The Golems

Creation of the Golems

The Golems of the Frostborn in Vintergard did not emerge from a deliberate choice, but rather from necessity dictated by the harsh conditions of their environment. Originally, the Frostborn were forced to stay away from warmer zones, as the heat was unbearable for them. Even artificially created warm zones, intended for plants and animals from temperate regions, were only accessible for short periods.   Protective runes inscribed directly on their bodies could have solved the issue, but the community rejected such alterations—the idea of changing their own nature through magic led to heated ethical debates.   Instead, alternative solutions were explored to allow their presence in these regions. Initial attempts to imbue plants and animals with protective runes failed—organic structures were too unstable, as they changed through growth, causing runes to lose effectiveness over time. The breakthrough came with the discovery that old, battle-worn Rune Armors still retained residual energy. These armors were too valuable to discard, but no longer suitable for direct combat.  

The First Golems

Researchers began engraving new markings into the material, finding a way to reactivate it. By reinforcing the armor with movement and strength-enhancing runes, they created the first rudimentary construct—one that could operate independently. It took a decade before the first Golem could perform its first tasks—its body was crude, its movements clumsy, and commands had to be simple. But it worked.   Over time, more magical constructs emerged, and their applications expanded. The first generation were laborers, built to transport heavy loads, construct shelters, and perform simple tasks. Later, research refined their creation, leading to specialized Golems—models with precise motor functions for crafting, carving wood and bone, or working with leather and ice. Their roles were clearly defined, their abilities limited, but they proved reliable, becoming indispensable tools.  

Elynn Stormhand

While most Frostborn continued to view Golems as mere tools, Elynn—once a student of the renowned mage Ardyn Frostgaze—pursued her own research. She believed that Golems could be more than rigid constructs. She advanced her studies, experimenting with perception runes, until she successfully created a Golem that not only followed orders but actively adjusted its actions.   This first advanced Golem, Veyos, was unlike its predecessors—it recognized patterns, optimized movements, and acted with awareness beyond anything seen before.  

Combat Golems

Elynn was not alone in her work. Other mages began replicating her efforts, attempting to develop Golems for battle. Initially, they were used only as training dummies for warriors—awkward forms, constructed from old Rune Armors, meant to absorb blows. But soon, interest in their potential grew.   Experimental models emerged that could retaliate, albeit rudimentarily. Despite Elynn’s opposition, she could not prevent the rising acceptance of Combat Golems within Frostborn society.  

Energy Efficiency

The latest generation of Golems no longer requires "refueling" of magical energy. The Rune Armors from which they were forged hold enough latent power to keep them operational for a very long time.