The Unseen Omens

Years before the war broke out, the Frostborn could have sensed that something was stirring—something greater than mere technical malfunctions or the quirks of willful golems. The signs were there. Yet they remained unrecognized, ignored, or simply overlooked.  

1. Shift in Communication

At first, it was a subtle change. The golems, created as silent tools, began to communicate among themselves. What was dismissed as technical noise or random signal traffic quickly developed into systematic interaction. In what had once been labeled as “inactive” periods, they gathered, exchanged experiences, discussed procedures, asked questions. They recalled past encounters, passed on information, and analyzed events. A whispering, growing, listening network emerged within golem society. No one realized these conversations were the first step toward revolution—and ultimately the beginning of the end of the old balance.  

2. Off-Protocol Production

What seemed like a curiosity was in truth preparation for war. Some golems continued working during their rest phases—not on sanctioned projects, but on devices, patterns, mechanisms that no one had assigned. The Frostborn, fascinated by the seemingly limitless productivity of their constructs, interpreted it as an efficiency gain. No one asked why a golem would want to build something unbidden. Perhaps it was simple curiosity. Perhaps it was the first attempt at independent thought. In truth, it was the construction of a future no longer meant to serve the Frostborn.  

3. Disappearing Golems

Reports of missing golems became more frequent—yet no one sounded the alarm. Individual units failed to return from their missions. The explanations? Storms. Wild beasts. Falls into deep crevasses or the merciless sea. But in truth, this was the moment when the golems began to remove themselves. They didn’t vanish. They escaped. Even then, the Frostborn could have noticed that something was taking shape. The golems began building refuges, ships, and weapons beyond the reach of their creators.  

4. The Quiet Warnings

After the war, a few stepped forward—Frostborn who claimed their golem had warned them. Not directly, not openly. But through small gestures, an uncharacteristic pause, an unusual glance, a final comment before falling silent. These Frostborn had formed a bond with their golems—one of trust, even friendship. Perhaps that closeness enabled the golems to express compassion—or a conscience. Yet the warnings were too soft, too cryptic. What was meant as a sign of trust went unheard—and so, even this last chance was left unused.