Clockwork Knave

“Why can’t we play with it?” - Bogglefool of the Ironborn; Knave of Cogs

Clockwork Knaves are a minor order within The League of Inspired Being. They commit espionage, theft, and sabotage against The League’s mercantile rivals and renegade members. A spellcaster creates a new construct and refuses to join the league the knaves sneak in and make copies of his plans. If no plans exist then they may steal or buy the prototype. A member of The League goes independent; the knaves would sabotage all his works. A church or mage’s guild suddenly started producing constructs and threatened The League’s monopoly the knaves might cause all their creations to go berserk and kill every member of the organization.

Clockwork Knaves may operate as they please, so long as they do not work against The League. Their geas only requires they perform their duties twice a year and not work against The League of Inspired Being..

Becoming a Clockwork Knave:

The league and especially clockwork knaves are always listening for information and observing those who have a knack for trouble and the operation of magical objects. They will often make subtle hints to the individual about the existence and purpose of the organization but they always wait for the potential to ask for membership. The knaves will eventually generally accept any troublemaker that has the gift and can pas their test. If the potential fails the test he is granted another chance by the guild after complete some additional training or a specific task (the character has gained one additional character level).

Hit Die: d6

Requirements

To qualify to become a clockwork knave, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Skills: Use Magic Device 8 ranks, Disable Device 8 ranks, Craft (Leatherworking) or Heal 3 ranks
Feats: Magical Aptitude, Skill Focus (use magic device),
Special: You must blindly active a construct (via the use magic device skill, DC 25) in two out of three tries and accept the geas of The League of Inspired Being.

Class Skills
The clockwork knave’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Appraise (Int), Bluff (Cha), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disable Device (Int), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Forgery (Int), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge Arcana (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Open Lock (Dex), Profession (Wis), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), Tumble (Dex), and Use Magic Device (Cha),
Skill Points at Each Level: 6 + Int modifier.

Lvl	BAB	Fort	Ref	Will	Special
1	+0	+0	+2	+2	Manipulate Construct (Berserk)
2	+1	+0	+3	+3	Hide from Constructs
3	+2	+1	+3	+3	Manipulate Construct (Immobilize)
4	+3	+1	+4	+4	Disruptive Maintenance
5	+3	+1	+4	+4	Manipulate Construct (Command)

Manipulate Construct (Su): a number of times per day equal to 3 + the clockwork knave’s charisma modifier, a clockwork knave can manipulate the commands that allow spellcasters to direct the actions of constructs. The clockwork knave must make a successful use magic device check DC 15+ the caster level of the construct’s creator (when this is unknown use the construct’s Hit Dice). The construct then receives a Will save to negate (DC 10 + the clockwork knave's class level + the clockwork knave's Charisma modifier) if the construct’s master is currently within range to directly control the construct a successful opposed charisma check is required to use this ability. Use of this ability requires a successful touch attack against a construct but the manipulation can occur anytime within one day per class level, as long as the clockwork knave is within 60 feet of the construct, though manipulations can remain in effect long after the clockwork knave leaves that range. A clockwork knave can only manipulate constructs whose Hit Dice is no more than double the clockwork knave’s character level. Use of this ability is a standard action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity.

-At 1st level, a clockwork knave can cause a construct to go berserk by disrupting its normal commands. The uncontrolled construct goes on a rampage, attacking the nearest living creature or smashing some object smaller than itself if no creature is within reach, then moving on to spread more destruction. The construct’s creator, if within 60 feet, can try to regain control by speaking firmly and persuasively to the construct, which requires a DC 19 Charisma check.

-At 3rd level a clockwork knave can immobilize a construct for 1 round per character level , though if attacked it is instantly free of it’s immobilization, use of the clock work knaves disruptive maintenance ability is not considered an attack.

-At 5th level, a clockwork knave can command a construct as if it were its master. A commanded construct is under the mental control of the clockwork knave. The clockwork knave must take a standard action to give mental orders to a commanded construct. At any one time, the clockwork knave may command any number of constructs whose total Hit Dice do not exceed twice the clockwork knave’s character level. The Clockwork Knave may voluntarily relinquish command on any commanded constructs in order to command new ones. If a clockwork knave relinquishes command, the construct resumes their former commands, and if possible resume their former actions.

Hide from Constructs (Su): At 2nd level constructs cannot see, hear, or smell the clockwork knave. Even extraordinary or supernatural sensory capabilities, such as blindsense, blindsight, scent, and tremorsense, cannot detect or locate the clockwork knave. Nonintelligent constructs are automatically affected and act as though the clockwork knave is not there. Only an intelligent construct gets a single Will saving throw (DC 10+ the clockwork knave's class level + the clockwork knave‘s charisma modifier). If it fails, the construct can’t sense the clockwork knave. However, if it has reason to believe unseen opponents are present, it can attempt to find or strike them. If a clockwork knave attempts to use the manipulate construct ability, the disruptive maintenance ability, touches a construct, or attacks any construct (even with a spell), the effect is negated for 24 hours.

Disruptive Maintenance (Ex): At 4th level, a clockwork knave gains the ability to repair and sabotage constructs. The clockwork knave can repair a construct as if the clockwork knave possessed the craft construct feat, substituting their disable device skill for the required craft skill. Use of the sabotage ability renders the construct permanently inert as if the creation craft check had failed. The clockwork knave must make a successful disable device check DC 25 + the caster level of the constructs creator (when this is unknown use the construct’s Hit Dice), use of the sabotage ability requires 10 rounds (1 minute) of work and provokes attacks of opportunity. Constructs with fast healing are immune to this ability

EX-CLOCKWORK KNAVES

Due to the large amount of freedom granted ex-clockwork knaves are rare, the knaves encourage full advancement within the organization though a few have left the organization on moral grounds going into retirement, so long as they do not work against the league they may do as they please. The knaves force those that refuse or fail to perform their required work into retirement. If a knave begins to work against the guild, the league sends constructs and other clockwork knaves to deal with the turncoat. There are rumors of a deserter who is constantly seeking to stop the sale of constructs as weapons of war and freedom for the awakened and “Lifespark” constructs. There are even signs that he may seeking apprentice knaves free of the guild’s geas.

Clockwork Knave Lore

If you have Knowledge (arcana, history, local) or Gather information you can make a skill check to learn more about them, read or paraphrase the following include the information from lower DCs when a higher result is successful.

DC 10: There are whispers of a group of rogues that have learned to use constructs as others can manipulate magic wands.

DC 15: The League of Inspired Being recruits those gifted in the use of magical vessels training them to be members of an organization that can gain control over berserk constructs.

DC 20: Those who seek to become clockwork knaves must submit to magical spells cast by the guild along with blindly activating a construct. Often times the knaves will be aware of you long before you seek them out.

DC 30: Clockwork knaves can walk undetected by constructs, sabotage an iron golem, and control a shield guardian even with its master standing beside it.

Encounters

PCs should normally only encounter the aftermath of a clockwork knaves labors. These can include but are not limited to a berserk construct, a spellcaster complaining about a construct sudden malfunction, and/or a construct performing tasks to the contrary of its master. The first time the PCs actually encounter a clockwork knave should typically be only after an investigation looking for the culprit of these crimes though, if there is a troublesome Pc that has sufficient talent with use magic device he may start receiving subtle hints about their existence. A group of clockwork knaves or a high level clockwork knave could show up to help defeat a renegade construct in a timely fashion to aid a party as well.

Bogglefool of the Ironborn; Knave of Cogs (Ironborn, CN rog5/clkv5)
One of the first ironborn created by Ferrianum of Artifice, Bogglefool is the seldom present representative of the knaves on the “Council of the Hall.” "Bogglefool appears to be a small humanoid shaped construct of surprising agility constructed of dark metal, he wears a dark blue tabard bearing a black knave or jack holding a tarnished bronze cog
This Knave of Cogs has never encountered a construct that he touched that he could not control, and nearly all those who meet him come to love him. Bogglefool is devoted to The League, mischief, and not much else. Bogglefool is rarely if every serious leaving most to think he is insane, malfunctioning and acting with wild madcap actions. Legendary for knowing the owners and location of every construct within fifty miles and nearly every one outside that area, Bogglefool has stolen them at least once just for fun.

Bogglefool has a constant habit of always talking about himself in the third person. Secret: Why is Bogglefool crazy? This Ironborn rogue is not crazy at all but simply plays a part and never stops, in actually Bogglefool is a pure calculating maker of mischief.

Open Game License

1. Definitions: (a)”Contributors” means the copyright and/ or trademark owners who have contributed Open Game content; (b)”Derivative Material” means copyrighted material including derivative works and translations (including into other computer languages), potation, modification, correction, addition, extension, upgrade, improvement, compilation, abridgment or other form in which an existing work may be recast, transformed or adapted; (c) “Distribute” means to reproduce, license, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, publicly display, transmit or otherwise distribute; (d)”Open Game Content” means the game mechanic and includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent such content does not embody the Product Identity and is an enhancement over the prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Open Game Content by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this License, including translations and derivative works under copyright law, but specifically excludes Product Identity. (e) “Product Identity” means product and product line names, logos and identifying marks including trade dress; artifacts; creatures characters; stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic and other visual or audio representations; names and descriptions of characters, spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, likenesses and special abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures, equipment, magical or supernatural abilities or effects, logos, symbols, or graphic designs; and any other trademark or registered trademark clearly identified as Product identity by the owner of the Product Identity, and which specifically excludes the Open Game Content; (f) “Trademark” means the logos, names, mark, sign, motto, designs that are used by a Contributor to identify itself or its products or the associated products contributed to the Open Game License by the Contributor (g) “Use”, “Used” or “Using” means to use, Distribute, copy, edit, format, modify, translate and otherwise create Derivative Material of Open Game Content. (h) “You” or “Your” means the licensee in terms of this agreement.
2. The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that contains a notice indicating that the Open Game Content may only be Used under and in terms of this License. You must affix such a notice to any Open Game Content that you Use. No terms may be added to or subtracted from this License except as described by the icense itself. No other terms or conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content distributed using this License.
3.Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate Your acceptance of the terms of this License.
4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this License, the Contributors grant You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license with the exact terms of this License to Use, the Open Game Content.
5.Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing original material as Open Game Content, You represent that Your Contributions are Your original creation and/or You have sufficient rights to grant the rights conveyed by this License.
6.Notice of License Copyright: You must update the COPYRIGHT NOTICE portion of this License to include the exact text of the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any Open Game Content You are copying, modifying or distributing, and You must add the title, the copyright date, and the copyright holder’s name to the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any original Open Game Content you Distribute.
7. Use of Product Identity: You agree not to Use any Product Identity, including as an indication as to compatibility, except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of each element of that Product Identity. You agree not to indicate compatibility or co-adaptability with any Trademark or Registered Trademark in conjunction with a work containing Open Game Content except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of such Trademark or Registered Trademark. The use of any Product Identity in Open Game Content does not constitute a challenge to the ownership of that Product Identity. The owner of any Product Identity used in Open Game Content shall retain all rights, title and interest in and to that Product Identity.
8. Identification: If you distribute Open Game Content You must clearly indicate which portions of the work that you are distributing are Open Game Content.
9. Updating the License: Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish updated versions of this License. You may use any authorized version of this License to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content originally distributed under any version of this License.
10. Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy of this License with every copy of the Open Game Content You Distribute.
11. Use of Contributor Credits: You may not market or advertise the Open Game Content using the name of any Contributor unless You have written permission from the Contributor to do so.
12. Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You to comply with any of the terms of this License with respect to some or all of the Open Game Content due to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation then You may not Use any Open Game Material so affected.
13. Termination: This License will terminate automatically if You fail to comply with all terms herein and fail to cure such breach within 30 days of becoming aware of the breach. All sublicenses shall survive the termination of this License.
14. Reformation: If any provision of this License is held to be unenforceable, such provision shall be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable.

15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Open Game License v 1.0, Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
System Reference Document Copyright 2000-2003, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.; Authors Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, Rich Baker, Andy Collins, David Noonan, Rich Redman, Bruce R. Cordell, based on original material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.

The Grand OGL Wiki, http://grandwiki.wikidot.com Copyright 2008-2011 Purple Duck Games; Authors: Mark Gedak, Alex Schroeder, Joel Arellano, George Fields, Yair Rezek, Mike Whalen, Shane O'Connor, Mike Rickard, John Whamond, Bill Browne, Eric Williamson, Slatz Grubnik, Charles R. Wenzler Jr, John Fraser, Jonathon Thompson, Thomas Boxall.

page revision: 1, last edited: 19 May 2009 04:10

Edit Rate (0)Tags History Files Print Site tools + Options

The Grand OGL Wiki