Confused about golems and elemental spirits [Archive] - Wizards Community

Confused about golems and elemental spirits [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Darksoupgod
04-26-06, 11:50 AM The PHB references the fact that earth elementals are "unwillingly binded" to create golems. How exactly does a wizard go about doing this? And what happens to the elemental once the golem becomes operational? Does it lose all sentience?
Talisman
04-26-06, 05:02 PM The PHB references the fact that earth elementals are "unwillingly binded" to create golems. How exactly does a wizard go about doing this?

When you craft a construct (Craft Construct feat, MM1) you have to expend time, XP and cash. The time and cash go towards an elaborate ritual in which you magically summon and bind the elemental spirit. The details of this ritual are unimportant, as you usually either (1) succeed automatically, or (2) have a party of adventurers burst in upon you just before you would have completed your city-destroying monstrosity. If it's important to you, make up some details.

And what happens to the elemental once the golem becomes operational? Does it lose all sentience?

It's still sentient, but magically compelled to obey the golem-master. Sort of like a dominate effect; the spirit loses all free will. If it regains it, it goes berserk (if a flesh or clay golem).
savant_warlord13
04-26-06, 05:59 PM I was under the impression that the bound elemental was more like a battery
Ozymandias V.
04-27-06, 01:34 PM Exactly. If the spirit was still sentient but bound to the creator's will then it would still have an Int score, which golems are noticeably lacking.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Darksoupgod 04-26-06, 11:50 AM	The PHB references the fact that earth elementals are "unwillingly binded" to create golems. How exactly does a wizard go about doing this? And what happens to the elemental once the golem becomes operational? Does it lose all sentience?
Talisman 04-26-06, 05:02 PM	The PHB references the fact that earth elementals are "unwillingly binded" to create golems. How exactly does a wizard go about doing this? When you craft a construct (Craft Construct feat, MM1) you have to expend time, XP and cash. The time and cash go towards an elaborate ritual in which you magically summon and bind the elemental spirit. The details of this ritual are unimportant, as you usually either (1) succeed automatically, or (2) have a party of adventurers burst in upon you just before you would have completed your city-destroying monstrosity. If it's important to you, make up some details. And what happens to the elemental once the golem becomes operational? Does it lose all sentience? It's still sentient, but magically compelled to obey the golem-master. Sort of like a dominate effect; the spirit loses all free will. If it regains it, it goes berserk (if a flesh or clay golem).
savant_warlord13 04-26-06, 05:59 PM	I was under the impression that the bound elemental was more like a battery
Ozymandias V. 04-27-06, 01:34 PM	Exactly. If the spirit was still sentient but bound to the creator's will then it would still have an Int score, which golems are noticeably lacking.