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. Whoever thought about deploying some with four swords was a genius! Most people have a hard time dealing with anyone competent enough with two swords at once, but four? Can't parry them all! Instinct: To obey

• Unleash a dazzling flurry of slashes
• Suffer a malfunction and attack everything in a blind fury