Automaton Technology
Historical Equivalent: Fortune Tellers, Toys, Puppets, Theater Shows, Music Boxes
An automaton is a mechanical robot, golem, or creature that is built to perform a task. Many automata are not strictly eletech devices, but mechanical ones. These clockwork creations are complex devices that do simple tasks. Clockwork automatons exist in Terranon, but are considered toys or entertainment - a stage magician with a clockwork puppet loses much of their appeal when a real wizard with a real golem is better. Eletech automatons are more intelligent and can make rudimentary decisions, perform complex tasks, and accept voice commands.
Rarity. The rarity of an automaton depends on how complicated they are and what their intended purpose is. Clockwork toys are available to middle class children, while golems that serve as guards that do not need to eat or sleep are luxury items. Eletech pets that serve double duty as nanny and protector are reserved for only the wealthiest nobles.
Bound Elemental. The most common automata that have elementals bound into their mechanics is the rock golem. It uses earth elementals, but automata are as varied as there are elementals.
Automatons typically have bodies made from materials that are complementary to the elementals bound into them. A rock golem will likely have an earth elemental, while an iron golem may have a fire elemental. Wooden automatons dance with air elementals, and some brass and clay automatons run on water elementals.
What do they look like?
Automatons usually come in either humanoid or beast shapes, but the only real limit is the creativity of the creator.
How are they operated?
Complex automatons require constant maintenance and repair. The Eletech circuitry is advanced, and the mechanics need regular calibration. While ordering an automaton is simple, maintaining and programming an automaton is difficult and requires specialized knowledge. (DC 25)
Where are they found?
House Grunstrom in Eisen holds patents on many of the latest automaton designs, and that noble house has promoted their use within the nobility of Eisen. While automatons do exist outside of that house, eletech automatons are one of a kind items that are customized for each owner, and thus, a luxury item. Automaton guards that protect vaults or cemeteries where people rarely enter are the most common. Toy clockwork automatons do exist, but even these require materials that are too expensive for most poor to own.
Eletech automatons are limited to powerful magic users, nobles, and artificers. Some gnomes even have the natural talent to make automatons, but these are usually limited to small clockwork toys.
