Created to be used in combat, the Autonomous Mobile Swords (AMS) are self-replicating, artificially intelligent robots which can be turned loose and provided with specific parameters. This will cover the type of target they are to destroy, and the mission area they are to work in.

The construct looks like a metallic scorpion with a pair of clawed forelimbs and a long tail. The underside of the tail is covered by sharp spines, each coated with a neurotoxin, which can kill quite quickly. Where the mouth would be is a large circular blade, which is the constructs primary mode of attack. The ‘eyes’ are in fact infra-red cameras, and the constructs are capable of homing in on hidden targets by using the heartbeat. Hiding does not often work when it comes to these deadly robots.

These robotic units were nicknamed "screamers" due to a piercingly high-pitched noise produced when they engaged in combat, and other than the neurotoxin produced by the spines on the tail; this is the deadliest weapon in the constructs arsenal. It can use the blade to cut through nearly any barrier and is particularly effective against almost any type of armor. The tail has the advantage that it is able to ‘stretch’ when it is used to attack, taking opponents by surprise when they believe that they are out of the range of this weapon.

Although the constructs are relatively light-weight (typical specimen is no more than 75 pounds), the armor is exceedingly tough, and has a reflective quality, which can protect it from laser-based weapons.

AMS units hunt in packs, always targeting living organisms first, which appears to be their prime directive, although as stated, they can be programmed with specific targets to engage. They are also intelligent, and as such can plan, set up ambushes, and know when to wait, attack and retreat. They are not simply mindless drones, incapable of doing anything except follow pre-determined orders.

This is what makes the constructs so dangerous.

When they are damaged in combat, if the construct has the opportunity, it will retreat and begin self-repairs. Those who engage the constructs may think that they have the robots on the run, but in reality they are retreating long enough to deal with the damage inflicted and will suddenly appear out of nowhere, ready to continue the fight. This has been the downfall of many an opponent which has underestimated them. If one is damaged, the best thing an opponent can do is continue to pump damage into the construct until it is destroyed.

The constructs are also fully capable of building new units. Given enough raw material and time, they are able to replenish their losses. All the constructs are automatically programmed to limit the number of units they are able to replicate, but on the rare occasion this built-in safeguard is disabled, and entire swarms can be created in a matter of days.

Starfinder Creature Index

Chris Van Deelen is the creator and contributor to over half of the Wisdom from the Wastelands series, contributor to the Swords of Kos: Hekaton anthology. He also wrote Creatures of the Tropical Wastelands, and 100 Oddities found in a Car. As prolific as he is, Chris Van Deelen continues to write and produce material which will be in publication soon. Not only is he a prolific content creator, he also has a wide selection of fiction and stories! If you like his work, please follow his personal author page on Facebook and on Twitter to keep up with his latest news and game content.