From publisher blurb:
Born from Stone
Gargoyles have been a fixture of architecture across the world in various cultures, and captured the imaginations of writers and artists alike. So, when we sat down to explore designing a gargoyle lineage for DayLITE: Fantasy, we had many different ideas come to mind. The cover image actually grew out of a large original lore concept that we had born from the questions below.
What if the different types of gargoyles (the various lineages) are determined based on what they were ordained to observe. So you could have science or military or religious or agricultural or mercantile gargoyles. Could connect gargoyles and ghemed together? We have the Mother of Pearl for the ghemed, maybe a different stone for the gargoyles? We could envision like a gem/stone pantheon of Great Beings, each with their own people. Mother of Pearl representing arts and expression and passion, others representing others.
Clearly, we worked to try and come up with an overall lore factor, but eventually decided to allow each writer to design their own kinds of gargoyles. However, the one key piece we had were these: gargoyles are immortal unless destroyed, and that they are guardians. So, with these in mind, we came up with an acronym called ROCK, which allows you the Wanderer to build a basic understanding of the lore and story behind your gargoyle character.
Playing A Gargoyle Character
Reasoning. What is the reasoning for your awakening? What made you come out of slumber and away from your guardian-post into the mortal world?
Objective. What do you hope to accomplish in your awakening? What is the end goal before you return.
Connection. Who is the person or what is the cause which you have bonded to in this new age and time of living?
Kindred. What do the gargoyles of your ilk think of this awakening? Are they supportive, or are they questioning of why you did this?
Eleven New Lineages
Vyjokyp. Vyjokyp are one of the three kypian gargoyles, those gargoyles that were carved in likeness of the original gargoyles, and then given life by powerful artificers and mages by use of infusing ancient stones with powerful magicks. In the case of the vyjokyp, these are warriors and defenders, burning bright with the amethyst light of nobility and prowess. Their small wings make them almost unable to fly, but in a ping, they can provide a quick jump boost.
Zelekyp. Zelekyp are one of the three kypian gargoyles, those gargoyles that were carved in likeness of the original gargoyles, and then given life by powerful artificers and mages by use of infusing ancient stones with powerful magicks. With great horns and greater wings, the zelekyp are powerful magic users and sentries of the high places of the world, their eyes seeing all and ears hearing all. They often are found patrolling the skies over great cities.
Modrakyp. Modrakyp are one of the three kypian gargoyles, those gargoyles that were carved in likeness of the original gargoyles, and then given life by powerful artificers and mages by use of infusing ancient stones with powerful magicks. Dog-sized, these gargoyles are far faster than their small blocky forms would hint at, able to climb massive structures in a matter of seconds. They often are stealth agents and messengers, hiding in small spaces to collect information and then return to report.
Zblakka. What zblakka lack in physical strength, they make up for in beauty and spirit, being some of the friendliest of their kind, though their hearts tend to be more brittle.
Gyelden. The gyelden are often seen as arbiters and patriarchs of gargoyle clutches, working directly with the Great Beings who created them to bring about order and balance.
Mercuran. The mercuran gargoyles are often partners to the gyelden, acting as advisors or spiritual experts in matters with the Great Beings. Powerful in their own right, the touch of a mercuran gargoyle is said to bring clarity like nothing else.
Tigriokka. Tigriokka are characterized by their fortitude of body, mind, and spirit. Effortlessly courageous, these gargoyles inspire confidence and perseverance in all around them, and are some of the most ardent in their protective roles.
Zafirecer. Born from intense pressure and high heat, Zafirecer Gargoyles are elegantly strong. They are known for their prowess in physical battle. The last thing an adversary often sees before they enter the realm of Slumber is the slash of a razor-sharp claw or the wink of light off a golden band as they choke. Technically wingless, the Zafirecer Gargoyle uses a long, prehensile appendage that emerges from their head and the cloak draped from their shoulders to glide from perch to perch. Despite their strength, Zafirecer Gargoyles are stewards of calmness and tranquility, bringing harmony to troubled relationships and scenes.
Leonmair. Leomair are proud custodians reading and the arts, often retaining the image of huge stone lions over their gargoyle form. Found protecting places of knowledge such as libraries or universities, people will often leave books or scrolls for the leomair to read in their off-time.
Equinosk. The Equinosk are gargoyles that observe and watch over those yearning for, working towards, and searching for freedom. Embodying courage and strength, they are often awoken by the strength of a single mortal’s emotions regarding freedom, either in support of it for others, or in the desire for it. Once awoken, Equinosk gargoyles become attached to the one that woke them, watching over them in an attempt to lead their charge to the freedom they’re seeking.
Mosaranak. The mosaranak gargoyles are those who truly love nothing more than spending time amongst the mortals of the world, sometimes even becoming valued family members. Their thick outer skin resembles cobblestone, but inside their hearts beat and pump warm, a rare ocurrance that happened over millennia of evolution.