Self-Destruct. If the skeleton is issued a Final Command by its creator, it will self-destruct upon the task’s completion or if the task is rendered impossible to complete. Any creature within 5 feet of the skeleton when it self-destructs must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 33 (6d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one. The skeleton is destroyed completely.
Skull Core. The skeleton's construct core is embedded in its skull. If it drops to 0 hit points, but its skull isn't destroyed outright, the skeleton returns to life with 15 HP after 1 round. When the skeleton has 0 hit points, the skull is an object with AC 10, 10 HP, and immunity to poison and psychic damage.
Multiattack. The skeleton makes two attacks with its slam.
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
Description
An unholy abomination of necromancy and technology, a metallic skeleton is formed by dipping the bones of the recently dead in molten metal, usually bronze, silver, or gold, fitting a construct core into the skull, and animating the whole arrangement. What results is a silent, obedient minion, with the strengths of a construct and the lifeless determination of an undead
The simplest and easiest to construct of all metallic skeletons, bronze skeletons are typically employed by the half-dozen as guards for powerful wizards or sorcerers. As opposed to ordinary shield guardians or golems, these skeletons are more disposable, and can be sent on distant journeys with little concern for lost investment. If such a skeleton is found alone, it is doubtlessly pursuing its Final Command far from its master's watchful gaze.
Metal and Bone. Metallic skeletons are a fusion of the two ideal servants animated to life by arcane magic: obedient undead and simple constructs. The result is a servant capable of repairing nearly lethal damage to itself, pursuing complex goals in service of its master, and decimating its master's enemies. With its construct core embedded in its skull, the skeleton can summon vast reserves of arcane energy to collect itself from destruction, as long its skull remains intact. Unaware adventures normally meet their end at the skeleton's deadly gaze or are crushed in its bony grasp long before discovering this crucial weakness.
Doom Seekers. The fatality of an undead form is not lost on this construct, for it hunts its goal with unending zeal. Each metallic skeleton can accept a Final Command from its master once, which it will pursue until the objective is accomplished, or until it is destroyed, whichever comes first. No matter the complexity, the task can't be disengaged by anyone, even its master. Such Final Commands are usually reserved for missions of paramount importance or last-breath proclamations of revenge. A metallic skeleton will hunt a target to the end of the 'verse, or across the planes of existence, if necessary.
It is said that the lesser powers of the Plane of Law each control a number of metallic skeletons to hunt down and dispatch those that break universal law with impunity. These constructs, called Edicts, are imbued with special powers, and are feared by lawbreakers across the multiverse. Constructed Nature. A metallic skeleton doesn't require air, food, drink, or sleep
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