Basalt colossus

Forged by an ancient, long-vanished civilization, Basalt Colossi are massive sentinels of stone and magma, crafted to protect the most treasured cities and artifacts of their creators. Standing between 36 and 50 feet tall, these hulking constructs resemble warriors of old, their basalt armor cracked do to the process of there creation. Veins of glowing magma seep through these cracks, a reminder of the fiery core that grants them life. Despite the ruin and abandonment of the civilizations they once served, Basalt Colossi continue their duty, tirelessly guarding ruins and forgotten relics as though their ancient charges still lived.

The Creation of a Colossus
The ritual to animate a Basalt Colossus is said to require the sacrifice of a willing creature to jump in to the core of not yet animated Basalt Colossus in the time the magma core is about to cool down forever with his finale thoughts being of loyalty to cause, purpose, ruler or place, after the sacrificed creature jump in to the core there body explodes in to dust and the core igniting once more cracking the outer stone shell. Depending on the person the featureless Basalt Colossus gains features that depend on the person but never a face only different armors on the Basalt Colossus, also the stronger the loyalty of the sacrificed creature is the bigger the Basalt Colossus and the hotter there cores there are tales of Basalt Colossus as big as castles and cores as hot as small suns.

Eternal Vigil in a Fallen World
Though the kingdoms they once protected have crumbled to dust, Basalt Colossi continue to stand watch over desolate ruins, temples overtaken by nature, and broken battlements. Travelers in remote areas might come upon one of these ancient guardians towering over their camp. Many explorers have been lost to the colossi’s wrath, mistaken as threats to the ruins or artifacts the colossi protect. Despite their lack of true intelligence, Basalt Colossi seem to have an almost instinctual understanding of their purpose, defending against any intrusion with unwavering focus.

Legends of the Colossi
Throughout history, tales of Basalt Colossi have traveled far, from wandering minstrels to written lore in libraries of distant kingdoms. One legend speaks of the Last Stand of the Warrior King, where a mighty ruler sacrificed himself to animate a colossus to protect his people’s most sacred relic from invading forces. The city fell, but the relic remains safeguarded within the ruins, watched over by the last remnant of its king. Adventurers who venture into these lands often seek out such legends, though few live to tell the tale of encountering one of these towering guardians.

The Legacy of Lost Kingdoms
Basalt Colossi are often seen as monuments to the glory and tragic fall of civilizations. For some, they are symbols of lost knowledge and arcane power. Their presence attracts historians, archaeologists, and adventurers who seek to learn from these ancient constructs. However, disturbing these guardians often spells doom, for the colossi’s purpose is eternal and unyielding.

Some scholars believe that if the soul within a Basalt Colossus could somehow be released, it might convey knowledge of ancient techniques long lost to time. But releasing such a spirit would be no simple task, as it would require powerful magic and the will of the colossus itself. Those few who survive encounters with a Basalt Colossus sometimes report hearing faint whispers in their dreams—a final echo of the guardian’s undying purpose, calling for the names places or people long lost to time.