Clockwork Gargoyle

Description:

Clockwork gargoyles are mechanical architectural elements that remain permanently affixed to the structures they are assigned to protect. They cannot move from their position, and function primarily as static security. Mounted high up in the architectural detailing, they are eternally on the look out for problems or intruders.

Clockwork gargoyles are 'connected' to other clockwork automata by some unknown mechanism. This allows them to summon other clockwork automata to respond to problems or threats that they observe. For example, if basic service or labour is needed they can summon clockwork pages, if structural damage needs repair clockwork spiders might be called, if other automata are damaged clockwork scarabs will soon arrive, and if intruders are detected clockwork archers, golems or giants might be called to respond.

Clockwork gargoyles are designed to blend in with the architectural elements that they protect, making them hard to distinguish from the environment. A 21C using the Architecture or Engineering skill can be made at -4 to identify a clockwork gargoyle. if the Director defines clockwork automata as magical in nature (and not purely mechanical), then a 21C using Alertness will allow someone who is already aware of the clockwork gargoyle to distinguish it from an ordinary architectural feature.

Special:

Essentially machines, clockwork gargoyles are immune to most magical effects including any spells or skills that affect the mind or the emotions, or any magic that drains or buffs Stats, Attributes or Derivatives. They take half damage from Shock or Frost, and are immune to Fire as well as poison, disease or any other physiological effects.

An attack with the acid of an Iron Ant, or the Decay spell (if not resisted using Stability) will reduce the Protection of a clockwork gargoyle by 1 and do 3d6+1 points of damage to its Health. Additionally, if the caster or attacker succeeds a 21C using the Mechanic or Engineering skill, they can identify key components, and cripple the clockwork gargoyles in one shot. Depending on whether the Director defines the creature as magical or purely mechanical, it may or may not be possible to disable it using the Dispel spell.

With a full complement of 3 clockwork scarabs inside it, a clockwork gargoyles will regenerate 1 Health every 20 minutes.