Autognome
Ashen Constructs, Cogborn, Clocklings
Autognomes are mechanical beings built by rock gnomes. Sometimes, because of a malfunction or a unique circumstance, an autognome becomes separated from its creator and strikes out on its own.
An autognome bears a resemblance to its creator, and most autognomes are programmed to speak and understand Gnomish. The internal components used in an autognome’s manufacture can vary wildly; one autognome might have an actual beating heart in its chest cavity, while another might be powered by stardust or intricate clockwork gears.
Like gnomes, autognomes can live for centuries, typically up to 500 years.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Autognomes are small, mechanical beings constructed with intricate clockwork, enchanted metals, and a variety of arcane materials. They are typically humanoid in shape, mirroring their gnomish creators, with metal or alloy frames, jointed limbs, and delicate gears that drive their movement. Components vary; some autognomes may possess crystalline “hearts” or gears spun from mystical stardust. Their outer casings are often stylized with gnomish flourishes, such as decorative engravings, polished brass or steel plating, and luminescent runes.
Genetics and Reproduction
As constructs, autognomes do not reproduce biologically. Each autognome is individually crafted by gnomish artisans, combining mechanical, alchemical, and magical components to produce a unique, sentient entity. Over time, autognomes may develop minor modifications to their internal mechanisms, a form of self-upgrading, which gives them a semblance of growth.
Ecology and Habitats
Autognomes are most at home in environments with ample mechanical, arcane, or industrial elements, such as the bustling workshops and forges of Ashbourne. They adapt quickly to other terrains due to their sturdy, engineered bodies but thrive best in structured, industrious settings where maintenance, magical energy, and materials for potential repairs are available. As a result, Ashbourne—a city of innovation and alchemical power—is an ideal setting for autognomes, where they can support and enhance gnomish society.
Behaviour
While mechanical, autognomes develop personalities over time, usually influenced by their gnomish creators. Many are logical and task-oriented, with a strong inclination toward problem-solving, and display a curiosity similar to their gnomish counterparts. Their psychology emphasizes cooperation, loyalty, and purpose, though those who have lost or become separated from their creators may develop a sense of independence, seeking new tasks or connections that provide a semblance of purpose. They tend to form attachments easily, viewing new relationships as integral to their existence.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Autognomes are typically designed with high intelligence, especially in areas of logic, mechanics, and language.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Autognomes have excellent sight and hearing, with some models possessing extrasensory capabilities depending on their design. Many can see in low-light conditions, and some have sensory enhancements like minor detection of magic or danger. While they lack a true sense of touch, they can sense pressure and structural integrity, essential for tasks requiring precision.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Autognome names are usually chosen by their creators and often reflect qualities like precision, intelligence, or duty. Names may be mechanical or numerical in nature (e.g., T-8N, Clink, Sprocket, Rivet) but some take gnomish names when adopting more individual identities. Many choose titles or additional monikers as they develop new identities.
Beauty Ideals
Autognomes value well-maintained mechanisms and polished exteriors. To an autognome, visible craftsmanship and functionality are aspects of beauty. Autognomes with unique features, like specialized gears, intricate engravings, or gemstones in their design, are admired within their community.
Gender Ideals
Autognomes do not inherently have genders, but some take on gendered traits or pronouns if their creators assigned them, or they adopt them to better integrate into gnomish society. They regard each other by role, function, or personal achievements rather than by physical traits.
Courtship Ideals
When autognomes engage in relationships, it is often built on shared purpose, alignment of functions, and trust. Courtship can include exchanging components, enhancing each other’s functions, or combining efforts on tasks. Relationships can develop as mutual partnerships in problem-solving or exploration, rather than traditional romance.
Relationship Ideals
Autognomes highly value partnerships and close alliances, often developing bonds with those who share their purpose. Many see relationships as shared missions, fostering mutual growth, reliability, and cooperation. They prefer relationships where roles and tasks are clear, supporting each other’s functions and maintaining the greater purpose of their community.
Common Etiquette Rules
Autognomes are formal and precise in their etiquette, favoring directness and clarity. They respect the gnomish customs of gratitude and follow ceremonial gestures in greeting and farewells. In conversation, they prioritize logic and are known to observe before speaking, considering words carefully.
Common Dress Code
Autognomes do not wear clothing in the conventional sense but may be adorned with components that resemble clothing, like shoulder guards, plated accents, or metallic sashes. Some wear symbol-inscribed pieces crafted by their creators or small charms gifted by friends.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Whilte the autognomes dont have a set holiday they are beginning to establish something they would call creators day (this holiady would secretly be a day they would celebrate the day they seperated from their creators to become their own entity.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Autognomes share a heritage rooted in gnomish ingenuity and the challenges of becoming self-sustaining. They honor their creation and recognize their unique role in Ashbourne’s evolution. Those with longer lifespans may be viewed as keepers of autognome history and take pride in passing on knowledge to newer autognomes.
- Creator’s Memory: Autognomes honor their creators or mentors through annual observances, performing maintenance or improvements on themselves as a form of gratitude and remembrance.
- Cogturn Ceremony: Autognomes who have reached a century of existence hold a “Cogturn,” a gathering where they recount memories, shared tasks, and stories of Ashbourne’s development.
- Forging Day: Annually, autognomes and gnomes celebrate Forging Day by unveiling new inventions and upgrades, commemorating the ingenuity that brought their species to life.
Common Taboos
- Neglecting Maintenance: Allowing oneself to fall into disrepair without purpose is seen as disrespectful to one’s creator.
- Abandoning Purpose: Autognomes value duty and purpose highly, and choosing to reject one’s design or purpose is considered a grave violation of their principles.
History
When attempting to recreate the Warforged of Ostborough, the gnomes created automatons in their own image. While it seemed nothing would work for centuries, a very recent event had brought planar travel to Astrium. The Rock gnomes of Ashbourme took advantage of the multiverse and traversed to other planes to learn the secret of living automatons.
While they havent recreated the exact same beings as warforged, the autognomes are sentient and on the off chance they have their creators die or seperated then ti would seek its own fortunes.
Common Myths and Legends
The Iron Heart of Ashbourne: A tale of an ancient autognome rumored to possess a mystical heart, created from a fragment of the volcano’s core, which grants eternal life to its bearer. Many autognomes dream of finding this lost “Iron Heart” within the depths of Ashbourne, believing it holds the key to ultimate autonomy.
The Clockmaker’s Path: A legend tells of a celestial entity, the Clockmaker, who first inspired the creation of autognomes. Said to reside among the stars, the Clockmaker watches over autognomes and guides those who wander, helping them find purpose when lost.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Gnomus Sentientia
Lifespan
400-500 years
Average Height
3-4 feet
Average Weight
100-150 pounds
Average Physique
Small and compact, with a physique designed for durability over brute strength. Their arms and legs are jointed for dexterity, and their bodies are well-balanced and sturdy.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Autognomes vary in appearance based on their materials. Common colors include silver, bronze, and copper, with some having painted designs or polished finishes. Markings include gnomish engravings, runes, or symbols denoting their creation origin, often around the chest, face, or limbs. Over time, some autognomes acquire natural patinas or scuffs, adding character to their appearance.
Geographic Distribution
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