Nio

The Nio are ancient stone guardians. sentient statues who once stood vigil over sacred temples, hidden groves, and ancestral shrines across the lands of Kirara and beyond. Sometimes confused with gargoyles, the Nio possess intelligence and empathy whereas gargoyles typically attack anyone that comes close.

The Nio have little in terms of a society or community. They often spend most of their life in a sacred sleep. While resting in this form they do not eat and they do not age making them the perfect guards. It is not uncommon for a Nio to spend decades in this form until their services are required again and a Nio usually serves alone, or with just one other Nio.

Most Nio speak little, and when they do, it is with a slow, resonant cadence. They are not heartless, but they value purpose above sentiment. Their sense of duty is absolute, and many of them refuse to step away from their warded locations, even when the world has long forgotten them.

Some Nio now wander, their temples lost to time or desecrated by war. These unbounded Nio seek new causes or companions to protect, and may imprint upon individuals they deem righteous. Others serve monasteries or empires as living monuments, standing sentinel in gardens, courtyards, and graveyards alike.

Nio adventurers lean towards frontline roles, many of them relying on their hardened skin to absorb blows. By nature, most of them are also more accustomed to using melee weapons or unarmed combat as statues with other weapons are simply less common.

Those traveling with an Nio will find a reliable and loyal ally. Just don’t expect great conversations.

“The world may forget. But I remain.”