Malachrome Guard Dog: These are constructs made of steel and wired with filaments of malachrome, an alloy metal made with dwarven coal. These malachrome wires, sometimes referred to as veins, run from the heart of the creature outward and serve to connect all of the joints, actuators, and components of the construct. They conduct of an animating charge that originates from the heart outward, which is itself powered by slow-burning dwarven coal. The malachrome guard dogs must be “fed” small amounts of dwarven coal once a day to stay active, otherwise they become inert hunks of metal. The animating charge from the dwarven coal that is carried by the malachrome wiring empowers these constructs with mobility and a low-level of intelligence. Some dwarven coalcrafters even say they are “alive”, but any gods fearing man knows this to be nothing short of exaggeration.
Malachrome Guard Dog
Malachrome guard dogs are vigilant sentries, which (if instructed to do so) will attack any unfamiliar creature which enters their assigned territory. They may be anywhere from 2′ to 6′ in size and attack by biting with their maws, which are like steel traps armed with triangular saw-like fangs. Additionally, a series of malachrome veins fills the interior of these fangs and creates the potential for an electrical discharge. When the creature is threatened and delivers a bite, it often–but not always–delivers an electrical shock.
Because of the slow burning of dwarven coal at the heart of these creatures, they also become exceedingly hot. This heat is released once an hour through a great belching of steam and sparks. This eruption is usually voided from the creature’s mouth, although some of these guard dogs have reputedly been designed to alternately void the fiery gas from their backside.
The malachrome guard dog for Savage Worlds is an example of one creature from the Bestiary found in the upcoming Loaerth & Feywyrd Adventure Setting.
This content was developed by Charles Dickey and edited by Jonathan Jacobs. Illustration by Rob Torno.
This article contains content for Loaerth & Feywyrd, a Nevermet Press Adventure Setting setting inspired by fantasy and steampunk fiction and art. Leave a comment, ask a question, or contribute to Loaerth & Feywyrd however you like. If you would like to join Nevermet Press to develop for this setting, please Lead Designer for Loaerth & Feywyrd, Jonathan Jacobs, at jonathan.jacobs@gmail.com.
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