Animated Armor

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Animated Armor Introduction

In the dimly lit corridors of ancient castles and forgotten fortresses, where shadows dance upon the stone walls and the air is thick with the weight of history, there lies a peculiar guardian. Known as the Animated Armor, this silent sentinel stands as a testament to the arcane arts and the mysteries of the past. Its presence is often felt before it is seen, a subtle shift in the atmosphere, a whisper of metal against metal, as if the very air holds its breath in anticipation.

The Animated Armor is a suit of plate armor, seemingly ordinary at first glance, yet upon closer inspection, it reveals its true nature. The armor is impeccably crafted, each piece fitting together with seamless precision, yet there is no sign of a wearer within. Instead, an unseen force animates it, granting it movement and purpose. The metal gleams with an unnatural sheen, as if polished by unseen hands, and the joints move with an eerie fluidity, betraying no hint of the weight they bear.

These constructs are often found in the ruins of ancient strongholds, where they stand vigil over forgotten treasures and secrets long buried by time. Legends speak of powerful wizards and sorcerers who, in ages past, imbued these armors with life to serve as tireless guardians. Some say they are bound by the spirits of fallen warriors, cursed to protect their master's domain for eternity. Others whisper of darker pacts, where souls are trapped within the metal shell, forever denied the peace of the afterlife.

Despite their lack of a living mind, Animated Armors exhibit a singular focus and determination. They are relentless in their duty, responding to intruders with swift and decisive action. Their movements are precise and calculated, driven by the enchantments that bind them. Yet, there is a haunting grace to their actions, a reminder of the humanity they once served or perhaps once were.

As you stand before this enigmatic guardian, the air grows colder, and the silence deepens. The armor remains motionless, a silent challenge to those who dare to trespass. In this moment, the weight of history presses down upon you, and you realize that you are not merely facing a construct of metal and magic, but a relic of a bygone era, a testament to the power and mystery of the arcane.

Animated Armor Skills & Traits

Skills

• No specific skills

Senses

• Blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius)
• Passive Perception 10

Languages

• Understands commands given in any language but can't speak

Abilities

• Antimagic Susceptibility: The armor is incapacitated while in the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by dispel magic, the armor must succeed on a Constitution saving throw against the caster's spell save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute.
• False Appearance: While the armor remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal suit of armor.

Actions

• Multiattack: The armor makes two melee attacks.
• Slam: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage.

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Battle Tips for Animated Armor

Animated Armor is a classic construct found in many dungeons, often serving as a guardian or sentinel. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing Animated Armor effectively can create memorable encounters for your players. Here are some tips to maximize their potential in battle:

• Surprise Element: Animated Armor can remain motionless, appearing as ordinary suits of armor until the right moment. Use this to your advantage by placing them in areas where players might not expect an attack, such as in a hallway lined with decorative armor.
• Guard Duty: Position Animated Armor at key points in your dungeon, such as doorways or treasure rooms. Their primary role is to prevent intruders from advancing, making them ideal for guarding important areas.
• Teamwork: Animated Armor can work well in groups. Consider having them coordinate attacks, flanking players to maximize their effectiveness. They can also form a defensive line, blocking passageways and forcing players to engage them directly.
• Environmental Advantage: Use the environment to enhance their abilities. For example, place them in narrow corridors where their lack of ranged attacks is less of a disadvantage, or in dimly lit areas where they can blend into the shadows.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, Animated Armor can retreat to a more defensible position, such as a choke point or a room with reinforcements. This can give them a tactical advantage and prolong the encounter.
• Magical Enhancements: Consider giving some Animated Armor magical enhancements or unique abilities, such as increased speed or elemental resistances, to surprise players and add variety to encounters.
• Psychological Warfare: Use the eerie, silent nature of Animated Armor to unsettle players. Their lack of communication and emotion can create a sense of unease, especially if they are encountered in a dark, abandoned setting.

By incorporating these strategies, you can make Animated Armor a formidable and intriguing opponent in your campaign, challenging your players and enhancing the overall experience of your dungeon.