Clank

Clanks are robots, autonomous mechanical devices, usually, but not necessarily, somewhat anthropoid. They can be of any size, from a wind-up alarm clock with feet, to a massive construction like Beetleburg's Mr. Tock.

Clanks are frequently used as shock-wave soldiery, as they are harder to destroy than organic troops.

Van Rijn created an exceptional set of clanks, the Muses, designed to teach and inspire, which had a delicacy of construction and depth of perception which made them seem not just human, but super-human in their abilities. Their like has not been duplicated since, although Prince Tarvek Sturmvoraus seems to be coming closest of anybody.

See also: Dingbots