The sorcerer-kings of old could and would employ common soldiery of course. But that's just to be practical. When allowed to play, and when organised in their efforts they made (more literal) puppets. Programmed with knowledge of how to fight, and laden with more arms (if you're creating something new you may as well make an improvement while you're there), these fearless automatons, clad in easily made metal armour riveted to their frames can become cost efficient if done in the right way. So they did, and their legions of dolls marched against their foes. IF you're building automata to fight your wars, why should the skies be safe? Instead of the extra arms, give them a set of wings - make them lighter and smaller to better function in the air. Suddenly they're surprisingly sneaky and their scythes can cut into the ranks of your foes as though they are but grass. Instinct: To obey

• Suffer a malfunction and attack everything in a blind fury
• Swoop in from above unexpectedly