Post/Author/DateTime	Post
The Weave05 04-22-08, 07:52 PM	So, it all started when I was creating the dark organization of xenophobic humans who wanted to... well, fulfill their xenophobic needs. Now, time after time again I have managed to throw clever humans that fulfill multiple cornerstones of combat (acolyte-like wizards, crazed fighters, fanatically devoted clerics, maniacal rogues, with many mixes that blur the line between them, etc.) but I recently had a somewhat "complaint", as I'll put it, from one of my players. The player was thinking and reflecting on the many previous encounters that had brought them this far (to their comfy chairs of 8th levelness) and realized that not once had the fought a very "monster-like" creature. Granted, they've fought elementals once or twice, and quite a few animals (some of *dire* proportions ;) ) and even a small handful of human-like fey, but nothing beyond that and the plethora of dark, crusader type humans. Now, I immediately did what I always do and seriously took this critiquing comment into consideration (the player would, after I asked him, like to see even just one monster-like creature in the future). So then I thought "what would these human's have?" I had already made the point to show that they have many basic elementals enslaved to them through magic, but that wasn't enough. Then I came across constructs. It seemed perfectly understandable that such a group wouldn't be inhibited by the idea of having some creatures that never disobeyed and proved quite able combatants (although, some golems have that whole "berserk" thing... but that's not what I'm here for). What I ask of you fellows is "Is there an alternative to the magical immunity that all golems seem to have?" Like perhaps a resistance to it, or something (Maybe SR?)? The reason I ask this is because 3 of the four party members happen to use magic (a Beguiler, a Sorcerer/Cleric/Mystic Theurge and a Bard... the other is a Monk). I feel like I'd be strictly limiting them if I included even just one golem in combat. So, can you help a DM out? P.S. Just as a side note, do you guys also have any recommendations as to what else I could use as "monster-like" beings against the party? Anything that could be "enslaved" or just easily ordered around works fine... nothing that they don't think the humans themselves can't handle.
DKase 04-23-08, 03:05 AM	Well for one thing, Golems aren't competely immune to magic. They have unlimited spell resistance against all spells that allow it (save for a specific handful). That does leave a wide range of conjuration spells available (particularly the 'Orb of ___' variety of spells). Also, if your group is can summon and eslave elementals, their probably powerful enough to bind other outsiders to their will as well. Devils seem to be the way to go as their inherent lawfulness may mesh well with your society and are monstrous in appearence more often then not. How ever if you want to play up the whole elemental angle, keep in mind that other creatures dwell on those planes to that might be fair game. The various forms of genies come to mind (efreet would make for a decent enounter at that level). Hill giants would also make ideal slaves too. Their aren't that intellegent and have tons of brute strength and can be easily manipulated by those with the proper skill.