Gorgon

Gorgons are imposing humanoids from planet Gorgonia, distinguished by their towering physiques, green or tan skin, sharp teeth, and formidable claws. Their remarkable strength and durability enable them to wield powerful weapons with ease. A proud and self-reliant people, Gorgons stand firm in their beliefs and fiercely defend their loved ones. Despite their peaceful nature when unprovoked, they demonstrate exceptional prowess in combat, hunting, and tracking.

Origins

Gorgons evolved on the distant planet Gorgonia, a massive world with diverse and often dangerous ecosystems. Their culture developed around principles of strength, honor, and communal defense, necessary virtues in their hostile homeland. The Gorgonian society reached its zenith in the enormous city of Korgrath, far from the portal connecting their world to Solaris. When Elyndrians established Pathfinder Point on Gorgonia, some Gorgons chose to cross into Solaris, finding particular affinity with General Raynar Dragonbane's forces in Korbgrad City. Today, Gorgons maintain settlements on both worlds, with the majority still residing in Korgrath while a significant population serves in the Old Guard of Korbgrad.

Petrifying Gaze

Gorgons possess a petrifying gaze that can turn living creatures to stone. The potency and control of this ability varies among individuals—some manifest it passively with a chance to trigger upon eye contact, while others can focus and activate it at will. The duration of the petrification depends on both the Gorgon's strength and the target's willpower. This ability makes Gorgons particularly feared in combat, as even the strongest opponents must contend with the risk of instantaneous incapacitation.

Stone Skin

Gorgons have naturally tough, stone-like skin that grants them increased resistance to physical damage and environmental hazards. This inherent resilience allows them to endure harsh conditions and shrug off blows that would cripple others. Their stone skin can gradually regenerate minor injuries, enhancing their overall survivability. This durability has made Gorgons particularly valuable members of the Old Guard and essential to expeditions across the dangerous terrain of their home planet.

Earth Tremor

Gorgons can channel their connection to the earth to unleash powerful tremors that disrupt and damage their foes. These seismic events can create fissures in the ground, knock opponents off balance, and cause physical harm. The strength and range of the tremor varies based on the Gorgon's mastery of earth magic. In Korbgrad City, Gorgon engineers have developed techniques to harness this ability for construction and excavation, dramatically enhancing their architectural capabilities.

Regions & Relations

Gorgons primarily inhabit their homeworld of Gorgonia, particularly the city of Korgrath far from Pathfinder Point. On Solaris, they have established a significant presence in Korbgrad City in the Hinterfall Jungle, where they form the backbone of General Raynar's Old Guard. Gorgons maintain strong alliances with Dragonkin, respecting their strength and leadership. Their relationship with Ardanians is based on mutual respect for physical prowess and martial tradition. Gorgons tend to view Humans with curiosity, appreciating their adaptability while sometimes finding their diplomatic approach perplexing. They harbor traditional suspicion toward Vegonians due to historical conflicts between the Black Empire and the Old Guard.

Class Affinities

Gorgons excel as Warriors, their natural strength and durability making them exceptional front-line fighters. Many serve as Knights in the Old Guard of Korbgrad, their protective instincts and imposing presence perfect for battlefield control and defensive operations. Those who embrace their connection to earth and stone often become Mages specializing in elemental magic. Some Gorgons with particular stealth and precision, despite their size, pursue the Hunter's path, becoming formidable trackers across the dangerous wilderness of Gorgonia and the Hinterfall Jungle.

Magical Affinities

Earth magic flows naturally through Gorgons, their inherent connection to stone allowing them to manipulate the element with exceptional power and precision. Many develop strong affinity for Gravity magic, using it to enhance their already formidable physical strength or to better control their seismic abilities. Some Gorgons, particularly those serving in defensive roles, cultivate Fire magic for its purification aspects. Those who advance in mastering their petrifying gaze often develop unexpected connections to Time magic, perceiving the transformation from flesh to stone as a form of temporal manipulation.

Professional Pursuits

Gorgons gravitate toward trades that allow them to express their strength and connection to earth. Many become respected Blacksmiths, their natural understanding of stone and metal combined with their physical strength producing weapons and armor of exceptional quality. In Korbgrad, Gorgon Engineers develop defensive structures that capitalize on their seismic abilities. Those who serve as scouts for the Old Guard often become Explorers, mapping dangerous territories with unparalleled thoroughness. Some Gorgons, particularly those with refined control of their petrifying abilities, become Enchanters specializing in transformative magic that alters physical properties.