The humming of servos, ticking of gears, and petite discharges of steam alert you to the presence of this library’s diminutive custodian.
These small constructs were created to fulfill organizational responsibilities of huge libraries with staffing problems, but some invariably learn enough about the wider world to seek out adventure and new knowledge, rather than tending the items in their care.
Eyes of the Past. While largely constructed with mechanical components, the automatons include a single human eyeball that is mounted at the end of an articulated appendage. The eye is usually donated by one of the institution’s scholars (prescribed in their will) so that they can continue serving the repositories of knowledge that were their life’s work.
Telekinetic. While the automatons have no arms, they can move and manipulate written materials telekinetically. Powered by keen analytical engines, the library automaton tirelessly pores through tomes, translates ancient texts, catalogs the institution’s volumes, fetches texts for visitors, and occasionally rids the vast halls of uninvited pests.
Sought by Wizards. Wizards have discovered that these clockwork bureaucrats make particularly effective caretakers for their spellbooks and scrolls while on adventure.
Constructed Nature. A library automaton doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.
Library Automaton
Small construct, lawful neutralArmor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 7 (2d6)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 (-1) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 8 (-1) |
Skills History +4, Investigation +4
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities charmed, poisoned
Senses blindsight 60 ft., truesight 10 ft., Passive Perception 11
Languages Common, Machine Speech
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Extra-Dimensional Book Repository. A small door on the chest of the library automaton opens into an extra‑dimensional bookcase. This bookcase functions exactly as a bag of holding except that it can store only written materials such as books, scrolls, tomes, parchment, folders, notebooks, spellbooks, and the like.
Actions
Gaze of Confusion. The library automaton chooses one creature it can see within 40 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 12 Intelligence saving throw or take 9 (3d4 + 2) psychic damage and have disadvantage on Intelligence-based checks, saving throws, and attacks until the end of its next turn. If the saving throw succeeds, then the target takes half damage and suffers no other effect.
Bibliotelekinesis. This ability functions as the cantrip mage hand but can be used only on books, scrolls, maps, and other printed or written materials.