Children of the Lava

There is no lack of odd monsters in Fiend Folio: ettercaps, adherers, babblers, to name a few. To name another one: lava children. These happy-go-lucky volcanic dwellers want to spend their time frolicking in the lava, playing whatever their version of marco polo is and occasionally splashing each other with molten rock. Their parents aren't anywhere to be found: there are no lava adults in the mix, but I guess that is what happens when earth and fire spirits have one drunken hook up.

But we shouldn't feel too bad for the lava children since all of them have surprisingly powerful bites, even while smiling, and the magic-users in the tribes can throw around fireballs and burning hands. Rumor has it that the leaders--maybe they are lava teenagers--are triple-classed fighters/magic-user/clerics, who would be no joke to fight under the best of circumstances. Also, metal does not exist for them. Now, I am not sure exactly what that means philosophically for the lava children. Are they unable to conceptualize what metal is, in the same way that humans struggle with understanding a 6th dimension? Or is it that they can intellectually understand what metal is, but because they can't use it or be harmed by it, it only remains in the abstract sphere, something to be talked about in hushed tones by clerics and magic-users when they have had a few glasses of sweet lava wine?

Also, look at these guys: how could anyone stay mad at them? Sure, they have type Q treasure, but those couple gems are hardly worth it.

"Children of the Sun" is the last song of In Search of Space's second side. It isn't much of a head-banger, but it fits the album's thematics darn well. When you are looking for space, you will need to have a few children, and they might as well be children of the sun.