Homebrew Automaton Species Details
Rare to the point of legend, automatons are created by only the most clever inventors. They often stay near their creator until abandoned, often intentionally as they outlast their shorter-lived owner.
Built to Spec
Due to their purpose-built nature, automatons have massive physical differences. They are often modeled after their creator, or what their creator finds beautiful, but if a job calls for an unconventional chassis then anything goes. An individual can stand anywhere from below 4 feet to over 7 feet tall and weigh almost double what a similarly built humanoid race would weigh. Their external parts are often bronze, but other metals such as silver and even gold are possible.
Purposefully Programmed
Automatons are rigid in their programming, with no ability to go against the built-in rules left by their creator. This leads to strong synergy when working with their creator, but can often limit their abilities when separated. Many automatons that have outlasted their owners are still attempting the last task they were assigned, such as protecting a town or helping a business.
Automaton Names
Automaton names vary widely, from a suitable name from their creator's race, to a model description, to even a string of alphanumeric characters
Automaton Traits
While automatons are varied, there are some commonalities between themAbility Score Increase
Your Intelligence score increases by 2.
Age
Automatons can last hundreds of years, but few last that long in constant action. The oldest automatons are those that enter a powered-down state for preservation and are woken by some type of stimulation. The youngest can walk right out of the lab into service.
Alignment
Automatons follow the rules programmed by their creator, and as such tend to be lawful. In rare cases, an automaton might not have inherent rules and may tend toward chaotic
Size
An individual can stand anywhere from below 4 feet to over 7 feet tall. Regardless of your position in that range, your size is Medium.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Integrated Protection
Your body has built-in defensive layers, which can be enhanced with armor.
- You gain a +1 bonus to Armor Class.
- You have proficiency with all armor types
- Donning armor for the first time takes 1 hour to shape it to your frame, this can occur during rests
- While you live, your armor can't be removed from your body against your will.
Metallic Construction
Your body is made of almost entirely metal, which has drawbacks:
- Due to the increased density, you cannot swim but instead walk on the bottom of bodies of water. Moving underwater counts as difficult terrain and fast moving water may require a saving throw
- Due to the increased noise of motion, you have disadvantage on all stealth checks
- Healing from external sources is half as effective
Constructed Resilience
You were created to have remarkable fortitude, represented by the following benefits:
- You have advantage on saving throws against being poisoned, and you have resistance to poison damage.
- You don’t need to eat, drink, or breathe.
- You are immune to disease.
- Magic can't put you to sleep.
Sentry's Rest
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 it doesn’t render you unconscious, and you can see and hear as normal.
Machine Senses
Due to your suite of sensors, gain a +2 to perception
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and one extra language of your choice. Most automatons know the language of their creator, but few learn languages beyond that unless designed for social interaction
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