Autognomes

A type of automaton, an autognome is a mechanical gnome that resembles the rock gnome who created it, though it could never be mistaken for a gnome. Some gnomes of Erdos have created autognomes, but they are considered a rarity. Outer space however is another story entirely, and gnomes from accross the Physical Universe have created similar automatons have since propagated in ildspace regions. An autognome obeys its creator’s commands when it is functioning properly, but a design flaw can cause an autognome to go rogue, forget its orders, and wander Wildspace doing anything except what it was designed for. No two autognomes are necessarily made of the same materials; magic is what gives them their intelligence. 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. Regardless of what its insides are made of, it has a metallic outer casing painted with gnomish features. It walks with a stiff gait, clanking, wheezing, whirring, and buzzing wherever it goes. Most autognomes are programmed to obey the following three directives: defend gnomes who are being attacked by non-gnomes, defend yourself if you are attacked, and protect infants and youngsters from harm. The last directive arose from the best intentions, but it doesn't distinguish between species; if an autognome sees a group of adults battling a lunar dragon wyrmling, for instance, it would come to the wyrmling's defense.