Buy me a coffeeClockwork, “Clockwork Steed: The Relentless Mechanical Warhorse of Arcane Engineering”
A Clockwork Steed thunders forward on iron hooves and whirring gears, a tireless mechanical mount whose gleaming frame blends arcane ingenuity with unstoppable precision.
The Clockwork Steed is a tireless mechanical warhorse forged of polished brass, steel, and arcane power—an unyielding construct mount that thunders across battlefields with flawless precision, immune to fatigue and fear yet bound by the commands of its creator; its lattice of interlocking plates, pistons, and whirring gears gleams with enchanted alloys, gemstone eyes glow in steady pulses, and each step hisses with steam and grinding cogs, radiating both majesty and menace.
Behaviour
Clockwork Steeds are precise and tireless, responding instantly to the reins, spurs, or commands of their rider. They exhibit no fear or fatigue, standing motionless for hours until activated. In combat, they display calculated aggression, charging with mechanical precision and retreating only when so instructed.
Habitat
These constructs are not found in nature; instead, they are built in the workshops of artificers, wizard-kings, and arcane engineers. They are most often encountered in the service of wealthy nobles, powerful warlords, or eccentric inventors. Abandoned Clockwork Steeds sometimes wander battlefields or city ruins, following dormant directives long after their masters have perished.
Modus Operandi
Designed as both mount and weapon, the Clockwork Steed excels in sudden, crushing charges. It uses its reinforced hooves to batter foes and can deliver bone-shattering kicks to clear a path for its rider. Its mechanical body shrugs off exhaustion and disease, though its gears can seize if struck with powerful surges of lightning.
Motivation
Without a master, a Clockwork Steed follows its last programmed command with unwavering loyalty. Some seem to develop rudimentary patterns of “instinct,” such as guarding their creator’s workshop or pacing a long-forgotten patrol route. Though devoid of true will, these constructs embody the driving directive of their makers: to serve, to protect, and to endure where flesh and blood would fail.
Clockwork Steed, 5e 2024
Enhanced Clockwork Steed, 5e 2024
Clockwork Steed, Pathfinder
Clockwork Steed, 3.5
Clockwork Steed
Large Construct, Unaligned
Armor Class 18 (armored plating)
Hit Points 114 (12d10 + 48)
Speed 60 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 (+5) | 12 (+1) | 18 (+4) | 3 (−4) | 12 (+1) | 6 (−2) |
Saving Throws Str +8, Con +7
Skills Athletics +8, Perception +4
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities poison, psychic
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages understands the languages of its creator but can’t speak
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +3
Traits
Tireless Mount. The steed can carry up to 600 pounds without reducing its speed. While ridden, it obeys its rider’s verbal and physical commands and can use the Dash, Disengage, or Dodge action on the rider’s turn.
Arcane Core. When the steed is reduced to 0 hit points, roll a d6. On a 5–6, its core destabilizes and explodes in a 20-foot radius. Each creature in the area takes 14 (4d6) fire damage (DC 15 Dexterity save for half damage).
Lightning Susceptibility. The steed has disadvantage on saving throws against lightning damage. If it takes lightning damage, it is stunned until the end of its next turn.
Constructed Nature. The steed doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.
Actions
Multiattack. The Clockwork Steed makes two Hoof attacks.
Hoof. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
Trampling Charge. If the steed moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a Hoof attack on the same turn, the target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the steed can make one additional Hoof attack against it as a bonus action.
Steam Vent (Recharge 5–6). The steed vents a burst of scalding steam in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in the area must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a success.
Reactions
Protective Buck. When a creature within 5 feet of the steed targets its rider with an attack, the steed makes one Hoof attack against that creature. On a hit, the target makes its attack with disadvantage.
Role in Combat
The Clockwork Steed excels as a mount and shock trooper. It opens combat with a Trampling Charge, knocks foes prone, and follows with repeated Hoof attacks. Steam Vent is used to scatter enemy formations or disrupt spellcasters. It instinctively shields its rider, using Protective Buck to interfere with attacks against them. Tireless and relentless, it fights with mechanical precision until destroyed or commanded to retreat.
Clockwork Steed
Gleaming gears whir and buzz in an orchestra of motion whenever this red-eyed steed moves.
Source Bestiary 4 pg. 33
These tireless constructs were designed by engineers as a replacement for normal horses. They can gallop ceaselessly for hours or even days if required. In addition to their endurance, clockwork steeds pack a powerful physical punch, blows from their hooves can send smaller creatures flying. Though many riders enjoy the unquestioning way that clockwork steeds accept commands from their riders, others find these steeds’ lack of personality frustrating. Unlike normal horses, a clockwork steed lacks the ability to create a bond with its rider.
| Clockwork Steed CR 6 |
| XP 2,400 N Large construct (clockwork) Init +5; Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Low-Light Vision; Perception +0 |
| DEFENSE |
| AC 20, touch 12, flat-footed 17 (+1 Dexterity, +2 dodge, +8 natural, 1 size) hp 74 (8d10+30) Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +2 Immune construct traits Weaknesses vulnerable to electricity |
| OFFENSE |
| Speed 50 ft. Melee bite +14 (1d8+7), 2 hooves +9 (1d6+3) Space 10 ft., Reach 5 ft. Special Attacks powerful kick, trample (1d6+7, DC 21) |
| STATISTICS |
| Strength 24, Dexterity 13, Constitution, Intelligence , Wisdom 10, Charisma 1 Base Atk +8; CMB +16; CMD 29 (33 vs. trip) Feats Improved InitiativeB, Lightning ReflexesB SQ difficult to create, swift reactions, winding |
| SPECIAL ABILITIES |
| Powerful Kick (Ex) As a standard action, the clockwork steed can make two hoof attacks with its rear hooves; if both hit, it can perform an awesome blow combat maneuver as the Awesome Blow feat. A clockwork steed gains a +4 racial bonus on this combat maneuver check. |
| ECOLOGY |
| Environment any land Organization solitary Treasure none |
Clockwork Charger
Clockwork chargers are constructed to wreak greater mechanized terror on the battlefield. A clockwork charger has the advanced simple template and is specially equipped for enhancing mounted charges or making such charges even without a rider by way of its pivoted lance.
A clockwork charger has a pivoted latch large enough to support a lance and allows even those who are not proficient with a lance to use it as if they were. Furthermore, the clockwork charger is proficient with any lance equipped in the pivot and gains the undersized weapon special ability.
Construction
The creator of a clockwork steed must start with crafted clockwork pieces worth 3,000 gp. When building a clockwork charger, the pivot can be built for any size lance, typically Medium.
Clockwork Steed
CL 12th; Price 29,000 gp (33,500 for a clockwork charger)
Construction Requirements Craft Construct, bulls strength, geas/quest, creator must be at least caster level 12th; Skill Craft (clockwork) DC 20; Cost 16,000 gp (18,750 for a clockwork charger)
Clockwork Steed
Large Construct
Hit Dice: 12d10+48 (114 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 60 ft. (12 squares)
Armor Class: 18, touch 16, flat-footed 17 (+5 natural, +1 Dex, +2 size)
Base Attack/Grapple: +12/+17
Attack: Hoof +12 melee (2d8+5)
Full Attack: 2 Hooves +12 melee (2d8+5)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Trampling Charge, Steam Vent (Su)
Special Qualities: Construct Traits (Ex), Tireless Mount (Ex), Arcane Core (Su), Lightning Susceptibility (Ex)
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2
Abilities: Str 20, Dex 12, Con —, Int 3, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Listen +4, Spot +4, Ride +12
Feats: Power Attack, Improved Bull Rush, Mounted Combat
Combat Gear / Special Abilities
- Construct Traits (Ex): Immune to mind-affecting effects, poison, sleep, paralysis, disease, death effects, and necromancy; does not breathe, eat, or sleep.
- Tireless Mount (Ex): Can carry up to 600 lbs. without penalty. Obeys rider’s commands; can take Dash, Disengage, or Dodge on rider’s turn.
- Arcane Core (Su): When reduced to 0 hp, roll 1d6. On a 5–6, the steed’s core destabilizes, exploding in a 20-ft. radius. Creatures in the area take 4d6 fire damage (Reflex DC 15 half).
- Lightning Susceptibility (Ex): The steed takes a –2 penalty on saving throws against electricity; if struck by a lightning attack, it is stunned for 1 round.
- Trampling Charge (Ex): If the steed moves at least 20 ft. straight toward a target and hits with a Hoof attack, the target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength check or be knocked prone. If prone, the steed may make a secondary Hoof attack as a free action.
- Steam Vent (Su) (1/day; recharge 5–6 on d6): Cone 15 ft., deals 4d8 fire damage; Reflex DC 15 half.
Ecology
- Environment: Constructed by artificers, often found in workshops, battlefields, or serving as mounts for nobles and warlords.
- Organization: Solitary or paired with rider.
- Treasure: None standard; may carry rider’s equipment or magical enhancements.
Combat Strategy
The Clockwork Steed opens combat with a Trampling Charge to knock opponents prone. It follows with repeated Hoof attacks, using Steam Vent to disrupt groups of enemies. When ridden, it protects its rider with precise movement and opportunistic charges. The steed exploits its immunity to fatigue and construct traits to maintain relentless pressure, repositioning to maximize mechanical advantage.
Enhanced Clockwork Steed
Large Construct, Unaligned
Armor Class 18 (reinforced armored plating)
Hit Points 142 (15d10 + 60)
Speed 60 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 (+5) | 12 (+1) | 20 (+5) | 3 (−4) | 12 (+1) | 6 (−2) |
Saving Throws Str +9, Con +9
Skills Athletics +9, Perception +4
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities poison, psychic
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages understands the languages of its creator but can’t speak
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +4
Traits
Tireless Mount. The steed can carry up to 600 pounds without reducing its speed. While ridden, it obeys its rider’s verbal and physical commands and can use the Dash, Disengage, or Dodge action on the rider’s turn.
Arcane Core. When the steed is reduced to 0 hit points, roll a d6. On a 5–6, its core destabilizes and explodes in a 20-foot radius. Each creature in the area takes 14 (4d6) fire damage (DC 16 Dexterity save for half damage).
Lightning Susceptibility. The steed has disadvantage on saving throws against lightning damage. If it takes lightning damage, it is stunned until the end of its next turn.
Constructed Nature. The steed doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.
Actions
Multiattack. The Clockwork Steed makes two Hoof attacks.
Hoof. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
Trampling Charge. If the steed moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a Hoof attack on the same turn, the target must succeed on a DC 17 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the steed can make one additional Hoof attack against it as a bonus action.
Steam Vent (Recharge 5–6). The steed vents a burst of scalding steam in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in the area must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw, taking 21 (5d8) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success.
Reactions
Protective Buck. When a creature within 5 feet of the steed targets its rider with an attack, the steed makes one Hoof attack against that creature. On a hit, the target makes its attack with disadvantage.
Legendary Actions
The Enhanced Clockwork Steed can take 2 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn.
- Piston Kick. The steed makes one Hoof attack.
- Iron Gallop. The steed moves up to half its speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
- Steam Shroud (Costs 2 Actions). The steed releases a cloud of hissing steam, heavily obscuring a 10-foot radius around itself until the start of its next turn.
Role in Combat
The Enhanced Clockwork Steed is a battlefield terror. It opens combat with a Trampling Charge, disrupts enemy formations with Steam Vent, and uses Iron Gallop to reposition or retreat. It protects its rider with Protective Buck and controls space with Steam Shroud, combining high mobility, crowd control, and relentless attacks. Its legendary actions allow it to maintain pressure between turns, making it a deadly centerpiece in any encounter.