Homunculi

### Diet

Omnivorous ( eats more than a person or creature of similar size, gender, build, etc.)

### Predators

Witchers ( occasionally )

The **homunculi** are a race of constructs created through magic or alchemy, infused with life by their makers. Considered as the next evolutionary stage in golem development, a homunculi possess varying degrees of intelligence based on their body type and the intentions behind their creation. They exhibit unwavering loyalty towards their creators and can remain operational indefinitely, provided they are adequately nourished. Additionally, they possess a natural auto-repair function, although they consume significantly more food compared to the beings they are modeled after.

## History

The homunculi, found their genesis in the 10th century, and like many other man-made creatures, within the walls of Rissberg Castle. Shielded from the control of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers, the castle's rule-free environment became a breeding ground for experimentation, providing fertile ground for the development of these artificial beings.

The very first subtype of homunculi to come into being was the Corpus Custodia. Initially conceived as a resourceful solution to repurpose the lifeless remains of failed human experiments, granting them a renewed purpose and existence, with the early attempts of Corpus Custodia creating what would later become known as corpse amalgam. Among the ranks of the Corpus Custodia, one homunculus stood out with exceptional notoriety—Frankenstein. This Corpus Custodia remarkable for its strength and intelligence managed to escape the confines of Rissberg Castle, venturing out into the world with an existence separate from its creators.

However, the newfound freedom of Frankenstein was not destined to endure, as the mages issued a contract, enlisting the services of a witcher to address the issue. Responding to the call was, a back then, a young Keldar from the School of the Griffin. The witcher successfully resolved the predicament surrounding Frankenstein escape and brought an end to the chaos. The existence of the Corpus Custodia, the subtype of homunculi to which Frankenstein belonged, became widely known to the public as a result of the witcher's intervention.

The revelation of the Corpus Custodia into the public sparked controversy within the Brotherhood of Sorcerers, which had typically turned a blind eye to the happenings within Rissberg Castle. The Brotherhood, alarmed by these developments, sought to prohibit the creation of these homunculi. They alleged that such practices delved into the realm of necromancy, prompting a trial to ascertain the truth behind these claims.

During the trial, it became clear that the accusations against the creators of the Corpus Custodia were unfounded. It was revealed that the process of creating these homunculi was more akin to crafting "flesh" golems rather than reviving or manipulating the deceased.

The outcome of the trial served as vindication for the creators of the homunculi. The prohibition was dismissed, acknowledging that the Corpus Custodia were not products of necromantic practices. This pivotal moment in history solidified the continued existence of homunculi in the centuries to come. However, after the trial, the popularity of the Corpus Custodia declined due to all the debate generated. This meant that golems remained a more popular (and less image-damaging) option for many mages in need of a assistant, making the Corpus Custodia a more popular choice for the "eccentric" ones.

In the Far South, more specifically in the Apumayu Basin, during this period, a type of homunculi similar to the Corpus Custodia was also developed, called mictantecutli, in honor of its creator.

*TBA* ( origins on the other types of homunculi )

## Physiology

The outward appearance of a homunculus is significantly influenced by the materials utilized in their creation and the thought process of their creator. Remarkably, a well-crafted homunculus can bear such a striking resemblance to a human that, without prior knowledge or experience, one could easily mistake them for one. However, it is important to note that homunculi can also take on non-human, peculiar, or even monstrous forms, reflecting the diverse imaginations and intentions of their makers.

The artistry and skill involved in constructing a homunculus allow for immense flexibility in their physical manifestation. Some homunculi may exhibit flawless human features, possessing smooth skin, intricate facial details, and lifelike eyes that sparkle with intelligence. Frankenstein, for example, was made of different parts of human corpses, which were joined and harmonized together for its creation.

In some instances, homunculi are deliberately designed to embody monstrous qualities. Their creators may intentionally bestow upon them twisted forms, jagged features, or menacing attributes, aligning them with their purposes. These monstrous homunculi serve as guardians, or even instruments of destruction, harnessing their formidable appearances to fulfill the specific roles intended by their makers.

## Creation Process

### Magic / Alchemy

Shaping a mixture of clay, ash, mandrake root, and blood, skilled mages can channel the power of Chaos through a rare ritual magic to bring forth the creation of a homunculus. This intricate process involves combining the elemental components in precise proportions, infusing them with magic, and imbuing the resulting construct with a semblance of life. The more skilled the creator, the closer the homunculus appears to be life-like.

Once the homunculus takes life, it often requires during some time nurturing and care, much like a child, as it gradually awakens to its purpose and abilities. Some mages bond deeply with their homunculi, forming inseparable connections, while others may view them merely as tools or companions in their endeavors.

## Abilities

As a Homunculus, this artificial race possesses a plethora of abilities that set them apart from others. Their defunct physiology grants them independence from the need for oxygen, rendering them capable of surviving and thriving in environments that would be lethal to most living creatures.

In addition to their oxygen independence, Homunculi possess an enhanced condition that surpasses the limitations of regular mortals. They are gifted with strength, speed, agility, and endurance that far exceeds that of the average human. These enhanced physical attributes make them formidable adversaries in combat and exceptionally skilled in various physical endeavors.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Homunculus physiology is their decelerated aging and semi-immortality. Unlike other creatures that are subject to the ravages of time, Homunculi age at an incredibly slow pace. Their lifespans can span centuries or even millennia, granting them a profound perspective on history and the world. While they are not entirely invulnerable, their extended lifespans provide them with ample opportunities to accumulate knowledge and expertise in various fields.

Furthermore, some Homunculi are created with specific purposes in mind, such as guardians or soldiers. As a result, they may possess natural weaponry or extra features designed to fulfill these roles effectively. These specialized Homunculi may have limbs crafted to function as formidable weapons, granting them a distinct advantage in combat. Others might be equipped with additional sensory abilities, such as heightened senses or the capacity to see in complete darkness, enhancing their capabilities as guardians and sentinels.

The diversity of Homunculus abilities and the creative ways in which they can be crafted make this race a sought-after choice for alchemists and mages, seeking to bring their visions to life.

## Notable Homunculi

* **The Guard of Ireneus Van Steingard :** A group of Corpus Custodia that protected the tower where Ireneus lived. When the mage left the tower for a long period of time, they got out of control because of their hunger. Being mistaken for zombies, they terrorized the city of Iello. They were eliminated by the, back then, Griffin Witcher and Cat Witcheress, Putnam Pitch and Jolanta of Brunwich in the year 1280.
* The Guardian of the Golden Oak Forest :

'Aur'
'Nyx'
They wear uniforms of monochrome variety with similar designs denoting their profession as **Noxlena's** assistants and servants.

## Gallery

Example of a failed Corpus Custodia ( art by Midjourney V5 )
## Notes

* **Homunculi** are free to use in stories and articles, all I ask is that you honor the lore present and if you make one add their name and a link to this page.
* The story of Frankestein is in the public domain, so it's a more direct homage but within the world of The Witcher.