Basically this idea came out of the thought "what if SK was an RTS and all the different monster families had to gather resources?" Well, might as well take that to its logical conclusion ...

While the Spiral Order can rely on its Geo Knights to accurately identify, reclaim, and transport high-value minerals from the underground portions of Cradle to the surface for processing, other groups of monsters have had less luck, either through evolution or mechanics, in taking advantage of the large stockpiles of the five ore-grade minerals available in large deposits throughout the planet. However, recent analysis of combat footage has revealed that Cradle may be adapting, producing new species or talents of creatures capable of handling more than the small shards found left over from more determined mining. All six of the following monsters, one for each family, are capable of mining from ore deposits, for any number of reasons. Naturally, Cradle being what it is, these miners are not to be taken lightly by any adventurers breaking into their operations!

Wirbelbird (Beast)

Description: These distant relations of the common snipe adore shiny objects, and attempt to construct nests made entirely of whatever reflective or metallic detritus they can find. Their reinforced beak is enough to peck mineral deposits to bits, but for more dangerous opponents, such as heavily armored knights, they are capable of rapidly spraying a spread of razor-sharp feathers. Slow, but very tough (documented evidence suggests that they can survive and even escape from tunnel collapses), these birds have been the source of several abandoned mining expeditions and an increase in demand for military-grade shotguns.

Tactics: Avoid engaging in melee if possible. The Callahan easily out-ranges their feathery attack, but kiting with any bomb or gun will work.

Trivia: Explode when fed rice.

Shredder (Construct)

Description:Possibly originally meant for bringing down trees, these hulking robotic creations superficially resemble Lumbers, though being of all-metal construction. While the Spiral Order discourages the use of chainsaws as a weapon, these constructs seem to get along just fine using them to chop up just about anything. Simply standing in front of one is dangerous enough, but they also possess the annoying tendency to charge heedlessly at opponents, pushing them while their weapon does the dirty work. Early reports of this monster were brushed off as being too ridiculous to be true, but there has finally been grudging acceptance of their existence.

Tactics: Same as for any other charging opponent, though these constructs aren't shielded and can theoretically be damaged from the front.

Trivia: Absolutely detest Tortodrones.

Mopper (Fiend)

Description: Janitors of the mega-corporations that substitute for normal society among Devilites, no one notices these ubiquitous cleaners, coffee-machine-refillers, and odd-jobs personnel of the underworld. They've become so good at staying out of sight that each one is capable of cloaking when an executive or hostile approaches, and in the latter case are happy to use any of the long-handled instruments of maintenance on intruders once they come close enough. Probably because they are the worst paid of the fiendish legions, knights that have encountered them generally do not wish to repeat the experience.

Tactics: Not exceptionally dangerous, but their knockback can make fighting them alone tedious.

Trivia: Tend to go berserk at the sight of chewing gum.

Teamster (Gremlin)

Description: Why it took the Crimson Order quite so long to come up with the idea of the wheelbarrow is a mystery, but now that it's known a Thwacker with a handheld cart can carry three times as much minerals the gremlins have gone at the idea with their typical thoroughness. Since there's little room for a real weapon, Teamsters instead play a mean game of chicken, attempting to run over anyone foolish enough to stand in front of their spiked wheelbarrows. More importantly, their carts are big enough to hide in, and frustrated knights have reported no amount of firepower can damage a gremlin hiding under their dumped wheelbarrow.

Tactics: Since they get nervous around sharp objects, accurate gunfire can help. Setting them on fire is also a good idea.

Trivia: Renegade Teamsters have been known to give Emberlight children rides on their off days.

Grey Slime (Slime)

Description: Acidic-dripping pools of protoplasm, these odd miners don't settle for breaking off bits of minerals, instead engulfing deposits and absorbing their vital elements. They're not particularly bright and will attempt to engulf and eat anything made of precious materials, including the advanced composites used in standard-issue Spiral Order equipment. Knights who have survived an attempt at being dissolved report a sensation of horror as the globule of slime surrounds them. Perhaps fortunately, a feeding slime is immobile and easily carved up by fellow knights, though the experience is messy to say the least.

Tactics: You can still attack a Grey Slime if it swallows you. Knocking it back before it does so is preferable, though.

Trivia: Taste like lime.

Tomb Legion (Undead)

Description: Wrapped in bandages and smelling of rare herbs and dust, these things were once part of the construction force for a monarch's tomb, and were buried with him or her (or it) when finished. They mindlessly continue to carve out new tunnels and tombs for their masters, aided by their rock-hard fists and apparent disinterest in vision. When confronted by tomb raiders, they pick up whatever object is nearest (usually a block of stone from a pyramid) and chuck it at the enemy. Slow, but dangerous, the Spiral Order has given up studying the origins of their creators, mainly due to the vigilance and bloody-mindedness of their legacy.

Tactics: Stay mobile, but hard-hitting. The Triglav and other freeze weapons are a good bet.

Trivia: Seem to like hanging around collections of Rock Salt.