Golikhar

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Heaven Above. Haven Below.

This content takes place in the Haven setting of Imagindarium's Creation.

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Index / Lexica / Timeline

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"The first thing anyone must know about creating a golikhar is that even the slightest imperfection in the animus may lead to disastrous consequences. A former apprentice of mine once foolishly misordered the runes on a stone golikhar’s animus. Suffice to say, the damage was immense and the apprentice smashed to paste."

—Kyrisos Fairweather, noted magisculptor

Golikhars, also known as golems, are a type of automaton found all over Haven created to serve the whims of their masters. These masters, known as magisculptors, are individuals specially trained in the construction and maintenance of golikhars, often employed by wealthy individuals all over the world. Out of all automatons, golikhars are the most varied due to the sheer number of materials one may be constructed from.

Characteristics

Appearance

Golikhars possess the most variety by far out of any automaton on Haven. They can be shapeless, amorphous beings with the ability to shapeshift at will. They can resemble ancient statues or even piles of rocks, blending in with the natural world until they spring to life. They can be humanoid in shape or take the form of animals, depending on the whim of the person constructing them. This sheer variety means that no two golikhars are exactly alike, each one possessing its own unique qualities that make them stand out to the trained eye.

While golikhars come in many shapes and sizes, there is one factor that binds them all together, the animus. An animus is a magically-sensitive crystal inside of a metal sphere covered in magic runes. The animus serves as the golikhar’s core, acting like a brain and allowing it to move. If a golikhar’s animus is destroyed or severely damaged, it will fall silent, losing all motion until its animus is either repaired or replaced.

Additionally, the larger a golikhar is, the more animi they need to stay active. Smaller golikhars only require one animus to move around, though those larger than a horse will usually require more. Some of the largest golikhars have been equipped with several animi larger than a human, each one lined with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of runes.

Behavior

Golikhars are, first and foremost, loyal servants of their masters. They follow any orders given to them without question, provided that their orders are within reason. Once assigned to a task, they will not stop unless they complete it or if their master tells them to stop. Anyone who isn’t their master who tries to order the golikhar around is simply ignored, which tends to lead to frustration when their master’s friends or subordinates try to get them to work. As such, most masters will provide the golikhar with a list of people authorized to give it commands.

If a golikhar’s master dies or otherwise releases it from service, it becomes an aimless wanderer, traveling the lands without purpose. It will do this until another being manages to take control of it or it runs out of power, falling into a deep slumber. It is not that uncommon to see archeologists digging up old golikhars created long ago, waiting for a new master. But the passage of time isn’t exactly kind, and some golikhars will find their bodies damaged beyond repair upon awakening again.

Creating a Golikhar

In order to create a golikhar, the body must first be constructed. The magisculptor gathers the necessary raw materials and shapes the golikhar to their exact specifications. For certain materials, the process is fairly straightforward, but more exotic golikhars will require specialized tools in order to keep their bodies held together.

Next, the animus must be prepared. The magisculptor takes a magically-sensitive crystal and places it into a metal sphere. The magisculptor then carves the runes into the sphere, which lets the golikhar know who its master is and what its primary purpose is. The animus is then placed inside the golikhar’s body, usually in the head or the chest.

Finally, the animus must be charged with Mana, which is needed to animate the golikhar. The larger the animus, the more Mana it can store, allowing the golikhar to operate for longer periods of time without a recharge. In order to avoid wasting this energy, golikhars typically enter a hibernation state when not performing any tasks, preserving their power until they are needed again. It is unknown how long they can last like this without a recharge, but there have been reports of golikhars springing to life centuries after they were last activated.

Additionally, the more runes carved onto an animus, the more complex tasks the Golikhar can perform. Some golikhars have so many runes on their animi that they might even be considered sapient. However, as golikhars lack the ability to assign themselves to new tasks on their own, this claim is hotly debated at best.

Standard Golikhars

Clay Golikhar

The clay golikhar is the most common type of Golikhar on Haven, largely due to the malleable nature of clay and its sheer abundance. As such, clay golikhars are often the first golikhar an apprentice magisculptor will craft on their own during their training. Once their bodies are shaped, they must be hardened under intense heat before they can be outfitted with an animus. If not properly hardened, the golikhar’s body might collapse instantly should it try to move.

Clay golikhars are typically used for menial labor, performing tasks that a magisculptor would consider beneath them. While they can be pressed into combat duty if the need arises, the clay that their bodies are made from isn’t exactly meant to withstand heavy damage. As such, they are only sent out if no other options remain.

Stone Golikhar

Stone golikhars vary greatly in the level of refinement put into their appearance. While some appear as little more than a pile of rocks with arms and legs, others appear as finely carved statues of famous generals or mythical beasts. The latter of this variety are often commissioned by wealthy nobles to function as both an art piece and a form of defense, springing to life should their master be in danger. The former are usually disguised within the natural landscape, catching enemies off guard as the earth itself rises to fight them.

Stone golikhars have the ability to repair their bodies by using stone, melding it into damaged areas using magic. They are only able to repair themselves by using the same type of stone that they are made from. For instance, a stone golikhar carved from granite will not be able to repair itself using marble and vice-versa. To ensure that their golikhars are always in peak condition, magisculptors typically keep a supply of this stone around when repairs are needed.

Crystal Golikhar

Made from shimmering crystal and shining with all colors of the rainbow, crystal golikhars have the ability to absorb light energy and use it as a weapon. They can project this energy from nearly every angle of their bodies, giving them a near-complete area of attack. They can even unleash their stored energy in a massive burst, temporarily outshining the sun and blinding anyone who stands too close.

Due to the rarity of the materials used in their construction, crystal golikhars are by far the most expensive golikhars to create. It is said that the cost of even a single crystal golikhar is enough to buy someone their own kingdom. As such, magisculptors tasked with the creation of a crystal golikhar will find themselves becoming very wealthy, sometimes becoming even richer than those who sought out their services in the first place.

Water Golikhar

Water golikhars are formed from a large mass of water, usually from a lake, river or sufficiently sized fountain, and compressed tightly around an animus. Because of the level of control it takes to shape their bodies around their animi, only skilled magisculptors have the expertise necessary to create them. Anyone of lesser ability often ends up soaked as the body they attempt to create fails to hold together.

Water golikhars are master shapeshifters, their amorphous bodies able to take the form of whatever they desire. They also have the ability to alter the water pressure within their own bodies, using it to great effect in combat. A warrior thrusting their sword into a water golikhar’s body would find it being crushed by the pressure weighing down on it, turning a once mighty weapon into a crumpled orb of metal. They have even been known to engulf enemy combatants and crush them to death using this power, a truly horrific fate for any who face them in battle.

Wooden Golikhar

Wooden golikhars are the most common type of golikhar seen within settlements, being a vital component of many large-scale construction teams. These tireless workers labor day and night, building some of the largest structures on Haven. Additionally, wooden golikhars are often seen on many seafaring vessels as their wooden bodies means they are one of the few golikhars capable of floating.

While wooden golikhars aren’t explicitly made for battle, they can still serve a combat role if needed. Wooden golikhars made for battle are typically outfitted with metal plates for extra defense and given large weapons to suit their stature. Giant swords longer than a human being, enormous warhammers weighing hundreds of pounds, all easily wielded by these towering wooden warriors.

Flame Golikhar

A mass of roiling flames bound around a heat-resistant animus, flame golikhars are raging infernos of pure power, able to unleash gouts of fire hot enough to burn most materials with ease. They can even increase their own heat when provided with enough magical energy, their flames turning blue as they become hot enough to melt even solid stone. However, staying in this state for too long might result in them burning through all of their power by accident.

Flame golikhars are also able to temporarily increase the size of their bodies by consuming flammable materials. They will hold these materials within their bodies until they burn out, returning to normal size shortly afterwards. There is seemingly no limit on how large a flame golikhar can grow, with reports of them growing larger than buildings and castles alike. As such, flame golikhars are usually kept contained in fireproof cells until they are needed.

Electric Golikhar

Appearing as a living bolt of lightning, electric golikhars are by far the most volatile of their kind. They are the fastest standard golikhars of all, able to travel on land or through the air faster than many other beings on Haven. In combat, electric golikhars can fling thunderbolts from afar or discharge their power at anyone who gets too close. Even if an enemy manages to score a hit, they often end up getting electrocuted.

Due to the unstable nature of their bodies, an electric golikhar’s form cannot be held together by an animus alone. As such, an electric golikhar must also be bound to a series of stabilization orbs around its body, which keep its energy contained in a cohesive state. If one of the stabilization orbs gets severely damaged, the golikhar’s body becomes erratic and unstable, eventually dissipating as the other orbs fail to contain its power.

Ice Golikhar

Carved from a single, gigantic chunk of ice, the ice golikhar is the physical embodiment of the cold itself. Their bodies constantly radiate an aura of chill, drastically lowering the temperature around them. Anything without proper attire or the innate ability to resist cold temperatures ends up catching severe hypothermia, or a bad cold at the very least. As such, it is highly recommended to purchase multiple layers of warm clothing before even thinking about creating an ice golikhar.

Ice golikhars are also capable of directing and manipulating their cold aura and can even use it to manipulate the weather itself. Places that have never seen snow before would be covered in at least a foot of it within a few hours. Some of the most powerful ice golikhars can even use their cold aura to create massive blizzards, burying everything for miles around under several feet of snow.

Iron Golikhar

Lumbering war machines, iron golikhars are some of the most devastating weapons ever unleashed upon the battlefield. Blades, arrows, and bullets bounce harmlessly off their metallic hides as they decimate infantry and cavalry alike. Walls and gates provide little help against the might of an iron golikhar as these machines are experts at breaking down even the mightiest fortresses. But for all their strength, they are quite sluggish, even compared to other golikhars.

Iron golikhars are also capable of magnetizing their bodies using electricity, attracting metal objects towards them. Armor-clad warriors will find themselves and their weapons being pulled and stuck on the golikhar’s body, unable to move unless their armor is somehow taken off or the golikhar becomes demagnetized. Those unable to escape in time either end up stomped flat or grabbed and crushed within the iron golikhar’s mighty grip.

Glass Golikhar

Made from thousands of individual pieces of glass, glass golikhars are by far the most intricate golikhars of all. While most believe them to be easily breakable, the glass that makes up their bodies is tempered via a magical process that makes it supremely durable. When a glass golikhar “breaks,” that usually just means that some of its pieces were knocked out of place, re-aligning themselves shortly after the initial impact.

Glass golikhars make for surprisingly agile combatants, catching their foes off guard with their speed and grace. However, their most deadly move is their ability to turn into a whirlwind of sharpened glass shards, lacerating all in their path and turning foes into mincemeat. Any who survive the initial assault often end up dying of blood loss moments afterwards, their bodies covered in hundreds of cuts.

Hybrid Golikhars

Hybrid golikhars, as their name suggests, combine the elements of two different golikhars into a singular being. Constructing one is a good deal more difficult than a standard golikhar as the binding of two separate elements around an animus is sometimes enough to cause the crystal within to self-destruct, ruining the entire process. As such, it usually takes an entire team of skilled magisculptors working around the clock to create a hybrid golikhar, the resulting product being shipped off to whatever noble or monarch paid for it.

Hybrid golikhars are more expensive and time-consuming to create than standard golikhars, largely due to the difficulty of binding two elements to a single body. They also tend to be more independent thanks to their animi being covered in more runes to allow them to perform more complex tasks. In fact, some have even seen hybrid golikhars attempting to carve runes on their animi by themselves, though this often ends in disaster as golikhars are too clumsy to apply the runes by themselves.

Furnace Golikhar (Flame + Iron)

Resembling a blacksmith’s forge with arms and legs, furnace golikhars are mighty engines of war with an endless appetite for raw materials. They can take metallic objects and use them to create new things after melting them down, providing an endless stream of fresh arms and armor. This makes them highly valued on long military campaigns where access to a smithy might be difficult. However, this also makes them high priority targets for enemy forces.

Furnace golikhars are also capable of firing huge chunks of molten metal over long distances. To do this, they reconfigure their bodies to the point where they resemble an oversized cannon, turning themselves into a potent artillery piece. In this state, furnace golikhars can fire shots that travel several kilometers, though their rate of fire is fairly slow. Additionally, they are also practically immobile in this state, needing to transform back in order to move again.

Seaglass Golikhar (Water + Glass)

Seaglass golikhars share the same basic shape as standard water golikhars, they are distinct in the fact that they have a layer of shifting glass surrounding the outer layer of their bodies. They are capable of controlling this glass in such a way that allows any part of their body to become “solid” at will. For instance, a seaglass golikhar could use their glass layer to cover their hands, letting them more easily pick up and manipulate objects. However, they are unable to turn their entire bodies solid due to them requiring a mostly liquid form.

Seaglass golikhars are also able to use their glass to form weapons. Jagged blades, spiked fists, and shield-like protrusions are all common sights on a seaglass golikhar. However, they do have to be careful not to direct too much of their glass away from the layer that protects their animus, lest they leave it vulnerable. As such, magisculptors will typically imbue them with a set of runes that ensures that at least some glass is covering it at all times.

Magnetic Golikhar (Iron + Electric)

Magnetic golikhars take the form of a gaunt, humanoid figure made of lightning with an outer layer of metal plates that hover a certain distance away from the main body. Not only do these plates provide the golikhar with extra protection, they also help to keep the stabilization orbs that hold its energized body together safe. These plates slow the magnetic golikhar down considerably, though they are still a good deal faster than most of their kin thanks to their electric nature. It also helps them avoid accidentally electrocuting their allies.

Magnetic golikhars are capable of producing a powerful electromagnetic field that lets them manipulate metallic objects, keeping them in orbit around their bodies. They can direct these objects at will, launching them at their foes or keeping them close by for defense. Even more daunting is their ability to cause a foe’s armor to crumple in on itself using their powers, crushing them to the point where all that remains is a bloody puddle littered with metal scraps.

Plasmatic Golikhar (Flame + Electric)

Resembling a miniature star, plasmatic golikhars rage with bright, burning energy. They have the most volatile bodies out of any golikhar by far, requiring at least a dozen stabilization orbs to keep themselves stable. However, while this leaves them with more weak spots, plasmatic golikhars are capable of moving at such blinding speeds that landing a hit on one becomes all but impossible. However, should even one of the stabilization orbs rupture, it will explode with such a force that anything around it is vaporized.

Plasmatic golikhars are considered to be the most dangerous golikhars to bind and control. Because their bodies are so unstable, even the slightest imperfection in the binding process tends to lead to disaster. As such, most magisculptors will only create a plasmatic golikhar if no other options are available to them. Once the battle is concluded, the plasmatic golikhar is bound in a dormant state in a reinforced cell deep underground to minimize any unwanted damage.

Steam Golikhar (Flame + Water)

Steam golikhars take the form of a swirling cyclone with arms, with the only solid part of their bodies being their animi. As such, most attacks simply phase right through them, though they have to be careful to keep their animus safe. Steam golikhars fight by unleashing powerful bursts of swirling steam, which both scalds and sends their targets flying. While not having the strongest direct impact, this attack packs enough wind force behind it to send even the heaviest foes reeling.

Steam golikhars are able to alter the rotational speed of their bodies, building up more and more energy the faster they spin. The more they spin, the more wind they whip up around them, eventually reaching a point where even being near one means risking being sent high into the air. Some steam golikhars are capable of producing winds so strong that trees are uprooted and roofs torn off of houses, all turned into flying debris. However, spinning too fast means risking the possibility of the animus being torn apart.

Frostflame Golikhar (Flame + Ice)

Blazing with a chilling white fire, the frostflame golikhar leaves naught but frozen death in its wake. Instead of normal flames, they blast their enemies with frostflame, which saps heat from the environment and covers anything around it in ice. The ice that frostflame golikhars leave behind is hot to the touch, hot enough to leave painful burns without proper protection. Additionally, parts of the body that touch this ice temporarily become more sensitive to pain.

To fuel themselves, frostflame golikhars feed on sources of heat such as fires, but they are also capable of sucking heat from living beings as well. They can extract the heat energy from a human being within seconds, leaving them as a frozen corpse. To aid in their hunt, frostflame golikhars have the ability to track their targets’ body heat for miles. However, this does leave them vulnerable to getting distracted by more enticing sources of heat, leaving them open to a counterattack.

Magma Golikhar (Flame + Stone)

Amorphous beings made from molten rock, magma golikhars bring the power of a volcano to the battlefield. They engulf and incinerate all in their path, melting buildings and enemy soldiers alike. However, magma golikhars are by far the slowest golikhars of all, making their travel potential quite limited. As such, most commanders will bring the raw materials with them and direct their magisculptors to construct the golikhar shortly before a large battle.

Magma golikhars are capable of melting through the earth itself in order to travel underground. This lets them bypass even the hardest terrain with ease, leaving burning tunnels wherever they go. When the magma golikhar reemerges, it does so in the manner of a volcanic eruption, scattering lava everywhere around them. Additionally, once their tunnels cool down, allied forces can use them as well.

Geode Golikhar (Stone + Crystal)

Rough and unassuming on the outside yet beautiful and sparkling on the inside, geode golikhars are perhaps the best example of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Their insides are lined with the same light-absorbing crystals seen on standard crystal golikhars, allowing them to fire beams of light energy from openings on their body. While they lack the ability to fire their beams from any part of their bodies, the blasts fired by geode golikhars are more focused, granting them increased striking power. This lets them deal with stronger foes more easily.

Geode golikhars also have the ability to create small floating “orbiters” using pieces of themselves. These orbiters are capable of moving on their own accord, though they are still bound to the golikhar’s will. The orbiters aid the geode golikhar in battle, harassing the enemy with light blasts while their master keeps them busy. If an orbiter is destroyed, it is reabsorbed back into the golikhar’s body, waiting to be created again.

Torch Golikhar (Flame + Wooden)

Towering beings that resemble flaming trees, torch golikhars are what happens when a magisculptor dabbles in psychological warfare. Burning runes of fear are carved into its body, allowing the torch golikhar to cast a wave of terror at their foes. Those caught in this attack are plagued with visions of their skin melting off, their flesh searing, and their bones blackening as the torch golikhar advances. Those unlucky to be caught in its path are grabbed and thrown into its body to be used as fuel.

Torch golikhars are also capable of conjuring apparitions from their flames, shaping them however they wish. For instance, they may choose to send a flock of infernal ravens down upon their foes, or even surround them with the blazing forms of their dead comrades. Only those with an iron will can face a torch golikhar and come out with their minds intact, and they would still have to avoid getting incinerated. In fact, the horror they are capable of inflicting is so severe that many magisculptors outright refuse to create one.

Iceberg Golikhar (Water + Ice)

Far larger than others of their kind, iceberg golikhars are more of a mobile fortress than a construct. Their insides are lined with winding tunnels that allow those manning the golikhar to easily traverse it. These tunnels are also large enough to house a sizable force of soldiers, ready to be unleashed at a moment's notice if the golikhar is brought to shore. However, their sheer size prevents them from making landfall at most locations, save for large, established port cities or other natural harbors.

Iceberg Golikhars are capable of launching enormous chunks of ice from their surfaces at high speeds, enough to batter down even the strongest castle walls. They generate their ammunition via stored magical energy, though they can also use parts of themselves should the need arise. However, due to the fact that they require an enormous amount of cryomantic magic to keep their bodies held together, iceberg golikhars are confined to colder oceans. Fortunately for them, they can travel farther provided they have a cadre of mages keeping them topped up with Mana.

Petrified Golikhar (Wooden + Stone)

Petrified golikhars are formed by taking wood and imbuing it with geomantic magic to the point where it petrifies and carving the body from it. Much like stone golikhars, petrified golikhars are capable of restoring their bodies using the substance they were made from, being petrified wood in this case. In the event they cannot find any, they are able to turn normal wood into petrified wood using their geomantic powers. As such, they are able to keep their bodies in perfect condition in almost any environment.

Petrified golikhars are also able to petrify other things as well, including living beings. With a single touch, they are capable of causing their targets to rapidly mineralize, effectively turning them to stone. It is not uncommon to see the petrified forms of once-proud warriors littering the surrounding area where a petrified golikhar dwells. As such, it is highly recommended to fight one from as far a distance as possible to avoid petrification.

Fulgurite Golikhar (Stone + Electric)

Carved from enormous chunks of fulgurite taken from stormy mountain peaks, fulgurite golikhars are capable of sending powerful surges of electricity through the earth itself. Using their stored energy, they can electrify the ground in an area around them to electrocute dozens of foes at once. If they release enough energy, they can even cause fulgurite spikes to erupt from the ground, impaling any unfortunates near them. Unfortunately, the golikhar has no control over where these spikes will emerge from.

Fulgurite golikhars are also capable of creating traps by imbuing stones with their power. After creating a trap, the golikhar will bury it and wait for unsuspecting foes to get near. Should an enemy step within a certain distance of the trap, it will activate and erupt from the ground, releasing its energy in a powerful electric burst. Entire armies have been stopped dead in their tracks after hundreds of these stones rise from the earth to unleash their power. But the issue of abandoned traps accidentally going off and electrocuting innocent travelers means that a magisculptor who creates a fulgurite golikhar is often placed under watch.

Driftwood Golikhar (Wooden + Water)

Driftwood golikhars center themselves around a “skeleton” of driftwood surrounded by a layer of water. Helping to bind their bodies together is a special type of seaweed that grows on its body, acting almost like muscle tissue. Driftwood golikhars are capable of lashing out with tendrils made of this seaweed at their foes, binding and lacerating them. However, they do have to keep an eye out for any water-dwelling herbivores that might mistake their seaweed for a meal.

Much like water golikhars, driftwood golikhars are able to swim at surprising speeds. They also come with the added benefit of being masters of aquatic camouflage, their animus concealed deep within the mass of wood and weeds. Magisculptors often order driftwood golikhars to lie in wait for long periods of time, disguised as a heap of detritus. When an enemy draws near, the golikhar will reform itself and attack, catching their foes completely by surprise.

Amber Golikhar (Wooden + Crystal)

Amber golikhars resemble trees that continuously ooze a special type of sap. This sap quickly hardens upon the golikhar’s command, turning solid within seconds. Amber golikhars typically use this sap for protection, surrounding themselves in a layer of hardened amber. Weapons that hit this armor often end up getting trapped in it, stuck to the golikhar’s body unless the wielder manages to wrest them free. As such, amber golikhars are sometimes seen covered in old weapons from past engagements.

Amber golikhars are also capable of using their sap as a weapon, flinging thick globs of it in battle. They typically use their sap to immobilize their opponents, encasing them in solid amber from the legs up. This makes them highly effective at capturing important targets alive, though amber golikhars are capable of using this attack in a more lethal manner. Unlucky enemies will find themselves completely trapped in amber, unable to move as they slowly suffocate to death.

Notable Individuals

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