Gargoyles

Gargoyles supposedly came to be by mere accident. While a power craving, mad wizard was in the process of attempting to create life it is said he was come upon by a hero of great renown. In every nation where this tale is told, the locals insist it was one of their own. The wizard stood chanting outside a magic circle, within which was a dozen or more statues of various demonic and grotestque designs. As the evil wizard reached a crescendo in his chanting the hero launched himself at the villain, only to be struck in the back by a goblin's spear. The hero landed hard on the edge of the circle, his life blood issuing from him rapidly. The circle erupted with light and the villains shielded their eyes from what seemed like a sun blooming into existence. When the light faded the wicked arcanist cackled with delight. Each of his beautiful, beastial or hideous works of art now lived and breathed. With heinous delight he issued his creations first command, to finish off the would be hero. To his frustration and dismay the gargoyles leapt upon their creator and his minions instead. They say the component spells of protection weaved into their very being compelled them to protect others not destroy them. The wizard had ordered these creatures to go against their purpose and in their fury they denied him.

The wizard was left bloodied and beaten, his minions driven off and his lair in shambles. The newborn creatures flew the unconscious hero to his people and left him where he would be found before they hid from the eyes of men. They knew instinctively that their features were monsterous. When the hero regained consciousness he told all of his people of the living statues that saved him. Hearing this the gargoyles crept out of hiding. Upon seeing the hero's rescuers the people reacted with fright, despite the assurances of the barely living hero. He was powerless to stop his people from driving these creatures away. They flew into the mountains, never to return the people thought. As we now know that is not the case. A gargoyle is a guardian. That is its purpose, its destiny and fate. A gargoyles drive to defend is as strong as a lion's urge to kill.

Today small clans of these creatures can be bargained with for a defensive pact, if one is charismatic enough to convince them that one is trustworthy. A history of being regarded as demonic monsters has left them wary of trusting others with their safety. When the sun rises these creatures return to stone until the sun sinks beneath the horizon again. Gargoyles will burst out of a stone shell that forms about them during the day like a snake shedding its skin in an explosive fashion. Many grievous wounds will heal in time given enough cycles spent in daylight. A gargoyle is even said to be able to survive off of only daylight for some time before dying of thirst or starvation, such is the nurishment and power that the sun provides them. Still, they are utterly at the mercy of any who come upon them during the day. Whatever damage is done to them in this statuesque state of being is permanent. No amount of sunlight will heal such injuries. Likewise their eggs are rumored to turn to stone forever if exposed to direct sunlight and they must be placed under the light of a full moon if the eggs are to hatch. The eggs are said to be quite large in size and as heavy as stone, making them difficult to relocate. In return for the sanctuary of their clan, gargoyles are said to offer consumate protection at night. They are supposedly able to see through any darkness and fly as gracefully as birds of prey. Some gargoyles are as strong as trolls or possessed of a sense of smell as strong as any bloodhound. Would be assassins and creatures of the night are easily dispatched by these stoney guardians. Gargoyles also make for excellent scouts, provided they do not range far from safe roosting locations.