Concept art for a Son of The Sun paladin:
The Sons of the Sun are an enigmatic and formidable order of Kroot paladins, sworn protectors of the sacred Sun Temple. Their origins and purpose are shrouded in mystery, though they are revered and feared for their unmatched Sun-Rifting abilities and unwavering devotion to the temple. The Sons of the Sun have stood as vigilant guardians for millennia, their presence tied to the primordial Archon of the sun, Ember the Phoenix, who is said to have first communed with Avatar Rozan, the First Avatar of the Sun, during the waning days of the Second Age.
The Kroot Curse
The Kroot, once noble Solir, were cruelly cursed by Malekith during his rise to power. This curse scorched their bodies, rendering their skin vulnerable to the touch of sunlight. To survive, the Kroot shroud themselves in heavy bandages and live in shadowy exile, far removed from their former glory.
However, the Sons of the Sun are a rare and mysterious exception to this curse. While not entirely immune to its effects, they endure the sun's rays through sheer willpower and the radiant blessings of Ember the Phoenix. This partial resistance, combined with their mastery of Sun-Rifting, makes them a unique anomaly among their kind and a living testament to the Solir's ancient connection to the sun.
Appearance and Armament
The Sons of the Sun are a fearsome and awe-inspiring sight. They wear radiant golden armor that gleams with the brilliance of the sun, symbolizing their sacred duty. Beneath their armor, they don bandaged tunics, a grim reminder of their cursed lineage. Their halberds, forged from celestial metals and infused with the essence of sunlight, emit radiant light that can burn away darkness and corruption.
Despite their heavy armor and solemn demeanor, the Sons of the Sun move with uncanny grace, their every motion guided by the energy of the sun itself. Their Sun-Rifting abilities are unparalleled, allowing them to channel radiant energy into devastating attacks, barriers of light, and even healing for their allies.
Guardians of the Temple
The Temple of the Sun, nestled deep within The Sands of Serrakhan, is believed to be the site where Ember the Phoenix descended to commune with Avatar Rozan, imparting the wisdom and power of the sun. This sacred temple is considered one of the holiest sites in The Sun Realm, and the Sons of the Sun are its eternal guardians.
The temple itself is a marvel of radiant architecture, glowing with an inner light that reflects the sun's eternal flame. It is said to contain a fragment of Ember's essence, imbuing it with a power so great that even Malekith could not breach its sanctity.
Sanctity of The Sun
The Sons of the Sun are more than just warriors; they are devout followers of Ember the Phoenix and Avatar Rozan. They see themselves as living extensions of the sun's will, entrusted with the sacred duty of protecting the Temple of the Sun at all costs. Their rituals often involve meditative communion with the temple's radiant energy, seeking guidance and strength from Ember's lingering essence.
Mysterious Motives
While their purpose to guard the temple is clear, the motives of the Sons of the Sun remain elusive. They are seldom seen beyond the temple grounds, and those who dare approach the temple uninvited are often met with swift and merciless judgment. The Sons of the Sun do not speak of their origins or their resistance to Malekith's curse, and their order operates with a level of secrecy that rivals even the most enigmatic factions of the Sun Realm.
Legends whisper that the Sons of the Sun are waiting for a prophesied return of Ember the Phoenix, who will rise again to cleanse the realms of darkness. Until that day comes, they remain unwavering in their vigil, standing as both a testament to the sun's enduring power and a somber reminder of the Kroot's cursed fate.
Legacy
The Sons of the Sun are a symbol of resilience and hope for the Sun Realm and a haunting reminder of the cost of Malekith's tyranny. Their golden armor and radiant halberds are icons of their unwavering faith and strength, shining brightly against the harsh and barren backdrop of the Sands of Serrakhan. Though their true motives remain locked in the radiant halls of the Temple of the Sun, their legend endures as a beacon of light amidst the shadows.