
Arcane engines are fully sentient and are able to adapt and formulate plans of their own, albeit typically within the bounds of their defined purpose. However, it is important to differentiate these constructs from standard vehicles and siege weapons. Vehicular SubstituteĪt first glance, many arcane engines appear to function as vehicles or troop transports. For example, an arcane engine designed by kobold may take on a more draconic appearance, while an engine of wood elf society may possess a more organic or floral design. Although this compendium will provide numerous templates and models of common arcane engines, the same design can take many forms. Similar machines have been created on the Material Plane, each with its own unique design and function depending on its creator. One of the first and most notable of this emergent technology was the hellfire engines that roam the Nine Hells harvesting souls for its fiendish overlords.

Thanks to several advances in magic and technology, some societies have created powerful yet autonomous machines of war.
