Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Bikkusu 03-03-08, 02:26 AM	I've had this character concept in mind for a while and have finally got a DM who would let me play it out. The character already has all the skills needed to create it and is just working on getting the last two feats (Craft Magic Arms & Armor and Craft Construct). The type of golem I am looking at creating is a tiny doll, however dolls are usually weak... frail... easily broken and being a tiny construct it gets no bonus HP. So I'm trying to find a way to increase its natural armor. Currently I am thinking of buying a mithral chain shirt to mix into the doll's body upon creation for maybe extra damage reduction or armor. Right now I'm looking for actual cost saving methods for the golem creation or other ways to increase the natural armor or damage reduction.
Shaggy_Shaggs 03-03-08, 02:36 AM	Hardening permanently increases the target material's hardness by 1 point per 2 caster levels. Iron Construct gives a target construct DR 15/adamantine, Str +4, Dex -4, half damage from acid and fire attacks, and all the weaknesses of iron golems for 1 minute per caster level, but it's an artificer-only infusion. Both are in Eberron Campaign Setting and may be of some use to you.
Bikkusu 03-03-08, 03:06 AM	Gathering the required artificer levels to use those infusions is outside the character's build and other members of the party want more combat oriented roles, so I'll have to rule out Artificers for now. I'm looking more for the ways that the character can boost the golem himself and how much it'll actually cost.
Shaggy_Shaggs 03-03-08, 03:10 AM	So see if you can hire on an artificer to help with the creation process, or ask the DM if you can custom research a spell equivalent of that infusion.
calronmoonflower 03-03-08, 03:19 AM	I remember construct familairs from some place.
Bikkusu 03-03-08, 03:57 AM	I remember construct familairs from some place. I've seen at least three books that have them so I'm not concerned with how to make the construct a familiar though, I'm concerned with ways to improve the familiar type I have chosen so it can survive a few attacks in a battle (either by dodging or natural armor causing no damage). I'd also like the doll to be more socially acceptable than an iron war machine, it will have an intelligence score after all from being a familiar. The physical stats I have figured right now are that it will at least appear porcelain like a high grade dolls, that it will be 2' tall, so it falls within the size for tiny creatures in the SRD. I figure that a modified medium size mithral chain shirt could make up a sort of sub-dermal armor so that it could have a higher natural AC than normal. I have decided that it will be a construct, though I am undecided whether or not to make it a golem or effigy. Golems have quite a few advantages, but also individual weaknesses. Effigies seem all around okay, they look easier to repair as well as build. I'm looking for more build material ideas than I am looking for enchantments. Enchantments are expensive and can be added later. Keep the ideas coming.
DrMorganes 03-03-08, 07:39 AM	Keep in mind that not all familiars are suitable for combat. In fact, I'll argue that all of the PHB-standard familiars are unsuited for combat; they're simply too fragile. I seem to recall an item from the Magic Item Compenduim that allows you to call your familiar to you from anywhere on the same plane. What was it... a Familiar's Pouch? This may be an option for you instead. In any event, you'll need to work with your DM on the specifics. Golem creation - like all things magical - is as much art as science. Just because there may not be published rules to cover what you want to do doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to do it!
Orchomenos 03-03-08, 08:23 AM	I've had this character concept in mind for a while and have finally got a DM who would let me play it out. The character already has all the skills needed to create it and is just working on getting the last two feats (Craft Magic Arms & Armor and Craft Construct). The type of golem I am looking at creating is a tiny doll, however dolls are usually weak... frail... easily broken and being a tiny construct it gets no bonus HP. So I'm trying to find a way to increase its natural armor. Currently I am thinking of buying a mithral chain shirt to mix into the doll's body upon creation for maybe extra damage reduction or armor. Right now I'm looking for actual cost saving methods for the golem creation or other ways to increase the natural armor or damage reduction. As a familiar, don't it always have half the master HP? Perhaps could you have a Psicrystal?
Bikkusu 03-03-08, 09:33 AM	Keep in mind that not all familiars are suitable for combat. In fact, I'll argue that all of the PHB-standard familiars are unsuited for combat; they're simply too fragile. And dolls even more so, this is why I'm seeking ways to keep the familiar from being killed on the first blow. I seem to recall an item from the Magic Item Compenduim that allows you to call your familiar to you from anywhere on the same plane. What was it... a Familiar's Pouch? This may be an option for you instead. There was the thing that turns your familiar into a tiny statue as well, but you lose the bonus of alertness while it is not active. If I wanted a familiar to not be around and still receive the bonuses I'd get something like a tattoo familiar. In any event, you'll need to work with your DM on the specifics. Golem creation - like all things magical - is as much art as science. Just because there may not be published rules to cover what you want to do doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to do it! Which is why I'm running ideas past here first. To see what'd be plausible. As a familiar, don't it always have half the master HP? Perhaps could you have a Psicrystal? All the more reason to boost its armor class.