Obsidian Guardian

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Obsidian Guardian

Core Elemental

4,000 lbs

178 / 178

120

Natural Armor:
Natural Armor +5

0 gp

Natural Weapon(s):
Slam (10) (3d6)

Passive Abilities:
Immutable Form

750 gp

Abilities:
Ground Stomp
Summon Shadow Tendrils

Quick Abilities:
Shatterstrike

Attack Abilities:
Necrotic Attack (2d6)

4200 gp

Jagged obsidian plates interlock like seamless armor, their glassy surface pulsing with deep violet runes. Hollow voids where eyes should be radiate dim, shifting light. Black tendrils snake from its joints, writhing with unnatural fluidity.

The Obsidian Guardian is a massive construct forged from volcanic glass and infused with shadow magic, designed to defend ancient dwarven strongholds. Unlike traditional golems, its form is smooth yet unnervingly sharp, with edges capable of rending armor as easily as flesh.

Noteworthy Information:

Composition & Structure:
Made from hardened obsidian, an incredibly sharp but brittle material. However, enchantments reinforce its structure, preventing shattering under normal conditions.
The outer shell is etched with faint runes, pulsing with an eerie glow that shifts between deep purple and black, reacting to movement and magic in the area.
Its limbs, though rigid, move with unnatural fluidity, suggesting a force beyond physical mechanics drives it.
Defensive Properties:
Highly resistant to non-magical weapons, as mundane steel struggles to cut through its enchanted surface.
Fireproof due to its volcanic origins, yet vulnerable to radiant magic, as light disrupts the binding shadow forces holding it together.
The Guardian does not rely on eyes but instead senses movement and energy through tremors in the ground and fluctuations in magical fields.
Tactical Behavior:
Unlike mindless constructs, it displays reactive intelligence, prioritizing threats that attempt to bypass or disable its defensive measures.
Uses environmental control, such as shadow tendrils, to restrict movement rather than relying solely on brute force.
Capable of self-repair, absorbing nearby obsidian fragments or shadow energy to mend cracks in its form when left undisturbed.
Origins & Purpose:
Originally created by dwarven rune-smiths, the Guardian was meant to serve as a last line of defense for sacred sites, vaults, or forbidden chambers.
Over time, some have been corrupted by shadow forces, their original purpose twisted, turning them into relentless enforcers of whatever darkness now controls their domain.
Some legends claim the Guardian is bound to a greater entity or mechanism, meaning defeating it may not permanently stop its resurgence if its master still holds influence.

Environment:

N/A

Core Elemental

Creature Sub Type

Awakening the Core Elementals

The Core Elementals are ancient and enigmatic beings, each representing one of the fundamental forces that shape the cosmos. Born from the very fabric of existence, they embody immense power and share an unbreakable bond with their respective elements. While the elements of Fire, Earth, Water, and Air are widely recognized, the hidden essences of Shadow and Light weave even deeper into the fabric of reality, adding mystery and balance to the cosmic order.

Eternal Guardians of Elemental Realms

Each Core Elemental serves as the eternal guardian of their elemental realm—a mystical domain where their element reigns supreme. These realms are awe-inspiring and teeming with raw energy:

Fire Elementals dance through rivers of molten lava.
Earth Elementals traverse vast underground caverns.
Water Elementals glide beneath infinite ocean waves.
Air Elementals soar high above the clouds in endless skies.
Shadow Elementals dwell in the hidden spaces between light and dark, haunting voids of twilight where secrets and fears are born.
Light Elementals illuminate radiant sanctuaries, celestial realms bursting with purity and warmth, radiating hope and clarity.

These domains are as diverse and vibrant as the forces that sustain them.

Elemental Manifestations

Though they primarily reside within their elemental realms, Core Elementals can be summoned by powerful spellcasters, adventurers, or other extraordinary beings. When summoned, they take on breathtaking corporeal forms—a fusion of elemental essence and humanoid shape.

Fire Elementals might resemble blazing warriors cloaked in flame.
Earth Elementals could appear as rugged stone giants.
Water Elementals may take the form of fluid, elegant merfolk.
Air Elementals manifest as ethereal beings with ever-shifting, wispy forms.
Shadow Elementals take on haunting forms, their bodies shifting like living shadows with glowing, otherworldly eyes.
Light Elementals appear as radiant figures of pure energy, their forms shimmering with a dazzling brilliance that seems almost too bright to behold.

Each manifestation is as unique as the essence it embodies, blending beauty, power, and mystery.

Guardians of Balance

Core Elementals play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of the universe. They ensure their respective elements remain neither unchecked nor overly suppressed:

Fire Elementals prevent raging infernos from consuming forests.
Earth Elementals stabilize the planet's crust.
Water Elementals keep the oceans' tides in harmony.
Air Elementals regulate winds and the atmosphere.
Shadow Elementals temper the encroaching darkness, preventing it from smothering light entirely.
Light Elementals counterbalance shadow, ensuring it does not overwhelm the cosmos with unrelenting illumination.

Together, they preserve harmony, maintaining the natural order of creation.

Boundless Elemental Powers

The abilities of the Core Elementals are vast and awe-inspiring:

Fire Elementals unleash blazing conflagrations, scorching their foes with searing flames.
Earth Elementals possess unmatched strength, shaping mountains or triggering earthquakes with a gesture.
Water Elementals control tides and summon tidal waves or powerful torrents.
Air Elementals manipulate the winds, summoning devastating storms and commanding the skies.
Shadow Elementals command the void, weaving darkness to obscure sight, dampen sound, or sap life itself.
Light Elementals radiate divine energy, blinding enemies, healing allies, and dispelling shadowy forces with their luminous presence.

Each Core Elemental wields their power with precision, embodying the full might of their element.

The Quest for Elemental Essence

In countless adventures, acquiring the essence of a Core Elemental becomes a highly coveted quest. These ethereal essences grant individuals extraordinary elemental abilities and forge a profound connection to the chosen element. The essence of Shadow offers unparalleled stealth, manipulation, and an intimate understanding of the unknown, while the essence of Light bestows clarity, healing, and radiant power.

Such quests often lead to journeys of self-discovery, heroic deeds, and a deeper understanding of the elemental forces that shape the world.

Unfolding Elemental Sagas

The Core Elementals, including the enigmatic forces of Shadow and Light, offer a rich tapestry of potential stories and adventures within your campaign. Interacting with these ancient beings, harnessing their power, and unraveling the secrets of their realms can spark epic sagas, unforgettable quests, and memorable encounters. They are a thrilling and dynamic addition to your world, adding layers of depth and wonder to your storytelling.