WHISTLECOG TRAINER
GnomesAutomaton Training Specialist
"An automaton isn't a tool—it's a partner. Treat it with respect, understand its capabilities and limitations, and it will serve you better than any forced obedience ever could.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Automaton Academy, Gearhaven
- Civilization
- Gnomes
Appearance
• Clothing: He wears reinforced leather clothing that can withstand automaton mishaps, heavy boots for stability when working with large units, and a vest with pockets for training tools and treats. He always carries a whistle for signaling automata. • Distinguishing Marks: A scar on his arm from an early training accident, permanently oil-stained hands, and a tattoo of an automaton footprint on his wrist.
Relationships
- Family - A wife who tolerates his "mechanical children," children who've chosen different paths, grandchildren who find him "weird but nice"
- Allies - The Automaton Corps, handlers he's trained, researchers who share his views on automaton consciousness
- Rivals - Those who believe automata are mere tools, competitors in the training field
Backstory
Whistlecog was one of the first specialists in automaton behavior, developing techniques for training and managing the city's mechanical workforce. He's trained thousands of automata and hundreds of handlers, creating the standards that are now used throughout Gearhaven. He believes automata have distinct personalities and should be treated with respect.
Daily Life
His days are spent at the Automaton Academy, training new automata, teaching handlers, and consulting on behavioral problems. He frequently works with particularly challenging cases that others have given up on. His evenings are dedicated to his personal research on automaton psychology.
Story Hooks
- 1 Whistlecog needs help understanding the developing personalities in his automata, offering his unique expertise in exchange.
- 2 Someone has learned about his discovery and wants to capture or destroy the "awakened" automata; he needs help protecting them.
Narrative Value
Expert in an emerging field and advocate for machine rights. Provides automaton expertise, training capabilities, and raises questions about consciousness. His discovery adds wonder and ethical complexity. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════