Arcane Legions

One of the first and most successful automatons created by the dvergar, the shield golem is an exquisite example of what technology merged with magic can create. Originally intended to serve as sentries or bodyguards, shield golems were soon added as support to any army wealthy enough to afford them. This fact dismays Octavian, who hoped to keep the power of these monstrous metal men within the confines of the Empire. The notorious neutrality and keen business sense of the dvergar conspired against him. Indeed, the dvergar use such incentives as bulk-rate pricing and guaranteed kill ratios to woo potential customers, regardless of affiliation or ideology.

Shield golems stand the height of two grown men and easily weigh several tons. They possess a dim intelligence, but a deep cunning well-suited to the battlefield. Infinitely patient and requiring neither sleep nor nourishment, shield golems excel as sentries or guards. Important personages delight at having a shield golem accompany them on the battlefield, knowing that their defender will never run or betray them.

Shield golems resemble huge, hunched men clad in impenetrable armor. They carry enormous shields and wield broad-bladed spears, granting them an impressive reach. The ingenuity of the dvergar is such that shield golems are remarkably quiet as they plod along the battlefield, making as much noise as a heavy infantryman—a notable feat when one considers the amount of metal, gears and pistons involved.