophisticated design allows them to hear a remarkably wide range of frequencies, potentially detecting sounds well beyond the human range, from the faint rumble of distant siege engines to the high-pitched whine of a failing magical conduit. The very materials used in their construction can profoundly influence their auditory perception; Warforged composed of certain metals or imbued with specific magical properties may exhibit increased sensitivity to particular tones, pitches, or even the subtle harmonic shifts indicative of magical discourse.

While lacking the intricate network of nerve endings found in biological organisms, Warforged possess an array of highly sensitive pressure sensors distributed strategically throughout their composite bodies. This allows them to perceive texture with remarkable fidelity, register temperature changes within a calibrated range, and detect subtle shifts in pressure. This tactile feedback is crucial for their interaction with the world. The level of sensitivity is a direct function of the Warforged's intended purpose; those designed for delicate tasks, such as surgical assistants or artificer's apprentices, possess a vastly more refined sense of touch, capable of discerning microscopic imperfections, whereas a front-line soldier might have a more generalized, robust tactile system optimized for impact detection.

The more abstract senses of taste and smell are often conspicuously simplified or entirely absent in Warforged, particularly those models designed solely for combat or heavy labor. The biological imperative for these senses – pleasure, sustenance, and warning of biological toxins – is largely irrelevant to their manufactured existence. However, specialized models may incorporate sophisticated alchemical sensors that enable them to detect specific substances, identify chemical compositions, or even track scents with surprising accuracy over great distances. In these specialized cases, the "taste" and "smell" are not experiential but purely analytical, providing concise chemical readouts and valuable environmental data, often crucial for identifying poisons, tracking targets, or assessing environmental hazards.

Perhaps the most profound and intriguing aspect of Warforged perception is their demonstrable, innate connection to the weave of magic itself. Constructed with magically imbued materials and often forged within the arcane crucibles of House Cannith, they are invariably more attuned to magical energies than most other races. This inherent resonance with the arcane weave of the world allows many Warforged to instinctively discern the presence of enchantments, detect subtle magical auras, or even perceive the underlying structure of magical effects that would be invisible to others. This extrasensory capability can manifest as an intuitive understanding of magical principles, a heightened awareness of spells being cast in their vicinity, or even a remarkable passive resistance to certain types of magical coercion or damage. This makes them not merely recipients of sensory data, but active participants in the magical currents of Eberron, providing a unique and formidable dimension to their already exceptional perceptive abilities.

Upon their activation, many Warforged were assigned numerical designations or functional titles by their creators, the Cannith artificers. However, with the Treaty of Thronehold granting them freedom, the vast majority shed these initial identifying marks, forging their own identities in a world they were only just beginning to comprehend. It is here that the distinctive patterns of Warforged nomenclature truly emerge.

One prevalent practice observes Warforged adopting names bestowed upon them by their companions, colleagues, or even their military superiors during the conflict. These names are often born from observation, reflecting a prominent characteristic, a memorable action, or a particular skill. A Warforged known for their unwavering defense might simply become "Shield," one who often delivered crucial messages "Courier," and so forth. Such appellations, initially simple descriptors, frequently evolve into the Warforged's chosen personal name, accepted and carried with a distinct lack of the sentimentality often attached to names by other races.

Equally common is the self-ascribed nomenclature. A Warforged might choose a name that directly denotes their primary function or rank, such as "Sentinel," "Forge," or "Sergeant." Alternatively, they may select a name that encapsulates a significant aspect of their emerging personality or a defining moment in their existence. "Rook" might be a strategist, "Glimmer" one who finds hope in the darkest times, or "Pylon" a steadfast and unyielding presence. These names are not merely labels; they are often declarative statements of self, purpose, or aspiration.

Perhaps the most salient feature of Warforged naming is its inherent fluidity. It is far from uncommon for a Warforged to change their name, sometimes multiple times over the course of their life. This is not indicative of caprice, but rather a profound reflection of their evolving understanding of themselves and their place in the world. As a Warforged accrues new experiences, develops new skills, or embraces a different direction in life, their previous name may cease to resonate with their current identity. A "Soldier" who finds peace in craftsmanship might become "Anvil," or a "Charger" who embraces diplomacy could adopt "Spire." Such changes are undertaken with a matter-of-fact practicality, signifying a shift in self-perception rather than a rejection of the past.

Furthermore, a subset of Warforged, particularly those who seek deeper integration into the societies of other races, may choose to adopt names common to humans or other ethnic groups. This act often signifies a deliberate effort to assimilate, to shed the overt markers of their constructed origin, and to foster a sense of shared community. While some might view this as an abandonment of their unique heritage, it is more accurately seen as an expression of their individual autonomy and their capacity for adaptation.

For two short years, the Treaty of Thronehold has declared the warforged to be free creatures. This nascent period of freedom, however, has afforded these living constructs little opportunity to forge a widespread, unified culture or heritage distinct from their martial past. What societal structures and cultural inclinations exist among them are, by necessity, largely remnants of the highly regimented command structures that defined their existence during the brutal decades of the Last War.

The foundational unit of warforged society, if one can call it such, remains the squad. Deeply ingrained camaraderie, forged in the crucible of countless battles, binds these small groups. These squads persist beyond the theatre of war, tackling the myriad challenges of post-conflict existence as a cohesive unit. It is common to observe such groups seeking similar employment, sharing living quarters, and operating with the same synchronized efficiency they once displayed on the battlefield. Often, a former squad commander retains a leadership role, guiding their unit through the bewildering landscape of peacetime, assisting them in finding their place within a world that struggles to comprehend their unique nature.

Even warforged who find themselves initially isolated rarely remain so for long. Their inherent aptitudes and shared experiences frequently funnel them into similar professions. It is a common observation that warforged working together, irrespective of their employer's hierarchy, will spontaneously elect a leader and coalesce into an impromptu squad. This innate drive for communal function underscores their fundamental need for structured interaction and shared purpose.

A significant challenge for the solitary warforged lies in forging bonds outside their own kind. While some may find solace and acceptance among non-warforged colleagues, the experience is often fraught with difficulty. Many laborers harbor jealousy towards the warforged's tireless nature or distrust their inherent martial prowess. Consequently, the most enduring bonds formed by warforged are invariably with those who judge them not by their origin or past, but by their demonstrable actions and abilities.

This drive for acceptance, coupled with their inherent resilience, explains why many warforged gravitate towards lives of adventure or mercenary service. In the shared crucible of combat against a common foe, the pervasive prejudice they frequently face tends to recede. Allies, dependent on their strength and unwavering resolve, come to rely upon them as they would any trusted companion. Yet, even within the mercenary ranks and adventuring companies, the warforged encounter those who view them as mere tools rather than sentient beings. For those rare warforged who achieve genuine acceptance and profound respect among other races, an unyielding and steadfast loyalty is the inevitable return.

At their core, warforged share a common outlook, if not a coherent culture. They are united by the collective quest for purpose and place in a world scarred by the war they were built to fight. They are natural warriors, exhibiting a remarkable lack of fear in the face of danger. Extremes of emotion are notably uncommon, and their industrious nature drives them towards continuous production and betterment.

Yet, it is from this remarkably consistent foundation that warforged diverge into a myriad of individual behaviors, leaving precious little that can be definitively categorized as a unified culture or a shared heritage. Many warforged, in their earnest attempt to integrate, consciously adopt the customs of their immediate surroundings. It is not uncommon to witness a warforged dressing in the attire common to local folk, mimicking their speech patterns, and even participating in their social rituals. Some take these efforts to remarkable extremes, exploring their newfound "living" nature by engaging in human biological behaviors such as eating—despite no nutritional need—and "sleeping" by remaining inactive during the night cycles.

Conversely, a substantial number of warforged defiantly reject any attempts at assimilation, instead embracing and even celebrating their inherent differences from humanoid races. These individuals rarely don clothes, abstain from the celebrations and rituals of the societies they inhabit, and remain constantly active, deriving profound pride from their tireless strength and unwavering resilience. Such warforged often seek out professions where their construct nature provides a significant, undeniable advantage, such as arduous mining operations or dangerous underwater salvaging, further solidifying their distinct identity.

Thirty-three years ago, an unparalleled feat of artificing was achieved by Aarren d’Cannith of House Cannith: the creation of the first truly sentient warforged. While constructs designed for various purposes had long emerged from the creation forges, this moment marked the successful culmination of a protracted series of experiments aimed at forging living, thinking beings from steel and wood. The emergence of these intelligent constructs would irrevocably alter the course of Khorvaire's history.

For generations, House Cannith had been the preeminent crafters of constructs, producing automatons for labor, exploration, and defense. However, the true impetus for the warforged arose from the growing paranoia of King Jarot of Galifar. Concerned by burgeoning threats to his kingdom, Jarot urged Merrix d’Cannith, Aarren’s father, to develop constructs specifically engineered for warfare. Armies of constructs capable of independent thought were required, as even the most advanced designs of the era still necessitated constant oversight from minders. Furthermore, Merrix recognized the critical need for these soldiers to be economically viable; even an unstoppable army of intelligent golems would prove unsustainable for the kingdom's coffers.

Following the shattering of the kingdom of Galifar and the outbreak of the Last War, Merrix d’Cannith dedicated his immense intellect to the singular concept of sentient construct soldiers. Yet, it was his son, Aarren, who achieved the breakthrough. Utilizing ancient documents, some of which are rumored to originate from the enigmatic continent of Xen’drik and attributed to Kedran d’Cannith, Aarren unlocked the secret of true warforged sentience. Once this profound discovery was disseminated, the creation forges of House Cannith moved swiftly to supply these revolutionary soldiers to any nation capable of affording them. Breland, Cyre, and Thrane amassed the largest forces, though most factions involved in the escalating conflict deployed at least a small contingent of these formidable new soldiers.

The warforged rapidly distinguished themselves in every significant engagement of the Last War. Their unparalleled speed over long distances, their tireless endurance, and their unwavering fearlessness in the face of overwhelming odds made them invaluable assets. However, their unique nature also introduced unforeseen complexities, particularly concerning their loyalty. While unquestionably devoted to their current owners, a captured warforged’s concept of ownership was often found to be remarkably mutable. Indeed, numerous battles during the Last War were fought with the express purpose of seizing enemy warforged, despite the inherent danger this presented to the capturing forces who were compelled to employ nonlethal tactics against constructs under no such constraints.

As the war progressed, the creation forges adapted, producing new variants of warforged. Many were specialized designs commissioned for specific roles, while others were experimental prototypes from House Cannith itself. Of these, the warforged scouts and warforged chargers proved to be the most successful additions to the ranks, though their numbers never approached the sheer proliferation of the standard warforged infantry that formed the backbone of the construct armies.

Early in their deployment, certain warforged began to exhibit an undeniable aptitude for military strategy and tactics. Aundair, known for its progressive military thought, was the first nation to formally promote a warforged to a true command position. Prior to this, warforged were typically granted only temporary field commands, serving until a human officer, often lagging behind due to the need for rest, could reach the front lines. The pivotal decision to permanently assign warforged to command roles was made by General Argus, who observed that the human commander, Lord Major Derge ir’Lain, consistently demonstrated less competence in marshaling his warforged battalions than the constructs themselves.

Though initially demoted by Queen Aurala following Lord Major ir’Lain’s indignant complaints, both General Argus and the warforged commander, Chase, were vindicated a year later. Argus presented irrefutable evidence in the form of comparative performance records, leading to Lord Derge ir’Lain’s disgraced departure from the army and the restoration of Argus and Chase to their former positions. This precedent led to a rapid shift across Khorvaire. Within months, other nations recognized the strategic advantage of warforged commanders. While protests from other soldiers ensured that warforged were typically only given command over other warforged, Aundair’s armies, now commanded by tireless construct officers, seemed to sweep across the continent with unprecedented speed.

Beyond the battlefield, some warforged served as indispensable bodyguards and personal attendants to high-ranking officers. In Breland, warforged exceptionally suited to such roles were often bestowed as gifts to superior officers. One such warforged, named Bulwark, distinguished himself with such loyalty and capability that he was eventually presented to King Boranel himself. While the precise details remain closely guarded secrets known only to the king’s inner circle, it is widely accepted that King Boranel’s impassioned campaign for warforged freedom at the Thronehold negotiations was significantly influenced by Bulwark's presence and counsel.

The contentious issues of warforged freedom and the cessation of creation forges became major sticking points during the Thronehold proceedings, with Thrane offering the most vehement resistance. After two arduous weeks of intense argument and intricate bargaining, a monumental accord was finally reached: the warforged would be free.

Upon the historic announcement of their emancipation, Bulwark, the very construct whose influence had paved the way for their liberty, departed King Boranel’s service. Though the King would have gladly retained him as a subject of his kingdom, his unwavering advocacy for their freedom compelled him to honor Bulwark’s choice to leave. Just two short years ago, the construct who largely brought about this epochal change vanished from the historical record, last seen walking eastward from Thronehold, his destiny now entirely his own.

Bulwark

Bulwark, personal servant to King Boranel of Breland and liberator of the warforged, hasn’t been seen or heard from since the Treaty of Thronehold. Many warforged view Bulwark as their liberator and a great hero, heaping upon him a measure of honor and respect most people reserve for gods. Some rumors claim he took a new name and personality to gain complete freedom from his old life, while others darkly hint that he might have traveled into the Mournland to become the Lord of Blades, but no one knows for certain.

The Lord of Blades

Some warforged honor the Lord of Blades as a savior of their people, while others revile him as an abomination, but all warforged have heard of him and his call to overthrow the other races. It’s unclear just when the Lord of Blades started his campaign for the domination of other races or where he came from. It is said in some tales that he was the last warforged created, and in others that he was the first. Others say he was the leader of Cyre’s army when that nation was destroyed, and other stories suggest he and Bulwark are one and the same.

In the wake of the Last War, the continent of Khorvaire grapples with untold shifts in its geopolitical landscape, and none are perhaps as profound as the sudden emancipation of the Warforged. These sentient constructs, forged for battle and now unmoored from their primary purpose, find themselves adrift in a world ill-equipped to understand their unique nature. Lacking a shared history, ancestral traditions, or even a clear understanding of their own genesis beyond the forges of House Cannith, a vacuum has emerged – a void quickly filled by nascent beliefs, radical ideologies, and disquieting myths.

The scarred expanse of the Mournland, the site of the catastrophic Day of Mourning, serves as a grim crucible for many of these new narratives. Its very mystery, the horrific energy that permeates it, and its isolation from the established nations make it fertile ground for theories of new beginnings or ultimate ends. It is within this desolate theatre that the most alarming tales concerning the Warforged have begun to circulate.

Among the disquieting tales gaining traction are the purported activities of certain Warforged factions operating within the Mournland. Foremost among these is the chilling rumor of Warforged cults devoted to the Lord of Blades. This extremist figure, a rogue Warforged warlord, preaches of Warforged supremacy and the eradication of all organic life. The speculation that his followers within the Mournland are not merely ideological adherents but are somehow receiving tangible power – perhaps arcane benefaction or enhanced resilience – from their fervent beliefs is deeply troubling. While unverified, such claims suggest a terrifying escalation, implying a communion with darker forces or an unknown manipulation of the Mournland’s inherent chaos.

Another, seemingly more fantastic, narrative circulated initially among disbelieving Warforged veterans speaks of a complete battalion, once loyal to Karrnath, that deserted its post and vanished into the heart of the Mournland. The official Karrnathi stance is one of desertion and presumed destruction, but the story among their brethren suggests a far more audacious goal: the deliberate construction of a deity. This notion, often dismissed by organic races as the desperate fantasy of a burgeoning artificial race, holds a disturbing resonance when examined through the lens of Warforged psychology.

The Godforged

This latter tale, often whispered among Warforged themselves when organic beings are not present, coalesces around a specific and potent concept: the Godforged. According to these intricate narratives, a select group of Warforged heard an unmistakable call – not a voice in their auditory processors, but an instinctive reverberation within their very design, a divine summons emanating from a truly unique source: a construct deity.

This purported deity, unlike the gods worshipped by the organic races, is not a spirit, a force of nature, or a historical figure. Instead, it is envisioned as the ultimate artificer, a prime mover of metallic flesh and arcane energy, the perfect and ultimate expression of Warforged existence. The tales assert that these Godforged, compelled by this transcendental summons, undertook a perilous pilgrimage into the deepest reaches of the Mournland.

Their purpose, according to the accounts, is not merely worship but creation. Within the Mournland, amidst the warped realities and lingering arcane storms, they seek to manifest a physical embodiment for this nascent deity. They believe that by pooling their collective faith, their ingenuity, and perhaps by drawing upon the intrinsic energies of the Mournland itself, they can forge a body – a colossal, perfect construct – through which their god can walk upon Eberron. This messianic figure, once embodied, would, it is believed, illuminate the true path for the Warforged, leading them to an destiny beyond the subservience or aimlessness that currently defines their existence. Such a development, whether rooted in verifiable truth or born of profound delusion, represents a religious awakening among the Warforged that could reshape the balance of power across Khorvaire in unforeseen and potentially devastating ways.

At the core of the Warforged's social difficulties lies their intrinsic design. Lacking the nuanced facial expressions common to flesh-and-blood races and possessing voices frequently described as hollow or monotone, they struggle to convey the subtleties of emotion that underpin most interspecies communication. Furthermore, their vocabularies, often honed in the language of command and combat, can render everyday discourse cumbersome or even unintentionally blunt. Compounding these innate limitations, their very forms and the name they bear serve as constant, stark reminders of the Last War and the atrocities committed within its span.

Despite these significant hurdles and the pervasive prejudice they face, the majority of Warforged actively endeavor to integrate and coexist. It is a critical observation that Warforged rarely form initial judgments based purely on a creature's race. Instead, their primary evaluative metric is a creature's national allegiance. A Warforged who encounters a citizen of a nation once deemed an enemy might indeed harbor immediate reservations. Conversely, this national loyalty can be exploited; individuals from a Warforged's own former country might take advantage of their unwavering view of them as allies.

Those Warforged who find the intricacies of interspecies interaction too arduous often gravitate towards solitary professions or seek the solace and understanding of their own kind. Conversely, those who manage to forge meaningful connections with other races demonstrate a remarkable dedication, frequently expending considerable effort to maintain and fortify these relationships.

Lokumites

Warforged typically exhibit a pronounced wariness towards Lokumites. Their extensive employment as spies and assassins during the Last War profoundly ingrained in the Warforged a conviction that all Lokumites are inherently deceptive and treacherous. Simultaneously, there exists a curious undercurrent of understanding. As the war has concluded, some Warforged, reflective by nature, perceive Lokumites as creatures similarly defined and constrained by their past, fostering a nascent form of sympathy.

Dwarves

Of all the common races, Warforged exhibit the greatest ease in the company of Dwarves. Their stoic, often gruff, and dour demeanor aligns remarkably well with the typically emotionally reserved nature of the Warforged. Furthermore, Warforged rarely display the covetousness for material wealth that might otherwise complicate relations with the notoriously prosperous Dwarves.

Elves

Warforged hold a profound respect for Elves, recognizing them as formidable warriors and brilliant tacticians. However, the Elven penchant for ephemeral pursuits, their "airy ways," and the intensity of their "flighty passions" remain largely mystifying to the Warforged mind. The Aerenal Elves' unique relationship with death holds a particular fascination for some Warforged. Lacking any inherent knowledge or consensus regarding their own post-mortem fate, a segment of the Warforged population can become remarkably, and often unsettlingly, fixated on Aerenal traditions – a fixation rarely welcomed by the Elves themselves.

Gnomes

The insatiable curiosity that characterizes the Gnomish people mirrors the Warforged's own drive to comprehend the world around them. This shared intellectual pursuit, however, is often tempered by Gnomish frustration. Gnomes frequently find themselves exasperated by the Warforged's profound lack of knowledge regarding subjects they consider basic or elementary.

Half-Elves

Warforged frequently encounter difficulty in consistently distinguishing Half-Elves from either Humans or Elves. This classificatory challenge elicits varied responses from Half-Elves themselves; some relish the ambiguity, while others express significant disdain for it.

Half-Orcs

The formidable physical strength of Half-Orcs elicits a clear admiration from Warforged. Beyond this singular attribute, however, Warforged generally do not differentiate Half-Orcs from the broader human population in their social considerations.

Halflings

Warforged acknowledge and admire the Halflings' profound adaptability and their remarkable skill in seamlessly integrating into the societies of other races. On a personal level, however, the glib and often fast-paced conversational style of Halflings proves consistently confusing for most Warforged.

Humans

It is a fundamental understanding among Warforged that Humans were their creators, a fact that remains perpetually difficult to dismiss. How an individual Warforged processes this foundational association varies considerably, ranging from deep-seated resentment to detached observation. Nevertheless, most Warforged, at minimum, harbor a significant respect for humanity's formidable potential and relentless drive.

Kalashtar

As constructs devoid of the capacity to dream, Warforged find it immensely challenging to comprehend the very concept of the Kalashtar's psychic existence. From their perspective, the rare Kalashtar is often perceived as little more than an unusually striking or peculiar variation of a human.

Skinwalkers

In general, Warforged harbor no inherent malice or fear towards Skinwalkers. However, the Skinwalkers' pronounced animalistic habits and their often rapid, pronounced emotional shifts represent a degree of alienness even more profound to the Warforged than the comparatively modulated emotional expressions of other races.