Clockwork Huntsman

ECOLOGY

Environment any urban
Organization solitary or unit (2–12)
Treasure none

They were once the province of the corrupt aristocracy, running down escaped slaves and tracking prey in hunting expeditions. Those days are gone, but the clockwork hounds still tick and hunt. Now they operate only on the command of the secret police, hunting down persons of interest wanted for more aggressive questioning. Hounds sometimes operate alone, but usually, they are sent into the streets seeking their quarry as a party of three hounds and two huntsmen. Because they are unsleeping and tireless, few can hide from them for long without magical assistance. Clockwork huntsmen and hounds are painted matte black with mithral trim, occasionally outfitted with armor or barding for added intimidation. Common folk detest them; all but their keepers and commanders shun them. Operating on specific instructions, clockwork huntsmen patrol, stand sentry, or remain unmoving as ordered, but they are always paying attention, always alert of their surroundings. Clockwork huntsmen are unrelenting and single-minded in their missions, focusing on particular targets—priests, spellcasters, or heavily armored intruders, as their controller last directed. Driven by clockwork and oblivious to injury, clockwork huntsmen attack until destroyed or ordered to stand down.

Clockwork huntsmen stand nearly 6 ft. tall and weigh 400 lbs.