Golems
Golems are constructs created to defend and serve their master. They are created through Engineering.
Cost to Create
| Rank 1 | Rank 2 | Rank 3 | Rank 4 | Rank 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Value |
1 gp |
5 gp |
20 gp |
50 gp |
100 gp |
| Cost to Create |
5 sp |
2.5 gp |
10 gp |
25 gp |
50 gp |
Golem Rules
Programming
Golems follow a program. This program can be hard-coded at creation time, or they can be keyed to a master, who may rewrite the program at will. The latter option is usually taken.
A program consists of one or more "lines". Each line is a simple instruction, in the form of a single-clause sentence. The first line takes precedence over the second, the second over the third, etc. More intelligent golems will have more lines to work with.
Example program:
- Interpose yourself between the master and danger.
- Attack those who attack the master.
- Guard the master's tower.
In addition to programming, the master may issue one-time commands, which are valid until contradicted. For instance, the master may say "stay here", and the golem will stay there until told otherwise. He will still obey all other lines of the program, as long as they don't involving failing to "stay here". Effectively, this is like line 0 of the program. Some very unintelligent golems have no lines at all, except for line 0.
Artificers imbue their golems with intelligence and personality. Their programs are so long and complex that they begin to seem almost like living creatures. They are not bound by these restrictions.
The Three Laws
Underneath their pliable programming, all golems have an additional hard-coded program. This cannot be overridden by any means.
- Do no harm to the creator
- Do not, through inaction, allow the creator to come to harm
- Obey the creator
- Preserve self-integrity
Combat
All golems are constructs, meaning:
- They are immune to poison, disease, and bleed effects
- They have no need to eat, drink, breathe, or sleep
- They can feel no pain, and are not subject to pain effects
- They have no emotion, and are not subject to emotion, fear, or charm effects
- They are ruled by programming; this makes them vulnerable to compulsions
Golems do not heal naturally, nor can they be affected by healing magic. They can, however, be repaired.
- A golem which has suffered any amount of damage that has not brought it to 0 hp can be repaired as a one-hour action by an Engineer of equal or greater skill than that required to create the golem. This has no cost.
- A golem who reaches 0 hp is considered "ruined", and can no longer take actions. It can be repaired as an 8-hour action, with a cost equal to 10% of the golem's creation cost.
List of Golems
- Rank 1 Golems
- Homonculus: A small, clever golem of clay, this golem has minimal combat ability, but can perform many complex tasks.
- Iron Defender: This iron canine has the strength of an orc and the bite of a dire wolf. Its intelligence is limited, but it is an excellent companion in combat situations.
- Warforged: This humanoid construct was built for war, and fights well; though its more complex design is less resilient than an Iron Defender, its nimbleness affords superior tactical options in combat.
- Rank 2 Golems
- Wood Golem: Intricately carved of living wood, these golems were first crafted by elven artificers. The careful transition from living wood into golem preserves the vitality of the living plant, and allows for the channeling of vital healing energies.
- Shield Guardian: This towering guardian of metal-plated wood is intended to be a wizard's best friend: a resilient defender who can mitigate any attack against him, even at range.
- Clay Golem: This simplistic golem is meant only for combat. It is known to fly into a rage as it fights, becoming more and more unstoppable. It lacks the presence of mind to defend you with any great skill, but it is a formidable attacker.
- Rank 3 Golems
- Nimblewright: An android in the proper sense, a Nimblewright is meant to be as close a facsimile to a human as possible, at least in terms of physical capability. Forged of intricate gearworks, a Nimblewright is capable of going cloaked and clothed and nearly passing for human.
- Stone Golem: Essentially an improved clay golem. More stoic in its disposition, it makes an excellent defender for an Artificer on the go.
- Warforged Titan: This brutish creation is a battlefield ravager, meant only for destruction.