Dig-Widget

Thieves covet dig-widgets, specialized constructs built for infiltration. Each dig-widget contains numerous simple tools, including a set of mechanical devices that function as thieves' tools, two arms with drills, and two arms with corkscrews for attaching to and climbing surfaces. Once activated, these devices propel themselves forward. Though they have the faculties typical of a construct, they usually follow a simple routine: avoid notice, pick any lock barring the path, dig past obstacles, and attack if caught. They're rarely left unattended, as a thief needs to be nearby to follow after—both to steal goods and to stop the dig-widget from engaging in further larceny once it's achieved its goal.

The source of a dig-widget's power is as much mechanical as it is magical. The gears and springs that provide a dig-widget mobility are an improvement over more primitive true clockwork creations (whose functions require constant winding to remain mobile), but at the cost of security, for a dig-widget's moving parts can be dismantled quickly by thieves and others with the proper training.

While many authorities ban dig-widgets, they have a harder time confiscating the machines than might be expected. A sizable number of people who encounter dig-widgets, from hired adventurers to tunneling kobolds, are far more inclined to keep the constructs for themselves than turn them over to be dismantled. Often, this is simply due to the novelty of the dig-widget rather than any desire to use it.