MORE THAN A NAME
The story of Cogpup.
Cogpup is a brass-colored hound whose articulated legs carry a thoroughly companionable curiosity. From abandoned foundries to mineral tunnels, its long muzzle, folded metal ears, and layered back plates mature into the dependable Forged guardian Brasswarden.
The Twelve-Bell Foundry kept time for a settlement that has long since moved toward the daylight. Its bells fell silent one by one, yet Cogpup continued visiting the loading doors at the old shift changes. Tunnel keepers assumed the hounds were waiting for people who would never return. A careful observer noticed that each visit ended beside the same cracked spring housing, where an old maintenance route had become impossible to finish.
A young Rivetrot accompanied the observer through Springroot's safer tunnels to recover a replacement. The difficult part was carrying the delicate spring without disturbing the nesting hollows that had grown around the abandoned machinery. When the repaired bell sounded, the hound led everyone outside before returning to its post. Brassbound Charge became a reminder of its priorities: clear the way for companions, then make sure the last arrival has actually reached shelter.
Origins & background
Cogpup's plates, joints, and inner framework grow as parts of a living Forged creature. Old makers left harness fittings sized for the line, but records do not establish that the foundry created it. Mature hounds gain Spark at Prime, with a brighter presence around the chest and joints. Recognizable ear bends often persist through every change in their brass frames.
A PLACE TO BELONG
Life in Brassdeep.
Old foundries and overgrown clock towers.
Behavior
Cogpup follows moving tools with intense interest and waits near a familiar companion's last resting place. Rivetrot learns routes quickly but insists on checking each branch passage. Brasswarden circles a gathered group before settling, choosing a position that leaves the exit visible and the floor clear.
Diet
It consumes mineral paste, softened ironleaf seeds, and small portions of fruit pulp, drinking clean seep water that keepers traditionally offer in shallow, sturdy bowls.
Place in the ecosystem
The hounds keep old access routes in regular use, revealing loose flooring and newly blocked passages through their repeated inspections. Their presence encourages caretakers to maintain safe boundaries between working settlements and the wildlife occupying retired foundry spaces.
Neighbors & bonds
Oreburrow opens mineral passages that Rivetrot later inspects, while Railipede follows the wider old hauling routes. A Brasswarden gives both room, recognizing that a safe tunnel depends on more than the strongest creature standing at its entrance.
ONE BOND, FOUR CHAPTERS
The Cogpup lineage.
Evolution combines experience with a meaningful milestone. A WildKin may keep its current form until its keeper is ready.
Cogpup ↗
Cogpup has a round brass torso, a long curious muzzle, and metal ears that fold beside its cheeks. Short articulated legs carry broad paws, while a small rising tail makes its interest in every nearby hinge very difficult to conceal.
Rivetrot ↗
Rivetrot develops more distinct back plates and a longer, steadier stride. Its chest grows deeper above the front legs, and its tail holds a clearer upward curve. It begins checking complete maintenance routes instead of simply following the nearest moving tool.
Gearfang ↗
Gearfang gains stronger cheek guards and a brighter charged character around its joints as Spark joins Iron. Its muzzle and chest become more imposing, while the hinged knees remain expressive. It learns to anticipate the careful pace of a working group.
Brasswarden Current
Brasswarden carries layered dark plates above a powerful copper frame, with a deep chest and mature articulated legs. Its long muzzle still investigates ordinary repairs. It becomes a dependable route guardian, returning for companions who have fallen behind before choosing its own rest.
INSTINCT & ELEMENT
How it holds its own.
Faithful Mechanism
The first guard used near its bonded ally gains a small efficiency bonus.
Brassbound Charge
IronA committed low charge guards an ally behind it and pushes the first enemy struck.
A WildKin equips up to four moves. Its secondary element joins at Prime, alongside its signature move. Read the battle and evolution rules →
FROM THE KEEPER’S NOTEBOOK
Meeting in the wild.
- 01
Look near old loading doors around familiar shift bells and maintenance routes.
- 02
Offer a clear walking route instead of waving tools near its muzzle.
- 03
Transport the replacement spring carefully while protecting the creatures now living around the machinery.
“It inspected my repaired hinge, then sat beside the unrepaired one. A surprisingly complete review, delivered without a single unkind word or even a bark that morning.”— Hearthwild field notes