Deep within ancient fortresses and hidden monuments throughout Terrinoth, massive stone guardians stand silent sentry. They are the golems, unknown to all but the barons and the Runemasters of Greyhaven. No one knows when they were crafted or by whom, but they lay in wait until, in times of need, the sorcerers of Terrinoth use ancient rites to awaken the Golems from their slumber. When a golem is awakened, bright energy glows through the arcane channels in its surface and the giant strides forth like a mighty rampart given the will and strength to fight. The rune golems glow with an inner light, the sign of the rune-magic's animating power. The energy's hue reflects the properties of the shard used to awaken the golem. Elemental runes may also impart some of their nature to the golem's temperament: aggression for fire, stoicism for ice, or cleverness for lightning.
Once fully empowered, these rocky titans are nearly unmatched in their ferocity and raw strength, scything their massive blades through infantry and cavalry with ease. Full battlefield formations of rune golems are incredibly rare, but they are devastating in the extreme. These rune golems will stop at nothing to destroy the enemies that threaten the Daqan, and then return to their hidden slumber until called upon again.
Unlike the Ironbound, rune golems are not automata, but appear to be semi-sentient beings with memories and the potential to develop personalities. As their name implies, all rune golems are kept alive with one or more runebound shards. It is the shard that seems to determine their attributes; shards marked with a rune of fire, it is said, make for golems that are quick to leap into combat and can project flame.
The Barony of Kell inherited the legendary Rune Golems from ages long past to defend the quiet land of Terrinoth. The sleeping behemoths have kept a patient watch over the Realm, awaiting the day when the people would again call for them, and they would rise to their defense once more. Now after centuries of peace, evil stirs in the Ru Darklands. Rumor of deathly hosts emerging from the cold mists to the northwest and grotesque warbands gathering in the unforgiving east lend such reports a dire urgency. The time has come to awaken the mighty golems and stand against the coming storm...
Siege Golems
The Siege Golem, an immense, four-legged, artillery-carrying Rune Golem, serves the Daqan armies as a mobile siege machine. These lumbering behemoths have mounted ballistae or catapults with a single rider.
References
- Runewars Miniatures Game
- Realms of Terrinoth