Stone Sentinels

The Stone Sentinels are not creatures of flesh and blood, but rather constructs of stone and earth, animated by ancient dwarven magic and an enduring sense of duty. These silent guardians stand watch over forgotten places, such as the entrances to the Silent Forges, the Resonance Well, the Lost City of Umbral, and sacred grounds within the Iron-Grip Mountains. They are not inherently malevolent, but they are unwavering in their purpose: to protect what they have been charged with guarding, even if it means facing down entire armies. It is said that they first began as experiments of the Forgotten Smith, an attempt to create a sustainable protector against the rising tides of the Chitinous Swarm.

The Sentinels are typically carved from the surrounding stone, blending seamlessly into the landscape, and they draw strength from the earth itself, their bodies repaired by the Resonance Weaving that binds them together. They stand roughly ten to twelve feet tall, and they also come with Runes of Warding, inscribed directly onto their bodies. Those runes allow them to stand strong against the encroaching Null Fields. The Sentinels do not eat nor drink, and do not sleep nor rest, they simply wait. They have been known to defend the Crimson Cartographers on their journeys.

These beings are not mindless automatons, but rather possess a rudimentary form of intelligence, capable of assessing threats and adapting to changing circumstances. The Silent Monks of Durin's Peak often commune with the Sentinels, seeking guidance from their ancient wisdom, which often causes them to be at odds with the Order of the Azure Hand. They can be found near new locations such as the Geomancer's Path. They are believed to communicate telepathically, sharing their knowledge and experiences with one another across vast distances. The sentinels can be turned to dust by utilizing the Runes of Null, so is written in the Chapter of Lost Runes. Those seeking entry past a sentinel will often seek out one of the Sky-Seers, or attempt to bribe the Cobalt Corsairs. A particularly powerful sentinel is known as Korgoth. Should the Great Unmaking arrive, the sentinels will likely be some of the last beings standing, in service until the bitter end.