Ancient Automaton

Ancient Automatons were arcane guardians created by Netherese arcanists to defend important enclaves, vaults, and restricted passages. Though many were destroyed during the fall of Netheril, some continued to function long after their creators vanished.

The Ancient Automaton guarding the Ruins of Ceti has remained dormant upon the surface for centuries, concealed among the ruined remains of the ancient enclave above. Its bronze-plated body is worn and weathered with age, though faint blue light still glows from within its frame. Rather than walking on legs, the construct moves atop a massive rotating sphere, allowing it to glide across stone with unnatural precision.

Bound to ancient defensive protocols, the automaton remains motionless until intruders begin tampering with the ruins or attempt to gain access to the sealed enclave beneath. When activated, ancient glyphs flare to life across its body as the construct identifies all unauthorized creatures as hostile threats and moves to eliminate them.

At the center of the automaton rests an Arcane Core, a magical device that powers the construct and interfaces with the Netherese security systems beneath Ceti. Removing the core from the defeated automaton allows access to the dormant enclave below.