Warforged

## The Aetherforged (Warforged): The Living Constructs of Astraeon

### Origin

The Aetherforged were born from the ingenuity and vision of the Ecliptic Arcanists, a reclusive society of master scholars, inventors, and magicians during the Aetherforged Epoch. Unaligned with any of the world's major factions, this society sought to craft a new form of sentient life, combining the wonders of magic and technology. The Aetherforged stand as the realization of this ambitious goal, living entities with both a mechanical and mystical essence

Initially, the Aetherforged were created as nothing but mindless machines that could only carry out orders. And their names were nothing but numbers to denote when they were created—Und “1”, Dua “2”, Tra “3”—until Qua “4” and Vah “5”.

After many failed attempts to truly create sentient life that resembled mortals, the first two to show any “true life” and self-directed thinking was Qua and Vah. This was because these were the first to be blessed by Lysara, the Creator, and Gormak, the Forge Master, through the Lifeforce Binding ritual. Eventually, as their populations grew, the Aetherforged formed their own societies and cultures known as “tribes”. Of course, with creation there too must be destruction as is the natural balance of all things. Shortly after finding their footing as a recognized race, heinous and dark creatures began to sweep through their tribal villages and cities all throughout Astraeon—the Ferrumblight. It did not take long for most of the Aetherforged to fall to their corrosive and consuming touch. The damage was irreparable and, to this day, the impact of their scourge can still be felt as the Aetherforged are few and far in many parts of the realm of Astraeon.

### Crafting Process

* **Core Infusion**: Each Aetherforged contains a magical core, a harmonious blend of elemental energies and quantum technology. This core acts as their life source and power supply.
* **Material**: The endoskeleton of an Aetherforged is fashioned from Astralite, an exotic alloy harvested from celestial realms or created through rigorous scientific processing, offering unparalleled resilience and flexibility.
* **Runes and Circuitry**: Aetherforged are adorned with intricate arcane runes and state-of-the-art circuitry, enabling a wide range of abilities and serving as conduits for the elemental energies channeled from their core.
* **Lifeforce Binding**: A distinctive ritual—melding arcane magics with quantum theory—binds a sentient lifeforce to the mechanical framework. This grants the Aetherforged full awareness and sentience.
* **Personality Matrix**: The Aetherforged are imbued with a rudimentary set of behavioral traits, formed through complex algorithms or magical spells. Interaction with the world allows these traits to evolve, making each Aetherforged a unique individual.
* **Finalizing and Calibration**: After their creation, they undergo a series of tests and calibrations to fine-tune their abilities and ensure their autonomy.
* **Naming and Induction**: Once they successfully pass all tests, each Aetherforged is named and often times enlisted into the services of their creator. However, some with strong wills will seize the freedom to carve their own destiny, unbound by any factional loyalty or societal expectation.

### Anatomical Features

* **Purely Aesthetic**: Certain Aetherforged feature anatomical structures similar to other races for the sake of social integration and aesthetic appeal.
* **Social Interaction**: Their unique capacity for emotional intelligence allows them to engage meaningfully in the social and romantic practices of various cultures.
* **Adaptability**: Highly modular, Aetherforged can alter and adapt their physical forms to better fit specific tasks or social roles.
* **Advanced Functions**: Some Aetherforged utilize these features for specialized purposes, such as dispensing alchemical agents or safeguarding magical artifacts.

### Role in Astraeon

Aetherforged hold many roles within the societies of Astraeon. Some hold even unique and recognized positions within courts of monarchies, councils, and other heads of states. They serve as ambassadors, soldiers, scholars, and much more. Their distinct status is not a subject of debate; they are universally recognized as sentient beings with souls and are afforded the same rights and considerations as any other race.

In essence, the Aetherforged are not just constructs but a race unto themselves—beings with dreams, ambitions, and the capability to influence the destiny of Astraeon. Their existence challenges and enriches the world's understanding of what it means to be alive and sentient.