21-419
The Ancient One was the founder of the Order of the Automata, appearing as a humanoid copper robot, faintly resembling a Clockwork Cherub. 21-419 was one of the younger robots in the Order of the Automata, a long-suffering confidant to the Captain of the Order of the Automata's Void Ship.
Biography
He was by the Captain's side throughout the execution of the Captain's ill-thought-out plan to capture Marksmanship-522, who was believed by the Captain to be the reincarnation of the Ancient One, and then beam him directly into the throne room of the Salamandyr Emperor in order to have him halt the Salamandyrs' invasion of Automatia. After Marksmanship succeeded by sheer luck, only to witness the now-moot return of the real Ancient One, 21-419 was tasked with piloting the Void Ship to take Marksmanship back to the Interdimensional Tavern, from which he had been abducted. (PROSE: Peace and Quiet)
Some time later, as Christmas preparations started in Automatia, the four-armed Captain gave the Ancient One a tour of the realm to show him what he'd missed, with 21-419 toddling along. As they were passing through the market-place, they received a letter delivered by the Interdimensional Post Office, addressed to the Ancient One and inviting him to a quest for treasure in the Land of Manik. However, deeming that it was to soon after his resurrection to go gallivanting off on more adventures, the Ancient One passed on the opportunity, but gave his invitation to 21-419, who went instead.
It subsequently transpired that the invitation was one of many which been sent as a trap by Darius, to any and everyone against whom he had any kind of grudge — a list which also included the Copper-Colored Cupids, the Interdimensional Tavern's waitstaff, Madame Tarsa, and legitimately-dangerous parties such as the Retconning Crocodiles and the Five Surviving Wellsians. However, he was soundly defeated by 21-419 and the other treasure-seekers, who discovered that the treasure was real after all. Having heard that the Ancient One was unhappy with the simple wooden chair he used as a throne, which made his joints ache, 21-419 retrieved an ornate throne from the hoard and brought it back to Automatia as a gift for the Ancient One, in addition to the treasure he'd selected for himself, a “lovely goblet” which he intended to use “for holding oil in”. (PROSE: The Frost King's Treasure)
