Anaxim

An anaxim, also called a sheen, was a golem-like metallic elemental native to the Glaur Barrens of Gontal, in Returned Abeir.

Description
The anaxims did not had a definite form. They were a conglomerate of metallic parts jutting with too many cutting implements and rusted surfaces. While no two anaxims were exactly alike, these creatures were classified in broad types, such as the "hounds" (that looked like dogs) or the "maulers" (that where humanoid in appearance).

Habitat
Anaxims were encountered exclusively in the Glaur Barrens, an inhospitable region north to the kingdom of Gontal. There were sections of the ancient fortress of Glaur that were infested with anaxims. Explorers called them the "Dominion of the Mindless".

Ecology
Anaxims were mindless creatures, lacking even an animal's basic instincts. They did possess some form of pseudo-consciousness, but it was filled with a murderous intent that made them dangerous to any other lifeforms, including even themselves.

Anaxims didn't born naturally, but instead were created by the Storm Spire of the fortress of Glaur. Their lifespans were usually short, and those that weren't killed by other creatures just fell victims of the undiscerning fury of stronger siblings. The ones that survived more than a few months were able to learn some residual cunning, which made them all the more dangerous when encountered.

A few Gontese explorers, as well as members of the Dominion of the Burned, knew how to domesticate anaxims, but due to their lack on intelligence that "training" only lasted at most a day before the anaxim returned to its former beast-like behaviour.

History
The exact origin of the anaxims was not known to the few Abeiran sages and druids who studied the creatures. The primordial Nehushta was credited as their creator.

Unique anaxims
A few unique anaxims had existed for hundreds of years. Some speculated they were actually intelligent although still dangerous to all living beings. Among the known ones were:


 * The Iron Worm
 * The Mother Mauler