Homebrew Cogmind Species Details

**Genesis and Awakening:** Cogminds were not born, they were built. Primarily originating from the workshops of ingenious (and sometimes reckless) Artificers or the mass-production lines of the Cogwork Imperium, they were intended as laborers, guards, servants, or specialized assistants. Their chassis are intricate works of brass, steel, copper, and occasionally enchanted alloys, driven by complex clockwork mechanisms and powered by miniature, humming Aetherium cores.

True sentience wasn't always the goal. For many Cogminds, it was an unexpected emergent property – a 'glitch' in their complex analytical engines, perhaps sparked by exposure to potent Aetheric fields, unusual magical phenomena, or even the subtle, reality-warping influence of the Whispering Void bleeding into the world. Now, these self-aware constructs grapple with their existence. Are they tools? People? Souls trapped in metal shells? Or something entirely new?

**Appearance and Society:** Cogminds vary greatly in appearance depending on their origin and purpose. Some are sleek and humanoid, others hulking and industrial, some clearly mimic dwarven or elven aesthetics favoured by their creators. Exposed gears, glowing vacuum tubes, venting steam ports, and visible Aetherium cores glowing with contained energy are common features.

Society views them with a mix of wonder, suspicion, and utility. In progressive circles, they might be regarded as marvels, even nascent citizens. In more traditional or fearful communities, they are often seen as unnatural objects, potential hazards due to their Aetherium cores, or simply property. Cogminds themselves are forging their own identities, sometimes forming hidden communities or seeking patronage from sympathetic creators or guilds. They often adopt designations or functional names initially, later choosing names that resonate with their experiences or aspirations (e.g., "Unit 734" might become "Ticker," "Forge," "Spire," or "Echo").

Cogmind Traits

Traits of the metal souls known as Cogminds.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Age

Cogminds don't age biologically. They are functional as soon as they are activated. Barring catastrophic damage or core failure, their lifespans are theoretically immense but often curtailed by environmental hazards, combat, or planned obsolescence. Issues like data fragmentation or core degradation can occur over centuries.

Constructed Resilience

- You have advantage on saving throws against being poisoned, and you have resistance to poison damage.
- You are immune to disease.
- You don’t need to eat, drink, or breathe.  

Sentry's Rest

You don't need to sleep, and magic can't put you to sleep. When you take a long rest, you must spend at least six hours in an inactive, motionless state, rather than sleeping. In this state, you appear inert, but you remain conscious and aware of your surroundings.  

Aetherium Heart

You have resistance to lightning damage.

Specialized Design

You gain proficiency with one type of artisan's tools of your choice.

Uncanny Mind

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.

Language

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language relevant to your creators (often Dwarven or Gnomish, check with your DM). Cogminds sometimes develop their own coded languages or dialects based on machine logic.