Living Fortress, automaton "Living Fortress"
The Living Fortress, affectionately named Bob by the party during their underground exploration, is a massive stone elemental, approximately ten feet tall, composed of rock and earth, with a rugged surface indicating its natural origins. This large automaton resembles a giant stone construct adorned with intricate designs, capable of manipulating its form and connected to ancient magic, specifically that of the Stoneweaver. It is controlled remotely via a pendant, allowing its wielder to direct its actions from a distance.
Summoned by Sylvie, control was later transferred to Heyou, who piloted the elemental effectively while remaining hidden from threats. The fortress aided the party by relocating a hooded figure obstructing their path across a narrow bridge and absorbed an attack from the figure, showcasing its resilience. However, due to its significant size, Bob is unable to cross narrow bridges, which has posed challenges during their adventures. It also defended allies, shielding them from menaces such as giant mantises and an astral assassin.
During a critical moment in battle, the Living Fortress became inert when the connection with Heyou was severed after he unleashed a powerful smite against an enemy, leaving it temporarily incapacitated. The effectiveness of the Living Fortress is contingent upon the will of its controller. In a subsequent encounter at the edge of the luminous hole, the party examined two large, flying mantis-like creatures that had partially phased into stone upon death. Draz, a wilderness tracker, confirmed that only parts of the creatures that died within solid matter could pass through it. The party contemplated crafting gliders from the creatures' wings and the implications of this phasing property on their gear.
As the party prepared for potential dangers, Heyou sought to conceal himself and received a health potion from Draz. The arrival of a winged lion marked a pivotal moment, as it communicated with the party. Draz conveyed friendliness, and the creature inquired about their allegiance to its mistress. The party agreed to wait for her arrival while completing a short rest. When Ygva, a powerful witch previously hostile to the party, arrived riding Valghast, she revealed her intentions to gather remnants and totems of the gods. Ygva assured safety for Sylvie's companions and shared her plans to bind the gods with the aid of titans in the World Below. The party agreed to accompany Ygva deeper into this realm, where they witnessed titans preparing an immense pyre that would play a crucial role in her scheme. Throughout these events, the Living Fortress remained under Heyou's control, providing a strategic advantage as the party navigated their new alliance and the threats in the World Below.
The Living Fortress is a giant stone construct bound to Heyou, serving as a formidable presence in the party. It is capable of physical actions, such as clearing debris and engaging in combat, and has been utilized to store dragon bile glands for safekeeping. During the exploration of Grithmaar Deep, the Living Fortress was commanded to bulldoze through a debris pile obstructing a passage. It sustained damage from an armored figure's spear, which bypassed its defenses. In response, the Living Fortress executed a Ground Slam attack against the assailant, causing minimal damage. The construct was subsequently tethered by chains from two separate spear attacks, restricting its movement.
Recently, during a stealth advance into the tunnels, Bob followed behind the group and encountered a colossal guardian. In a display of its combat capabilities, Bob charged and hurled its acid bile, creating deep grooves in the guardian's central mass. This showcased not only Bob's ability to engage in combat but also its potential as a breaching tool, thanks to its Acid Bile Sack. The Living Fortress remained central to the party's defensive strategies, leveraging its strength to clear paths and engage enemies. After a series of encounters, the party dismantled an armored foe that had attacked the Living Fortress, revealing a magical radiance within the armor, identified as Splendor magic. The Living Fortress was also involved in the removal of the tethering spears, allowing it to regain some mobility.
In addition to its terrestrial prowess, Bob has demonstrated the ability to walk underwater and does not need to breathe, although he initially feels an urge to do so. During a fall into an underground water-filled cavern, Bob stood with his head just below the surface, allowing Sylvie to climb onto his head to stay above the water while he walked along the cavern floor. He moved casually underwater, showcasing his ability to traverse the depths without difficulty. Bob accompanied the group as they swam toward exits, occasionally lagging behind. He was present when a spectral dwarf appeared near Draz and continued to support the party as they faced various challenges, including undead foes and rising floodwaters.
In a later development, Bob, a stone golem, became trapped underwater in Grithmaar Deep. He cannot be physically moved without a pulley system. Heyou, a companion of the party, successfully retrieved a Blessed Branch and You Bastard's collar (recovered after the mount drowned) from Bob. His fate is uncertain, as he is presumed to be immortal and will likely remain in the water until discovered by future explorers.