Scrap-Golem

Automaton ferreus / “Iron Guardians” / “The Remnants”

“It shouldn’t still be working. 287 years since the Shattering, and these things are still patrolling ruins like nothing happened. Pre-Shattering technology was something else.”
—Ironhold salvager

Quick Reference

Scrap-Golem - Iron Guardian

Description

Scrap-golems are pre-Shattering automatons that continue to function 287 years after their creation. They patrol ancient ruins, enforce long-forgotten protocols, and defend locations that no longer exist in any meaningful sense. They are testaments to the technological sophistication of the old world—machines that outlasted their creators and continue their programmed duties without question or rest.

The golems are constructed from metal—iron, steel, brass, copper—assembled into humanoid forms with visible mechanical components. Gears turn, pistons pump, and joints articulate with precise mechanical motion. They show their age—rust, dents, patches—but remain functional through some combination of robust engineering and unknown power sources that haven’t depleted in nearly three centuries.

What makes scrap-golems particularly dangerous is their self-repair capability. Damaged golems can cannibalize nearby metal debris to patch themselves, making them nearly impossible to permanently disable without complete destruction. They’re not intelligent, but they’re programmed with sophisticated combat routines that make them formidable opponents.

Physical Characteristics

Construction

Body: - Humanoid form (2-2.5m tall) - Patchwork metal construction - Visible mechanical components - Heavy (200-400kg) - Articulated joints

Materials: - Iron (primary structure) - Steel (reinforcement) - Brass (gears, mechanisms) - Copper (wiring, possibly) - Various metals (patches, repairs)

Head: - Simple metal box - Optical sensors (glowing blue) - No face (just sensors) - Rotating (360-degree vision) - Emotionless

Arms: - Thick, powerful - Metal fists (crushing) - Can throw debris - Hydraulic strength - Precise movements

Legs: - Sturdy construction - Hydraulic joints - Stable (hard to knock down) - Slow but steady - Heavy footfalls

Visible Mechanisms: - Gears (turning) - Pistons (pumping) - Joints (articulating) - Power core (glowing, internal) - Fascinating and terrifying

Behavior and Programming

Primary Functions

Guard Protocol: - Patrol designated areas - Identify intruders - Issue warnings (mechanical voice) - Eliminate threats - Return to patrol

Maintenance Protocol: - Self-repair when damaged - Collect metal for repairs - Optimize efficiency - Continue functioning - Never stop

Defense Protocol: - Protect specific locations - Coordinate with other golems - Adapt tactics (limited) - Prioritize threats - Relentless

Intelligence Level

Not Sentient: - Programmed responses - No creativity - No emotions - No self-awareness - Pure machine logic

Sophisticated Programming: - Complex combat routines - Threat assessment - Tactical coordination - Self-preservation - Impressive for machines

Learning Capability: - Limited pattern recognition - Adapts to repeated tactics - Improves efficiency - Not true learning - Programmed optimization

Combat Abilities

Attacks

Metal Fist: - Crushing blow - Hydraulic power - Can break bone/armor - Precise strikes - Primary attack

Debris Throw: - Ranged attack - Hurls metal fragments - Surprising accuracy - Can cause bleeding - Tactical option

Self-Repair: - Collects nearby metal - Patches damage - Restores functionality - Takes time (vulnerable) - Frustrating for attackers

Defenses

Metal Armor: - Thick plating - Deflects blades - High defense - Weak points (joints) - Very durable

No Vital Organs: - No blood - No pain - No fear - Must destroy completely - Difficult to disable

Self-Repair: - Recovers from damage - Extends combat - Requires destruction of core - Nearly unkillable otherwise

Weaknesses

Slow: - Heavy construction - Slow movement - Can be outmaneuvered - Predictable patterns - Tactical disadvantage

Crushing Weapons: - Hammers, maces effective - Dent/break components - More effective than blades - Disrupt mechanisms

Joints: - Weak points - Less armored - Disable mobility - Targeted strikes - Tactical advantage

Power Core: - Central weak point - Heavily protected - Destroying it = instant shutdown - Difficult to reach - Ultimate solution

Origins and Purpose

Pre-Shattering Technology

Creation: - Built before Shattering - Purpose: Guard important sites - Sophisticated engineering - Self-sufficient design - Meant to last

Power Source: - Unknown mechanism - Still functional after 287 years - Never needs recharging - Lost technology - Scholars desperate to understand

Locations: - Ancient observatories - Pre-Shattering facilities - Important ruins - Strategic sites - Everywhere that mattered

Current State

Still Functioning: - Original programming intact - Continue assigned duties - Don’t know world ended - Tragic and impressive - Outlasted creators

Degradation: - Showing age - Rust, damage - Less efficient - But still dangerous - Remarkable durability

Materials (If Defeated)

Scrap Metal: - Value: 5-15 coins per kg - Uses: Basic crafting, repairs - Rarity: Common (if you defeat them) - Quality: Varies

Ancient Gears: - Value: 30-60 coins - Uses: Clockwork, mechanisms - Rarity: Uncommon - Quality: Pre-Shattering precision

Power Core Fragments: - Value: 100-200 coins - Uses: Research, energy systems - Rarity: Rare - Danger: Unstable

Reinforced Plating: - Value: 50-100 coins - Uses: Armor crafting - Rarity: Uncommon - Quality: Excellent

Ancient Blueprints (Elite only): - Value: 500+ coins - Uses: Understanding old technology - Rarity: Very rare - Knowledge: Priceless

Cultural Impact

In Settlements

Salvage Operations: - Valuable materials - Dangerous work - Professional salvagers - High pay, high risk

Research Interest: - Scholars study them - Try to understand technology - Replicate power source - Limited success

Warnings: - Mark golem territories - Avoid unless necessary - Bring proper equipment - Respect the danger

Related Topics

• Ironhold - Common location
• Glimmering Spire - Ancient facility
• Pre-Shattering Technology - Origin
• The Architect - Ultimate golem
• Salvagers Guild - Professional hunters

“Scrap-golems are windows into the past—machines that remember a world we’ve forgotten. They’re still guarding places that don’t exist, following orders from people long dead, fulfilling purposes that no longer matter. And they’re dangerous. Never forget that. They may be relics, but they’re deadly relics. Respect them, study them if you can, but don’t underestimate them. They’ve survived 287 years for a reason.”
—Ironhold salvager’s wisdom