Clockwork defenders were medium-sized Constructs built in the form of mechanical quadrupeds, most often resembling squat, broad-chested Dogs of metal or stone. They were commonly created by Artificers and similar craftsmen who required tireless guardians capable of independent patrol. Their frames were reinforced with heavy plating that served as natural armor, and their glowing eyes could emit intense beams of light used to illuminate territory or expose intruders, though the light itself caused no harm.
A defender could be bound to a location, individual, or object, and it pursued this directive without hesitation or fatigue. Like other clockwork creations, it required no air, food, drink, or sleep, allowing it to remain on watch indefinitely. Its limited intellect was deliberate, preventing hesitation or moral judgment, but it could still distinguish friend from foe based on instructions set by its creator. Many were programmed to ignore specific creatures, uniforms, or sigils, ensuring they did not turn on allies or authorized personnel.
In combat, clockwork defenders relied on close-quarters aggression. Their primary weapon was an electrified bite, capable of locking onto a target and channeling repeated surges of lightning through its jaws. Once a foe was seized, escape was difficult, and the defender would continue to discharge energy until the target broke free or ceased to struggle. While not as heavily armored as Clockwork Stone Defenders, their speed and relentless pressure made them effective against intruders who slipped past larger guardians.