Clockroaches, or Lantanese clockroaches, were constructs created as cleaning automatons for use in dungeons and workshops.[2]
Description[]
Lantanese clockroaches were small bug-like constructs the size of a dog. Their faces sprouted sharp pincers and a nozzle that could discharge deadly acid and often dripped when inactive.[1] Their outer shells were dotted with glass eyes allowing clockroaches to see in all directions simultaneously. An individual creature was 4 feet (1.2 meters) long and 1 foot and 6 inches (0.46 meters) wide. Their bodies were held 1 foot (0.3 meters) above ground by eight legs. Clockroaches constantly emitted the whirring noise of internal cogs and rotating parts.[2]
Most commonly, clockroaches were made out of brass or bronze, with steel and iron specimens being a rare occurrence.[2]
Abilities[]
Similarly to bugs, clockroaches could climb as fast as they could move and burrow through earth and stone with ease. This was thanks to clockroaches' legs being covered in tiny hooks.[2]
Behavior[]
Clockroaches did not have autonomy. They were controlled by a command amulet and performed tasks assigned by an individual who possessed the amulet. In order to program a clockroach, its master had to place the command amulet into a slot on the construct's carapace. Instructions could be at most twenty-five words. One such amulet was valued at 2,150 gp.[2]
Combat[]
Apart from their sharp pincers, clockroaches' main weapon was the magically-replenishing acid the creatures sprayed out of nozzles on their faces. The acid spray had the reach of 30 feet (9.1 meters). Clockroaches only attacked when explicitly instructed to do so, when ordered to clean an area, or in self-defense.[2]
Ecology[]
Like other constructs, clockroaches needed no air, food, water, nor sleep.[2]
History[]
A clockroach from the Lantan-Samarach portal logging camp.
Clockroaches originated from the island nation of Lantan – creations of Gond's Wondermakers. Due to their usefulness, clockroaches were exported out of Lantan and used across many places throughout the Sword Coast. One explorer attempted to use a horde of clockroaches to clear a way to a certain ruin in the jungles of Chult. The plan was an utter failure, unleashing a swarm of clockroaches into the wild with the detective to devour.[2]
Circa the Year of Lightning Storms, 1374 DR, clockroaches were used by the Lantanna artificers who ran an illegal logging operation in the jungles of Samarlogh. The Lantan-Samarach portal was at the center of the logging camp, guarded by numerous clockroaches, Lantanese blade spiders, and other constructs, maintained by Ahri "Golemkin". Some of the Lantanese clockroaches came in easily transportable collapsible configurations.[1]
In the Year of Risen Elfkin, 1375 DR, a single clockroach belonged to Halaster's Heirs who resided on the Dungeon Level of the mega-dungeon underneath Waterdeep – Undermountain.[3]
Appendix[]
Appearances[]
- Adventures
- Expedition to Undermountain
- Video Games
- Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Obsidian Entertainment (November 2008). Designed by Tony Evans. Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir. Atari.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel (July 2006). Monster Manual IV. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 28–29. ISBN 0-7869-3920-6.
- ↑ Eric L. Boyd, Ed Greenwood, Christopher Lindsay, Sean K. Reynolds (June 2007). Expedition to Undermountain. Edited by Bill Slavicsek. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 50. ISBN 978-0-7869-4157-5.