Train Tuesday P5: Constructing the Constructs

This 3D-printed Hovertrain DnD series continues picking up steam as we glide to our next stop on this amazing journey. Tickets, please!

In today’s post, we will explain how The Forgotten Rails’ founding fathers have created a series of Constructs that run the hovertrains’ daily operations to ensure patrons are transported safely to their next stop. Plus, these mechanical monstrosities can’t be bribed or plotted against by another 3M member (e,g, “the money, magic or muscle” of the outfit).

Omen Dran would never allow a hovertrain anywhere near his precious Waterdeep city unless its workers were explicitly made up of Constructs. Those mechanical workers draw their arcane power from the train, so they immediately freeze in place whenever they leave a station or train car. Think of it like the farmers who use electrical fences to keep their cattle in play. 😉

With all that said, here are the Constructs we’ve selected (so far) for the “protect” portion of The Forgotten Rails’ “protect and serve” motto. In a future post, we’ll showcase the “serve” portion of our Constructs crew.

We’ll also be showing you the slap-chop versions of the 3D prints here because, at press time, we’re still trying out different color schemes. We’re even trying to color them up ourselves but remember, we’re novice painters here at 3DRPG Studios (because our resident artists are busy on other upcoming projects).

Let’s start with our heavy hitter, a Felforged Construct by mz4250. We just love this sculpt’s intimidating battle stance. The contrast between its small head and big hands also makes us chuckle. Plus, it’s so robot-y in its appearance. We envision a full hovertrain car of these baddies just waiting to be released if raiders attempt to ransack one of the rail lines.

Next comes our sentries, a model by Tytan Troll Miniatures. This Animated Armour is just fantastic in all its details and reminds us of a tall guard outside Buckingham Palace. These watchmen are postioned at key points of any station or rail car. They are constantly observing their surroundings and stepping in whenever The Forgotten Rails’ code of conduct is violated.

This shorter soldier miniature comes from Brite Minis. These guys typically serve as escorts and never leave an important piece of cargo or VIP guest unattended. They’re a bit more squishy in terms of their stats but what they lack in strength, they make up for in numbers. You would usually see a squad of these tin men at a time.

For our actual hovertrain stations, we’re utilizing this Police Automation Construct by EC3D Designs from their fab Bolts & Brimstone Kickstarter. These androids keep the peace as passengers enter a city station and board their connecting hovertrain.

This imposing figure is going to get the ol’ London cop color treatment with a blue coat and gold buttons. They’ll be easy to hit but their attack swings are pretty fierce. You don’t want to find out how hard they hit.

Lastly, each of these robotic units needs a captain of the guard. That’s where this Animated Armor by Schlossbauer fits perfectly into with our machine scheme. This STL has the kind of look a Construct with a higher intellect and would be directing other soldiers on what to do.

We still need to assign stats to all these freaky arcane muscle droids but let’s save that for a future post! Next week, we’ll share some more starting Constructs that maintain The Forgotten Rails. The unsung heroes of the group with key encounter roles like butlers, engineers, and even light sources!