Gargoyle

Gargoyles are strange beings that hail from the Underworld. Though their appearance varies, many of them somewhat resemble demons. Despite this, they are clearly not unholy. They are occasionally summoned and bound to powerful temples as guardians, though this occurs almost exclusively in the Black Lands of the Achaean Empire and in some regions of the Far South. They turn to stone when the sun rises, freed again only at dark.

Much of this article is from Caudex Daemonum, by Grigore Summers. Dear reader, please bear in mind that gargoyles are creatures of much speculation and mystery. Should one be encountered, it should never be approached, nor spoken to. If one is seen outside the confines of the temples they protect, a summons should be sent to the Knights Templar at once. Failing this, the Venatori may also be comparable.

Appearance

Gargoyles vary wildly, almost like the demons of the Underworld themselves. Most are tall and somewhat man-like, though others may resemble almost Chimeran-like beasts and even go on four legs. Some, but not all, of those that walk upright like Men have bat-like wings and long tails. Some even have hair like Men, while others are too grotesque. Still other man-like gargoyles have heads that can favor beasts of the mortal world, particularly wild canines, though they never have fur. Gargoyles have thick, tough, hairless hide for skin and generally have claws. Their skin ranges in coloration, mostly hues of grey and grey-black. Some have flesh red- or blue- or even green-tinged, though always quite dull and never at all bright. Their eyes are like glowing pits, sometimes in striking colors, but generally are white.

Nature

Gargoyles that appear more like Men can be remarkably intelligent and some can even speak. Others are more like beasts and are incapable of speech, particularly those that move and behave as animals. Since they are often bound to holy sites, gargoyles are clearly not demonic and unholy, despite their appearance. Gargoyles turn to stone at sunrise or under any summoned light of the holy sun. However, they will regain their usual form at dark. They are considered beings of order and behave in orderly ways, which is why they serve well as guardians. Some speculate they are even holy in nature, perhaps servants of various death gods, such as Hades and Anubis. It is noteworthy that gargoyles are not capable of breeding with other races and thus do not spawn corrupt creatures like the cambions, as demons do.

As Guardians

Should a gargoyle ever intentionally be summoned into the mortal realm, they are generally bound to sacred sites such as temples, graveyards, and tombs. This is an ancient practice in some lands, such as certain regions of Kemhet, in which beings thought to be statues may stir to life and attack tomb-robbers. In the Achaean Empire, however, the practice never came into particular favor except in some small regions, save for the Black Lands. There, temples and tombs are grand and often have one or more gargoyles bound to protect a single holy site. Others in the Empire call this practice hideous and disturbing, however, arguing that temples should be places of beauty and that gargoyles are far from beautiful.