In Game Role ● Battlefield Role: Character ● Class: Medium ● Type: Infantry Lore For many in the Tempered Caste, the Steelshaper represents the pinnacle of Dweghom development, but the sad truth is that none of those who aspire to this lofty title and incredible achievement truly understands what the transformation entails. When a Dweghom sorcerer achieves such mastery over his power that he can control both primordial affinities, he is capable of ascending to a higher understanding of the powers he commands. This much is understood by all who walk the path of the Sorcerer, and is the source of the raw power that Magma Sorcerers can command. The mistake they make is in believing that mixing these primordial elements is anything like melding them. Only a small fraction of Sorcerers ever attain this level of mastery over the Elements, with most simply stopping upon achieving mastery over Magma. The comfortable lie one might chose to believe in is that most Sorcerers simply lack the touch of genius needed to achieve such complete control. The most perceptive amongst those who speak to these Master Sorcerers might see the real reason hiding behind their gruff demeanors and overwhelming Elemental power: fear. These eldest and most accomplished of Sorcerers are amongst the few living creatures that regularly interact with the Steelshapers. They are also among the few who can see past the awe they inspire and truly grasp the changes this final transformation brings. On the surface, it becomes impossible to tell where their armor begins and where their flesh ends. Their voices echo hollow and their eyes stare expressionless. They clearly possess a terrifying genius and an unparalleled mental capacity, which they fixate relentlessly on problems about one of their alien interests or an experimental project, to which they ceaselessly devote themselves. Their power itself is entirely alien, different in both invocation and effect from the raw elemental might they wove before. Still, it is none of those things that bring fear to the elder Sorcerers. It is not even the sheer, daunting weight of responsibility that hangs from Steelshaper shoulders, as almost all the functions within a Dweghom Hold and all the works of the Temple Forge depend on their unique and brilliant innovations, a weight they seem to bare seamlessly with borderline indifference. It is simply that the Elders fear these beings are no longer Dweghom. While none argue with their effectiveness on the battlefield, few can understand the sorceries they bring to bear. Those who can grasp the faintest edges of the power a Steelshaper possesses would be rightfully puzzled by the notion that an army containing one might be defeated or even challenged, for their control over metal is total. Those who have questioned a Steelshaper on this issue invariable receive the same, flat and unexplained answer: Balance is needed. WARNING: Not suitable for children under 36 months. Small parts. Essential pointed components.
