Sun Goblyns

The Beginning Tale

The time after the Great War was a dark one. When we fled to the mountain we didn’t know where we could go or if we would survive. We didn’t even know if there was a place to run to.

Our tribe wasn’t accustomed to the cold. We had existed for generations wrapped in near-uncomfortable amounts of warmth, nestled within a vast desert. The only cold we knew how to handle were the desert nights, but that was nothing compared to the bitter, harsh freeze high up in the mountains.

Yet, it was the safest place for us to flee.

We lost too many during our trek, searching desperately for any piece of land that would sustain the life of anything that wasn’t a creature created to exist in this frigid, white hellscape we found ourselves in.

We hiked for what felt like weeks, but it couldn’t have been more than three or four days. Still, we lost at least three Goblyns to each day.

On what is believed to be the fifth day (for none of us could keep track anymore, the days and nights bleeding together with snow, grief, and bone deep cold), the leader of our ever-dwindling tribe set off ahead of us all, but never strayed more than 50 feet from our sight. He would call out when a path was unsafe, or lead us away from potential predators lurking through the brush.

He was our Protector.

The day that our salvation finally came is one that I will remember until I draw my final breath. We had reached the seventh day of our journey when the Protector had begun to climb the large hill that we had camped at the base of the night before. Once halfway to the top, He had called for us to follow, having confirmed that the path ahead was safe from danger.

He, of course, reached the top of the hill before the rest of us, just as the sun itself rose high enough to shine down upon us as well.

He let out a cry of pure joy as His form was silhouetted by the sun’s light, a sound filled with so much hope that it filled our exhausted forms with enough energy to run to his side with an excitement we hadn't felt since the times of peace we only knew through echoed feelings from our past lives.

The view from the top of the hill was breathtaking, looking down upon a beautiful valley filled with lush plant life, the snow and ice sparkling with an ethereal light under the sun. The surface of the hills surrounding, protecting, this valley were already fit with small caves and paths, mines left by a civilization gone long ago.

The touch of a warm hand on my own broke me from my trance. I hadn't felt a warm touch since our journey began. When I looked down, He had fallen to his knees, tears freely flowing down His cheeks from eyes that were now pure white.

The sacrifice for our salvation had been His sight and, what I would come to find out soon after, His life.

“Keep them safe.” He whispered to me in a voice so soft I had to drop to my knees in front of him to catch the words. As I did so, both His hands came to grasp at mine, impossibly warm in this snow and ice. “You will help them thrive. You will make a great civilization here.”

“Why me?” I couldn't help but ask, the words leaving me before I could stop them, feeling my own tears begin to fall. Why did this feel like a goodbye?

“Because you have the fires of survival in your spirit, and you care for your people with a ferocity that only a great leader can have.” His grip on my hands began to slip, causing me to grip tighter to keep them in place, “I was gifted a vision as I found this place and the Sun's Light took away my sight. The Sun showed me that YOU, Kel, are to be the one to lead this tribe to greatness.

The Sun has Chosen you, and it has Chosen well.”

With those final words, He collapsed into my arms as His final breath escaped as a puff of mist in the cold morning air. I gazed down upon our new home, our promised land, and drew a deep breath to swear my first oath as the leader of this place and disciple of the Sun.

“By the Sun’s Light that has blessed us on this day, I will do everything in my power to keep my people safe and help them prosper in peace until the day we can become Whole again. This I swear.”

Kel Solara, First Chaplain of The Sun’s Light

Origin and Survival

In the tumultuous times between the Great War and the beginning stages of the Age of Retreat, a small group of Goblyns fled high up into a great mountain range, settling within its highest peaks where snow still fell despite the fact that the mountain itself is surrounded by the desert. For a time, this band of Goblyns had a hard time trying to survive in this new environment, but over time improvised, adapted to, and overcame their struggles to form a new society.
A major contributing factor for their survival came from the Sun itself, or so the Goblyns came to believe. Their new home rarely saw darkness for more than 10 hours a day, and over time they came to discover ways to harness the Sun’s Energy for their own gain (and warmth):
- Mirrors of varying sizes and shapes are utilized heavily by Sun Goblyns for many things relating to survival and function. The most important contribution is that using mirrors allows agriculture to happen within the hills of the valley. This is done by creating caves close enough to the surface to have holes opened up to the sky to let sunlight in. The sunlight then reflects off of giant mirrors mounted close to the ceiling and oh so carefully angled to provide warmth and light to crops. This means that Sun Goblyn farmers can grow all year round, even in the coldest winters.
- Prisms are also utilized by Sun Goblyns to harness the Sun's power. One such use is as part of their architecture. They use them as a way to redirect light in windows and in gardens to help the plants grow. They will also have them attached to roofs to help with rain and melting snow runoff and to use the Sun's light to heat just enough snow to prevent roof cave-ins.
As their numbers grew, their culture started to transform into one of their own, and eventually they took on the name of Sun Goblyns.

Sun Goblyn Night Vision

(or lack thereof)

When every Sun Goblyn is born, they have fully perfect vision. Once a young Sun Goblyn reaches early childhood (typically around 5-8 years), they begin to slowly lose their ability to see in darkness. By the time a Sun Goblyn reaches adolescence, they are unable to see in any space darker than lantern light. By adulthood, it is very rare for Sun Goblyns to be able to see anything in any space darker than the shade under a grove of trees. Elder Sun Goblyns often lose the ability to see in any light conditions darker than a cloud briefly blocking The Sun during midday.
However, in the case of Alchemysts (and other such powerful Sun Goblyns) their timeline for losing their darkvision is much faster as they more frequently have direct absorption of the Sun’s rays through their eyes. Without preventative methods, Alchemysts will lose their darkvision entirely in either one or both eyes, only being able to properly see in the sunniest or brightest conditions.
There are some Sun Goblyns that are not affected by night blindness:

Some Sun Goblyns naturally retain their darkvision and often take on roles or jobs that other Sun Goblyns aren't able to do (such as following the path of Astronomy or lighting the street lanterns as the Sun sets)
Inversely, those cursed by the Sun’s Light for their worship of Baulk will regain their darkvision, but lose the ability to handle any light brighter than that of a lantern at night. Sunlight especially can cause them immense pain and discomfort, and as such will typically wear some sort of blindfold or light protection if they dare to show their faces aboveground.

(Although Sun Goblyns have shifted most of their religious worship towards The Sun (with a sprinkling of worship for what they refer to as "The Old Gods" thrown in), they still carry vitriol for Baulk and his followers. As such, followers of Baulk the Betrayer are exiled from Sun Goblyn society. Reformed followers MAY be allowed back under certain circumstances. It is not uncommon to find reformed Baulk worshipers working as Astronomy Scrybes.)

Alchemy

An Overview:

Over time, Sun Goblyns had to develop ways to defend themselves from potential enemies as well as natural predators on the mountain. Through toying with various minerals, metals, and other such elements they gained through trade or collection of resources provided by the mountain. Through this experimentation, Sun Goblyns began assigning meaning and abilities that could be gained from these substances like they did with the Sun and Gold… and thus, Alchemy was born.
Sun Goblyn Alchemysts are revered among their kind (as not every Sun Goblyn is an Alchemyst) and are considered some of the most powerful among them through their more direct connection with both the Sun’s Power and the various elements and spirits associated with their science.
A Sun Goblyn Alchemyst can be identified in a few different ways, one of which is complete blindness in one eye. When this full blindness does occur, the Alchemyst will pour a concoction of their metallic element of choice into the blinded eye. This process prevents the blindness from spreading to both eyes (like the early Alchemysts of their time). They also believe that through this process, the properties the metals embody will be more directly and permanently absorbed into their system. This practice has evolved over time (such as making solutions that can be administered through a dropper), but many Alchemysts choose to continue with the tradition of the old method.
The recipe for this specific concoction is a closely guarded secret. Only select few Sun Goblyn Alchemysts are allowed to prepare the solution (and as such are the only ones who know its recipe).

The Ultimate Goal of Sun Goblyn Alchemy:

Sun Goblyn Alchemysts share similar goals as the humans who adopted their practices do, such as the creation of gold and purification of both metallic elements and the Self. However, the Ultimate Goal for Sun Goblyn Alchemysts is the reunification of the pieces of their souls that have been chomped by Baulk with the belief that through this reunification, they can then return to their True Goblyn form in combination with their newly found power from the Sun.

Alchemy Structure:

There are varying "levels" of working with Alchemy that a Sun Goblyns can achieve:

The Head Alchemyst
Alchemyst of The Councyl
Alchemyst
Sub-Alchemyst
Alchemy Scrybe

The Head Alchemyst: Appointed by an ancient system that removes all risk of bias for who the best Alchemyst for the role is. Head of The Councyl and overseer of all Alchemykal Goblyns under them (including Scrybes).

Alchemyst of the Councyl: Selected to serve on The Councyl by the current Head Alchemyst. The Councyl consists of 7 total members: 5 Alchemysts, 1 Sub-Alchemyst, and 1 Alchemy Scrybe. The Councyl votes on all matters concerning Alchemy, determines punishments for bad behavior, and other such things that a council does. The Councyl also has the right to bar any Alchemyst from performing experiments they deem too dangerous at their discretion or by request of the Head Alchemyst.

Alchemyst: Completed all studies and exams while working as a Sub-Alchemyst. Alchemysts conduct experiments and research related to the multiple facets of Alchemy and can even specialize in one area (such as turning different metals to gold or Fyre).

Sub-Alchemyst: Students studying and learning about Alchemy before completing their Alchemyst Examynations™. Will often work under or alongside Alchemysts as a lab or research assistant as part of their studies.

Alchemy Scrybe: Essentially the record keeping, book binding, and preservation division. Scrybes will make copies of equations and research notes for Alchemysts, preserve or salvage damaged documents, track levels of supplies, etc. Working as a Scrybe is seen as the best way to start the path to become an Alchemyst (although not required) but is also considered a very good job to have in general (if you can pass the entrance exams that is).

Alchemyst Specializations:

Once a Sun Goblyn becomes a full Alchemyst, they have the option of selecting a specific field of Alchemy to focus on:

General Alchemyst
Metals Alchemyst
Physik Alchemyst
Tyme Alchemyst
Souls Alchemyst
Astronomy Alchemyst

General Alchemysts don't have a specialization, focusing their work and research on multiple facets of Alchemy (but typically not as in depth as a specialized Alchemyst).

Metal Alchemysts focus on the transformation of various metals into gold (or whichever other metal material they may need) as well as the structure of metal and how to improve or change it.

"Physik" is the field of Alchemy that specializes in potions, medicines, tinctures, balancing of the humors, and anatomy. Some Physik Alchemysts learn extra skills to become Physikyans (pronounced like "Physicians") and provide medical care to the population of the valley.

Tyme Alchemyst: The study of Tyme Alchemy is not a common choice as Tyme Magyk can be unpredictable and, in some cases, dangerous. These Alchemysts combine Tyme Magyk with Alchemykal Processes to attempt to understand how to infuse metal or glass with the power to control Tyme without the undesirable effects of the Magyk's unpredictability.

Souls Alchemyst: A HIGHLY specialized field of Alchemy requiring years of extra study due to the importance of the work being done and the complexity of the field. Souls Alchemysts are solely focused on creation of an object that will allow them to return to their True Goblyn power by reclaiming the pieces of their souls that Baulk has chomped away. They are also the only Alchemysts (including the Head Alchemyst) that are permitted to obtain the recipe for The Tyncture and prepare the metallic eyedrops.

Fyre Alchemysts specialize in the creation and understanding of Alchemykal Fyre. This fire will burn until extinguished when provided with proper ventilation. Through proper preparation and lighting practices the Fyre is able to infuse anything forged in it, especially gold, with Magykal and Alchemykal properties. It can also be used to destroy highly dangerous or powerful items that would otherwise be indestructible. Along with tending to the Fyre and its facilities, Fyre Alchemysts also work to improve upon this creation and find other uses for smaller Everlastyng Fyres.

Astronomy Alchemyst: Coming soon...

The Alchemysts' Cords:

All Sun Goblyns working with Alchemy (including Scrybes) will often wear some sort of cord or rope around their waists to indicate their status. The material the cord is made from is up to the goblyn in question, which leads to a lot of variety in appearance of the cords. Some will use fabric war braids, some rope, a metal chain, or even ribbon. The amount of cords worn indicate a goblyn's Alchemyst status:

Alchemy Scrybes may wear 1 cord of any color/non-metal material

Sub-Alchemysts may wear up to 2 cords of any color/non-metal material

Alchemysts may wear up to 4 cords of any color/material. It is customary, but not required, that at least 1 of these cords is gold either in presentation or actual material.

Alchemysts of The Councyl may wear up to 4 cords of any material/color, one of which must be made of of braided gold and silver to indicate Councylmember status

The Head Alchemyst may wear up to 5 cords of any material/color, with an additional single cord made up of gold and platinum woven together.

Obsession With and Worship of The Sun

Sun Goblyns do not worship the Sun as if it is a deity, but instead an incredibly powerful celestial figure that grants a fraction of its power to those it chooses to grant them to with its Light. Over time, this has developed into an obsession for Sun Goblyns.
The belief is that to properly absorb the Sun’s Light, one must let its rays in through the most direct line to their soul: the eyes. Yes, this means that they often stare directly into the Sun (or other such things that contain the Sun’s Light or reflect it, like lightning or the deflection of rays off of snow and ice).
Besides direct absorption of power, Sun Goblyns will often implement the Sun’s Light into their potions and Alchemykal preparations by letting them sit in direct sunlight for a certain amount of time, and/or add gold to these concoctions due to its association with the Sun. They will also collect reflective little trinkets, most popular being handheld mirrors, as they “can hold a piece of the Sun’s Light, even if only for a little while”.
As Sun Goblyns believe that the Sun chooses those who are worthy to bestow its Light unto them, the light blindness that affects the worshippers of Baulk is considered to be a rejection from the Sun’s Light due to the corruption in their souls. This has led to these betrayers of goblyn-kind to be shunned by their people and live out the rest of their lives in caves or abandoned mines scattered throughout the mountain. When they do dare to show their faces aboveground, they will wear sheer blindfolds, veils, hoods, or other such items to protect their eyes from the sunlight. Reformed followers MAY be allowed back under certain circumstances. It is not uncommon to find reformed Baulk worshipers working as Astronomy Scrybes.

Looking Like a Sun Goblyn

Sun Goblyns are still, at their core, goblyns. They do, however, paint their green skin with different colored paints imbued with various elements and chemicals to grant them extra power, abilities, or defenses from outside forces. A common example of this is using red paint to prepare for a fight, as the color red is associated with fire, the passionate emotions and unique fury needed in battle.
Typically, Sun Goblyns will choose a collection of colors to represent the elements they feel most connected to (ex: red, black, and gold). These colors vary depending on personal preference of the goblyn, and some will choose only 1 color while others can even take on 4-5.
A surefire way to identify a Sun Goblyn Alchemyst (most of the time) is the metallic paint around one of their eyes, sometimes forever solidified from where it had dried dripping down their skin.